C67 Alright Leave This Man to Me!
"Mr. Gekka, here's the situation: these two are likely orphans from the Vortex Country. After its destruction, they must have narrowly escaped. The Vortex Country was small, and its Vortex Clan members were considered ill-omened demons. Taking them in was already more than generous on our part, but our village doesn't support freeloaders, so..."
The Ninja, recognizing Yang Ming, quickly offered an explanation.
"Enough, I'll take care of this person. You can go back now."
Yang Ming gestured dismissively, cutting off the Ninja's next words.
He didn't need to hear more; he was well aware of what would follow.
He harbored no sympathy; such was the way of the Ninja World, particularly in the Grass Country. It was simply a matter of survival.
The Grass Ninja had given them enough food to keep from starving, which was indeed a significant kindness.
Yang Ming was familiar with the policy against idleness.
He had lived through it himself, but luckily, he had acquired the system. Otherwise, he'd be sharing Karin's fate!
"Yes, Mr. Gekka!"
The two didn't dare to question further and quickly departed.
"Hungry?"
Yang Ming turned to Karin with the question.
"Yes, I'm hungry."
Karin gave Yang Ming a timid glance, perhaps reassured by their similar ages, and nodded after a brief hesitation.
"Okay."
With a single word, Yang Ming took Karin out for a meal.
He chose a nearby restaurant and treated her to dinner. After the meal and a change into clean clothes, she seemed transformed, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Karin was a young girl, only six or seven, but already showing signs of future beauty.
Yet Yang Ming only gave her a brief look before his mind wandered elsewhere.
He had eyes for only one person; Karin's beauty did not sway him.
With that thought, he headed toward the Daming Mansion.
Karin, noticing his departure, quickly followed.
As they walked, Yang Ming inquired about the Swirl Clan.
Karin, young as she was, knew little, but she recounted the terrifying sight of a blue giant descending upon the Vortex Country, slaughtering everyone. Nearly all the clanspeople were killed, with only a handful escaping. She and her mother had been out shopping and had miraculously survived.
Upon their arrival, they found the country in ruins, overrun by ninjas from the five great nations. Karin's mother had fled with her, narrowly escaping multiple assassination attempts, until she collapsed at the border of the Grass Country.
When Karin regained consciousness, she was sheltered by the Grass Ninja.
The subsequent events unfolded just as Yang Ming had known.
"A blue giant? That must be Susanoo. The ninjas from the five great nations... It figures. The Swirl Country met its demise because its Sealing Technique was too formidable, too much of a threat," Yang Ming mused, turning his attention to Karin.
"Remarkable healing and sensory abilities, plus extraordinary strength?"
Yang Ming appraised Karin with a curious look. His senses confirmed that she was undoubtedly an Immortal Body. Despite her youth, the chakra within her and her physical power were exceptionally strong, rivaling that of an average Journeyman Ninja.
Yet, her ignorance in harnessing her abilities rendered her strength effectively useless.
As an Immortal Body, she possessed unique traits, including a potent regenerative capability. In terms of her past life, it might equate to what's known as a super elixir.
With Karin at his side, dying would be a challenge.
"I can still be of use. Please, don't abandon me. Allow me to stay by your side. I'll do anything you ask, just provide me with sustenance!"
Karin shuddered under Yang Ming's intense gaze, but confronting it, she found a sense of resolve.
"Okay."
Yang Ming gave a nod of approval.
Being an Immortal Body himself, and with his status as an intermediate Immortal Body, he didn't really need Karin's assistance. But having crossed paths with her, he was willing to lend a hand.
Overcome with relief, Karin eagerly assumed the role of Yang Ming's attendant.
