"Aoto-san," Itachi suddenly inquired, breaking the peaceful night's silence as everyone gathered around a bonfire beneath the starlit sky. Kakashi lay on a comfortable futon nearby, while Corazon's hands emitted a golden radiance, positioned near Kakashi's head.
The group savored the boar's meat that John had captured just hours ago. In the past, the shinobi had been responsible for food and sustenance, but now that their newfound capabilities were revealed, a sense of communal contribution emerged. Itachi might have harbored a hint of resentment, realizing that Aoto and the others had withheld their magical abilities during their shared journey.
Observing how their magic streamlined tasks like setting up tents and preparing food, the shinobi realized the sheer ease with which such feats could be accomplished through "jutsus."
"Did you invent the new techniques you employed during the battle?" Itachi queried, the crackling flames casting a warm glow over the scene.
"Partly... They're still a work in progress, and honestly, I'm not entirely proficient with my own creations. I presented the basic concept, and my friends added their expertise to refine them," Aoto humbly admitted.
"The techniques were impressive," Guy chimed in, tearing into a sizable portion of boar meat.
"Not exactly... My techniques are rather slow, leaving me vulnerable to sneak attacks from faster ninjas," Aoto deflected the praise.
"You're still learning, and with time, you could become as swift as any shinobi," Itachi reassured Aoto, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"Kakashi should regain consciousness by tomorrow. While he won't be in peak condition, he should be capable of movement," Corazon reported after concluding his healing session with Kakashi. Their progress in mastering magic was significant, given Corazon's novice status in this field.
Itachi's curiosity prodded him to inquire further about Aoto's techniques and how he achieved the ability to access different dimensions. The latter topic intrigued him particularly, yet Aoto could only offer vague insights in response.
Itachi understood the boundaries of privacy within the shinobi world and chose not to press further, respecting the unspoken code unless a situation involved an enemy.
The following day, Kakashi did indeed awaken, appearing outwardly well despite keen observers detecting his lingering fatigue and incomplete recovery. As the team's leader, Kakashi exhibited determination to continue the journey. He refrained from delving into the events of the recent past, electing to focus on the path ahead.
The weather grew increasingly colder as the group ventured beyond familiar territories. Snow and ice began to appear sporadically, transforming the landscape into a pristine white canvas adorned with frost-covered trees. The sky seamlessly merged with the horizon, creating a tranquil and frigid ambiance. Guy's vibrant energy remained undaunted, while the rest maintained a contemplative silence, speaking only when necessary. Mile after mile, their progress was marked by the soft crunch of snow underfoot, the sound punctuating the pervasive quietude.
After what felt like an eternity of traversing, the six individuals found themselves confronting a path lined with imposing stone statues portraying fearsome samurai warriors. As they approached this path, a contingent of samurai, dressed in ornate armor, materialized from the shadows. The cold light glinted off their swords, a reflection of their unwavering dedication to their craft.
A figure stepped forth, adorned in armor bearing intricate designs that spoke of a lifetime devoted to this way of life. Armor segments adorned his head, arms, chest, and legs, offering mobility while safeguarding against physical assaults.
"Halt! Strangers, declare your purpose in the Land of Iron."
Aoto stepped forward.
"We are shinobi from Konoha, here solely to discuss potential business with you."
"Shinobi? The Land of Iron has severed all ties with shinobi villages. Return from whence you came," declared the samurai, his voice emanating from beneath his mask.
"We are aware of that policy, and despite my Konoha headband, I primarily identify as a businessman. My intention is solely to engage in trade with the samurai," Aoto explained.
"Whether shinobi or businessman, depart our territory and never set foot upon this land again," the samurai remained steadfast, refusing to entertain further conversation.
This response caught everyone off guard. They hadn't anticipated such staunch resistance and had hoped to at least meet with the Land of Iron's ruler, Taisho. Aoto pondered momentarily.
"Samurai-san, your aversion to conflict is causing your blades to rust. Your ideology of abstaining from warfare and battle will eventually erode the fighting spirit, leaving your land vulnerable to neighboring invasions," Aoto asserted boldly.
The atmosphere grew tense, not just among the samurai, but also among Aoto's companions. Both parties were taken aback by his audacity. They were here to establish business connections, not to provoke a confrontation. Aoto's words perplexed everyone, yet none of his five companions intervened to halt his discourse.
Enraged, the samurai unsheathed his blade, charging towards Aoto.
"I'll demonstrate whose blade holds the edge after I cleave you in two!" The samurai bellowed, lunging at Aoto with a swift sword swing aimed at his throat.
In the pivotal moment, Itachi materialized right in front of Aoto and the charging samurai, his own blade drawn and aimed at the aggressor. He swung his sword in order to stop the attack of the samurai and this was where the samurai who attacked felt like he had seen some kind of ghost.
When the samurai charged at Aoto, he used his full power as chakra was laden on the blade of the samurai and he was using full force to kill Aoto, but then he saw that the blade of his got cut cleanly in half as it touched the blade of Itachi. The samurai's blade looked like it was made of butter in front of the blade of Itachi.
The samurai after swing the sword looked at the beloved sword that he had been carrying for quite a bit of time with stupefaction. He couldn't believe it. The swords of the samurai was like their own extra limb and now one just cut in half in front of a 7 8 year old kid.
