Chapter 42 Mentality

Logan froze in place at the confused words.

Sumika, with her back turned, remained silent, and without turning back to pursue the answer, she snorted and walked away, not seeing the depth behind the man.

After a while, Logan let out a sigh, then with a few leaps, he jumped onto the tallest tree.

The distant forest were as dark as ink, with the wind blowing creating waves of shadows like a vast sea, rustling sounds echoing even farther away.

'It seems like what she said makes sense...' Logan's mood was complicated. Initially, when he mentioned the coin's analogy, it was merely a casual remark based on vague knowledge from the internet, just to cover up his thoughts on the Railgun. However, Sumika's words and subsequent deduction accidentally opened up some knots in Logan's mind.

Different paths lead to the same destination. It can be said that Logan seemed to have dug a pit for himself to jump into, however, it was a good thing.

'Was I avoiding a certain issue by mechanically going through mission and training cycle in ANBU, or have I always made a decision in my heart that I can't do?'

Logan was an optimistic person who knew what he needed to do. He took the coin out of his pocket and looked at its heads and tails. Sumika's resonating words resonating loudly in his mind.

Things had changed ever since he was dragged into the fog by the nightmare of 'To Be Continued.'

Logan's mentality transcended its original limitations, and his heart was no longer here.

What was originally regarded as life capital in the future seemed less important now. Why was he still working diligently to improve his performance? Did he still have a purpose for staying in ANBU? Clearly, it was no longer effective.

In terms of utility, it seemed unnecessary for him to waste time in the ANBU.

"Sigh." Logan felt both distressed and relieved because he had found the root of his problem.

"What's my answer?" Logan solemnly flicked the coin into the air. It flickered under the moonlight and fell back into his hand two seconds later.

"It's useless. Movies and TV shows are all lies." Logan was so angry that he wanted to throw away the coin, but there was a smile on his lips. He couldn't find the answer in the toss of a coin, or rather, matters of fate were too elusive. He would have to handle what comes next based on his own convictions.

…

As the days passed, Logan followed the tourist group, continuing on the road to the Land of Fire's capital. It is unknown whether it was due to good luck or something else, but there wasn't even a small thief along the way. They were moving so slowly, not being cautious, and everyone was dressed so lavishly, but why don't anyone try to take chance at the good opportunity?

When the corner of the capital's wall appeared in sight, the envoy group cheered and rejoiced, while Logan could only force a few laughs along.

Capital showed great sincerity to this delegation led by the ceremonial envoy, after all, they are official envoy group. After a round of congratulations and visits, the samurai were all on vacation, and Logan couldn't see the irritating face of Hanjiro for a while.

As the escorting Ninja, although they were informed that everything was fine along the way, he was still warmly invited. Unable to refuse, Logan could only attend a high-class party like a fool, and then spend a few days living like a wealthy person at Sumika's mansion.

During this time, Logan saw another side of Sumika. Outwardly and officially, she was dignified and well-spoken, truly like a ceremonial envoy of a nation. However, when talking about literature and music theory, the sparkle in her eyes would shine brighter. She was indeed a very intelligent girl. Logan had to admit that she was much stronger than girls of the same age in modern society, although Sumika still retained a hint of girlishness.

A week passed, and the formal document for visiting the Land of Tea was issued by the Daimyo. With the Samurai returning, the group prepared to set off once again.

Logan sighed, wondering when he would be able to complete the mission. Even after reaching the Land of Tea, they would still have to return, indicating that it might take several months.

The Land of Tea was situated on the southeast border of the Land of Fire. It is a small coastal country dependent on the Land of Fire for survival.

The purpose of Sumika's visit this time was to maintain communication and show the affection of the sovereign country towards its smaller allies. Coincidentally, there was some sort of festival in the Land of Tea upon their arrival. So Sumika would also preside over the ceremony to promote diplomacy through etiquette.

Everything is politics. Logan felt that Sumika had a pure heart and understood the situation. He had asked her once, and her response was helpless.

"The ministers of the court may show respect to me on the surface, but most of them are focused on power. How many of them truly value culture? They maintain appearances, keep some servants skilled in arts... However, it's all about reputation and profit. Before I became an envoy, my previous teacher had already explained this to me, but I didn't believe it at first..."

Sumika revealed a sense of sadness. She wouldn't usually say so much, but Logan, being a Ninja standing outside of the situation, was the perfect person she could vent to, as she had been suppressing her frustration for a long time, "But for now, this is the best option."

Logan could only remain silent in response.

In an economically underdeveloped agrarian society, coupled with Ninja element, it would be strange if this world could attach great importance to cultural development.

However, as Sumika firmly believes, 'culture' was very important. Liberal arts students and science majors might often argue, but if they read more and feel more, they will really understand the significant meaning of 'culture'. Without humanistic exploration, science would struggle to progress.

As the envoy group left the capital and headed towards the Land of Tea, Sumika, who had unintentionally shared her concerns with Logan, became introverted and subdued for a day, then quickly reverted back to the ceremonial envoy Logan remembered.

Time passed with intermittent stops in their travel. During this period, Logan didn't engage in rigorous training or deliberately put himself in life-threatening situations for self-improvement, yet his state mysteriously didn't decline.

After getting closer to various scholars and artists within the group following the incident with the prey, Logan gradually delved into their respective fields.

These individuals seemed to be the best 'art classes' in the Land of Fire, dabbling in painting, music, and scripture. During breaks, Hoshino Sumika would occasionally come over to Logan's side, attempting to persuade him to tell her Ninja stories.

With the initial awkwardness gone, Logan would occasionally entertain the young girl's curiosity. Hearing her amazed expressions and longing eyes was quite enjoyable, of course, it would have been better if Hanjiro didn't interrupt them at all.

The impromptu dances and songs that came in the evening also continued. As Logan listened to the sounds of different Ninja World, seeing the red and white kimonos in bloom, the scenery of different Ninja World, his accumulated resentment and suppressed restlessness from his time in the ANBU silently dissipated.

The impetuousness disappeared silently, and his temperament became more stable. One time, he was in a good mood and agreed to Sumika's request to catch rabbits. To his surprise, he found that his strength had increased somewhat during the hunt.

Everything seemed to be progressing in a positive direction, however, when Logan and the group traveled through mountains and valleys to reach the Land of Tea, completed the ritual ceremony as planned, and set out on the return journey, an unexpected event occurred.