chapter 305

After three hours of effort from the two little ones, by the time dawn arrived, the entire hot spring inn was spotless and looked brand new.

The damaged hall had been repaired by Shinji, the broken floors and tatami mats were efficiently replaced, and the doors had been reinstalled after cleaning.

"The only thing left is the roof," Shinji said, nodding. He then looked at the two little ones who, despite their calm appearances, were clearly exhausted based on their heavy, weary breaths.

"We can finish the rest tomorrow. Time to rest!"

Seeing Shinji with one hand on his hip and a broad smile, Haku and Kimimaro's eyes showed a mix of relief and a faint, subtle joy.

...

Cleaning the hot springs was no easy task, especially when it had been neglected for a long time. However, Kimimaro managed to clean the hot spring until the marble floor gleamed.

Although Shinji hadn't told him, Kimimaro found the spring's source and figured out how to block it, draining the dirty water completely and cleaning the hot spring pool.

In the steam-filled men's bath, Shinji glanced at Kimimaro, who sat quietly in the hot spring with a towel on his head. Shinji understood that Kimimaro must have used his bloodline ability to block the spring with bones, but he said nothing.

After all, the team was not yet complete. Necessary education would come once everyone was gathered.

Sss—

Pushing the sliding door open, Haku walked in. Seeing the brightly lit, steaming luxurious men's bath, his eyes sparkled with surprise.

"This is a hot spring? Amazing!"

At that moment, Shinji noticed Kimimaro's expression stiffen. Following Kimimaro's gaze, he realized that Kimimaro had just now discovered that Haku wasn't a girl.

Although slightly surprised, Shinji quickly understood the reason. These two little ones had never used the bathroom together since they met.

...

After the hot spring bath, when faced with another set of little dresses and the question "Do you want to try this too?" Kimimaro made his second decision since gaining freedom.

"No."

...

That night, Shinji watched the surveillance footage at maximum speed. Although the time span was long, the surveillance only recorded when there were biological signals, so the total time wasn't too long.

In just twelve hours, Shinji had filtered out all the people who had ignored the rules and vandalized the inn. He made a new decision.

Next time, he'd have Second Dog assign a White Zetsu to keep an eye on things.

In the past few years, eighty-one groups had stayed at the inn. Only twenty groups, who seemed to be refugees, followed the rules and cleaned up after themselves, taking their trash when they left.

The rest were mostly rogue ninjas, pirates, bandits, and thieves. Not only did they ignore the rules, but they also forcibly broke into the vending machines.

They stole the large batteries that powered the inn, the fridge, TV, and lamps. They even took the tables, chairs, bedding, and kitchen utensils.

There were also several incidents of murders, likely involving bounty hunters, as the bodies were disposed of.

Among these, Shinji spotted a familiar face he had never seen in this world—Kakuzu.

Shinji smacked his forehead. This connected him to the Akatsuki.

...

Due to watching the surveillance, Shinji didn't leave his room until the afternoon. By then, Haku and Kimimaro had repaired the inn's roof.

Seeing Haku carrying a pile of dirty inn yukatas and bed linens, ready to wash them, Shinji was once again struck by Haku's homemaking abilities.

The world was at fault; not having Haku become a nurturing figure was definitely Masashi Kishimoto's mistake!

...

After nightfall, Second Dog appeared in Shinji's room as summoned.

"Take these and investigate them slowly. I want all their information. Also, station a White Zetsu outside the inn to record everyone who comes. Investigate anyone who doesn't follow the rules."

Taking the thick stack of names from Shinji, Second Dog patted his chest in agreement, then changed the subject. "Lord Anli, we've discovered that some ninja villages seem to be targeting Kusagakure, and it's not just one village."

Shinji had anticipated this but didn't expect it to happen so quickly. Ninjas, being like dogs, would eventually catch the scent of Kusagakure's "bone" (grain seeds).

Kusagakure's rapid exposure suggested there might be a traitor, as it didn't align with their usual cautious and clever behavior.

It was the only plausible explanation.

"I see. Keep an eye on it and inform me immediately of any developments. Also, there's a kid named Karin in Kusagakure. Provide her some protection from the shadows."

Shinji intended to keep his promises. This was a matter of principle.

"I understand, Lord Anli."

...

After staying at the inn for two more days, Shinji finally left with the two little ones. Mainly, he had been too comfortable with Haku's care and feared he might become lazy or develop new habits if it continued.

Additionally, the situation in Kusagakure was urgent, with certain ninja villages, likely including Kumogakure, preparing to act.

While the fate of Kusagakure's inhabitants didn't matter much, Shinji had promised Karin's mother to take her away, and he intended to keep his word. At the very least, he needed to save Karin from the bandits.

As for the rest, their fate was up to chance.

