Upon hearing Honoka's request for just one room, Kaisei didn't hesitate and promptly booked a single room. He didn't have much money to spare, so saving on the cost of an additional room was a welcome relief. Although expenses for hosting distinguished guests could be reimbursed by the Daimyo, Kaisei had already spent a considerable amount out of his own pocket over the years without seeing any reimbursement. Hence, he had learned to cut costs wherever possible.
Natsuhane and Honoka followed Kaisei to the room. Honoka initially thought Kaisei would leave them in peace, but to her surprise, he made himself comfortable on the sofa, his gaze fixed intently on them.
This behavior puzzled both Natsuhane and Honoka. Was he planning to stay and watch?
Honoka's irritation showed as she questioned, "Kaisei-san, what do you mean by this? Aren't you leaving? Natsuhane and I need to rest... or are you planning to stay and watch?"
Kaisei stroked his beard and responded awkwardly, "Young lady, you've misunderstood. I have no ill intentions, nor am I a pervert. I simply have a favor to ask of you both."
Honoka's anger didn't subside, "If you have something to say, why didn't you mention it back at the Daimyo's residence? Why come to our room?"
Kaisei sighed deeply, "There were too many people and prying eyes back there. I didn't want to air my grievances publicly."
Just as Honoka was about to retort, Natsuhane stepped in, holding up a hand to stop her. "Let him speak. He won't leave until he says his piece."
Natsuhane was exhausted and didn't want to waste any more time.
"Kaisei-san, say what you need to quickly. I'm really tired and don't want to spend too long on this."
Kaisei nodded apologetically, "Natsuhane, from the moment I first saw you, I sensed you were a formidable warrior. My sensory abilities are quite sharp, and I felt the vast, unfathomable chakra within you. That's why I was certain you could handle the monster on Mother Island. Your strength at such a young age is impressive, and you're also very handsome..."
Natsuhane, growing impatient, interrupted coldly, "Kaisei-san, can you get to the point? I'm really tired."
"Alright, I'll get straight to it," Kaisei conceded, scratching his head sheepishly. He had hoped to butter up Natsuhane first, increasing the chances of getting his help. But it seemed his flattery had backfired.
"Natsuhane, there's another problem in the Land of the Sea besides the monster on Mother Island. On Ghost Island, strange things have been happening for years. Villagers there have been disappearing without a trace, and not a single one has been found alive. We've termed this phenomenon as 'The Vanishing.' Because of 'The Vanishing,' the people of Ghost Island are living in fear, with many fleeing to other parts of the Land of the Sea to survive."
Kaisei sighed, "Our territory is already limited, and now with people fleeing Ghost Island, it's putting a strain on our resources. Since you've dealt with the monster, I was hoping you could help us uncover the truth behind 'The Vanishing.'"
Natsuhane pondered this. He knew the truth, having read the original story. The culprit behind these disappearances was none other than his 'wife' Orochimaru. Orochimaru had a secret base in the Land of the Sea where she conducted inhumane experiments, mainly focusing on merging humans with animals to create powerful hybrid beings for future invasions.
This base had existed since Anko was twelve years old. The people who vanished were actually taken by Orochimaru to be used as test subjects.
Seeing Natsuhane's hesitation, Kaisei gritted his teeth, got off the sofa, and knelt before him, pleading, "Natsuhane, please, I beg you, use your strength to save the people of the Land of the Sea."
Natsuhane quickly helped Kaisei up, asking, "I heard at the Daimyo's residence that you pay a tribute to the Hidden Mist Village every month for protection. Why not ask them for help?"
Kaisei's face twisted in anger, "The ninjas of the Hidden Mist Village? They're nothing but leeches, taking our money without doing anything in return! We pay them a so-called military cooperation fee, but it's just protection money to keep the Land of Water from invading us. We're terrified of asking them for any help."
Natsuhane and Honoka exchanged glances, feeling a sense of empathy. In this world, small countries had no choice but to cater to the whims of the larger nations, always having to tread carefully.
"Natsuhane, I must tell you, if you agree to help, the Daimyo and the people of the Land of the Sea will be immensely grateful, but... there might not be a reward for this."
Natsuhane chuckled, "Forget about the reward for this task. I'm not even sure if I'll get the reward for the last one."
Kaisei looked shocked, "You... you realized?"
Natsuhane raised an eyebrow, "Of course. The way the Daimyo and Kaizan were exchanging glances, did you think I wouldn't notice? Sending Kaizan to check Mother Island was just a stalling tactic to delay paying me."
Kaisei sighed deeply, "Don't blame the Daimyo. He's not stingy, but with the tribute to the Hidden Mist Village due in two days, the Land of the Sea's finances are stretched thin. Everyone has been tightening their belts, myself included."
Natsuhane remained silent for a moment, then his eyes brightened, "Do you have many tailors here?"
"Huh?" Kaisei was taken aback, not understanding the sudden shift.
"Kaisei-san, find me a larger place and gather all the best fabrics and tailors under Honoka's direction. If you agree to this, I'll help you solve 'The Vanishing.'"
"Really?" Kaisei was overjoyed, the unexpected solution filling him with hope.
"Yes, really. Of course, the reward for the Mother Island monster is separate. Those funds must be paid in full, even if it's delayed. But the fabrics and tailors, I need the best."
"No problem, no problem at all! I'll arrange it immediately. Rest here, and I'll notify you once everything is set."
Kaisei was on the verge of tears, believing that with Natsuhane's strength, the problems on Ghost Island would soon be resolved.
…