"Come out."
"Is... is it over?"
Mira Peng emerged from his hiding place, looking still a bit nervous and shaken. But as an upper-level figure, he quickly concealed his unease and other negative emotions.
"Who sent them?"
Taking a deep breath, Mira Peng forced himself to calm down. The immediate priority was to find out who was behind the attack. Was it another rogue like Gato?!
Shinsuke slung the Executioner's Blade over his shoulder and shook his head. "I'm not sure, but it's likely an assassination mission that was issued while Gato was still alive. Since the news of Gato's death hasn't spread yet, the mission hasn't been canceled, which attracted some unexpected visitors."
"But this should be an isolated incident. If you're worried, you can arrange for someone to come with us to ensure that there are no remaining assassination missions targeting you."
Mira Peng expressed his gratitude. "Thank you so much. You've saved my life once again."
"If possible, please allow me to show my appreciation. Don't refuse just yet, because I believe your companion needs medical treatment, and fortunately, my estate has the best doctor in the Land of Waves."
Seeing Mira Peng's sincere expression and the battered Hidan not far away, Shinsuke decided to accept the offer.
"Let me guess, the best tailor in this country is also at your estate?"
Mira Peng was puzzled but responded, "Tailor? Are you looking to make clothes? Although I don't know who the best tailor is, I can invite them all."
"That would be great. I hope they can sew up that guy's arm nicely."
"Heh, does the Cult of Jashin have a sense of humor like yours?"
"Please don't misunderstand. I'm serious," Shinsuke said with a solemn expression.
"Ah?" Mira Peng was quite taken aback.
"By the way, when your people come to collect the bodies, make sure to give them a proper burial. The dead should not be desecrated."
Mira Peng nodded reflexively. Such a small request was not worth refusing.
He wasn't about to take his anger out on two corpses, except for Gato, of course.
After giving his instructions, Shinsuke picked up Hidan's severed arm and then walked up to Hidan, curling his lip.
"I found the best tailor here for you. We'll get your arm sewn up soon."
"Don't disturb me. I'm praying to the Evil God."
"What's with the nonsense? Are you coming or not?" Shinsuke said impatiently, but still extended a hand to Hidan lying on the ground.
"Daring to disrespect the Evil God, you're finished!"
"Later, I'll have the tailor sew up your dirty mouth too!"
"Che~"
Snap!
Hidan looked disgusted but acted quickly. Just as Shinsuke was about to retract his hand, Hidan grabbed it and used it to stand up.
"Since you didn't interfere earlier, I'll give you a chance to please me."
Really stubborn!
Shinsuke felt a bit helpless but seeing Hidan's wobbly state, he sighed inwardly and decided to let it go this time.
"Then I'll thank you."
As he spoke, Shinsuke propped up Hidan's remaining arm and helped him walk forward, completely ignoring the blood stains on Hidan.
Hidan was stunned!
Shinsuke didn't retort him?
Moreover... he even made such intimate gestures?!!!
Huh~~~!
Hidan felt a chill run down his spine and immediately started to struggle.
"Hey, let go of me! Do you believe I'll stab you with a knife right now?!"
Hidan panicked, his eyes even showing a bit of confusion...
Shinsuke frowned immediately. "Behave yourself and don't get blood on me."
If not for Hidan's pitiful appearance, Shinsuke wouldn't have even bothered to help!
Such a rare show of kindness, and it wasn't appreciated?
Spoiled habits!
"Let me go, I can walk by myself."
Thud!
Shinsuke really let go, and Hidan fell face-first into the dirt.
"Show off? Let me see you walk then. If you keep talking, I'll drag you with a rope."
Shinsuke grumbled but pulled Hidan up again.
Recalling the unpleasant experience of being dragged on the ground, or perhaps Shinsuke's nasty attitude made him let his guard down, Hidan finally gave up. He snorted and stopped struggling, allowing Shinsuke to lead him.
[Bond Value +10, +10, +10...]
Shinsuke glanced at Hidan with a peculiar look.
Heh, prideful freak!
After walking for a while, Hidan seemed uncomfortable with the quiet atmosphere and spoke up, "That guy's big sword seems quite impressive."
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, you must have heard of them. That big sword is one of their weapons, the Executioner's Blade."
"So, that bandaged-face freak was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?" Hidan suddenly seemed excited.
After all, the name of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen was well-known, and Hidan had heard about them back in the Hidden Hot Water Village. At that time, he was just an ordinary Chunin with no comparability.
But now it was different. He had gained the [Immortality] ability, learned [Death by Blood], and had killed a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen one-on-one.
Indeed, this was the life he wanted!
"Yeah, he was a fearsome figure known as the Demon. Who would have thought he'd be killed by a nameless little nobody? No one would believe it if it got out."
Shinsuke made a sarcastic remark and then suddenly changed the subject. "Of course, I believed from the start that you would win."
"Although you're not the sharpest tool, I know that if given the chance, you could kill anyone..."
Although being called a little nobody displeased Hidan, Shinsuke's words made him feel a different emotion.
His expression remained disdainful as usual, but internally, he was particularly pleased!
Especially since these words came from Shinsuke, it was even more remarkable!
Hidan didn't realize that recognition from a rival was always more satisfying, and he felt that way now.
But in reality, he was celebrating too soon.
"Heh, except for me."
Damn it!
Hidan was so enraged he wanted to curse!
The earlier sentimentality was all fake. Now, this bastard was truly the Shinsuke he knew!
"One day, I'll cut you down!"