A moment later...
Hidan came out of the room, both fists clenched, teeth chattering!
"Bastard, bastard, bastard!"
"Just 'Divine Punishment' alone, Hidan-sama doesn't need others to interfere."
"Really annoying!"
On the other side, when Hidan returned full of anger, a smile suddenly appeared on Shinji's bowed face.
Because just now, a system notification appeared.
The bond value between him and Hidan suddenly increased by 80 points!
Added to the 20 points obtained from the previous hot spring mission, just in about ten days, he had completed the target mission from a month ago.
This showed he was increasingly proficient in controlling Hidan.
His effort being pierced with eighteen blood holes in front of so many people wasn't in vain!
And just before Hidan's arrival, he had 'died' once again, getting an evaluation of 'death level less interesting', which caused a slight increase in his Chakra, Willpower, and Physical Quality.
This made him unable to hold back from complaining, what exactly was a death considered 'interesting'?!
Was a head exploding into colorful fireworks considered interesting, or only a meaningful death called interesting?
Really didn't understand!
'Divine Punishment', which supposedly never left survivors, had been violated. Shinji became the first person to receive 'Divine Punishment' and survive.
Of course, no need to be surprised. After all, it was just piercing a dozen holes and draining a little blood, immortality wasn't that weak.
So, many people didn't care. The Jashin Cult's internal activities returned to normal.
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During the following period, Hidan no longer looked for trouble with Shinji. Instead, he began honing taijutsu (physical techniques) in a way unlike Hidan.
Clearly, he didn't give up just like that, but was preparing to increase his strength before returning to demand revenge on Shinji!
Seeing Hidan's change, Takihata and others were secretly very happy.
Initially, they had already started considering whether to separate Hidan and Shinji's development, but unexpectedly, there was such an unexpected surprise. Truly Jashin's protection!
Soon, large amounts of resources began to be allocated for Hidan and Shinji.
After all, Takihata knew very well in his heart, although the Jashin Cult he founded was developing rapidly, it was only capable of oppressing small countries.
If it had to face them seriously, the Five Great Nations only needed to move a finger to easily destroy them!
That's why he chose to isolate himself and never dared to provoke the Five Great Nations.
But the appearance of Hidan and Shinji gave him new hope!
The combination of two immortals, plus two strong Curse Techniques, Death Controlling Possessed Blood and Blood Manipulation, once both of them grew, they definitely wouldn't lose to any Kage!
And only by having Kage as leaders, the Jashin Cult could truly grow and become a force that couldn't be ignored in the Ninja World!
It must be admitted, Takihata's ambition was very large, and his calculations were very good.
It's just, plans might never keep up with the speed of change.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Shinji, how long have you been here?"
After cooperating to take one more tube of blood as experimental material, Shinji was slightly surprised hearing that question, then thought for a moment, "Maybe... three months."
Takihata who pretended not to know, nodded slowly, "Since you've joined us for three months, hmm... now there's a mission I'll entrust to you."
Shinji was surprised for a moment, then forced himself to be calm.
Was he really already trusted, or was this just a test?
However, after thinking about it again, he suddenly felt he didn't care.
After all, he wasn't ready to jump from this Jashin Cult's small boat. Even if he had to go, it had to be done after all existing value was squeezed dry.
So, regardless of whether the other party already had initial trust in him or was testing him, he didn't need to be afraid, just be himself.
Thinking this, Shinji directly said, "Everything is up to Takihata-sama. I'm willing to dedicate everything, including my life, for Jashin!"
Takihata looked very satisfied with Shinji's loyalty. His smile became increasingly friendly.
"You and Hidan are the future of the Jashin Cult. Later, there will be a heavier burden that you'll carry, so don't easily think of serving Jashin. I and all the followers have long awaited that day, now it's not your turn."
"Yes, Takihata-sama. Shinji was presumptuous."
(What madman wants to serve Jashin!)
(I'll hand over this honor to you, hurry up and go with those followers to meet Jashin!)
Shinji was respectful on the outside, but in his heart he complained greatly.
After patting Shinji's shoulder, Takihata continued, "Actually this isn't a difficult mission. There's a wealthy person in the Land of Waves who secretly funds us. Lately he's got problems, and he needs our help to solve them."
"We've seen firsthand your and Hidan's efforts training diligently. But to increase strength quickly, hiding here and training alone won't work."
"Only through enough battles and blood tests, can you grow into independent tough fighters!"
"So, for this mission, I've decided to only send you and Hidan. I hope you both won't disappoint me."
Seeing the friendly smile on Takihata's face, Shinji answered seriously, while feeling confused in his heart.
(Fool a ghost! I don't believe you don't have other hidden arrangements!)
(Otherwise, how big is your head, daring to let me and Hidan go out together to complete a mission.)
(If we really die outside, or run away, you probably have no place to cry. Tch!)
And also...
Who wants to go on a mission with Hidan!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
"Who wants to go on a mission with that bastard!"
Hidan also received the mission from the Sect Leader, unwillingly shouted in his heart.
However, because this was Takihata's decision as Sect Leader, of course it wouldn't be changed just because of their personal preferences.
Moreover, according to Takihata, the conflict between Hidan and Shinji was entirely due to childish attitudes and mutual dislike.
As long as they experienced more things together, their relationship would definitely improve.
Just like last time, who would have thought Shinji would voluntarily plead for mercy for Hidan, even willing to accept punishment in his place.
Who would have thought, Hidan, without knowing all that, almost beat to death a cult follower who badmouthed Shinji behind his back just because he wanted to defend Shinji.
Therefore, Takihata was sure his arrangement was correct!
Immortality wasn't impossible to break, but if two immortals with strong Curse Techniques, Death Controlling Possessed Blood and Blood Manipulation, worked together as a pair, the 1+1 effect would definitely be far greater than 2!
And to make Shinji and Hidan become a true pair, they had to start fighting and killing together now, to cultivate that cohesion and bond!