...

Traveling with the two little ones, Shinji took his time, reminiscing about his past (as an information broker). It took them a month to reach the Land of Grass.

Along the way, Shinji didn't teach Haku or Kimimaro anything, preferring to let them see the world for themselves.

Seeing more and thinking more was Shinji's only teaching so far. Haku and Kimimaro diligently remembered all the sights and experiences of their journey.

...

In Kusagakure, late at night.

Firelight flickered, and hurried footsteps echoed.

Sounds of fighting, screams, wails, and cries.

Even before entering the village, Shinji could smell the stench of blood.

This was the world of ninjas created by the Sage of Six Paths.

Though Shinji felt like making a sarcastic comment, he decided against it, knowing that such plundering was not exclusive to this world.

Glancing at Haku and Kimimaro, Shinji saw Haku's wide-eyed, trembling pupils, unused to the sight of bloodshed. Kimimaro, on the other hand, remained calm, having witnessed such scenes before.

"Follow me."

With that, Shinji stepped through Kusagakure's gate. Haku obediently followed, while Kimimaro drew two arm bones to hold as weapons.

Seeing Kimimaro's apparent intent to act as a bodyguard, Shinji stopped, his tone slightly stern.

"I said follow me. Do nothing else."

Kimimaro frowned but ultimately complied, tossing the bones aside and standing behind Shinji with Haku.

"Also, use that ability less. Overusing it will kill you. My only requirement is that you never die before me."

With that, Shinji resumed walking. The two little ones followed without question.

...

In a secluded corner of Kusagakure.

Six-year-old Karin hid under a bed, holding her head and sobbing silently. To protect her, her mother had just revealed herself to the attacking ninjas from another village.

After a final scream, her mother went silent. Karin didn't dare think about what had happened, fearing the reality would be hellish.

Shhh! Thud! Clang!

The sound of a sharp blade slicing through the air and a heavy object hitting the ground and rolling towards her. Then she heard a man's voice.

"Come out. The enemies are all dead. At least see your mother one last time."

As the voice finished, the rolling object stopped by the bed. It was...

A head! A head wearing a Kumogakure forehead protector!

Karin's eyes widened as she covered her mouth, stifling a scream. Then she heard her mother's faint voice.

"Come out, Karin. It's... over."

...

Seeing Karin's mother, bleeding out and on the verge of death, and Karin kneeling in tears, Shinji felt a strange, uncomfortable sensation.

"I've come to fulfill my promise."

Hearing this, Karin's mother turned to look at Shinji and the two children behind him, refusing to let her daughter bite her arm for chakra.

"Thank you, benefactor."

After sincerely thanking Shinji, Karin's mother used her last strength to wipe Karin's tears.

"Live well, Karin."

With that, she closed her eyes peacefully, her hand falling limp.

"Mom—"

Watching the scene, Haku was deeply moved by Karin's grief. Clenching her fists, she stepped out from behind Shinji to comfort Karin.

Kimimaro remained still, his mind replaying Shinji's efficient, precise killing techniques.

Skilled, swift, and without unnecessary movements.

Kimimaro wondered if those ninjas even felt pain before dying.

...

Morning came.

Shinji hadn't expected the team's first task to be burying... no, holding a funeral.

Originally, Karin dragged the bodies alone. Haku, feeling pity, joined to help, and eventually, Kimimaro hesitantly followed.

Seeing Karin intent on properly burying not just her mother but also Kusagakure's ninjas and villagers, Shinji was puzzled.

Perhaps Karin hadn't been mistreated by Kusagakure?

Karin's nearly unmarked arms supported this theory. Although the details were unclear, the villagers' attitude towards Karin's family seemed to have changed significantly since Shinji's last visit.

Shinji didn't help or speak, just silently watched the three children move bodies from dawn to dusk.

The next morning, and again until dusk.

The three worked tirelessly, resting only briefly for water and rice balls before resuming their task.

On the third morning, standing before countless makeshift graves, Shinji finally spoke his first words in over two days.

"From today, you three are officially my disciples. Let's go."

...

Later that morning, just outside Kusagakure, Shinji encountered a group of Konoha ninjas, seemingly responding to Kusagakure's call for help.

Leading the group were Kakashi and Uchiha Shisui.

Seeing Shinji, Kakashi's heart skipped a beat.

"Oh, Kakashi."

Seeing the blue-haired youth greeting him with a smile, Kakashi suppressed a curse.

At this point, going to Kusagakure was pointless. Any village Shinji had visited would have no survivors!

"Kakashi... what's wrong?" Shisui asked.

"That's... Angra Mainyu..."

"What?!"

"Just withdraw for now. The Hokage's orders are to retreat immediately upon encountering him, regardless of the mission."

"But..." Shisui hesitated.