Chapter 39: Eliminating Evil and Punishing Wickedness, The Golden Belt
An abandoned slaughterhouse.
Haruko walked out of the gate with a bundle on his back, the heavy weight making him feel quite pleasant.
"Ah, how annoying. I haven't finished spending the last sum, and now I've earned another. Plus, this source is clean, which means I can rest easy spending the previous one too."
This group of Evil God Cult members really had saved up quite a lot; it was likely property "voluntarily" donated by the members.
Haruko took all the large banknotes and jewelry, leaving the remaining small change, food, and daily necessities for the street urchins.
As for whether the Evil God Cult members had any objections?
Well, the grass and trees here will surely grow lush next year.
Haruko glanced behind him.
Since leaving, Tayuya had been following right behind Haruko, not saying a word, just keeping her head down the whole way.
"Where are your lackeys?"
"They dispersed. There weren't many left anyway, and the supplies you left behind were enough for a long time, so I just let them go."
"And what about you?"
"I... I still owe you a debt that hasn't been repaid..."
"Heh, no need, I was just teasing you."
"I can help you do many things! I can fight well, and I'm durable. I'm not afraid of dirty or tiring work. Plus, I know many street skills! I..."
Having struggled on the streets for many years, she had seen some so-called "experts," but compared to them, Haruko was on a completely different level.
When she hid in the corner of the slaughterhouse watching Haruko cut through enemies like vegetables, this power transformed into a sense of security, branded into her mind.
Coupled with his pragmatic style of only taking what was needed afterward and nothing else, Tayuya was convinced that Haruko was someone worth following.
Haruko stopped, turned around, and re-examined this pink-haired loli, recalling her information.
As an "Orochimaru Select," 14-year-old Tayuya had 49 points in the eight attributes, and her Ninja talent could be called the ceiling for commoners.
She was proficient in Genjutsu, Summoning Jutsu, Barrier Ninjutsu, and had the aptitude for Natural Energy to open the second stage of the Cursed Seal.
"Barrier Ninjutsu... I'll take her back to set up a barrier for the Ramen Shop..."
More importantly, one could count on her loyalty.
Even when her lackeys betrayed her, she still loyally went to rescue them, and after "pushing" the trouble onto herself, she returned.
In the original work, she never betrayed Orochimaru no matter how he messed with her.
Looking into those eyes that were always fierce, now filled only with determination, Haruko had made his decision.
"I still prefer the way you looked before, untamed and rebellious. Why don't you go back to that?"
The unexpected response left Tayuya completely stunned, and the emotions she had just built up were shattered into pieces.
"Pfft... Alright, go take a bath first. Look at you, you're as dirty as a mud monkey. What, does the grime keep you warm?"
"Tomorrow morning, I'll take you to buy some new clothes, then you'll come home with me."
Haruko turned and returned to the hotel, and Tayuya hurriedly followed.
"Yes! Boss!"
"My name is Haruko. You can call me Brother Haruko."
"Okay, Big Brother!"
"Ha... forget it, Big Brother is fine."
A cleaned-up Tayuya was as cute as a porcelain doll.
Although her skin was a bit rough from years of exposure to the wind and sun, she was a genuine beauty—
"Three thousand ryo?! Why don't you just go rob someone? Is this rag trimmed with gold? Huh?!"
— — It was a pity she had a mouth.
In the clothing store, Tayuya glared fiercely at the clerk, like a wolf ready to pounce at any moment.
Haruko raised his hand and flicked her on the forehead.
"Stop yelling, prices in this resort area are just like this. We still have to travel, that outfit is sturdy, go change into it quickly."
He pointed to the dark-colored casual outfit next to him that looked the most pleasing, pulled out a stack of banknotes, and threw them on the counter.
"Trouble you to pick out a pair of comfortable shoes for her, keep the change."
"Big Brother, why don't we not buy it? I can just wear these," Tayuya said, rubbing the spot where she was flicked, her eyes watering.
"Buy it! If you talk nonsense again, I'll throw you back. Now, immediately, go change for me!"
While Tayuya was changing clothes, Haruko went to a nearby souvenir shop to buy some gifts.
Although he knew they were expensive and useless, since he was out, he had to bring something back for Ayame and the others; anyway, he had earned quite a bit this time.
The two walked on the main road.
"Big Brother, where are we going?"
"Land of Fire, Konoha Village."
"So Big Brother is a Ninja from Konoha. That's great, Konoha Village is the head of the Five Great Ninja Villages."
"Heh, don't have such high expectations. Although the material conditions might be better, every Ninja village is the same. Let me tell you..."
The two chatted idly like this.
In the evening, they arrived at the Fire Temple.
"Hmm, let's stay here for the night. Watch your mouth, otherwise, if the monks beat you, don't blame me for not warning you."
After instructing Tayuya, Haruko knocked on the gate.
The monk guarding the door recognized Haruko and enthusiastically led the two into the meditation room.
"Benefactor Haruko, hope you have been well."
Jiraiya pressed his palms together to bow, but his eyes widened slightly when he saw the two.
As one of the former Twelve Guardian Ninja, he was extremely sensitive to killing intent. Both the big one and the small one carried the lingering scent of blood.
Especially the little girl; the fierce glint in her eyes could not be hidden.
Haruko bowed slightly: "Master Jiraiya, sorry to disturb you for another night."
Inside the meditation room, the fragrance of tea wafted in the air.
Jiraiya asked pointedly: "Benefactor Haruko, did you encounter trouble on this trip?"
"Sigh, don't mention it. I ran into a bunch of Evil God Cult lunatics who were sacrificing living people for some kind of immortality, so I took them down."
Although Haruko said it lightly, the scent of blood on him proved that it must have been a bloody affair behind it.
"Amitabha. Falling into madness for the sake of illusory immortality harms others and oneself. Being liquidated is also self-inflicted, Benefactor need not take it to heart."
"Thank you for your concern, Master, I'm fine. However, those guys were indeed a bit wicked."
Haruko explained to Jiraiya in detail the effects and activation conditions of the Curse Technique: Death Controlling Possessed Blood, as well as the powerful vitality of the cultists.
"I hope this can prevent him from being killed by the Immortal Duo for bounty money."
Jiraiya's expression became solemn.
The Ninja World is vast and full of wonders; killing through curses via a medium is not without precedent.
If the opponent's ability was truly as Haruko described, then for a monk who relies primarily on Taijutsu for close combat, it would be a nightmarish opponent.
"Amitabha, thank you for the reminder, Benefactor. This monk will record it and send letters to temples everywhere to be on the lookout."
Jiraiya bowed solemnly, then seemed to remember something: "By the way, two days ago, some benefactors claiming to be from the " Taketori Clan " visited and asked this monk about your whereabouts."
"Taketori?"
"Yes. This monk claimed that Benefactor had gone on a wandering journey and did not tell them your whereabouts."
"Thank you, Master." Haruko's mouth twitched.
"They really are like ghosts that won't go away..."
It seems these guys really lost track of him, so they could only start searching from the surrounding areas.
Although Jiraiya didn't tell them his whereabouts, the fact that he "came here" was also a clue.
"Must hurry back to Konoha."
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