"Why aren't you minding your own business? So young, sneaking onto the ship, and even having someone introduce you for a job—such scheming for a mission!" the young man said.
Years of war had made some ninja from smaller nations desperate to earn a living. To think they would ostracize a six-year-old just over a mission—it really showed how skilled they had become.
Hyuga Shigeo looked at the man and said, "Scheming? You think a lot! Paranoid persecution complex, maybe?"
"You brat, are you tired of living?"
With that, the boy lunged forward! But another ninja grabbed him. "Tensei, calm down. He's just a child."
The adult pulled Tensei back into the cabin.
Hyuga Shigeo stretched his arms, standing at the railing. Naoki, cleaning the deck, had overheard the previous exchange between Shigeo and the five ninjas. Seeing the others leave, he came over.
"Child, did they misunderstand something? How did you take their business? I asked you to help protect the Kairagi (Conch) for the mission, and I pushed you forward to protect my wages. How could they still think you…? Huh, what is this all about?"
Naoki hadn't spoken up earlier because he didn't want to offend the ninjas. For the next eight days, these people were to protect the ship, and the crew dared not clash with them—otherwise, who knows how they'd end up.
"It's fine, Naoki-ojisan, don't worry!"
Shigeo didn't care what others thought. He took this trip just to enjoy the sea view. Since he had this chance, he wouldn't let unimportant people ruin his mood.
During dinner, Shigeo ate with the crew, while the five Star Ninja Village (Hoshi Ninja Mura) ninjas sat at another table. Kurein dined in the bridge and didn't come over.
"Haha, it's funny. Some people work their way in with the crew to pave their own path. Truly clever! No skills, yet daring to take missions—aren't they afraid of dying with no burial?" the young man mocked again.
Naoki stood up angrily, but someone grabbed him and made him sit. "Don't lose your temper. Two days until Sanretsu Island. Pirates frequent the area. If you offend these people now, you'll endanger everyone."
Naoki sat down, gritting his teeth.
Shigeo frowned slightly at the scene. A man speaking sarcastic insults more than a girl could.
For the next two days, though the Star Ninja Village ninjas said nothing more, Tensei, the boy, seemed bored out of his mind. He kept bothering Shigeo, bumping into him or taunting him, sometimes rude. A few crew members couldn't tolerate it, but what could they do? He was a ninja, hired at great cost by the captain to protect everyone.
That night, as the Kairagi sailed on the open sea, a shout rang out from the inner cabin, followed by a scream.
All crew members rushed to see, discovering that the young ninja, Tensei, had a seizure. His eyes rolled white, limbs convulsing, struggling to breathe.
His companions seemed to know what was happening. They pulled a small paper packet from a bag, opened it, and froze upon seeing its contents.
"What's wrong, Kuri? Hurry! Tensei won't hold out much longer!" urged the lead ninja.
"It's no good! All of it is damp. How can he inhale it now?"
Sure enough, the black powder in the packet had clumped together from moisture.
"Then should we let him eat it?" called a girl of similar age.
"No, no! He can't ingest it. If he does, it will trigger a surge. To survive, he mustn't consume it!" The older ninjas shook their heads repeatedly.
Shigeo stood at the dorm door, understanding the situation instantly.
The Star Ninja Village survived the Third Great Ninja War because of a star that fell from the sky. Their ninjas had trained for years absorbing its power.
These ninjas likely grew up absorbing the star's energy. The black powder in their packet was surely related to it. At sea, the moisture caused it to clump, making immediate use impossible. Tensei was in danger.
"Hurry, dry it! Go now…" shouted the lead man.
"Okay, okay. I'll do it, but will Tensei last until then?" asked a tall man anxiously.
"What should we do? Tensei, you have to hold on!" The lead man grabbed the boy while others panicked.
A crew member, watching the commotion, nudged Shigeo. "Child, do you know medicine? I saw you studying medical notes. Can you help him?"
Shigeo leaned against the doorframe. "I could save him, but I don't want to. Just looking at him annoys me!"
He turned to leave, but the girl dashed over, grabbing his wrist. "Child, please, save my friend. He didn't mean to offend you. We've had it so hard…"
Years of war had made even these ninja struggle to earn money, and protecting their village had been their limit. She wanted him to understand.
"Shougyoku… I don't need him. I won't die, and nobody will make me!"
Tensei gasped, then collapsed again, seemingly on the brink of death.
Shigeo thought, This guy is doomed but still so stubborn. How peculiar.
He took off his shoes and socks, stepped forward, grabbed Tensei's jaw, forced his mouth open, and shoved a sock inside. "Shut up, you talk too much for a man!"
"Ugh…"
Everyone watching nearly vomited at the sight.
"What are you doing? Do you want to die?" The lead man lunged for Shigeo…
Shigeo leaned back, avoiding the eagle-like grab.
At that moment, Tensei pulled out the sock and vomited, his face turning pale.
He then sat on the ground, gasping heavily.
"Look, he seems okay now," someone said.
(End of Chapter)
[50 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
[10 Reviews = 5 Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/Zukooo]
[Thanks for your support!]