An abandoned slaughterhouse.
Ruichi walked out through the gates with a bundle slung over his back. The solid weight pressing against his shoulders put him in an unexpectedly good mood.
"Man, what a hassle. I haven't even finished spending the last batch, and now I've made another fortune. And this one's clean money too—means I can spend the earlier stash without any guilt."
The Evil God Cult had stockpiled a shocking amount of wealth—most likely "voluntary donations" from their believers.
Ruichi took all the large-denomination banknotes and valuables, leaving behind the remaining small change, food, and daily necessities for the street kids.
As for whether the cultists had any objections?
Well… next year, the grass and trees here would surely grow lush and green.
He glanced back over his shoulder.
Ever since they left the slaughterhouse, Tayuya had been following a step behind him in silence, head lowered the entire way.
"Where are your lackeys?" Ruichi asked casually.
"They dispersed," she replied. "There weren't many left to begin with. The supplies you left behind will last them a long time, so I let them go."
"And you?"
"I… I still owe you a debt. It hasn't been repaid yet."
"Heh. No need. I was just messing with you."
"I can do lots of things!" Tayuya blurted out anxiously. "I fight well, I'm tough, I'm not afraid of dirty or tiring work! I know all kinds of street tricks too! I—"
She had scraped by on the streets for years and had seen plenty of so-called "experts."
But compared to Ruichi, those people weren't even in the same league.
Watching from the shadows as he cut through enemies like harvesting vegetables, that overwhelming strength had transformed into a sense of security, burned deep into her mind.
And after that—taking only what he needed and leaving the rest behind—convinced her completely.
This was someone worth following.
Ruichi stopped, turned around, and studied the pink-haired girl again, recalling what he knew about her.
Tayuya—one of Orochimaru's future picks.
At fourteen, her overall stats were absurd for a civilian-born ninja. Exceptional talent, especially in genjutsu, summoning techniques, and barrier ninjutsu, with the potential to adapt to Natural Energy and even reach the second stage of the Cursed Seal.
Barrier ninjutsu… She'd be perfect for setting up a barrier around the ramen shop.
More importantly—
Her loyalty.
Even after being betrayed by her own subordinates, she still went back to save them. And in the original timeline, no matter how cruelly Orochimaru treated her, she never betrayed him.
Looking into those eyes—once feral and defiant, now filled only with determination—Ruichi made up his mind.
"I actually preferred how you looked before," he said lightly. "Wild. Rebellious. Why don't you go back to that?"
The unexpected answer completely stunned Tayuya. All the emotions she had worked up shattered in an instant.
"Pfft. Alright, go take a bath first. Look at you—you're dirtier than a mud monkey. What, does all that grime help keep you warm?"
"Tomorrow morning, I'll take you to buy some new clothes. After that, you're coming home with me."
Ruichi turned and headed back toward the inn. Tayuya hurriedly followed behind him.
"Yes! Boss!"
"My name's Ruichi. You can call me Brother Ruichi."
"Okay, Big Brother!"
"…Sigh. Fine. Big Brother it is."
After cleaning up, Tayuya looked like a porcelain doll.
Her skin was still a bit rough from years of exposure to the elements, but her looks were undeniably outstanding—
"Three thousand ryō?! Why don't you just rob someone outright?! Is this rag threaded with gold or something?!"
—what a shame about her mouth.
Inside the clothing shop, Tayuya glared fiercely at the clerk, like a wolf ready to pounce.
Ruichi flicked her forehead.
"Stop yelling. Prices are always like this in resort areas. We still have a journey ahead—those clothes are sturdy. Go change, now."
He pointed to a dark-colored, practical outfit nearby—the most pleasing one—and casually tossed a stack of banknotes onto the counter.
"Please pick out a pair of comfortable shoes for her. Keep the change."
"Big Brother, maybe we don't need to buy it…" Tayuya muttered, rubbing her forehead with watery eyes. "I can just wear what I've got."
"Buy it. If you keep talking nonsense, I'll throw you back where I found you. Go change. Now."
While Tayuya was changing, Ruichi stepped into a nearby souvenir shop and bought a few gifts.
He knew they were overpriced and mostly useless, but since he was already out, he might as well bring something back for Ayame and the others.
Besides—this trip had been very profitable.
The two walked along the main road together.
"Big Brother, where are we going?" Tayuya asked.
"The Land of Fire. To Konoha."
"So Big Brother is a ninja from Konoha? That's amazing! Konoha is the strongest of the Five Great Ninja Villages!"
"Heh. Don't get your hopes up. Life's a bit better there, sure—but every ninja village is basically the same. Let me tell you—"
They chatted idly as they traveled.
By evening, they arrived at Fire Temple.
"Let's stay here for the night. And watch your mouth—if the monks beat you up, don't say I didn't warn you."
After giving her that warning, Ruichi knocked on the gate.
The monk on duty recognized him immediately and warmly ushered them into the meditation hall.
"Benefactor Ruichi. It has been some time."
Chiriku pressed his palms together in greeting, but his eyes flickered with surprise as he looked at the two newcomers.
As a former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, he was extremely sensitive to killing intent.
Both of them—especially the girl—still carried the lingering stench of blood.
Ruichi inclined his head slightly. "Master Chiriku, sorry to trouble you again for the night."
Inside the meditation room, the fragrance of tea filled the air.
Chiriku asked gently, yet pointedly, "Benefactor Ruichi… did you encounter some trouble on your journey?"
"Sigh. Don't mention it. Ran into a bunch of Evil God cultists performing human sacrifices for some so-called immortality. I dealt with them."
Though Ruichi spoke casually, the scent of blood clinging to him told a far more violent story.
"Amitabha. Chasing illusory immortality through madness only brings harm to oneself and others. Their end was self-inflicted. Benefactor need not burden your heart."
"Thank you for your concern, Master. I'm fine. Still… their techniques were indeed troublesome."
Ruichi carefully explained the effects and activation conditions of the curse technique Death Controlling Possessed Blood, as well as the abnormal vitality of the cultists.
Hopefully this keeps him from getting killed later by the Immortal Duo over bounty money.
Chiriku's expression turned solemn.
The ninja world was vast, and curse techniques that killed through a medium were not unheard of.
If Ruichi's description was accurate, then for a monk who relied mainly on close-range taijutsu, such enemies would be nightmarish.
"Amitabha. Thank you for the warning, Benefactor. This monk will record it and send word to temples across the land."
He bowed deeply, then added, as if recalling something, "Ah, yes. Two days ago, some visitors claiming to be from the Taketori Clan came asking about your whereabouts."
"Taketori?" Ruichi repeated.
"Yes. This monk told them that you were traveling and did not disclose your location."
"Thank you, Master." Ruichi's lips twitched.
"Those people really are persistent…"
It seemed they had truly lost his trail and could only search outward from nearby regions.
Even if Chiriku hadn't revealed his location, the mere fact that he had passed through here was already a clue.
I need to get back to Konoha as soon as possible.
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