Chapter 47 - Chapter 47: How Much Is Dignity Worth?

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⏰ Resets Monday!

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The forest night was silent, broken only by the crackling of a campfire.

Hizashi sat primly on a small stool brought out by one of his guards, with Killer Bee and Yugito flanking him, never straying more than a few steps away. The accompanying chef had already begun simmering soup, its aroma slowly filling the clearing.

Killer Bee chewed on a bland soldier pill, his eyes wandering restlessly behind his sunglasses.

"Master Shinobi, won't you eat something warm?" Hizashi glanced at the soldier pill in Killer Bee's hand, his expression puzzled.

"Ah!"

Killer Bee figured a princess like her had probably never seen soldier rations before.

"Yo! This thing tastes like crap! Hard pass!"

Hizashi's lips curved into a small smile. "If you don't want it, then please join us for the meal later, Master Shinobi."

"Yo! OK! OK!"

The excitement in Killer Bee's eyes was visible even behind his shades.

Yugito, her long braid resting on her chest, glanced at Hizashi and muttered, "Calling us 'Master Shinobi' is way too polite."

Escort missions used to be their least favorite. Nobility were the worst—stuck-up, arrogant, looking down on everyone. Annoying as hell.

This princess was… different.

"Is it?" Hizashi replied. "But you all call me 'Your Highness.'"

"Not the same," Yugito countered. "You are a princess. No one's ever called us 'Master Shinobi' before."

Shinobi were the peak combatants of this world, yet they always felt subordinate. Even regular civilians could treat them with blatant arrogance.

"In that case, let's just use our names." Hizashi's eyes held a hint of envy. "Actually… I really envy shinobi."

"Huh?"

Before they could process the first statement, Killer Bee and Yugito were stunned by the second.

"Envy?"

"You're joking, right?"

Yugito stared at Hizashi, bewildered.

"Shinobi are so free. You can go wherever you want… Not like me…" Hizashi allowed a sliver of vulnerability to show.

[Ding! Favorability with Target: Killer Bee +25!]

[Ding! Favorability with Target: Yugito +10!]

"Being a shinobi isn't as great as you think," Yugito, being younger, instantly opened up. "We fight wars. We could die at any moment."

"But you can decide your own fate!" Hizashi said with intense sincerity. "If I could have that freedom, I'd pay any price. And…"

He lowered his gaze to the fire, tears welling in his eyes.

"You… what's wrong?" Yugito was flustered.

"I… I'm to be married."

Hizashi mentally coached himself. Just acting. Don't take it personally.

"My father arranged a political marriage with a neighboring country. Once the war ends, I'll be sent away."

"What?!"

Killer Bee was tearing into a rabbit leg handed to him by a guard. He stared at Hizashi in shock. "You look tiny…"

You're the tiny one! Bet I'm bigger than you!

Hizashi's expression darkened for a split second before he smoothed it over. "I'm like a caged songbird. Desperately longing for freedom."

Yugito, being a woman, felt an immediate surge of empathy. She let out a deep sigh.

[Ding! Favorability with Target: Yugito +30!]

"My apologies. That was… undignified." Hizashi wiped the tear from the corner of his eye, addressing both Yugito and Killer Bee.

Yugito shook her head. She just felt so sorry for this princess. Compared to her, being a shinobi really was better.

"Your Highness, your meal is ready."

A guard carried over a small table, placing it before Hizashi. The dishes were exquisite, the portions minuscule. Hizashi doubted they'd fill a single tooth gap.

He picked up his silver chopsticks.

Before they touched the food—

SHING!

A blade of wind flashed past his cheek.

A single, silvery strand of hair drifted softly into his bowl.

Yugito and Killer Bee exploded into motion.

Enemy attack.

The journey to Kumogakure was long. Of course it wasn't without danger. Especially during wartime, with rogue shinobi and bandits everywhere. Hizashi's entourage practically screamed wealth. They were a golden beacon.

Even with the shinobi headbands visible, some were still willing to risk it all.

Fortune favors the bold.

"Princess, be careful!"

Troy's figure appeared on Hizashi's other side. The three shinobi formed a protective triangle around him.

More figures emerged from the woods, surrounding the party from all sides.

Hizashi remained utterly calm.

