Fūton: Rōmō (Wind Style: Snare Net) was one of Shamon's signature techniques. Unlike ordinary binding jutsu, he innovatively used the terrain to his advantage, blending gravel into the wind release for greater lethality.
Indeed, yellow sand was the true romance of Wind Country shinobi.
Shamon looked on proudly at the sand dancing in the storm, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.
The fierce yellow wind carried gravel as it spread across the sky like an inescapable net, determined to capture the elusive Zarai.
But as the net dropped, Shamon realized with a frown that his meticulously crafted jutsu had caught absolutely nothing—not even a hair.
He looked up toward the sky, and what he saw made his jaw drop open wide. So wide, in fact, that even the airborne sand entered his mouth without him noticing.
Where he once stood confidently was now a stunned Shamon, head tilted back, eyes wide, staring at Zarai soaring freely through the sky—his wide chin practically hitting the ground.
"She can fly?!"
"Ehem... technology~ it's all just technology~"
Seeing Shamon's shocked expression, Gin chuckled awkwardly, realizing once again how advanced the Ōtsutsuki tech really was.
This era hadn't even invented string puppets, and he had already deployed an Iron Man. Total dimensional superiority.
"Zarai, end it quickly."
Seeing the battle drag on, Gin transmitted the order via chakra to the puppet floating above.
They were in aerial combat now—this couldn't go on. At this rate, he wouldn't make it home in time for dinner.
"…"
Receiving the command, a light flickered in Zarai's golden eyes. She dove down sharply, aimed straight at the wary Shamon below.
"Hmph! No one's ever bested me in taijutsu!"
Shamon sneered as Zarai approached. A mere puppet couldn't possibly compare to his powerful physique. Especially not with the protective chakra of the Ryūmyaku shielding his body—normal physical attacks couldn't even touch him.
"I hope your mouth is tougher than my fist."
Zarai's dainty fist, wrapped in light blue chakra, shot toward Shamon's large face.
Confident in his defense, Shamon barely reacted. Within Loran, the Ryūmyaku granted him a faint purple chakra cloak—he could block ordinary strikes with ease.
"I've got Ryūmyaku protection. A little punch can't possibly—ugh!"
But this time, he'd clearly miscalculated.
Zarai's small fist landed squarely on Shamon's broad face. His previously straight nose caved in instantly, and a fountain of blood sprayed out.
"I was just giving you three free shots because you're a lady! Come on! Two more!"
Grimacing from the pain, Shamon stubbornly clutched his nose and tried to keep up the tough act.
Zarai wasn't having it. Her internal power core roared, several more arms sprouting from her back, all wrapped in light blue light, slamming into Shamon's face from every direction.
Smack! Boom! Crack! Bonk!
"AAAHHHH!!"
After the flurry of smacks, a miserable wail echoed through the desert.
Shamon lay flat on his back in the sand, his eyes completely hidden by swollen flesh. Only tears flowed from the gap.
"Uuuu... why only the face? What if I'm disfigured?!"
Though his entire body was untouched, his face had taken all the punishment. Gin could see pure confusion plastered across the distorted mess that was once Shamon's face.
"Uh... Zarai is a fully automated puppet. I'm not totally sure myself... maybe your face is just... too punchable?"
Receiving a system notification—Heart of Steel +1—Gin waved Zarai back while fighting back laughter.
Looking at the blue dragon tattoo on Shamon's head, now resembling a squashed caterpillar, he forced a sincere tone:
"Sorry, Shamon-kun. Zarai got a bit carried away. But it's fine—ruining that face is basically plastic surgery."
"Uuuu..."
Utterly crushed, Shamon stared at the blazing sun above as tears of growth streamed down his cheeks.
"Gin-dono, are you sure you won't stay a few more days?"
At the gates of Loran, Shamon's bloated face was tightly wrapped in a large cloth to hide his bruises. His muffled voice came from beneath the covering as he watched Gin prepare to leave.
"Shamon-kun, we really hit it off. I wish we could drink and talk about the world. But with war looming, I can't bear to make my family worry. I must go, but I hope when we meet again, peace will have returned to Wind Country."
