21.1 Night in Akibara

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After gaining a slight understanding of Sousuke's terrifying talent, Shimura Himiko no longer intentionally targeted him.

Originally, as the prodigy of the Shimura clan, Shimura Himiko had been under the spotlight since they were young.

Before they even reached the age of twenty, they already possessed the strength of a Jōnin!

It's worth noting that at this time, there were only a few hundred Jōnin in the entire Konoha village!

To have such strength at an age younger than twenty was enough to demonstrate the astonishing talent of Shimura Himiko.

Growing up in the Shimura clan, Shimura Himiko can be considered a noble lady of a prestigious clan. This made her hold immense respect for her uncle, Shimura Danzo!

In her eyes, her uncle almost single-handedly upheld the glory of the Shimura clan! He was a comrade who fought alongside the Third Hokage and was only a step away from the position of Hokage!

How could Shimura Himiko not admire Shimura Danzo under such circumstances!

Due to her upbringing in such a family and being influenced by Shimura Danzo, Shimura Himiko had developed a proud and aloof personality.

Even the Uchiha clan, as depicted in legends, was nothing more than a group of ordinary people relying on the power of their bloodline in her eyes.

In Konoha village, the influence and power dynamics were complex. This can be said for other villages as well. The internal power struggles in each village were intricate.

In Konoha village, the bloodline clans led by the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, the forbidden technique clans formed by the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans, the faction of the Hokage, and the forces of Root.

Although Shimura Himiko was still young, she had been exposed to these influences from an early age. She knew that all the factions within the village were maintaining a delicate balance. During this period of ceasefire after the war, no faction would want to disrupt this fragile equilibrium.

However, the child her uncle discovered might change this situation.

Thinking about the child's terrifying talent, Shimura Himiko couldn't help but look in the direction where Sousuke was.

Sensing the gaze, Sousuke turned his head slightly towards Shimura Himiko, his expression concealed behind the mask.

But Shimura Himiko knew in her heart that this little brat definitely had a smile on his face!! This annoying little brat! Couldn't he change his expression!

Seeing this, although Shimura Himiko wore an angry expression on her face, she still silently turned her head back, but her mind couldn't help but contemplate.

Such keen insight! If this child's Shunpo technique, as he claimed, is truly a physical technique or even a ninjutsu that he developed himself, then his talent is truly unparalleled!

Just thinking about how a child with such a monstrous talent was taken as a disciple by her uncle, Shimura Himiko no longer felt any sense of injustice.

After a brief acquaintance and understanding, she had also discovered the differences in Sousuke.

Is he really just a nine-year-old child!? How can he possess such strong mental fortitude?!

The thoughts of Shimura Himiko floated in her mind as she couldn't help but recall these impressions.

In her mind, she hoped that he, who was chosen as a disciple by her uncle, would bring some excitement to this village.

The two of them entered the town of Akibara.

Akibara was a very stable town, mainly driven by the trade of agricultural crops, which supported the economic conditions of the town's residents. The people in the town lived relatively peaceful lives.

Even during the First Great Ninja War, this place was considered a safe area that was not affected.

In this town, there was also a Konoha outpost.

After all, it was a relatively prosperous town, and the interaction with the outside world was quite frequent. Therefore, it was an area that received special attention from Konoha.

Arriving at a hidden outpost, Shimura Himiko were received after the password was given.

Sousuke closely followed behind her, observing everything through the holes in his mask and remembering it carefully.

Since the moment he left the ninja academy, he had become a ninja and had to learn to become a qualified ninja to ensure his survival on the battlefield.

It was a secluded tavern and inn.

Usually, not many people would come here, but today Sousuke and Shimura Emi were arranged to rest here.

After all, they had been traveling for a whole day. If they didn't adjust their condition, they would have to be cautious even with their high-level ninja strength when facing the unknown group of bandits mixed with ninja from other countries.

After a simple wash, Sousuke and Shimura Himiko entered separate rooms to rest.

Before entering the room, Sousuke turned his head and looked at Shimura Himiko, speaking softly.

"Captain Hannya, according to what you said earlier, there should be other team members, right? Can you tell me what happened to them?"

Upon hearing Sousuke words, Shimura Himiko body slightly stiffened.

She looked deeply into Sousuke eyes and seemed to see a trace of lingering sadness within those dark eyes, making her gaze appear lonely like the stars.

"They have all died in battle."

Her words fell softly, without the usual cold arrogance.

But then, as if she had collected herself again, the sadness in her eyes disappeared completely, and Shimura Emiregained her cold demeanor.

"Shua!"

She swiftly and decisively opened the wooden door without hesitation!

Stepping inside!

"Bang!"

Then she forcefully closed the wooden door!

Inside the room, Shimura Himiko angrily took off her mask and threw it onto the bed, feeling annoyed in her heart!

This brat always asks irritating questions! Why do I always embarrass myself in front of this brat? He's just a slightly talented brat, nothing more!

Why did I even answer his question? Ugh!

She buried her head forcefully in the bedding on the bed, disregarding her purple hair being pressed and disheveled. Shimura Himiko vigorously shook her head as if trying to dispel Sousuke gentle voice.

Outside the door in the corridor.

Sousuke watched this scene, his previously gentle expression turning helpless, thinking to himself.

It seems that I've accidentally irritated Captain Hannya again.

However, after the helplessness passed, Sousuke gaze became slightly calmer, and he pondered in his heart.

If there will be casualties on missions led by Captain Hannya, then what that Danzo said is indeed true. If I want to survive in the upcoming missions, I will have to rely on myself more when under Captain Hannya's leadership.

If what he meant was that I need to be independent in the tasks that lie ahead, then this current mission might just be an appetizer for my career as a ninja.

With that in mind, a smile formed at the corners of his mouth.

Bandits?... Not bad whetstone...

Quietly, the night passed without a sound.

The moonlight outside was dim.

Inside the room, both Shimura Himiko and Sousuke were lost in their thoughts.

In a distant encampment, a group of ruthless bandits had no idea that a disaster was about to befall them.