Chapter 35: The Demon Country's Princess
In a village, the biggest troubles were usually bandit attacks, or occasionally ninja raids. A village, lacking true masters, couldn't handle such threats on its own.
But a country, even a small one, would undoubtedly have jōnin, even masters approaching Kage-level. The trouble Shion mentioned was definitely not simple. Or perhaps Shion was overthinking things; after all, she was only about eleven years old and likely didn't understand the complexities of adult affairs.
"Mister, don't you want to help Shion?" Little Shion's mouth drooped, her eyes glistening as if she were about to cry.
Ryouma facepalmed, a headache brewing. What a mess I've gotten myself into.
Just as he was at a loss, an old man approached from inside the settlement.
Seeing Shion, the old man let out a sigh of relief. His gaze then shifted to Ryouma, finally settling on his forehead protector.
"Ah, Grandfather Matsuki!" The moment Little Shion saw the old man, the tears in her eyes seemed to vanish instantly. She bounced cheerfully toward him.
She was pretending?! The crying just now... was it an act?!
"Shion." Matsuki smiled at the little girl, then turned his smile to Ryouma. "This ninja, are you a friend of the princess?"
"Huh? Princess?" Ryouma was startled. He looked at Shion in surprise. "You mean... Shion is a princess?"
"Why, yes. Shion is the princess of our Land of Demons," Matsuki replied amiably, then gestured inside. "Since you are Shion's friend, please, come in."
"Alright. Thank you."
After Ryouma entered, the two guards frowned. One whispered to the other, "Lord Matsuki, why did you let an unknown person in? Is there something special about him?"
"Don't ask unnecessary questions!" the other, more experienced guard chided. "Lord Matsuki is an elder of the council. He naturally has his reasons. Just follow orders!"
Ryouma walked through the streets. The customs and atmosphere of the Land of Demons were similar to Konoha's, but the area was much larger. When they reached the main commercial street, it was even more crowded. People who saw Matsuki and Shion would bow respectfully, then cast curious glances at Ryouma, speculating about his identity.
Ryouma ignored the surrounding chatter. He looked at Matsuki beside him and Shion, who was a head shorter, and finally couldn't resist asking, "Might I ask your intention? Why do you trust me so readily and allow me inside?"
Matsuki seemed to have anticipated the question. He wasn't surprised at all. Instead, he smiled and looked at the bouncing Shion, her hair tied up and swaying. "Because Shion trusts you."
"Yes! Shion thinks this mister is a good person!" Little Shion tilted her head and answered happily, then reached up to take Ryouma's hand, swinging it playfully. "La la la~ Shion found a good mister today~!"
The corner of Ryouma's mouth twitched. A "good person card"... And... I'm not that old!
He screamed internally, then rubbed his slightly stubbly chin.
I'm still young!
They walked for a while. Ryouma didn't know where Matsuki was leading him, but he didn't particularly care. He simply followed. Even if there was danger, he could escape with a single teleportation.
He had used the Instant Eye to escape the Hokage's office itself; a ninja from the Land of Demons wouldn't pose a problem. It was, after all, a small country with few powerful figures left.
Along the way, Ryouma wasn't bored, thanks to Little Shion's presence. After a while, they passed through a quiet street and arrived at their destination: a gate.
Though not as large as the country's main gate, this one was far more ornate. Two guards stood before it. Peering inside, Ryouma saw a castle with a distinct Western flavor.
Inside the castle, there were no golden pillars or gems studding the walls. It was plain and spacious, with a single mahogany chair in the center.
"I have other matters to attend to. You and Shion can play inside," Matsuki said to Ryouma before turning and leaving.
Trusting me so easily? I am a ninja, you know.
"Big Brother, you already know my name, but I don't know yours yet!" Shion looked up at Ryouma, her expression adorable.
"Ryouma," he replied with a smile. His gaze then drifted to Matsuki's retreating back. He seemed to be whispering, or perhaps talking to himself, his voice so soft only he could hear. "Are you keeping an eye on me? But... for now, I just want to rest here awhile. I have no ill intentions."
I don't know if Chōjūrō is on a mission outside or staying in Kirigakure. If he's in Kiri, that'll be troublesome.
"Big Brother, what's wrong?" Seeing Ryouma lost in thought, Shion tugged his hand. "Are you having difficulties?"
"Oh, it's nothing. By the way, you said your mother was troubled. Where is she?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure. Big Brother can look around the castle first. I'll go find her!" With that, Shion began running around the castle.
In the castle garden.
"My Lady, were you able to discern any specific details about this ninja's origins?" Matsuki slightly lowered his head, not looking directly at the woman before him.
The woman stood with her hands behind her back, facing away from Matsuki, her graceful silhouette his only view. She stared at the often-turbulent, pure water lake in front of her. "A Konoha rogue ninja," she stated flatly.
"What? A Konoha rogue?" Matsuki couldn't hide his surprise. "My Lady, Miss Shion—"
"Shion has the ability to distinguish good from evil," the woman interrupted, her voice calm as still water. "That rogue ninja harbors no malicious intent. Even if he did, Shion would sense it."
"But... a rogue ninja from Konoha... I fear he will bring us great trouble."
"He will not stay long."
"But his presence is always a risk." Matsuki knew that rogue ninja were not only hunted by their former villages but also pursued by bounty hunters. For a country like theirs, it was best to avoid such complications.
He felt a pang of regret. Had he known Ryouma was a rogue ninja from the start, he would never have allowed him inside.
"An S-Class rogue ninja," the woman mused. "Making his acquaintance could also be beneficial for us." She turned around for the first time, revealing a countenance of overwhelming authority. Seeing Matsuki's horrified expression, she gave a light smile. "Perhaps... this is a turning point."
Her words were cryptic, but Matsuki understood. A realization flashed in his mind, and he nodded heavily. "I hope there are no accidents."
"At the very least," the woman said, her smile like a snow lotus blooming on an iceberg, "my foresight has not shown any of us dying."