With a pack full of local specialties gifted by Shamon, Gin adjusted the dry rations slung over his back, speaking with reluctant warmth.
Wind Country folks were just too honest—he almost felt guilty scamming them any further.
"May your words be true. The winds of Wind Country... will settle."
A trace of resolve crossed Shamon's face. He reached out to Gin.
"Thank you, Gin-dono!"
"Eh? You're too polite."
Slightly confused by the sudden thanks, Gin still shook his hand politely.
"Even though you've got Zarai, I'm still a little worried. Let him lead you to the nearest main road."
After their farewell, Shamon waved over a familiar figure—it was the gate-guarding shinobi.
"Gin-dono, I'll guide you the rest of the way. I know this area like the back of my hand!"
With a puffed-up chest, the purple-haired shinobi vowed confidently. He was the so-called "Living Map of the Desert."
"Alright, I'll leave it to you then~"
Gin gave a small nod and followed.
"Mountains don't move, but rivers flow. We'll meet again in the world."
Waving behind him, Gin followed the guide into the vast desert.
"Gin-dono, next time we meet, I'll show you a brand new Shamon."
Watching Gin's retreating figure, Shamon clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.
He turned toward the black tower at the center of Loran. Where once he hesitated, now he felt resolve.
"Loran... is too small."
Though revered as a dragon guardian, the black tower he protected was also a cage of honor.
He'd been blinded by hollow glory. If he couldn't even beat Gin's puppet, how could he call himself strong?
He still had ambitions—and Loran was no longer his destiny.
"Retto, huh? I'll see if you're worthy of uniting the Wind Country."
Shamon recalled Gin's mention of a certain man, Retto. He would test him and see if he was truly fit to rule.
The purple-haired guide led Gin across a barren plain, through several winding paths until they reached a road with deep ruts. Panting hard, the guide pointed down the path.
"Phew~ Gin-dono, this is the Wind Country highway. That way leads to the next town."
"Already? Thanks a bunch. Without you, who knows how lost I'd be~"
Gin rolled his fish-dead eyes but still thanked him sincerely.
Seriously, thanks. If not for you, I'd be home by now.
"No no, you're Captain Shamon's friend! It's the least I could do!"
The purple-haired shinobi waved off the thanks.
"You really admire Shamon-kun, huh~?"
Gin began calculating his route back while chatting idly.
"Of course! Captain Shamon is my idol! I'm his number-one fan—wherever he goes, I follow!"
When he spoke of Shamon, his eyes sparkled like a true fanboy.
"Nice. You've got spirit! Oh right, didn't you just have a daughter?"
Seeing the man's purple hair, Gin suddenly remembered his daughter—destined for greatness.
"Hehe, Gin-dono's memory is amazing. Our little Chiyo turns one month old in a few days."
The guard's face softened with pride.
"Dang, almost a full month already. I didn't bring a gift~"
Gin patted himself down and, finding nothing suitable, reached into his system bag. He pulled out a small purple rod, looked it over, and handed it to the guard.
"Here, take this as a gift for your daughter's first month. Don't think too much of it."
"Huh? I can't, it's too valuable!"
Instinctively taking it, the guard felt its weight. Embedded on the rod was a circular purple gem, rimmed with silver metal carved into a fierce dragon.
It was clearly a fine piece—he tried to return it immediately.
"Don't. A gift given can't be taken back."
Gin pushed it back casually. He had a whole stash of those in his bag anyway.
"Then I'll thank you on behalf of Chiyo."
With no way to refuse, the guard tucked it away, bowing repeatedly.
"Alright then, you take a break. I gotta rush home~"
Waving goodbye, Gin vanished down the road.
"Huh? What's going on here?"
Moments after Gin left, the guard returned to Loran and found chaos at the front gate. Curious, he hurried over.
"Captain Shamon, where are you going?"
He learned Shamon was preparing to leave and rushed over, calling out from the crowd.
"I'm going to change Wind Country. Will you come with me?"
Shamon turned and extended the offer to his loyal subordinate.
"I will! My whole family will follow you to the end!"
(End of Chapter)
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