He trusted the power of the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki.

Just as expected—like newbie players running into the final boss on the first level—the skirmish was over in half an hour.

Hizashi looked at the wounded guards, his face a mask of pity.

"You… should all return."

He hesitated a long moment before saying it.

"Your Highness!"

The lead guard captain, covered in wounds, panicked.

"If you stay with me, you're not only in danger, but you'll slow our progress. Please, go back." Hizashi sighed.

The guard captain wavered. He'd never met this princess before. Never even heard the Daimyō had a daughter. But the Daimyō's attitude was proof enough.

Escorting a princess to Kumogakure was far more dangerous than staying by the Daimyō's side. He wasn't keen on it either.

"Go. If my father asks, tell him it was my command." Hizashi's tone was firm.

"This…"

"Go! That's an order!" Hizashi's voice held a hint of steel.

"…Yes."

The guards exchanged glances. They packed up swiftly and began their retreat.

Yugito watched it all. She walked over to Hizashi. "You were worried they'd get hurt if they stayed, weren't you?"

Hizashi smiled but said nothing.

[Ding! Favorability with Target: Yugito +40!]

"Traveling alone with us… it'll be hard," Yugito stated bluntly.

"It's fine. Don't underestimate me." Hizashi offered a bright smile.

Remembering the princess's desire to be a shinobi, Yugito smiled back.

Hizashi had successfully secured his alone time with Killer Bee and the others.

Because of his status, they were extremely accommodating on the journey. Yugito even got the idea to teach him some ninjutsu.

"Yugito." Troy spoke softly, a warning in her eyes.

Yugito pouted. "I know."

Hizashi's identity was ultimately different from theirs.

"But I can teach him shurikenjutsu, right?" Yugito excitedly pulled out a handful of shuriken.

Killer Bee perked up, watching with interest.

Hizashi blinked, taking the familiar weapon.

Under Yugito's expectant gaze, Hizashi threw.

It missed the target completely.

"Uh… it's fine! First time! Totally normal!" Yugito comforted herself. The princess was new to this.

Troy, who had been observing Hizashi closely, watched the scene. The last trace of suspicion in her mind vanished. If he were a shinobi, he'd be used to shuriken. You couldn't fake a reaction like that.

"…"

And so, accompanied by Yugito and Killer Bee's lively chatter, they finally arrived at Kumogakure.

Kumogakure was shrouded in mist. Buildings appeared and disappeared within the clouds, as if the village was built upon them. Kumogakure was impressive. Its main gates rose from the earth, stabbing into the sky.

The gate guards spotted Killer Bee's group and bowed respectfully.

"Yo! Home sweet home!" Killer Bee stretched.

He took a step forward—and was blocked.

"Huh?" Killer Bee frowned.

"Lord Killer Bee…" The guard on the left glanced subtly at Hizashi. The message was clear: a stranger couldn't enter without being screened.

"You suspect someone we brought back? And she's a princess! Can a princess even be screened?" Yugito, her relationship with Hizashi strengthened over the journey, scowled and snapped.

The guard gulped. He hadn't expected to anger Yugito. His head shook like a rattle drum. "N-no! Of course not! My mistake!"

"Hmph!" Yugito lifted her chin, satisfied.

Hizashi stopped walking.

"What's wrong?" Yugito looked at him, puzzled.

"Yugito, it's okay. I'll go through the screening." Hizashi was the picture of understanding. "It's wartime. I get it."

After traveling together, Killer Bee and the others had a sense of Hizashi's personality: kind, gentle, considerate, never wanting to cause trouble.

"No need. Let's go." Seeing Hizashi nervously fidget with the hem of his kimono, Troy's expression softened a little.

Troy was the weakest among them in terms of raw power, but she held the most authority. The other two were… somewhat unreliable.

Seeing Troy's stance, the gate guards quickly retreated to their posts.

Hizashi, arm-in-arm with an enthusiastic Yugito, entered Kumogakure openly.

He made no attempt to hide his "country bumpkin" awe. He stared, amazed, at the shinobi leaping between rooftops and through the clouds.

"Haha, surprised, Princess?" Yugito found this version of the princess adorable and couldn't resist teasing.

Hizashi blushed slightly and nodded. "They're so amazing."

