Akakage however was indifferent; the outside world was too dangerous, and a flower from the greenhouse couldn't withstand the ravages of the outside world.

But why should he care about such matters?

The only reason he listened intently to Princess Tamahime's soliloquy was to pass the boring time.

"By the way, what made you become a Ninja, sir? The stories from the past must be fascinating."

Her life was limited to the storybooks she usually read, but Princess Tamahime knew that stories and life were different.

In the world, there was no guard who would protect her at all costs.

Nor was there romantic love like in fairy tales.

Not everyone was kind and lovable.

Even the Ninja who guarded her only did so because of orders.

However, such self-deception might make her feel a bit better.

Still hearing no voice in response, Princess Tamahime sighed.

Sure enough, communication with the Ninja was impossible.

Passing the time in boredom was one thing, but casually discussing others' lives seemed rather rude.

"..."

In the dark, Akakage's past memories were stirred by Princess Tamahime's words.

But those memories were actually the ones he most resisted.

His childhood was made up only of exploitation, death, war, and wandering.

Before meeting that person, he couldn't even see the real world clearly and was a stray dog living at the bottom, howling at the barren wilderness.

In a way, nobles like Princess Tamahime were the kind of people he hated the most.

These people always wore flashy clothes, ate delicacies, and cared nothing for others' survival.

When danger arose, they would only scream in terror, waiting for someone else to rescue them.

They were people from completely different worlds.

Mission... really wish to complete it soon, Akakage thought to himself.

Once he completed the mission here, he could be freed from this place and continue following behind that person, becoming another shadow behind them.

It was then that Akakage suddenly frowned.

Someone was approaching.

At the entrance to the courtyard, an orderly warrior in tidy clothes appeared there.

◎

Coming before the Daimyo of the Land of Bear, kneeling on one knee, Akakage showed the perfect obedience of a tool person loyal to orders.

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear smiled and said, "Rise, please. Sorry for calling you over suddenly at this time."

Akakage stood up.

Inside the room, besides him and the Daimyo of the Land of Bear, there was another person present.

Jonin Akahoshi from the Hidden Star Village.

Akakage had looked into this person's information; he was an exceedingly strong Jonin in the Hidden Star Village.

While Akakage was examining Akahoshi, Akahoshi was also assessing Akakage.

According to the Daimyo of the Land of Bear, this person was the best candidate to assassinate the Third Hoshikage.

Could this young brat really achieve that?

It wasn't that Akahoshi doubted, but Akakage's age was too young, still looking like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy, with nothing particularly fierce about him. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

However, being trusted by the Daimyo of the Land of Bear surely meant his abilities were remarkable.

"Akakage, this is Akahoshi, the Jonin from the Hidden Star Village. Akahoshi, this is Akakage."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear introduced the two.

Akahoshi nodded and extended his hand to Akakage, saying, "Hello."

Akakage didn't want to refuse and reached out to Akahoshi.

Before Akahoshi could say anything, the Daimyo of the Land of Bear had already spoken first, "Akahoshi, don't underestimate Akakage; he's a Ninja with rare abilities."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear acted mysteriously.

Rare abilities? Akahoshi slightly raised his eyebrows.

Soon, he understood.

Kekkeigenkai!

If it was Kekkeigenkai, this young kid couldn't be judged by common sense, Akahoshi thought to himself.

"It seems, Lord Daimyo, you've really made a decision."

Akahoshi spoke rather regretfully.

Originally, he had wanted to personally deal with the Third Hoshikage, but he hadn't expected the Daimyo of the Land of Bear had already arranged someone.

"Akakage possesses extremely outstanding assassination skills; unexpectedly, he could even solve you."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear laughed jovially.

A threat or a warning? Interesting. Akahoshi coldly chuckled inside.

"I understand, since Lord Daimyo is so confident, then let's entrust the mission to assassinate the Third Hoshikage to this young man. However, a word of advice: geniuses often die young. It's best if Lord Daimyo prepares for contingency."

Akahoshi smiled suggestively, then respectfully lowered his head and said, "Then, allow me to take my leave."

Having said that, Akahoshi glanced sideways at Akakage intentionally or unintentionally, turned around, and as he stepped towards the door, his eyes overflowed with vigorous killing intent.

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear appeared not to hear Akahoshi's underlying words, casually laughed and jokingly said to Akakage, "It seems Akahoshi really admires your talent, Akakage. You must perform well then, so I can enjoy a good show."

The Daimyo of the Land of Bear covered half of his face with a folding fan, chuckled softly, in high spirits.

"Yes."

No matter what the other party said, Akakage merely needed to display the demeanor of a loyal dog.