The land of Hot Spring was a nice and peaceful place. It was, in fact, a rather strange place overall; it was both rich and weak, something that should long since have fallen in this age of war and conquest.
Yet, time and time again, it was all but ignored. As if it wasn't a target anyone could take, which made no sense since everyone could, in fact, easily conquer it.
Though I was glad none had, it was a peaceful place, at least on the surface; underneath, it was cutthroat business.
Rivalries were fierce, and could even be deadly; the few missions on the black market were often about this, even some as simple as leaving bad reviews.
In the end, I had taken a handful of simple missions to fill my pockets a little, though I would need to hunt down a few large bounties to really make a difference.
The air here was thick with steam, the mineral scent of a thousand springs carried on the wind. It clung to the skin, soft and pleasant. I walked the road leading toward the capital—a narrow, winding path carved between green hills, lined with inns and bathhouses, each vying for attention with painted banners and beckoning attendants.
Merchants and travelers passed by, their chatter light, their spirits lifted by warmth and wealth. No one paid much attention to the blindfolded woman walking among them, though I could feel their gazes—curiosity, caution, and, from a few, admiration.
I paused at a crossroads where the stone path forked, one road leading toward the city proper, the other up into the mist-covered hills.
"Excuse me, miss?"
The voice was soft, polite, and unfamiliar. A young man—no more than twenty, by the sound of his breathing and heartbeat—had stepped closer. His chakra was steady, untrained but healthy. A civilian. "Are you lost? You look like you might be traveling alone, and, uh…" He hesitated, clearly unsure how to address a woman with a blindfold. "The paths up here can be tricky. The stones get slippery."
For a moment, I considered ignoring him. Then I smiled faintly, because why not accept his help? My Byakugan had already confirmed that he was just a civilian, he was no threat, just a kind stranger, maybe looking for a bit of a reward for helping me.
I didn't fault him for that; it spoke volumes of his moral standing that he didn't consider robbing me, seeing that I appeared blind. Countless others had tried to take advantage of me, and had paid the price.
"I'm not lost," I said simply. My tone was calm, measured. "I'm looking for a place called the Azure Serenity Pavilion. Do you know where it is?"
He blinked, clearly surprised. "The Azure Serenity Pavilion? That's—ah, yes, I know it. It's the most expensive resort in the region. Only nobles and foreign envoys stay there."
"That will do," I said. "Point me the way."
He hesitated, glancing at the road ahead, then back at me. "It's a long walk, miss, and the path isn't well-marked. I can guide you, if you'd like. Or there are places that offer transportation up there."
I gently shook my head, "I can walk just fine, yet it is true that I don't know the way. If you would be so kind as to guide me, I don't mind rewarding you." I finally offered.
His shoulders eased, and he smiled faintly, relieved to be of use. "Of course, miss. It's a beautiful place—you'll like it. The Pavilion sits above the third waterfall, just below the mountain ridge. They say the owner built it so the moonlight reflects off every pool."
"I've heard the same," I replied softly. "It will suffice."
We began to climb. The air grew warmer as we ascended, the scent of sulfur mingling with the blooming flowers, somewhat hiding the worst of the sulfur, although the abundance of hot springs around it was impossible to conceal entirely.
Despite being a young, healthy man, he kept a slow pace and mentioned how slippery the path was. Always as if he himself was slipping, at times I even caught him acting like it.
All so he could alert me, without having to point out what he was doing. Without pointing out that I was blind and needed help. I was honestly surprised that he had such tact.
Along the way, we passed by other establishments. Smaller ones, but they were clearly of a higher grade, likely all drawing on the same water source, a premium spring, for premium guests.
These had a noticeably higher number of shinobi and Kunoichi than the ones inside the city proper; clearly, they enjoyed being in a more open and private setting. Not that I would blame them, I too had chosen one out here.
As we reached the end of the road, a red torii gate greeted us, and beyond it the Resort rose like a palace, tall cedar halls painted white and blue, lanterns swinging in the wind. Everything was screaming high-class resort.
The young man stopped just before the gate, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, here we are, miss. The Azure Serenity Pavilion. The pride of the Land of Hot Spring. The attendants should come down to greet you soon, though…" he hesitated, lowering his voice, "most guests make reservations months in advance. But, well—someone like you shouldn't have trouble."
I could hear the nervous smile behind his words. He was being polite, but he clearly saw what I wanted him to see: nobility. My clothes made from the finest silks, and my hair perfect thanks to fancy ninjutsu.
"I thank you for your guidance," I said simply. I reached into my sleeve, retrieved a few crisp bills and handed them over, more than generous for a guide. "For your trouble."
His eyes widened. "Th–thank you, miss! I hope your stay is restful!" He bowed low, nearly tripping over himself as he backed away. I watched him disappear down the path, still looking over his shoulder as if afraid I would regret the generous reward.
The wind shifted, carrying the faint chime of bells. Beyond the gate, the Pavilion's attendants were already hurrying down the path to greet me.
