"Lady Tsunade, you were far too rude!" Shizune finally complained after Shuji left. "Saying such things right away, and even striking him!"
"Hey! That brat wasn't exactly polite either!" The Senju princess waved dismissively. "Besides, the kid didn't seem to mind, so stop complaining."
Return to the village… what would be the point? Tsunade's gaze fell on the swaying bamboo in the courtyard. Nothing but facing those heavy stares again, those silent, burning expectations. A person who couldn't even stand the sight of blood… what could she accomplish? She couldn't shoulder anything, couldn't endure anything.
That's why she wanted to see Shuji—to confirm whether this child truly possessed that power.
The brief conflict in the small courtyard caused no external disturbance. When Shuji emerged, Wasabi Jirōchō still stood respectfully in the corridor, his face showing perfect humility, as if the sound of cracking stone had merely been wind dislodging roof tiles. He guided Shuji through winding corridors to an elegantly appointed reception room in the front compound.
"Regarding the Chasan Group, do you have more specific intelligence, Mr. Wasabi?" Once seated, Shuji got straight to the point, not mentioning Tsunade and steering the conversation back to their mission.
Jirōchō sat formally upright, his expression grave: "Yacha Slope has always been a complex terrain, traditionally a hideout for masterless warriors and fugitives. In the past, the scale was small—both the Wasabi and Waisuke families would send regular patrols to clear them out, barely maintaining peace on the trade routes." He paused, brow furrowed. "Until four months ago, when everything changed suddenly. A wandering samurai appeared and forcibly consolidated all the forces entrenched at Yacha Slope, rapidly expanding their power and even boldly constructing a fortress on the hillside."
"At that time, both our families realized the situation was serious—beyond our individual capabilities to resolve. We sent requests to Konoha for extermination missions, but received no response." Jirōchō's tone carried a hint of helplessness. "With no alternative, we could only increase our patrols on the main trade routes to barely maintain order."
"The turning point came half a month ago," his voice lowered. "The Waisuke family suddenly announced they had successfully eliminated the Yacha Slope bandits! They simultaneously claimed to have recruited elite guards who would fully ensure Degarashi Port's security. Almost immediately, the daimyō's messenger arrived, severely criticizing our family for 'poor governance that allowed bandits to grow strong,' while praising the Waisuke family for 'eliminating violence and bringing peace, contributing to the region.' The next four years' port management rights were transferred entirely to the Waisuke family."
"After gaining the daimyō's recognition, the Waisuke family appointed a man called Komainu as city guard captain."
"What happened next, I'm sure Shuji-kun understands—those newly recruited guards are actually the former Chasan Group members, and Komainu is the wandering samurai who unified them."
Shuji listened quietly, his fingertip unconsciously tapping the smooth edge of the low table. The situation was more complex than anticipated.
"What's this Komainu's strength like?"
Jirōchō's expression grew serious as he chose his words carefully: "This man is extremely dangerous, ruthless in his methods. Regarding his specific capabilities… I apologize, but despite our best efforts to investigate, we've only gathered vague rumors. It's said he displayed superhuman strength and speed during bandit suppression, and even… some mention he may possess abilities similar to 'jutsu.' But we couldn't obtain concrete evidence." He bowed slightly apologetically.
"Hmm—" Shuji pondered briefly before shifting to another key topic. "What about the Black Erosion Group? Have you heard this name, Mr. Wasabi?"
A barely perceptible hesitation crossed Jirōchō's face, as if weighing something. After several seconds, he slowly began: "I have indeed heard of them. About two months ago, the sea route from Degarashi Port to Nazaki Island was frequently attacked by vicious pirates, causing heavy losses. The daimyō was quite furious about this. Soon after, word came that a group of rogue ninja called the Black Erosion Group had accepted the daimyō's commission and successfully dealt with those pirates."
He paused, observing Shuji's reaction before continuing: "After that incident, the Black Erosion Group vanished like smoke—no further reports of their activities in Degarashi Port or nearby waters. Perhaps they left after collecting their payment."
The daimyō again.
"I understand." Shuji nodded. "Thank you for the valuable intelligence, Mr. Wasabi."
"I'm glad to help." Jirōchō bowed slightly, then probed: "May I ask what Shuji-kun plans to do next? If the Wasabi family can assist in any way, please don't hesitate to ask."
"If possible, please continue gathering information about the Chasan Group." Shuji stood up. "I need to return to the inn first to arrange some matters."
Originally concerned about Jirōchō's safety, but with one of the Sannin, Tsunade, here—even if Tsunade couldn't act directly, there was still Shizune at jōnin level. This power configuration was sufficient to handle assassination attempts against Jirōchō.
"If there's an emergency, you can send someone to the Seafoam Inn anytime."
"Yes, I understand." Jirōchō agreed and personally escorted Shuji from the reception room.
At the dock, Mitarashi Anko leaned against a wall, the hem of her new dark purple coat fluttering in the wind. She chewed on a grass stem, her gaze seemingly casually scanning the surroundings: dock workers shouting as they loaded and unloaded cargo, a few scattered men in guard leather armor patrolling lazily, their eyes always lingering on valuable cargo piles.
Several loaded wagons rumbled toward the dock, accompanied by guards. The cargo owner was speaking quietly with dock officials, who soon waved over laborers to prioritize handling this shipment.
Hiroyama's face showed displeasure as he muttered complaints.
Anko perked up her ears and caught a few phrases:
"Damn it, they get priority boarding right away..."
"My cargo..."
"Should have also purchased some weapons..."
Hearing "weapons," Anko immediately became alert and approached Hiroyama.
"Mr. Hiroyama, who are those people?"
"They're weapons dealers. I don't know why, but someone seems to be purchasing weapons. These things can leave port first, while my cargo has to wait several more days. Miss Anko, please..." Hiroyama continued with more requests for help and protection.
With Shuji gone, the cargo's safety depended entirely on Anko and Itachi. Itachi still looked too young, so the cloth merchant could only pester Anko.
Anko responded absent-mindedly, her hand behind her back quietly flipping. From her wide coat sleeve, a thin gray shadow silently dropped, slithering along the ground and swiftly disappearing into the shadows between cargo boxes and vehicles.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild