His words were just a whisper, so the people below couldn't hear them.
"Ninja-sama...your body..."
Princess Tamahime gasped in terror, almost thinking she was already doomed.
Having narrowly escaped death, she saw the young man standing desperately in front of her, using his body of flesh and blood to block all attacks. Even his beautiful face showed deep concern, and a flicker of heartache flashed in his eyes.
Why would Ninja-sama go to such lengths?
As a mere decoration, she clearly understood her worth.
A person like her wasn't worth someone risking their life to save.
So, in such a situation, even if Akakage left her, she would not resent him. No, there would be no reason to resent him.
As merchandise, if she wasn't aware of this, it would be very difficult to survive under the Daimyo's protection.
Having grown accustomed to enduring with resignation, any resistance would be futile.
It was precisely for this reason that Akakage's determination to protect her at all costs left Princess Tamahime very puzzled.
No matter how dutiful one is, life is not something that should be easily discarded.
Sometimes, giving up is the best choice.
What exactly is the existence of a ninja? Once again, Princess Tamahime felt confused about the role of a ninja.
Akakage panted heavily, trying to lower his voice so the enemy wouldn't see him as a spent force.
To say he was careless wasn't entirely accurate.
Because he never expected the enemy to place an Explosive Tag on someone as important as Tamahime—the 'merchandise.'
This didn't fit the definition of a Bounty Hunter at all.
In that instant, Akakage looked up at the black-clothed ninja in the sky, biting his teeth in agony.
He understood suddenly.
The enemy's target from the beginning wasn't Princess Tamahime but him, the Guard!
He had been outmaneuvered.
Princess Tamahime was only bait to lure him in.
If the target was Princess Tamahime, placing an Explosive Tag would have been excessive.
If the target was him, then achieving such an outcome was different.
The opponent was not a Bounty Hunter at all.
From the start, both he and Ushi's guesses were wrong.
"Such resilience, yet your future ends here."
The black-clothed ninja spoke with a tone of lament for wasted talent.
Such a respectable genius of a ninja dying here was truly a pity.
But the ninja world is cruel like this.
Mutual slaughter is also the norm.
Whether the methods are despicable or not doesn't matter; what matters is winning.
"Not necessarily."
Even though he knew he was in an extremely disadvantageous position, Akakage had no intention of conceding defeat.
"Ninja-sama..."
Before Princess Tamahime could finish speaking, Akakage had already swiftly turned around, wrapping his left arm around her soft body.
"Ah!"
Akakage's action naturally made Tamahime instinctively let out a sound, her face turning red.
Even though she had been in close contact with Akakage before, this was the first time she was held in such an ambiguous position.
For an innocent princess, it was no less stimulating than a first time, making all her nerves sensitive.
"Rest assured, you are important to me. I will protect you with my life."
The firm words sounded in Princess Tamahime's ear, and her body trembled slightly.
The wind stirred the flames, red sparks flying through the air.
Staring at Akakage's young yet resolute and composed face, Princess Tamahime felt she had never been so captivated by a man before.
Involuntarily, she reached out with both hands, clasping Akakage's neck tightly.
"I believe in you, Ninja-sama."
"?"
What strange thoughts is this brainless princess entertaining again?
Inexplicable.
However, something was pressing against his chest, making his breathing somewhat uncomfortable.
Women always grow useless fat in such boring places.
But, saying he would protect this troublesome princess wasn't a lie.
Because if he were to fall here, unable to protect even a useless princess, how could he ever become the shadow behind that person, clearing all obstacles from his path?
Everything he did was for that person alone.