"Welcome to the Azure Serenity Pavilion, honored guest," one of them said, bowing low. She was a graceful woman in white and blue silk, her hair pinned with silver combs shaped like lotus petals. "May we ask if you have a reservation?"
Without a word, I reached my hand back into my sleeve and withdrew a small paper slip. "Naturally," I said as I handed it over.
The attendant accepted the slip with both hands, bowing her head as she unfolded it. The delicate paper bore no clan symbol, no wax seal — just an elegant brushstroke of a crescent moon, a mark few would recognize but fewer still would dare question. Her eyes widened for the briefest moment before composure returned, her voice lowering into something almost reverent.
"Ah… I see. My sincerest apologies, honored guest. Please, allow us to escort you immediately."
I gave a faint nod. "That would be acceptable." Indeed, reserving through the Black Market had been the right choice. It meant I had both money and power, and would ensure I was given the best of the best.
Because it was one thing to slight a noble and risk getting fired, it was another thing to displease someone who worked through the shinobi black market, which meant getting killed then and there.
The path beyond the torii gate opened into the Pavilion's full splendor. Steam drifted lazily across a series of white stone terraces, each holding a spring-fed pool that reflected the sky like sheets of glass. Bridges of lacquered red curved between the pools, and soft bells chimed with every passing breeze.
"Your suite has been prepared at the Moon Petal Wing," the leading attendant said as we crossed a walkway lined with blooming hydrangea. "It is one of our most private lodgings, overlooking the waterfall. You will find it quite tranquil. Would you care for refreshment upon arrival? We can have tea and fruit sent ahead."
"Tea will suffice," I replied softly.
"Of course. We have a special blend from the southern provinces — scented with plum blossom. It is favored among nobility."
The Pavilion's architecture was breathtaking even through the mist of steam — each hall built from pale cedar polished until it gleamed, roofs curved like wings, and every wall paneled with translucent shōji screens that diffused the golden light within. Even the air hummed faintly with chakra — soft, passive wards woven into the foundation to regulate temperature and purity.
Whoever owned this place wasn't simply wealthy. They were powerful.
At last, we reached a high balcony overlooking the falls. The roar of water was soft here, distant — a lullaby beneath the sound of rustling trees. The suite's entrance was framed by white curtains embroidered with silver thread.
"Your private spring will be prepared immediately," said the attendant as she slid the door open. "If you require anything — food, massage, fresh clothing — simply ring the chime by the bed. Someone will attend to you instantly."
"Very well," I said, stepping inside.
The room was serene — tatami floors, a low table set beside a view of endless mist, a bed of silk cushions large enough for four. The faint fragrance of jasmine filled the air.
"Yes," the attendant said with a bow, "it is our honor to serve. The Pavilion values discretion above all else. No one will disturb you unless you call."
"Discretion," I murmured, removing my sandals and stepping onto the tatami. "A precious commodity these days."
Her bow deepened. "It is our way."
When she finally withdrew, I stood alone on the open balcony, the night air warm against my skin. The waterfall below shimmered in the fading light, and far above, the moon began its slow climb.
I took but a moment to admire the view before I disappeared from the room. Leaving it empty, without anyone knowing.
"Jiraiya of the Sannin," I said as I appeared behind the toad sage as he was busy spying on a bunch of women bathing.
"Yes, my Lady?" Jiraiya was quick to notice that the person who interrupted him was a smoking hot babe, one far better than the one he was currently spying on, so he had no problem changing his focus.
"I came here with a warning. I will be staying over at the Azure Serenity Pavilion, and I wish that you would stay away." I said, my voice a cold warning.
Jiraiya was clearly used to it, even if the chakra pressure I was letting off was one he had to take me seriously. "That's one expensive place to stay, how about we share a room? That way we can split the bill?" he asked, shooting his shot.
I slowly raised a hand, and a sharp bone spear slowly extended out from my smooth palm. "Stay away from there while I reside there… Or I will be stabbing this into your body, through entirely new holes."
Jiraiya froze mid-grin, the sight of the Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai and the lack of a Kirigakure forehead protector or any signs of me being an active shinobi was enough to give him real pause.
With the chakra pressure of a Clan lord, a Kage level shinobi and Shikotsumyaku, that was indeed something he had to take seriously, a real threat to his life. More so it was potentially a political headache.
Something he very much wanted to avoid at all costs.
"Alright, I won't go over there, but surely you won't stop me from doing research anywhere else?" he asked, clearly ready to argue his case.
"Whatever," I said, my words sounding the same moment I left in a body flicker, almost teleporting back to my room.
I had no intention of telling him not to spy on naked women, that was clearly something he couldn't stop doing, as long as he didn't watch me, I couldn't care less.
"Now then, time to relax a little," I whispered just as a gentle knock came on the door behind me.
"Excuse me miss, the tea is ready." Came the voice of a young attendant.
"Come in."
(End of chapter)
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