The water bear watched Hanzō of the Salamander's retreating figure in dismay, like a frostbitten eggplant. He propped himself on the table with his hands and slowly sat down weakly.
"Ping... Ping-kun, don't be discouraged. Things like Chakra attributes... uh... can be cultivated. It's... no big deal."
Rinto glanced at the water bear, who was trying to comfort him with a bitter smile, his words stumbling. It moved Rinto slightly, and he wiped his nose. He casually stuffed the Chakra test paper into his ninja bag, and a blue light flashed.
Inside the bag, where no one could see, the Chakra test paper stuck firmly to the only kunai within. The word "Magnetic" flashed across Rinto's mind, as he knew it had gained the power to attract metal objects.
Rinto was well aware of the changes in the Chakra test paper, but he still pretended to be unfazed on the surface.
"Tsk, I'm not sad at all. My ambition is to just eat and wait for death!"
The water bear remained silent, staring at him for a while.
After an unknown amount of time, Rinto's door was pushed open again. The Salamander stood at the threshold, a smug look on his face, as he looked down on the room.
"By the way, there's something I didn't mention. Kaito Fujiwara, your house has been requisitioned. Here's your new address."
He threw a piece of paper with the address on it, then looked at the water bear, whose eyes were beginning to fill with anger.
"And you, Shun, your next task is to continue teaching the son of the Daimyo family. Kaito Fujiwara doesn't need you to take care of this place anymore."
With a final sneer, he exhaled and shut the door. His mocking voice echoed as he walked away.
"Garbage is garbage. It has no value at all."
Inside the room, the water bear suddenly straightened up and locked eyes with Rinto, his eyes gleaming.
"Ping! Don't mind what others say. What matters is to stay firm in your beliefs!"
"Life is simple. Find your goal and run toward it!"
"Cheer up!!!"
Seeing Rinto still looking half-dead, Shun's eyes suddenly lit up, and he rushed over to grab Rinto's hand.
"Come with me! I'll help you strengthen your faith!"
He pulled Rinto out of the room, his grip tight.
---
The two walked through the Rain Shinobi Village, where towering buildings stretched high above. The narrow, dim streets at the ground level contrasted with the warm orange lanterns that lined the path, giving off a cozy glow.
Shun led Rinto through a corner and into a narrow alley.
The alley seemed endless, its walls covered with colorful, densely packed signs. Among them, red lanterns and signs stood out the most. The street was bustling with pedestrians, their faces full of smiles. As they passed the open doors of the shops, the beautiful women waved flirtatiously at the passers-by.
The warblers' songs filled the air, sweet and melodious. In this gray world, the faint light of the alley felt like a comforting embrace.
Rinto raised his head, reading the sign at the entrance with a furrowed brow.
"Kabukicho Ichibangai?"
"Teacher, is this where you said we'd find our firm belief?"
Shuns eyes lit up, and he glanced at the women waving to customers.
"Don't you feel that all your worries and sorrows vanish here?" he asked, wiping away some drool from his lips. He raised a fist with a sanctimonious look on his face.
"As ninjas, we must rid ourselves of distractions, realize our true desires, and strengthen our faith here on this great street!"
Rinto placed a hand on his forehead. "Damn it, you're allowed to be lustful, but you talk about it like it's some kind of philosophy!"
He condemned Shun silently for ten seconds before pulling on his sleeve with a serious expression.
"Teacher, are we welcoming children here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Shun hesitated, his face a little uncomfortable. "Well... I've never brought a kid here before."
"Then should we try it?" Rinto asked innocently, his eyes twinkling.
"Try it!" Shun nodded vigorously.
The two walked arm in arm into the mysterious alley, moving in unison.
They passed through the lively street until they reached a small door in a corner, which had a tattered red lantern hanging above it. The sign read "Amei Information Center." Compared to the surrounding bustle, this place looked deserted.
Rinto couldn't help but glance at the lively restaurant across the street, where young women handed out flyers with childish faces.
"Teacher, why not go to 'Hanamichi 1-chome'? It looks..."
Before Rinto could finish his sentence, Shun quickly covered his mouth.
"Shh! If you go to a place like that once, I'll be stuck eating instant noodles for a month."
Rinto secretly snickered. "So it's that expensive? Gold-plated jade?"
Shun nodded rapidly. "It's not just expensive, it's ridiculously expensive! Only the Daimyo of the Rain Country and Hanzo-sama can afford it daily. The owner of Kabukicho comes from the Land of Hot Springs, and they even have a main store in Yugakushi Village."
"The Land of Hot Springs!" Rinto sighed, lost in thought.
He fantasized about soaking in a hot spring with a girl, but soon realized he had no money to afford such luxuries. Besides, Shun wallet couldn't handle two people.
As they entered the Amei Information Center, Rinto noticed the contrast with the lavish Kabukicho. Shun was clearly more at ease here.
Inside, they were greeted by a beautiful woman with a charm that was hard to ignore.
"Welcome! Oh, Mr. Shun! We've been waiting for you!" Her voice was gentle, with a mature allure that made Rinto uneasy.
He glanced over at her, immediately thinking, That's... big.
Her curves were almost comically exaggerated, and he couldn't help but feel that she could rival any goddess.
Shun didn't seem to care, settling comfortably in the middle of the sofa with two women on each side.
"Come sit down, Ping!" Shun said.
Rinto awkwardly sat down across from them, the uncomfortable feeling growing as he observed Shun indulgence.
After a while, two women began playing the piano and dancing, and Shun nudged Rinto. "What do you think? I didn't lie to you, this place is great."
Rinto managed a nod, too absorbed in his thoughts to respond.
"Even without chakra attributes, it doesn't matter. You can always focus on Taijutsu. It'll make you popular here!" Shun added enthusiastically, a grin spreading across his face.
Rinto looked at Shun in disbelief. He had heard many twisted ideas, but this one took the cake.
"Why do you care so much about me?" Rinto finally asked.
Shun scratched his scalp, avoiding eye contact. "Hahaha, don't think too much about it, Ping. I'm just a gentle person, helping all my students!"
As soon as he said that, the women in his arms giggled.
Rinto shook his head, then suddenly stood up and walked out, determined to escape the bizarre situation.
Outside, Mikiko, the beautiful shop owner, was waiting. Rinto paused, looking at her with an odd expression.
Mikiko smiled and teased, "What are you thinking about, little brother?"
He reflexively jumped back. "You walk without making a sound!"
She chuckled, then stood up with grace. "What's wrong? Did Mr. Shun kick you out?"
Rinto sighed. "Yeah, that's about right."
Mikiko knelt opposite him, her smile playful. "You talk as if you're not a man. Won't you ever be tempted?"
Rinto smirked, sipping his tea. "Before I had the ability to be evil, all men were pigs."
Mikiko's face flushed lightly as she laughed.
"So, what happens after you have the ability?" she asked, her voice warm.
Rinto paused for a moment before responding, "Then we'll talk about it in detail."