Yugito almost scoffed. Amazing? Even a Genin can do that. But remembering Hizashi's background, she swallowed her words.

As they walked, Hizashi noted one undeniable fact: Kumogakure really was a village that worshipped strength. Everyone had dark skin, toned muscles, legs for days—a picture of healthy vigor. Hizashi thought if Kumogakure ever started a fitness and beauty business, they'd make a killing across the shinobi world.

The Raikage Building hung suspended in mid-air like a futuristic placenta, its design screaming high-tech. Watching the anime, Hizashi always thought the Raikage was a smart guy. While others played with ninjutsu, he was tinkering with tech. In any world, technology was the primary productive force.

The Land of Grass Daimyō's request wasn't just escort; it included finding Hizashi a safe, luxurious residence. For that, Killer Bee felt he needed to ask his brother.

Hizashi followed them.

He trailed obediently behind Killer Bee and Yugito, his eyes carefully, politely taking in his surroundings.

Not bad.

This Raikage's office…

"Yo! Guess who~?"

Killer Bee kicked the door open, a massive pink octopus tentacle blocking the view.

"…"

Hizashi didn't know what expression the Raikage was making, but he himself felt a complex mix of emotions.

"BEE!"

A thunderous crash.

The Third Raikage's desk was now kindling.

Killer Bee grinned sheepishly and retracted the tentacle.

With the pink obstruction gone, Hizashi got his first clear look at the Third Raikage. Thick beard, bulging muscles, and two massive, drooping black eye bags hanging under his eyes.

Hizashi understood. His son, the future Fourth, was out there fighting. He had to hold down the fort. Exhaustion was a given.

"This is the Land of Grass princess. The mission target. Figure out where to put her!" Killer Bee tossed the mission scroll onto the Raikage's… floor.

"Hmph."

The Third Raikage's eyes scanned Hizashi like laser beams, sharp and assessing.

Hizashi flinched, then forced himself to meet the Raikage's gaze. This was the normal reaction for a small-country princess facing the Raikage.

The Raikage's eyes shifted away indifferently. He opened the scroll, which detailed the Land of Grass Daimyō's demands.

"'Absolute safety'… 'Elite shinobi personal guard'… 'Luxurious residence'… 'Personal attendants on hand'…"

Three minutes later, the Third Raikage finally finished reading the list.

BANG!

Another crash.

The newly replaced desk became a pile of splinters.

"BAKA!" The Third Raikage roared.

He was the Raikage, not some babysitter for nobility!

The veins on his hand holding the scroll bulged.

"Lord Raikage, please calm down," Troy said with practiced calm.

"DAMN IT!" the Raikage bellowed. "HOW CAN I BE CALM?!"

"There's only one place that meets all these demands!" His furious voice continued. "MY HOUSE! MY. HOUSE!"

Hizashi discreetly rubbed his ear, which was ringing. Did this guy eat gunpowder for breakfast?

"Princess, don't be scared," Yugito whispered awkwardly to Hizashi. "Lord Raikage… he's just… rough! Used to being loud!"

"Hm." Hizashi nodded with equal difficulty.

Poor Yugito, having to explain this.

"I'M NOT DOING THIS MISSION!" The Third Raikage hurled the scroll. A gust of wind brushed Hizashi's ear. He slowly turned his head.

The scroll was embedded deep in the wall.

Troy was silent for a second. Then, slowly, she spoke. "The mission reward offered by the Land of Grass Daimyō is…"

She leaned close to the Raikage's ear and whispered a number.

Silence filled the office.

It stretched for a full ten minutes.

Then, the Third Raikage walked over and pried the scroll from the wall.

"Fine! The damn princess can stay with ME!"

"Absolute safety! Personal protection!"

"If she loses a single hair, you can have MY HEAD!"

The Third Raikage thumped his chest.

He didn't want to lose his dignity like this.

But the Land of Grass Daimyō was offering way too much.

Right now, Kumogakure was fighting on three fronts. Resources were stretched thin. What the Daimyō offered was a lifeline.

For that? He'd protect a princess himself. He'd make Killer Bee serve her. He'd make his own son carry her palanquin. He'd agree to anything!

"…"

Once again today, Killer Bee was moved by the profound bond between himself and the Third Raikage.

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