Chapter 13: Ronin

As Hijiri traveled towards the Land of Lightning, he didn't want to always travel by tree-jumping. He not only wanted to avoid pointless fights with various clan ninjas but he also wanted to use his time to appreciate the world outside the Hyuga clan and to better understand the world's situation.

So when he found a wandering samurai, a ronin, and decided to become one himself. He quickly knocked him out and stole his equipment, leaving him with only his undergarments.

Changed attire, he used the transformation technique to change his physique to match his new gear and to cover the byakugan. Then he started walking towards the nearest living hub.

Once he neared the hub he noticed that everyone was giving him a wide breath with a look of caution.

'Maybe I should have chosen a wandering merchant and not a ronin. But I don't have the starting money to do so.'Hijiri thought.

As he was walking deep in thought he felt someone bump into his leg.

"Ouch"

He looked down and saw a 3-year-old child rubbing his nose.

(Woman): " Makito, don't run. Hmm?! Please, sir, I will compensate you don't take it on the child."

(Hijiri): "Hahaha. Don't worry about compensation. The fault is also mine, I was deep in thought and didn't notice the child."

(Makito): "Sir, are you like Dad a samurai?"

(Hijiri): "Oh your father is a samurai? I am Hijiri, a wandering samurai, a ronin. I do jobs here and there to sustain myself. I am searching for new jobs while traveling to the Land of Lightning."

The woman, seeing Hijiri chatting normally with the child, wore a smile and said: "Pleased to meet you, I am Humi Hatake and this is my son Makito Hatake. We are part of the Hatake samurai clan. If you are searching for a job and want to go to the Land of Lightning, you can look at the Tabemono Group in the northeast of the hub. They trade food supplies with the Land of Lightning and are always hiring people to guard their caravans."

Hijiri was surprised to have unexpectedly met the Hatake clan the first time he went to a city. But this is also normal after all he he is still in the land of fire and he is bound to meet one of the known clans during his travels.

(Makito): "Are you strong?"

(Humi): "Makito!"

(Makito): "What?"

(Hijiri): "Don't worry, I am not offended. And yes I am quite strong but I am not used to wielding the sword"

(Makito): "???. How can you be strong if you don't know how to wield a sword? It doesn't make sense"

(Hijiri): "I only recently picked up the sword before that I used my hands like a sword."

(Makito): "You can do that?! I don't believe you."

(Hijiri): "What about this: if your mother is okay, I will teach you."

(Makito): "Can he, Mom?"

(Humi): "I don't know. I don't wish to take your time."

(Hijiri): "What about this? Hire me. You only have to provide me with food and lodging."

(Makito): "Please."

(Humi): "Fine. Follow me."

They walked through the village and they arrived at a compound.

(Humi): "This is the Hatake's compound You can choose one of those cabins."

(Hijiri): "Thank you. I will choose that one." He points casually to one of them. "Where is the training ground? Since I am here I would like to start my lessons. I have to earn my keep."

Humi smiled: "They are this way. I will make way."

They arrived in a large courtyard with some trees, an area of 20x20 meters of beaten earth, and some scarecrows with some armor on.

(Hijiri): "Let's start."