In a relatively clean guest room, Shinji sat on the bed, calmly watching the woman kneeling on the floor with lifeless eyes.
Neck, arms, hands, legs, feet...
Wait a minute!
What's with the bite marks on her feet under the ninja sandals?
Someone actually bit her feet? How perverse can they get?
All the visible skin was covered with various sizes of bite marks. This woman, who seemed only in her early twenties, looked as if she had aged over thirty-five, giving an impression of someone who had endured a lifetime of hardship.
Her eyes, devoid of any vitality, were a true reflection of inner despair. The faint, almost imperceptible glimmer of hope hidden within them was for her not-yet-one-year-old daughter.
Noticing the tall, handsome, and elegantly mannered young man staring at her exposed skin, the woman felt a deep sense of despair. She had already sacrificed her body's special abilities to stay in this village, and now they were after her body itself!
Forget it. Just think of it as another mosquito bite. After all, she was used to being bitten.
As she thought this, she forced a bitter smile and began to slowly lift her clothes. However, just as her shoulder, covered with bite marks, was exposed, the man spoke.
"Wait a moment. I'm not into that."
Surprised, the woman looked up at Shinji.
"I just want to ask you a few questions. First, do you know the whereabouts of the other Uzumaki clan members who escaped with you?"
Hearing this, the woman realized this man didn't want her body but wanted information about her clan. She sneered inwardly. He was just another person looking to exploit her people. Even if she knew, she wouldn't tell him!
"Never mind, I can see you don't know. Second question, your country is quite close to the Land of Fire, so why didn't you escape there to seek refuge in Konoha? Weren't they your allies?"
The woman's face changed slightly. She lowered her head and remained silent for a long time. She remembered hearing about the alliance with the Land of Fire from the elders. When Uzushio was attacked, she and her family had indeed thought about seeking Konoha's protection.
However...
Recalling the cold, unwelcoming border guards of Konoha who refused them without any consideration, she felt a pang of bitterness.
"I see, that makes sense. Third question, your clan specializes in sealing techniques. Wouldn't it have been easy to seal away your powerful chakra and hide in an ordinary village? Why choose to hide in ninja villages?"
The woman was stunned. She thought to herself, he's right. Why didn't they think of that? Living quietly in a normal village would have been better.
"I..." The woman shook her head gently and spoke for the first time, "The entire ninja world was hunting us. To survive, we could only escape to ninja villages because our pursuers didn't dare openly enter other villages."
"I see..." Shinji nodded, then began to think about what conditions he could offer to obtain her sealing techniques.
As Shinji pondered, he suddenly sensed someone approaching stealthily.
Realizing they were being listened to out of suspicion, Shinji spoke again, "You there, could you make some noises as if you're enjoying yourself?"
The woman, who already had a child, immediately understood what Shinji meant by "cooperate." A faint blush appeared on her haggard face.
...
The Grass ninja outside, satisfied with what he heard, left, convinced that this mysterious guest truly had peculiar tastes and no ulterior motives.
At the same time, Shinji, wiping sweat off his forehead, gestured to stop, "Alright, alright, that's enough. He's gone."
The woman stopped and lowered her head again, too embarrassed to look up. These young people nowadays...
"Do you want revenge?"
After a long thought, Shinji finally asked the woman.
The question startled her, but she shook her head gently.
For her, the only hope left was that her daughter would not suffer the same fate and could live a safe, healthy life. Revenge wouldn't bring back her family or the joyful village where she once felt safe.
"What if I promise to..."
Before Shinji could finish, the woman prostrated herself, her forehead touching the floor, tears in her eyes.
"Please, save my daughter..."
"Is that your wish?"
The woman wasn't stupid. After all these questions, she knew this man wasn't ordinary. He could do it. She stayed silent, her head bowed, silently pleading.
"Alright, in exchange for all the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques and secrets. Deal?"
"How did you know I know them?"
The woman was surprised. Even the people in this village didn't know she possessed such knowledge.
