Moments later...
Hidan walked out of the room, fists clenched, teeth gritted!
"Bastard, bastard, bastard!"
"A mere 'Divine Punishment,' Hidan-sama doesn't need to meddle."
"Truly infuriating!"
On the other side, as Hidan angrily returned, Shinsuke's lowered face suddenly revealed a smile.
Because just now, the system's prompt appeared.
His bond value with Hidan surged by 80 points!
Adding the 20 points from the hot spring task, in just about ten days, he completed the previous month's task target.
It shows he has become more adept at handling Hidan.
It wasn't in vain that he got stabbed eighteen times in front of so many people!
Moreover, just before Hidan arrived, he died once, receiving a 'low death excitement' evaluation, slightly improving his chakra, will, and physical fitness.
He couldn't help but complain, what counts as an exciting death?!
Is it having your head explode like colorful fireworks, or does it have to be meaningful to be exciting?
Really can't understand!
...
The 'Divine Punishment,' from which no one ever survived, was broken. Akagi Shinsuke became the first person to accept the 'Divine Punishment' and survive.
Of course, there's nothing surprising about it, after all, it's just getting stabbed a dozen times and bleeding out, immortality isn't that weak.
So many people didn't take it seriously, and the activities of the Cult of Jashin resumed normally.
In the following period, Hidan didn't come to trouble Shinsuke, instead, he started training his body.
Obviously, he hadn't given up but was preparing to increase his strength before seeking Shinsuke out again!
For Hidan's change, the leader of the Cult of Jashin, Takigi, and the other researchers were secretly pleased.
They had been considering separating Hidan and Akagi Shinsuke for training, but this unexpected turn was a pleasant surprise, surely the blessings of Lord Jashin!
As a result, a large amount of resources began to be allocated to Hidan and Shinsuke.
After all, Takigi knew very well that although his Cult of Jashin had been developing quickly, they could only bully small countries.
If it came to real fighting, the Five Great Nations could easily crush them with a flick of their fingers!
That's why he chose to stay in one place, never daring to provoke the Five Great Nations.
But now, with Hidan and Shinsuke, he saw hope again!
The combination of two immortal bodies, along with the powerful curses [Death by Blood] and [Blood Manipulation], once they grew, they would not be weaker than any Kage-level ninja!
Only with Kage-level ninjas, could the Cult of Jashin grow and become a formidable force in the ninja world!
Takigi's ambition was great, and his plans were good.
But plans can never keep up with changes.
"Shinsuke, how long have you been here?"
After cooperating to draw a tube of blood for experimentation, Shinsuke was slightly stunned by the question, then thought for a moment, "About... three months, I think."
Takigi, who knew the answer, nodded lightly, "Since you've been with us for three months, there's a task I want to assign to you."
Shinsuke was surprised at first, then forced himself to calm down.
Is it trust, or a test?
But on second thought, he didn't care.
After all, he wasn't ready to jump ship from the Cult of Jashin yet; he'd leave only after extracting all its value.
So whether they trusted him initially or were testing him, he didn't have to worry, just be himself.
With that in mind, Shinsuke immediately said, "I await your orders, Takigi-sama. I am willing to offer everything, including my life, to Lord Jashin!"
Takigi seemed very pleased with Shinsuke's display of loyalty, his smile growing more benevolent.
"You and Hidan are the future of our Cult of Jashin, and you'll have greater responsibilities. So don't be too eager to serve Lord Jashin. We've all been waiting for that day, it's not your turn yet."
"Yes, Takigi-sama. I was rash."
Who wants to serve any Evil God!
You go ahead with your followers and meet Jashin!
Shinsuke appeared respectful but was inwardly mocking.
After patting Shinsuke's shoulder, Takigi continued, "It's not a difficult task. In the Land of Waves, there's a wealthy man who has been secretly funding us. Recently, he's had some trouble and needs our help."
"We've seen your and Hidan's efforts in training. But to quickly improve strength, you can't just shut yourself in."
"Only through enough battles and trials by blood can you grow into a strong individual!"
"So for this mission, I decided to send only you and Hidan. Don't let me down."
Seeing the kind smile on Takigi's face, Shinsuke solemnly agreed, but was inwardly speechless.
"Who are you kidding! I don't believe you have any other arrangements!"
"Or you must be out of your mind to trust me and Hidan to go out on a mission together."
"If we die or run away, you'll be left with no place to cry. Ha!"
Besides...
Who wants to go on a mission with Hidan!
...
"Who wants to go on a mission with that bastard!"
Having received the same mission from the leader, Hidan also shouted inwardly.
But since it was the leader's decision, it wouldn't change because of their personal preferences.
Moreover, to Takigi, the conflict between Hidan and Shinsuke was childish, caused by mutual dislike.
As long as they went through more experiences together, their relationship would improve.
Like last time, who would have thought Shinsuke would plead for Hidan and even take the punishment for him.
Who would have thought Hidan, unaware of all this, would almost kill a follower for badmouthing Shinsuke.
So Takigi was convinced his arrangement was right!
Immortality isn't invincible, but a team of two immortal beings with strong curses would be far greater than their sum!
To make Shinsuke and Hidan true partners, they needed to fight and kill together to build that bond and connection!