"Sir, here is your miso chashu ramen. And these daifuku and tempura are complimentary! Please enjoy!"
The waiter carefully carried the tray with both hands, respectfully placing the steaming dishes one by one onto the table.
"Mm."
Menma withdrew his gaze from the window and glanced at the food before him, slightly surprised.
The young man's courteous service left a warm impression.
Even adding two extra snacks as thanks for the generous tip.
"Oh right, sir. If you want to take one of Gatō Company's merchant ships to the Land of Lightning, the ticket office is on the next street over," the waiter added helpfully.
Besides transporting cargo, these ships often sold passenger tickets to make a bit of extra profit.
"Thanks."
Menma replied briefly and picked up his chopsticks.
Seeing the customer so reserved, the waiter didn't take it personally and quietly withdrew.
Since this wasn't a dedicated ramen shop, the noodles themselves were fairly average. But the complimentary tempura was crisp and tender, and the daifuku pleasantly sweet—leaving Menma quite satisfied.
After finishing his meal and restoring his energy, Menma left the small restaurant and headed toward the docks to search for his target.
From a distance, he spotted a merchant vessel flying the flag of Gatō Company preparing to set sail. Crew members on deck were shouting through megaphones while eager passengers crowded the boarding ramp.
With a light jump, Menma used Body Flicker and silently landed on the ship.
"Hm?"
A patrolling ronin on deck felt someone tap his shoulder and turned slightly.
The moment he laid eyes on the white three-eyed fox mask, he was instantly caught in genjutsu, his gaze turning blank.
"Where is Gatō?" Menma asked quietly.
"Lord Gatō will board shortly," the ronin answered in a dazed voice.
"Take me to his room."
At the same time, Menma formed hand seals and transformed into a sword-bearing samurai.
"Yes, sir."
The ronin led the way.
The two walked through the corridors as if on routine patrol. No one suspected a thing.
"This is Lord Gatō's room," the ronin said, stopping before a carved wooden door.
"Stand guard here. When Gatō arrives, let him in."
Menma pushed the door open and entered.
"Yes."
The ronin stood stiffly outside like a statue.
Inside, Menma noted that while the room contained no gold or jewels, it was decorated with expensive leather furnishings, fine wines, and several obscure collectibles.
He sat behind the desk, opened a drawer, and began flipping through account books.
Logs of shipments leaving the Land of Fire for the Land of Water.
Records of returns from the Land of Water back to the Land of Fire.
…
Even during the Third Shinobi World War, Gatō's fleets had operated between nations. Though they occasionally lost goods to ninja or pirates, profits remained enormous.
Times of war were precisely when businessmen like Gatō made their fortunes.
Though Menma was no accountant, he could tell that large sums were regularly funneled elsewhere—likely bribes to nobles and even daimyō to ensure smooth passage.
At this point in time, Gatō's company was still mid-tier—not yet the massive empire it would become nine years later.
"I remember in those web novels I read, robbing Gatō was always a key source of funds," Menma mused lazily while skimming through the books.
Just then, the ship lurched—the voyage had begun.
Not long after, a commotion erupted outside.
BANG!
The door was violently kicked open.
A short man in a flashy suit and round sunglasses stormed in angrily.
Behind him trailed several rough-looking ronin and wandering ninja.
The ronin Menma had controlled was already subdued.
"Let's see which blind fool dared barge in here!" Gatō snarled as he entered.
Seeing someone casually sitting in his expensive imported leather chair, his face turned livid.
"Well, looks like this trip just got interesting."
He sneered at his men. "Teach this brat a lesson! Just don't damage my collection. After that, do whatever you want with him."
The thugs advanced with cruel grins, treating Menma as easy prey.
"Not even a decent ninja among you?"
Menma sensed their chakra—only two were around genin level. He sighed.
He didn't even bother standing.
Remaining seated, he formed a hand seal.
"Nine-Faced Su P'o Ho – Jade!"
Instantly, space beside him rippled as a dark red sigil bearing the character "玉" appeared.
From it emerged the Nine-Faced Beast: Jade – the Heavenly Maiden, floating gracefully in midair.
"What the hell is that?" one samurai gasped.
Before anyone could react, the Heavenly Maiden's silk ribbons shot forward like blades.
Several ronin were pierced through in an instant.
Blood splattered. The stench of death filled the air.
The remaining men froze in terror.
The Heavenly Maiden continued her assault, ribbons lashing out mercilessly. Screams echoed as bodies were torn apart and thrown aside.
Seeing this, Gatō turned and fled in panic.
But two ribbons shot after him, binding him tightly.
"AAAAAH!" he screamed as he was dragged back inside.
Now, the room was filled with corpses.
"P-please… please don't kill me…" Gatō stammered, trembling uncontrollably.
His sunglasses hung crookedly as he stared in horror at the masked figure.
Menma rose from the chair and floated before him.
He knew fear alone wouldn't secure loyalty.
So he raised one hand and coldly uttered:
"Narakumi no Jutsu – Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique!"
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