Procrastination
"Tch! You think I want to be here? It's just taking turns watching over you. Wait, I'll go tell them—you had everyone worried."
"No need, I'll tell them myself. Don't worry, I'm fine. It's just chakra exhaustion. Not the first time."
"Then be careful." Taiyi sighed. After so long as teammates, he understood Shirō's stubborn streak well enough not to push.
"Don't worry." With that, Shirō sat up from the bed and asked, "How was the mission? Was Mōryō sealed?"
"Yes. After you collapsed, the Priestess performed the sealing. Don't worry—the mission was a success."
"I see. Then… how is the Priestess?"
"Relax, she's fine too. Why are you so concerned about her?"
"Nothing. Just… some things I wanted to confirm. It's good that she's safe."
Taiyi noticed Shirō didn't want to say more. He let it go, but from the faint curve of Shirō's lips, it was clear there was more to it.
After a few steps, Shirō suddenly froze, realizing he had forgotten something important.
"Taiyi, how long was I out? And the shinobi from the other villages—did they already leave?"
"Heh, I thought you'd never ask. You've only been asleep one day. Everyone's still here. The Priestess said she'll thank us all together—once you recover."
"At the ceremony?" Shirō raised an eyebrow.
"Right. Apparently, it's tradition. Every time Mōryō is sealed, they hold a ceremony. This time will be no different."
"Shirō, we owe them a huge debt for this."
"Yeah. A big one."
The reason was obvious. During this mission, anyone with eyes could see that as long as Shirō kept growing, his future would be extraordinary. That also made him a target—this was the perfect chance for an assassination.
So the Priestess had insisted on holding a grand ceremony—not only as tradition, but to buy time for Konoha reinforcements to arrive.
In truth, the Land of Demons had always held ceremonies after sealing Mōryō, but not as a celebration. The sealing often cost the Priestess her life. The ritual instead marked the passing of leadership to her successor, the new Priestess.
But this time was different. The current Priestess had survived, and her daughter was still too young to inherit. This ceremony was clearly meant to honor Shirō and his team.
Even if there were hidden motives, the sentiment was real—and couldn't be ignored.
---
Soon after, Shirō and his team entered the main hall. Most shinobi were gathered, resting after the fierce battle.
"Shirō, you should be in bed longer," Nakamura, their captain, said firmly.
"It's fine, Captain. Just chakra exhaustion. Nothing I haven't dealt with before."
"As long as you know your limits. That Secret Technique you used—any permanent side effects?"
"No. Just some damage to my chakra pathways. I'll need to rest, but nothing life-threatening."
"Good. A few more missions won't matter."
"Here, Brother Shirō." Xiao Guang handed him a cup of tea, his face filled with concern. "Are you really okay? That technique… and you used it twice."
"Haha, don't worry. I'll live. Do you remember what I told you was the most important ability for a shinobi?"
"Yes—'Follow your heart.' But… what does that have to do with this?"
"Hmm, good memory. But last time, I forgot to tell you the other meaning of that phrase."
"The other meaning?"
"Of course."
Everyone turned to listen, curious.
"Cough, cough. Listen carefully. This is my real Secret Skill: Silently grow stronger… and survive to the end."
"…And?" Xiao Guang blinked, waiting for more.
"That's it. That's the essence."
"…."
"Hey, hey, what's with those faces! I'm telling you, this is the secret behind my achievements!" Shirō snapped, annoyed at their doubtful looks.
"Hahaha!"
The whole team burst out laughing. Yesterday, Shirō's serious demeanor had left a strong impression—but this side of him, half-serious, half-joking, brought them even closer.
Though he looked exasperated, Shirō was quietly pleased. This was his nature—sometimes genuinely silly, sometimes deliberate, but always making those around him relax.
After the laughter died down, Nakamura raised a hand, signaling silence.
"Shirō, you'll need to stay in bed another day or two. The ceremony was prepared in advance, but it won't start until you've recovered. Until then, you're officially still 'injured.'"
"I see. So I have to keep pretending."
"Yes. We've already sent word to the village. Sakumo is on his way."
"Teacher is coming?" Shirō's eyes lit up.
"Yes. All the more reason to rest and keep out of sight until then."
"Got it. Anything else I should know?"
"No—just stay put. Taiyi, you and the others shouldn't wander either. It's safer if you don't draw attention."
"We're in the Land of Demons, still under mission protocol. Would anyone really dare make a move here?" Xiao Guang frowned.
"Not openly," Nakamura said gravely. "But every village has its shadows. And sometimes, assassins wear no headband at all."
The team fell silent, the weight of his words settling in.
Visit patreon.com/MexxyWave to get 30+ chapters