Seeing this, Arthur nodded in satisfaction. Just as he was about to get out of bed, a sharp pain shot through his back. His face turned pale, and he sucked in a cold breath.
"Shiro, come treat His Highness' injuries."
White Fang frowned slightly as he gave the order without turning his head.
"Yes!"
One of the ANBU members stepped forward.
"Oh? You can heal me?" Arthur asked, his face still pale as he looked at the approaching ninja.
"Yes, Your Highness. ANBU members frequently undertake high-risk missions, so our unit includes ninja proficient in medical ninjutsu."
Shiro walked up to him and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, please lie face down on the bed so I may begin treatment."
"Alright. I'll leave it to you."
Arthur lay prone on the bed as instructed.
"To serve you is the mission of the ANBU."
Shiro bowed again, gently lifting Arthur's clothing and removing the bandages. After examining the horrifying slash wound, he assessed calmly:
"The injury is not too severe. It hasn't damaged bone or vital structures. Please wait a moment, Your Highness."
As he spoke, Shiro swiftly formed hand seals. Blue chakra gathered in his right palm before he gently pressed it against the wound.
"That feels… incredible."
The tension on Arthur's pale face immediately eased. The pain receded like a retreating tide. A warm glow spread across his back, accompanied by a tingling sensation that was strangely soothing.
About ten minutes later, Shiro withdrew his hand.
"Your Highness, the treatment is complete."
"So fast?" Arthur blinked in surprise. He moved his body slightly—there was no pain at all.
Turning to look at his back, he found that the once-ghastly wound had vanished, leaving only a faint white scar.
"Wonderful! This is truly wonderful!"
He jumped off the bed and stretched his stiff limbs. His gaze swept across the hundred-plus ANBU members in the room, and an uncontrollable smile spread across his face.
With such elite forces at his command, why fear mere pirates?
What was the Gambino Family in comparison?
Even the threat of national destruction—how could it possibly shake him now?
Confidence surged within Arthur. In his mind, White Fang alone would be enough to resolve the current crisis.
"You all—"
"Your Highness! This is terrible! The Gambino Family's men have broken in!"
Before Arthur could finish speaking, the door was suddenly flung open.
The young maid who had changed his bandages earlier rushed in, her once gentle face now filled with panic.
But before she could properly take in the scene—
Two ANBU members appeared behind her like ghosts.
A strong hand clamped down on her shoulder. She felt an overwhelming force twist her body; the world spun before her eyes. In the next second, she was slammed to the floor, her arms pinned tightly behind her back.
The sharp pain nearly brought tears to her eyes.
Yet when she finally saw what lay before her, the tears froze in place. Her face turned deathly pale.
Inside the prince's chamber stood over a hundred mysterious figures clad in black, their faces hidden behind masks.
Two of them, who had subdued her, now held cold, gleaming short blades crossed at her throat.
"Y-You… who are you people?" she stammered, trembling uncontrollably.
Only then did Arthur snap back to reality.
"She's my maid. Let her go."
As he spoke to the two ANBU members, a flicker of anticipation crossed his eyes—an eagerness for the day he could unlock the Exclusive Lottery.
"Yes, Your Highness."
The two ANBU released her at once.
The maid stumbled to her feet, staring blankly at Arthur and the masked figures surrounding him. With her limited understanding, she simply couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
"All of you, withdraw. When you are not needed, remain hidden by my side."
Rubbing his temples at the sight of the frightened maid, Arthur gave the order.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
White Fang nodded. With a single gesture—
Whoosh!
In an instant, every ANBU member vanished without a trace.
Their movements were so swift that a small gust of wind swept through the room.
"Incredible speed… I couldn't even track them," Arthur muttered in admiration.
He then turned his attention back to the dazed maid.
Walking over, he gently patted her head, a faint smile on his lips.
"They're gone. What are you still staring at?"
"Ah—Your Highness!"
Snapping back to her senses, she realized his hand was resting on her head. Her cheeks flushed bright red as she hastily stepped back.
But then she seemed to notice something.
She stared at him in disbelief.
"Your Highness… your injury… how is it?"
"It's already healed," Arthur replied with a small smile.
He stepped toward the door, speaking without looking back.
"Let's go."
The maid hurried after him.
"Your Highness, where are we going?" she asked curiously.
"You said the Gambino Family's people have arrived, didn't you?" Arthur chuckled lightly. "Naturally, we're going to meet them."
"Then… who were those people just now?" she pressed.
"You'll understand soon enough."
Arthur only smiled mysteriously, offering no further explanation.
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