Haruko had short chocolate-colored hair, a healthy wheat complexion, and a fit athletic build. She wore a short leather top and skirt—typical attire for a girl of a coastal tribal village.
Heiyan also noticed that while everyone else carried iron tridents, this girl alone had a massive blade strapped to her back, taller than she was. It looked like it was forged from the bones of a great sea beast—a legendary predator of the deep—but the blade itself was already cracked, clearly evidence of a recent fierce battle.
"There's someone here."
Just then, the fishermen also spotted Heiyan's arrival. Several pairs of eyes immediately turned sharply toward him.
"Who are you? Stay right there and don't come any closer!"
Seeing Heiyan wearing a cloak with his head covered by a hood, the group raised their weapons threateningly, regarding the mysterious visitor with clear suspicion.
"Please don't misunderstand. I'm a ninja from Konoha."
Remaining still, Heiyan pulled out a Konoha ninja forehead protector and showed it to them as he spoke bluntly, "I've heard your home has been occupied, and that you're seeking help. I may be able to offer assistance."
However, to Heiyan's shock—
"A ninja?!"
From among the crowd stepped forward the leading girl. She crossed her arms, stared coldly at Heiyan, and mocked without mercy:
"We of Mikazuki Island will never again place our trust in any ninja. You so-called ninjas are all shameless opportunists without a shred of honor, only chasing money and selfish gain—nothing more than jackals. It was ninjas who ravaged our homeland. Promised us vengeance, took our payment, then vanished like ghosts—you've shown us exactly what you're made of. Unfortunately, you're too late now. We no longer have anything left for you to steal."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Heiyan was momentarily stunned but couldn't help feeling sympathy for their plight.
"You misunderstood."
He lowered his forehead protector, trying to explain—but clearly, she wasn't interested in hearing him out. She simply snorted coldly and turned her back on him.
"Go away! Leave now! We don't want you here!"
Other fishermen shouted at Heiyan angrily as well.
"...Fine."
Seeing this, Heiyan didn't insist further. He simply turned and walked away, vanishing quickly from the group's sight.
In reality, however, he hadn't gone far. Instead, he silently approached the fishermen again, using his powerful hearing to eavesdrop on their conversation unnoticed.
From what they said, he learned the name of the girl—Haruko. She was the daughter of the fishing tribe's chief on Mikazuki Island. She was born with immense strength and amazing swimming skills, having fished alongside adults since she was a child. The massive blade on her back was forged from the bones of a shark she killed by her own hand.
"There's no use placing hope in outsiders anymore. We must rely on our own strength—to reclaim Mikazuki Island and rescue our enslaved people!"
Haruko vowed with unwavering determination. She planned to lead them all back to confront those rogue ninjas.
Before departing, though, Haruko and the others headed toward the town's weapon shop. Judging by their movements, they were likely intending to repair her broken sword or obtain new weapons.
After all, she couldn't very well fight vicious enemies with a harpoon—or worse, bare-handed.
Heiyan watched the group's retreating figures thoughtfully. Suddenly, an idea struck him. He activated his Shifting Body Technique and vanished like a breeze sweeping through the street. Before long, he arrived at the town's weapon shop ahead of Haruko and the others.
The shop owner had sharp eyes. As soon as he saw Heiyan, he realized this was no ordinary customer and hurried forward to greet him.
"Welcome, sir! Please come in! How may I assist you today?"
"Boss, I need you to do me a favor."
Heiyan glanced around the store, then directly pulled out a thick stack of gold notes and placed them on the counter.
At the sight of such a large sum, the shop owner's eyes instantly sparkled. He quickly estimated its worth at several ten thousand tael. This was his first time encountering such a generous client, so he became even more courteous toward Heiyan.
"Sir, feel free to give your instructions!"
Under the curious gaze of the shopkeeper, Heiyan retrieved a Storage Scroll from his person and activated it with his chakra.
[Puff!]
With a burst of white smoke, Samehada—a greatsword nearly taller than a man—materialized inside the weapons store.
"A group of customers will arrive here soon. When they do, here's what you should do..."
Heiyan gave the shop owner a set of instructions. Then, under the latter's stunned gaze, he did something truly unbelievable...
Five minutes passed.
Haruko and the rest finally entered the weapons shop.
"Good morning, honored guests!"
Beaming widely, the shopkeeper trotted out from behind the counter, warmly welcoming the group. He showed absolutely no disdain despite their ragged fisherman appearance.
"Boss, could you tell me if my sword can still be repaired... and how much would it cost?" Haruko removed the large blade from her back and hesitated slightly before handing it to the shopkeeper.
"Oh, let me take a look."
Taking the sword with both hands, the shopkeeper staggered slightly before exclaiming in surprise, "Wow, this thing is super heavy! Missy, you've got quite the strength to be able to wield such a massive weapon."
Haruko smiled politely before replying, "You flatter me." She remained outwardly humble but inwardly proud. Yet as soon as she thought about her suffering clansmen still trapped on Mikazuki Island, the faint joy she had felt moments ago vanished like mist in the wind.
Under Haruko's anxious gaze, the shopkeeper took out a magnifying glass, carefully inspecting the cracks along the blade. Then he grabbed a metal listening rod, tapping the sword body while listening closely to the internal sounds. After completing this entire professional process, he slowly shook his head with a frown.
"The inner structure of this blade has been completely destroyed. Judging by the cracks on the surface, I'd guess it was hit by Wind Release Ninjutsu?"
The experienced shopkeeper accurately identified the cause of damage. Then he advised Haruko, "Missy, you'd better just buy yourself a new sword."
"I… don't have money. Sorry for troubling you."
Haruko murmured apologetically. She knew in her heart that there was no way she could afford a brand-new weapon with the few coins left in her pocket.
With that, she stepped forward to grab the shark-bone katana and head out of the shop.
However, just as she reached for it, something unexpected occurred—
The weapons shop owner suddenly placed his hand on her blade and said with a smile:
"Sweetheart, if I'm not mistaken, this blade of yours was made from shark bones, right? To be honest, I've got a bit of a thing for collecting weirdly-shaped weapons. If you're willing, I can trade your weapon for a brand-new katana. No need to worry—I promise you won't be disappointed."
"But..." Haruko hesitated, sensing something oddly off about the shopkeeper's demeanor.
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