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"Aoto-san," Itachi suddenly inquired, breaking the peaceful night's silence as everyone gathered around a bonfire beneath the starlit sky. Kakashi lay on a comfortable futon nearby, while Corazon's hands emitted a golden radiance, positioned near Kakashi's head.
The group savored the boar's meat that John had captured just hours ago. In the past, the shinobi had been responsible for food and sustenance, but now that their newfound capabilities were revealed, a sense of communal contribution emerged. Itachi might have harbored a hint of resentment, realizing that Aoto and the others had withheld their magical abilities during their shared journey.
Observing how their magic streamlined tasks like setting up tents and preparing food, the shinobi realized the sheer ease with which such feats could be accomplished through "jutsus."
"Did you invent the new techniques you employed during the battle?" Itachi queried, the crackling flames casting a warm glow over the scene.
"Partly... They're still a work in progress, and honestly, I'm not entirely proficient with my own creations. I presented the basic concept, and my friends added their expertise to refine them," Aoto humbly admitted.
"The techniques were impressive," Guy chimed in, tearing into a sizable portion of boar meat.
"Not exactly... My techniques are rather slow, leaving me vulnerable to sneak attacks from faster ninjas," Aoto deflected the praise.
"You're still learning, and with time, you could become as swift as any shinobi," Itachi reassured Aoto, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"Kakashi should regain consciousness by tomorrow. While he won't be in peak condition, he should be capable of movement," Corazon reported after concluding his healing session with Kakashi. Their progress in mastering magic was significant, given Corazon's novice status in this field.
Itachi's curiosity prodded him to inquire further about Aoto's techniques and how he achieved the ability to access different dimensions. The latter topic intrigued him particularly, yet Aoto could only offer vague insights in response.
Itachi understood the boundaries of privacy within the shinobi world and chose not to press further, respecting the unspoken code unless a situation involved an enemy.
The following day, Kakashi did indeed awaken, appearing outwardly well despite keen observers detecting his lingering fatigue and incomplete recovery. As the team's leader, Kakashi exhibited determination to continue the journey. He refrained from delving into the events of the recent past, electing to focus on the path ahead.
The weather grew increasingly colder as the group ventured beyond familiar territories. Snow and ice began to appear sporadically, transforming the landscape into a pristine white canvas adorned with frost-covered trees. The sky seamlessly merged with the horizon, creating a tranquil and frigid ambiance. Guy's vibrant energy remained undaunted, while the rest maintained a contemplative silence, speaking only when necessary. Mile after mile, their progress was marked by the soft crunch of snow underfoot, the sound punctuating the pervasive quietude.
After what felt like an eternity of traversing, the six individuals found themselves confronting a path lined with imposing stone statues portraying fearsome samurai warriors. As they approached this path, a contingent of samurai, dressed in ornate armor, materialized from the shadows. The cold light glinted off their swords, a reflection of their unwavering dedication to their craft.
A figure stepped forth, adorned in armor bearing intricate designs that spoke of a lifetime devoted to this way of life. Armor segments adorned his head, arms, chest, and legs, offering mobility while safeguarding against physical assaults.
"Halt! Strangers, declare your purpose in the Land of Iron."
Aoto stepped forward.
"We are shinobi from Konoha, here solely to discuss potential business with you."
"Shinobi? The Land of Iron has severed all ties with shinobi villages. Return from whence you came," declared the samurai, his voice emanating from beneath his mask.
"We are aware of that policy, and despite my Konoha headband, I primarily identify as a businessman. My intention is solely to engage in trade with the samurai," Aoto explained.
"Whether shinobi or businessman, depart our territory and never set foot upon this land again," the samurai remained steadfast, refusing to entertain further conversation.
This response caught everyone off guard. They hadn't anticipated such staunch resistance and had hoped to at least meet with the Land of Iron's ruler, Taisho. Aoto pondered momentarily.
"Samurai-san, your aversion to conflict is causing your blades to rust. Your ideology of abstaining from warfare and battle will eventually erode the fighting spirit, leaving your land vulnerable to neighboring invasions," Aoto asserted boldly.
The atmosphere grew tense, not just among the samurai, but also among Aoto's companions. Both parties were taken aback by his audacity. They were here to establish business connections, not to provoke a confrontation. Aoto's words perplexed everyone, yet none of his five companions intervened to halt his discourse.
Enraged, the samurai unsheathed his blade, charging towards Aoto.
"I'll demonstrate whose blade holds the edge after I cleave you in two!" The samurai bellowed, lunging at Aoto with a swift sword swing aimed at his throat.
In the pivotal moment, Itachi materialized right in front of Aoto and the charging samurai, his own blade drawn and aimed at the aggressor. He swung his sword in order to stop the attack of the samurai and this was where the samurai who attacked felt like he had seen some kind of ghost.
When the samurai charged at Aoto, he used his full power as chakra was laden on the blade of the samurai and he was using full force to kill Aoto, but then he saw that the blade of his got cut cleanly in half as it touched the blade of Itachi. The samurai's blade looked like it was made of butter in front of the blade of Itachi.
The samurai after swing the sword looked at the beloved sword that he had been carrying for quite a bit of time with stupefaction. He couldn't believe it. The swords of the samurai was like their own extra limb and now one just cut in half in front of a 7 8 year old kid.
Announcement Read 37 more chapters on my patreon