After Kazuku's stunning chakra display…
The Land of Waves' elder no longer doubted his strength, entrusting the daimyo's safety to him.
The following days were calm.
No assassins appeared, and the maritime trade policy progressed smoothly.
Unnoticed, the check-in system's cooldown ended.
[Check-In System Cooldown Complete!]
[Host, confirm to check in?]
"Time for the fun check-in."
Hearing the familiar voice in his mind, Kazuku's mood brightened.
The voice was… delightfully sweet.
Kazuku's rapid growth, becoming a special jonin in three months…
Was largely due to the check-in system.
So, Kazuku handed the daimyo's protection to Hiruzen and the others, found a secluded spot, and began the check-in.
"Start check-in."
Kazuku followed the routine.
[Check-In Successful!]
[Congratulations, Host, for receiving a Check-In Gift!]
[Open the gift?]
Kazuku was well-versed in the process.
He clasped his hands, reciting his signature line.
"I offer ten years of Uchiha lifespan for a touch of Emperor's Luck."
Kazuku remained calm.
Now, he was open to any reward.
Good rewards were joyful.
Otherwise, no big deal.
He'd been lucky so often, a rare miss was normal.
No one always drew SSRs.
[Opening Gift!]
The sweet voice sounded, rewards flashing before Kazuku, stopping with a white glow.
[Congratulations, Host, for receiving Kagura Mind's Eye Lv1!]
Kazuku: "???"
Kagura Mind's Eye? What's that?
King of Fighters '97?
Was this in Naruto?
As the glow faded, Kazuku was baffled.
He had no memory of this "Kagura Mind's Eye."
Frowning, he checked its description.
[Uzumaki Clan ability. Closing eyes opens the mind's eye, sensing abnormalities within a 5km radius. If identifying a specific chakra, it can track position and movement!]
"An Uzumaki ability…"
Kazuku blinked, reading the description in his mind.
He suddenly recalled a girl.
None other than…
Karin!
Though her name lacked "Uzumaki," she was an Uzumaki descendant.
"So, Kagura Mind's Eye is Karin's sensory ability?"
Kazuku realized.
Though not a ninjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu, nor harmful to enemies…
This ability was invaluable for tracking or escaping pursuit.
When Sasuke hunted the Eight-Tails at Thunder Gorge, without Karin's ability locking onto Killer Bee…
He'd have escaped.
Kazuku felt the timing was perfect.
Protecting the Land of Waves' daimyo…
If he detected a ninja and identified their chakra…
He could lock onto them with Kagura Mind's Eye.
They'd have no escape.
"I really am a lucky emperor."
This check-in reaffirmed Kazuku's luck.
He couldn't help it.
He wanted to be unlucky once.
But…
His bloodline wouldn't allow it.
"Let's test Kagura Mind's Eye."
Kazuku closed his eyes, activating the ability, sensing within a 5km radius.
He quickly located Hiruzen and the others' positions and actions.
Though his Kagura Mind's Eye was only Lv1, less potent than Karin's later version, it was highly useful.
He instantly grasped everything within 5km.
The daimyo was giving a speech, explaining maritime trade's benefits to the citizens.
"Wait…"
Kazuku frowned.
As he maximized Kagura Mind's Eye…
A powerful, chilling chakra entered his range.
"Stronger than Hiruzen's."
"And filled with cold intent…"
Worse, this ninja was rapidly approaching the daimyo.
Likely…
The assassin hired to kill her.
Kazuku opened his eyes, leaped, and sprinted toward her.
As the daimyo passionately shared her vision…
Kazuku rushed before her.
As expected…
Two kunai flew toward him.
Of course, they weren't aimed at Kazuku.
Their true target was the daimyo!
The sudden attack shocked everyone.
Hiruzen and the others.
Guard samurai Kabi.
Even the daimyo.
All stared at Kazuku in disbelief.
No one expected an assassin now.
Nor that Kazuku would block the first attack!
"Everyone, stay alert, protect the daimyo!"
Hiruzen reacted first, shouting to his teammates.
Kagami, Homura, Danzo, and Koharu nodded, forming their planned formation, shielding the daimyo.
They cautiously watched for changes.
The Land of Waves' citizens never imagined ninja would assassinate in broad daylight.
Fearing involvement, they fled.
None stood to protect the daimyo.
Kazuku noted this.
Was this a Land of Waves tradition?
When Kado later dominated, they didn't resist, silently enduring his evils.
They even thought those who fought back were abnormal.
For a nation…
This was the greatest tragedy.
Even forty or fifty years later, their descendants wouldn't blame capitalists or oppressors.
They'd hate their own lack of courage.
Silently enduring exploitation.
Snap!
Kazuku landed, steadying himself, deflecting the kunai to the ground.
"Th… thank you." The daimyo swallowed, noticing the kunai.
She realized…
Without Kazuku's timely intervention…
She'd be…
Dead!
(End of Chapter)