For ordinary people, ninjas were inherently superior.
If that ninja was also a Jonin, there was no comparison. Across most of the Land of Fire, they could move through crowds unbothered, their presence alone commanding respect.
This was especially true in a small port city like Niigata.
When Hayashi and Kushina revealed their identities, any trouble disappeared instantly, and even the issue of securing a ship was resolved with ease.
The next day, the two returned to the port.
This time, the official in charge was noticeably respectful, bowing slightly as they approached.
"Welcome back, honored ninjas," he said.
"Is the ship prepared?" Hayashi asked.
"It's docked just over here. I'll take you to it."
Hayashi had expected a small wooden boat propelled by oars. Instead, the vessel was far more sophisticated. Though not large, it resembled a modern yacht.
The first level housed the cockpit, while the rear held ample space for setting up a tent. A ladder led to the second floor, allowing passengers to enjoy the sea breeze above.
If Konoha had been near the ocean, Hayashi thought, he might have even considered buying such a yacht. Though he had never owned one in his previous life, fate had now offered a taste of the freedom he had longed for.
He sighed and felt a renewed determination: once their mission concluded, he would travel the ninja world properly and enjoy life without restraint.
"Only a fool would be a ninja," he muttered with a small smile.
The ship's captain, Old Nawaki, was nearly sixty.
He had spent a lifetime at sea. Had the Land of Whirlpools not fallen into ruin during the war, he would likely have continued sailing until his eyes no longer recognized the horizon, ending his days as a true child of the ocean.
Though he had not touched a boat in years, dreams of the helm had filled his nights. Awakening to find himself back in the port, Old Nawaki felt a quiet thrill.
The port was home to many veterans like him: too old to sail regularly, yet unwilling to give up the life of the sea entirely.
This voyage was, in a sense, a gift—for both employer and captain.
Old Nawaki took a long sip from his gourd of wine, savoring the fiery liquid as he mapped out the course in his mind. For him, wine had long been a companion, enhancing his focus rather than dulling it. Hayashi trusted him enough to allow this indulgence.
While the captain remained in the cockpit, Hayashi and Kushina climbed to the second deck.
The second floor mirrored the vessel's exterior space, with a small room tucked away. Hayashi opened the unlocked door and found not a bedroom, but a storage of provisions. Ice-packed coolers contained fresh meat, while neatly packaged vegetarian dishes filled the remaining shelves.
Hayashi smiled, closing the door. "The port manager has prepared everything thoughtfully," he murmured.
The journey to the Land of Whirlpools would take approximately four days.
At night, the boat floated silently on calm waters, the anchor keeping it steady. Ingredients sizzled on the grill, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
Hayashi and Kushina sat together on the deck, admiring the night sky. To be honest, sailing was dull work.
After a while, Hayashi found his attention wandering from the restless sea to the still-uncooked barbecue. Kushina, however, seemed entranced by the waves, staring silently, lost in thought. Perhaps the sea stirred old memories. Hayashi chose not to disturb her.
Tap, tap, tap.
The sound of footsteps drew their attention. The cockpit door opened, and Old Nawaki, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and black cap, shuffled comically to the center of the deck.
Hayashi tossed a small pot of sake toward him, and Old Nawaki caught it with ease, settling by the fire. He uncorked the bottle, sniffed the aroma, and took a deep sip before sighing in satisfaction.
"This old man is tasting Konoha's wine for the first time," he said.
"It's nothing special," Hayashi replied.
"Not true. This is the wine that ninja masters drink."
Hayashi smiled. "I'm curious, Old Nawaki. You're neither poor nor young. Why risk the sea at your age? Sailing can be deadly—a single mistake can doom the entire crew."
Old Nawaki chuckled. "I began at fourteen, and forty years later, the sea is part of me. I have no children, so if something happens, it matters little. Besides, with you ninja masters here, nothing will go wrong. Why not seek a bit of excitement?"
"Excitement?" Hayashi repeated, thoughtful.
"Yes. On the sea, worries vanish. You feel free, unbound. There is no time more unrestrained than this."
The sea breeze picked up, carrying the sound of Old Nawaki's wind flute. The melody mixed with the cries of seagulls, creating a serene harmony that wrapped around the deck.
"Freedom," Hayashi murmured, pondering the word. He lifted the sake pot and clinked glasses with Kushina, who had returned to the present, captivated by the music.
"To freedom, and to life itself," he said softly, letting his gaze drift across the endless waves.
The sake burned warmly as it went down, leaving a pleasant trace of intoxication. Kushina's spirits brightened, a gentle flush coloring her cheeks.
Hayashi stood, facing the horizon. The sea breeze carried the salty tang of the ocean.
"This… it really tastes of the sea," he remarked.
The waves stretched endlessly before them, a vast reminder that in this world, freedom could be found if one dared to reach for it.
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