"Because you didn't deny it," Shinji shrugged, pointing to a blank scroll and pen on the table. "Start writing. Don't worry, I'm more trustworthy than your supposed allies in Konoha."
...
In the morning, Shinji, stretching and looking refreshed, stepped out of the inn. The Grass ninja who had arranged his stay greeted him with a smile.
"Did you have a good night, sir?"
Although he asked, the Grass ninja still thought this man had strange tastes.
"It was alright."
Shinji twisted his waist exaggeratedly, as if to show he was very satisfied, making the Grass ninja even more convinced of his peculiar tastes.
"Sir, could you reveal a bit of your esteemed identity? If you give me some hint, I can report to our leader and arrange even better services and treatment for you. I don't have the authority to do that without your permission."
"No need, no need. This level of hospitality is enough. Besides, my old man insisted I travel the ninja world incognito. If he finds out I received special treatment, I'd be in big trouble."
The Grass ninja was now sure this man was a high-ranking noble, probably the heir to a major nation's Daimyo.
"Public and private matters are separate. Rest assured, your visit to Grass Village will remain confidential. If word gets out, it will only be positive news! So, please, just a little hint about your..."
The more Shinji listened, the more he understood why so many unscrupulous people could live off flattery for so long. Compliments were indeed enticing.
"Alright, alright. If it gets out, I'll be in big trouble." Lowering his voice, Shinji took out two bulging pouches. "But I must say, I enjoyed the customs here. Accept these small gifts as a token of appreciation."
Seeing the pouches filled with small grains, the Grass ninja was puzzled. What use were small sacks of wheat and rice?
"Sir, this is...?"
"Nothing significant, just seeds of wheat and rice that yield three times your local crops."
"Oh, it's not..."
Before he finished, the Grass ninja suddenly realized what he heard and looked at Shinji in disbelief.
"Three... three times the yield?!"
Shinji frowned, "What's the big deal? It's just some seeds that are easier to grow, more resistant to cold and drought, and yield a bit more."
"I... I..."
The Grass ninja stuttered. This noble didn't understand the struggles of ordinary people. Three times the yield was monumental!
This generous noble...
"Sir, do you have any plans tonight? I'll request our leader to arrange a grand banquet for you! We have many more women like the one from last night in the village!"
"No, no, I've had enough fun. It's time for the next destination. You know the Land of Earth, right? I wasn't planning to go, but my old man insists I visit Onoki and have a chat with that old man. It's such a bother..."
The Grass ninja's mind raced. Who was this man, casually referring to the Tsuchikage by name and calling him an old man?
"And all those Daimyo's and Kage's houses I've visited... It's so boring. Only here did I feel at ease."
If you're comfortable, stay longer!
The Grass ninja wanted to say this but was afraid of scaring Shinji away. They had to maintain a good relationship with such a noble.
"Alright, I'll come back when I have time."
Shinji glanced back at the red-haired woman with dark circles, "Make sure she stays here. Next time..."
"Don't worry, sir! She'll be here, fresh and obedient whenever you return! And no word will spread that harms your reputation!"
...
Shinji had heard of being sent off for miles, but being escorted fervently to the border of the Land of Earth was a first.
Seeing the Grass ninja with tears in his eyes, as if saying, "If I could, I'd be your bodyguard for life," Shinji didn't bother to comment.
On the way out, the Grass ninja and his three female subordinates attended to Shinji meticulously. For their service, Shinji gave a five-star review.
Hungry? Someone (female ninja) cooked on the spot. Tired? Someone (male ninja) set up a tent and stood guard. He even had a well-toned female ninja's thigh as a pillow and received a massage.
They knew many tricks. Shinji felt thoroughly spent. Their service and attitude were top-notch.
"Sir, please visit often! You're always welcome in the Land of Grass! If you encounter any trouble, remember, we are your allies!"
The Grass ninja, teary-eyed, waved until Shinji disappeared from view, then changed his expression and spat.
"Just a foolish, pampered noble!"