Chapter 69: The Private Chariot
Knock, knock, knock.
Kael reached the second floor and tapped lightly on the door. A moment later, an aged voice called from within.
"Come in."
He gently pushed the door open and walked inside. A wave of warm air, mixed with the faint smell of coal, washed over him. He paused, then turned and pulled the door shut.
It was already March, and the winter chill had mostly receded, but a fire was still burning in the room. The small, frail old man, Jade, was sitting cross-legged by the stove, watching him with a smile.
"Finished your business?"
"Yes," Kael nodded simply and sat down cross-legged opposite him.
Seeing Kael make himself at home, Jade felt a strange, indescribable feeling. He had lived for many, many years, but he had truly never met anyone quite like Kael. He was bold yet meticulous, mature beyond his years, and kind-hearted, but also... somewhat lacking in basic etiquette.
He didn't know that this was typical of a young person from the 21st century. Politeness was reserved for strangers; with those they felt close to, they dropped all pretense. Kael was just one small example.
But this very familiarity, this lack of pretense, made Jade feel a genuine sense of closeness to him.
"Lord Leader, how is your health?" Kael asked, a trace of real concern in his eyes.
"Not bad. I can still hang on for a few more years," Jade chuckled.
"Doesn't that mean I'll have to wait several more years, then?"
Jade: "..."
He froze, then shook his head, exasperated. "You brat. Isn't it enough for you to trade barbs with Watanabe and Rino all day? Now you're coming here to poke fun at an old man like me..."
Despite his words, his tone was fond, and he clearly wasn't offended by Kael's impertinence.
"Hehehe, I'm kidding. You're still strong and healthy, old man. Besides, I'm not actually sure I want to be the Leader of the Hidden Hot Water Village."
This, at least, was true. Kael had no great desire to take the position. Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. The position looked glorious, but it came with immense responsibility. For someone like Kael, who cherished his freedom, it was a heavy psychological burden.
But he had been in this world for a while and had received a great deal of kindness from the village's shinobi. He believed in repaying his debts. And he did, in fact, want to write his own legend in this world. The Hidden Hot Water Village might be small, but it was an excellent starting point.
So, every time he saw this fading old man looking at him with such high expectations, Kael felt a complicated mix of emotions.
And how could Jade, with his decades of wisdom, not see this?
"Kael, don't feel burdened. As long as the foundation of the Hidden Hot Water survives in your hands, you will have done right by me, and you will have honored the trust the village has placed in you."
Kael nodded silently.
Jade smiled faintly and changed the subject. "Most of the village's shinobi are still out on missions. The formation of the new ANBU squad will likely be delayed for another day or two. I'll send someone to notify you when we're ready."
Kael nodded, then remembered something. The free house the village had assigned him when he first arrived was now a pile of rubble. He had nowhere to live.
A look of embarrassment crossed his face. "Lord Leader," he began awkwardly, "my house... one of my summons accidentally... destroyed it."
Jade stared at him, then burst out laughing. "I knew it! You never come to see me unless you want something. Last time, you took my entire collection of chakra metal. This time, you're here for a house. What's next? Are you planning to empty out all my savings, too?"
Kael looked away, uncomfortable. "Well, I can't help it," he mumbled. "I have no family or relatives in this world. Who else can I turn to but you?"
"Now, listen to yourself..." A wave of pity washed over Jade. He felt a deep sense of guilt for this young man whose parents and entire village had been brutally massacred by the Jashinists. It was a failing of the Hidden Hot Water, his failing.
Jade shifted, making to stand up. Kael immediately moved to help him to his feet.
Jade looked at Kael, a hint of deep gratification in his eyes. You can judge a person's character by the small details. This time, I know I haven't misjudged him...
He smiled at Kael. "Come on. Watanabe told me about a summon of yours that even he is wary of. I'm quite curious to see it myself."
"Huh? Oh, right." Kael paused, then understood. He supported the old man as they slowly walked out of the room.
"Lord Leader, where are you going?"
Saburo, the guard downstairs, quickly stepped forward as Jade descended the stairs.
"It's alright, Saburo. I'm just going for a walk with the kid. No need to follow," Jade said warmly.
"But... yes, sir." Saburo hesitated, then glanced at Kael before nodding in acceptance. He had heard all about this young genius, the one who had become famous during the Jashinist extermination. He had also been by Lord Jade's side long enough to see the signs... the Leader was already paving the way for this young man.
"Let's go," Jade said to Kael.
"One moment, sir. I'll call your private transport." Kael had no intention of walking slowly with him. For one, it was too slow. For two, he couldn't deny a childish urge to show off, to prove to the old man that his trust was not misplaced.
His summons were only a few miles away, well within range of his mental commands.
Ten seconds later.
BOOM!
A fierce gale suddenly tore through the air, so strong that the frail old man nearly lost his footing. The Thunder-Wind Eagle landed gracefully outside the courtyard, its body crackling with wind and lightning, its head held high.
"Chirp! —Seriously? It's a two-step walk, and you still had to call me? I know what you're doing... Pretty cool entrance, right? Making you look good!"
SMACK!
Kael leaped up and punched the eagle in the knee. "Get your head out of your ass!" he snapped, his face dark. "Why are you so tall? Get down!"
"Chirp... okay..." the eagle cried pitifully. It bent its legs, its massive ten-meter-tall body descending like a collapsing mountain.
Kael turned to Jade with a grin. "Your chariot awaits, sir."
"This... this is that goshawk from before?" Jade asked, stunned, his eyes glued to the Thunder-Wind Eagle. He rubbed his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing. Just from the chakra waves rolling off the creature, he felt an intense sense of danger.
Even at my full strength, I doubt I would be a match for this eagle... he thought, completely shocked. He had no idea Kael had secretly reached this level of power.
"Hehe..." Kael just scratched his head, his grin widening. He put his hands on Jade's shoulders and, with a push of his legs, leaped with the old man onto the eagle's broad back.
"Hold on tight!"
With that, Kael turned and shot a glare at the Thunder-Wind Eagle.
"And drive slowly!"