The Mysterious Group

I halted in place almost instantly. The woman in front of me trembled, I didn't know whether it was out of fear or because she was severely hurt. I didn't take offense to it, after all, I did just wipe out a band of bandits that even she struggled with.

And I'm in a body of a seven year old boy too. That only makes it stranger.

Lowering my guard, I sheathed my blade in it's holster that rested on the lower of my back. It entered with a SHING, sharpening it in the process. The womans eyes seemed to cloud over with worry, she kept trying to sneak glances towards the elderly a few meters to my right.

"You don't have to worry about me going after them... I'm not some psychopath." I say, a little offended that she'd think that I would just murder anyone in sight. But! I can't blame her... She's in shock, she's hurt and I'm sure she's about to pass out from blood loss...

I'm not a doctor though... I don't know how I'd help her in that department. I'll try my best though if she lets her guard down.

She sighed and locked her attention fully on me.

"T-thank you for your help, but we'll be fine from here on out." She muttered just loud enough for me to here. Silence fell once again as her words settled. Looking at her like she was a lost puppy, I sighed.

My words don't seem all that reliable because of my stature... She's seen my power, hasn't questioned it yet, and she's on her last line. She'll pass out any minute now.

"Well in that case... Alright. I'll be on my way." Turning to leave with an exasperated sigh, I spun on my feet and began my journey deeper- Out the forest.

"W-wait! Boy please wait!" An old shaky female voice called out, halting my steps. A smirk formed on my face but died out quickly. Turning around, I snuck a glance at the woman and saw that she was surprised as well as concerned hearing one of the elderly she was escorting call out to me.

"Yes?" I respond. The three elderly were shaking, either from their weak constitution or fear. I doubt fear though, I did save them after all and elderly are usually more understanding than youngsters. Except for the senile ones... Geez... I hope I never have to experience meeting one of those.

Shakily, an elderly woman with a hunched back used her friends arm as a means to help her take a few steps forward, presenting herself to me.

Her eyes were droopy and low, most likely due to the saggy skin that hung her face.

"If you don't mind... Please tell us your name."

"My name is King, ma'am." I responded respectfully. She nodded slightly before slowly glancing towards the woman whose still bleeding out... I think she might actually die if this goes on any longer.

"...I see. I'm Inagae Makikumi, an elder of our village. That girl over there is what you would call a Shinobi, she goes by Azugi. Though our village is rather small and run down, I'd like to invite you to visit with us... I can't let our savior roam around aimlessly in this forest." She reasoned with a smile.

I squinted and smiled facedly.

I knew what she was getting it. It was plain as day and it was a rather terrible form of manipulation. She wants to use the invitation as a way to replace me as their protector. Effectively making them rely on me for protection, lest I'll be lost in the forest.

Taking a step forward, the mark on my right palm glowed a dim shine before receding and it began to spread up my arm. It's black marking wrapping and stretching. The same refreshing, powerful feeling filled my very being, making me feel rejuvenated.

The elderly womans eyes squinted and the woman known as Azugi struggled to her feet as her face showed her true emotions. Panic.

"W-wait!" She shouted, but I was already gone from my previous place.

Appearing in front of the elderly woman, my sword unsheathed and it's blade threatening to slice her throat clean open. The elderly behind her gasped in shock, their shaking increasing in violence. I'm sure if they get startled again they'd collapse and die from a heart attack.

Azugi collapsed to the ground in pain, holding her leg. But even then, she still had the dedication to come save these old bags of dust. Pulling out a kunai, she held it by its handle, ready to throw it at me at any minute.

"...You know, I may look like a child, but I'm not so gullible." I whispered in the old womans ear, her very being shaking in fear. I'm glad she was so short, if it were anyone else I'd probably have trouble reaching their neck with such ease.

Smirking, I retracted the mark and sheathed my sword. I took a step back to give the elderly some space.

"I have no problem going with you guys to your village. But next time, don't try and play with your words to make it seem like your doing it out of the kindness in your hearts." Turning on my heel, I then make my way towards Azugi.

She needs medical assistance as soon as possible. Even if all I can do is stop the bleeding, that would be more than enough until we reach the village.

By time I reached her, she was already pale and on the verge of collapsing.

"Just relax... You may not trust me, but I have no intention to harm you or your people. I just need some help in return." I spoke, ripping a line out of my black pants. I wrapped it tightly on the wound, giving no prior warning to the patient.

"Ah! ARGH!" She groaned loudly, her teeth clenching as she began to seethe to try and ease the pain she felt. She glanced at me with blood shot droopy eyes. Matching her eye contact, I nodded and thinned my lips. She did the same and with a last deep breath.

She gave into the fatigue and past out. Trusting in me.

...

Finishing up with Azugi's medical attention. I activated the mark to give myself the boost in physical strength I needed to be able to lift her, and carried her on my back. Walking over and passed the elderly, I looked back.

"If we're going, we need to go now."

Hearing a collective amount of audible gulps. I smirked, but continued with the group.