"But, I still don't feel at ease. How about this: I'll return to Konoha first. The sealing techniques (Fūinjutsu) of the Uzumaki clan are the strongest in the shinobi world. I'll go back and find some training methods for you—it might help you in the future. You just do what you need to do. I'll find you!"
After saying this, Jiraiya hurriedly left.
Shigeo had originally wanted to tell him that he already knew all the sealing techniques Minato used, but then he thought—this world is vast and full of surprises. Perhaps the Uzumaki clan had some other powerful techniques. So, he didn't stop him.
Seeing how worried everyone was, Shigeo focused inward on his system.
Within the Mirror Clones, the progress of cloning Son Gokū (Four-Tails) and Kokuō (Five-Tails) was slow but steady.
Meanwhile, the small Kyūbi (Nine-Tails) clone that had already been completed was now in its growth stage. At first, it had only been a little dumpling-shaped blob, but now it had tiny arms and legs. Its eyes were still tightly shut, like a sleeping baby.
Though it was small, its overflowing Bijū chakra (Tailed Beast Chakra) was constantly leaking out—that was why Sage Fukasaku had sensed it earlier.
"Little guy, you scared Jiraiya-sama half to death. Don't cause trouble now! If you act out, I won't be polite with you!"
To be safe, Shigeo once again reviewed all the Uzumaki sealing techniques, then packed up and set off on his journey once more.
The shoes Shizune had made for him fit perfectly. He almost felt reluctant to wear them. But Shizune must have known how he felt—before leaving, she had thrown away his old, broken pair and left these new ones neatly at the doorway of his room.
Looking down at his shoes, Shigeo couldn't help but smile.
Leaving the Land of Fire, he traveled to the Land of Bears and from there boarded a ship toward the Land of Water.
But to his surprise, when he arrived at the docks, there wasn't a single passenger ship available. Everyone he asked shook their heads—the Land of Water was in civil strife, so ships only departed every ten days. The latest one had left just yesterday. If Shigeo wanted to board a ship, he'd have to wait eight more days.
Shigeo frowned slightly. He was considering whether to just fly across when a burly man carrying a sack approached and asked,
"Little one? What business do you have in the Land of Water?"
"I'm going to stay with relatives," Shigeo answered.
"Come, follow me. Our merchant ship is heading to the Land of Water. But you mustn't run around or cause trouble on the way. If you promise me that, I'll take you aboard," the man said.
"The last time I let a child on board, he ran all over the place. I got fined half a month's wages by the captain. I don't want that happening again."
With a sigh, he waited for Shigeo's response.
Seeing his sincerity, Shigeo happily promised, "Don't worry, uncle. I won't cause any trouble!"
"Good, good. Come with me then." The man hoisted his sack, grabbed Shigeo by the hand, and led him aboard.
Inside the storage room, he set the sack down and settled Shigeo in.
"Stay here quietly. I'll bring you food at night. Just don't wander around, and do your best not to be noticed by our captain. When we reach the Land of Water, I'll let you know."
"Un, un…" Shigeo nodded firmly.
The man waved a hand in front of Shigeo's eyes, then sighed softly.
"Poor kid…"
From his chest pocket, he pulled out a bundle of pastries and slipped it into Shigeo's hand before heading back to work.
Shigeo felt awkward. He didn't want people to misunderstand. But during the day, even with his eyes open, there was no focus in them.
Though he could clearly sense everything around him with Mirror Perception, his eyes betrayed him too easily.
Helpless, he simply let others think what they would.
The merchant ship sailed eastward, not far from the Land of Bears. Staying cooped up in the cabin was suffocating, but since he had promised, Shigeo kept his word. He wouldn't expose the kind man who had helped him.
Just then, the man returned with a tray of food.
"Little friend, I've brought your meal. Look what the kitchen made today—stir-fried greens with minced meat, pan-fried sea fish, and two apples each. Smells good, right? Come and eat."
As he approached, an excited voice suddenly rang out:
"Ah-ha, Kimaru! Caught you again! Sneaking another stray kid aboard, aren't you? Tell me, what should I do with you this time?"
At the doorway stood a fat man in a pristine white uniform, round face, small eyes, thick lips, and a tall hat perched on his head. A smug smile spread across his face.
"Kimaru, Kimaru… you never learn, do you? How many times has this been? You pity these kids, but who pities you? Tell me, how should I deal with you this time?"
"Captain, why make such a fuss? Don't scare the child!" Kimaru quickly set down the tray and looked around until he found Shigeo crouching behind a sack.
"Little one, don't be afraid. Our captain has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. It's fine. Come eat."
Saying this, Kimaru took Shigeo by the hand and pulled him forward.
Shigeo gently withdrew his hand.
"Uncle, even though my eyes aren't good, I can still sense everything around me. You don't have to take such care of me."
"Really? That's amazing! Alright then, come eat!" Kimaru said with a warm smile, bringing the food closer.
The captain snorted.
"Kimaru, forget your wages this month. Your pay will serve as this boy's ticket. You and your bleeding heart… One day you'll get us killed. What if you bring pirates aboard? Merchant ships like ours can't afford sentimentality. Have you forgotten what happened to that other ship?"
He huffed, his fat body wobbling as he turned and left the cabin.
Kimaru clenched his fists tightly.
"Last year, the Penguin was out at sea and rescued a few shipwrecked refugees. But those 'refugees' were pirates. Dozens of lives lost, thousands of kilograms of grain gone… everything was wiped out."
Shigeo listened quietly, then comforted him:
"Uncle, don't worry. This time, everything will be fine."
"Un, un. These pirates are too rampant these days. We can't help it." Kimaru forced a smile. "Eat up. Now that the captain has seen you, you don't have to hide. Go stretch your legs on deck if you like—you don't have to stay cooped up in here anymore."
(End of Chapter)
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