[Karma]
This was the name Sasuke gave to this ability.
Huotou possessed the power to absorb flames and calamity, which naturally included misfortune directed at itself.
Simply put, any damage inflicted upon the Inugami could enhance its own power… the lower its health, the higher its attributes.
Simultaneously, the Calamity Flames could promptly repair his injuries, preventing him from actually dying because of it.
It could be said to be a complete [Berserker's] stat panel.
Having successfully transformed into his Human-Beast Form, Sasuke's size was similar to Karin's transformation, also around two meters tall.
This kind of stature was already quite intimidating in the Ninja World where the average height was less than 1.6 meters.
At this time, Raiga was like a little chicken in front of Sasuke.
"Bastard!"
Raiga still wanted to fight back, but Sasuke's movements were faster than his.
Sszztt-
Black-red Calamity Flames combined with the flash of Lightning Release, enveloping Sasuke's sharp claws.
"Chidori: Hellfire!"
A flash of claw light.
A dual attack on both body and soul instantly severed Kurotsuchi Raizō's life.
A character of this level, placed before the current Sasuke, could only serve as a training partner if they tried very hard.
"Hmm?"
Sensing the presence of the little kid named Ranmaru, Sasuke was just about to take action and finish him off as well.
But then he recalled the misfortune he had seen through his eyes earlier.
"...What a hassle."
After a moment's thought, Sasuke still reached out a large hand, grabbed Ranmaru whole in his palm, then took a few big strides and jumped down from the cliff.
He didn't forget to take the Kiba from Raiga's corpse either.
…He had a feeling they might still be useful.
By the time Sasuke came down from the mountain, what he saw were the knocked-out lackeys of the Kurosuki Family lying all over the ground, and Naruto's group of three already receiving thanks from the villagers.
"So slow!"
Karin was tossing a fruit in her hand, a gift from one of the village children.
Dealing with those thugs who could only barely use some low-level Ninjutsu, Karin's Garuda transformation could truly be described as 'bullying kids.'
If it weren't for the need to keep them alive for questioning, a single volley of feathers during the transformation would probably have ended the fight.
Even without using lethal moves, her Garuda Form, having masterful control over the wind, could easily maneuver among this group of enemies.
Their attacks were either deflected by wind barriers or simply couldn't pierce the metal feathers.
There was no comparison at all.
"So, who's this little brat?"
As she spoke, Karin pointed at Ranmaru.
Halfway down, Sasuke had already reverted from his transformation to his human form. Ranmaru was currently being held by him.
But the child wasn't crying or making a fuss… he didn't even show a hint of sadness for Raiga.
"Just a war orphan. He was just being used."
Sasuke didn't explain much.
Frankly, given his personality, not finishing off Ranmaru along the way was already an act of great mercy.
If it weren't for Naruto's influence, he absolutely couldn't be bothered with this kid's troubles, leaving him to fend for himself.
At that moment, Naruto also walked over, smiling as he looked at Sasuke.
"How's it going? Have you finally mastered the transformation?"
"Hmph~"
Faced with Naruto's question, Sasuke only gave a light snort, but the slight upturn of the corner of his mouth still revealed his inner feelings.
Then, Jiraiya dragged over a guy whose face was covered with bumps and bruises from being beaten up.
"This is Granny Sansho's son, Karashi. This kid really doesn't know how to change his ways."
Karashi, whose hands and feet were bound by ink restraints, was still shouting.
"Go back to that little shop with no customers and let those officials exploit us again?"
Actually, the reason Karashi chose to join Kurosuki Family was also because he couldn't stand the oppression of the corrupt officials in this area.
At that time, Raiga had just arrived at this small village that produced gold ore.
Relying on his own strength, he easily drove away the officials.
But then he began to cruelly oppress the local residents even more severely.
Before, it might have just been having little money and not enough to eat, but now, if they weren't careful, they could end up being buried alive.
Bang!
A sharp knock on the head was launched.
"You didn't dare to resist those officials, so you chose to become an accomplice to those thugs instead?"
For this kind of fool, Naruto didn't even have the heart to use his [Talk no Jutsu].
He waved his hand, signaling the villagers to deal with the other restrained members of the Kurosuki Family themselves. Then, he dragged the unconscious Karashi towards the ink carriage.
"Problem solved, let's go."
Karin and Sasuke exchanged glances… they rarely saw Naruto with this kind of expression.
They had originally thought Naruto would inevitably launch into another earnest lecture.
…
Back at Sansho's curry shop.
Even though her son was beaten beyond recognition, Sansho was still very grateful that Naruto had brought her son back.
At this time, Karashi could only lay there, eyes vacant, staring lifelessly at the ceiling.
On the way back, Sasuke had already announced the news of Raiga's death.
This was confirmed by Ranmaru.
The fact that the 'powerful' Kurosuki Raiga in his eyes was single-handedly killed by an outsider like Sasuke, who even looked like just a kid, shattered Karashi's original resolve.
To thank Naruto and the others, Sansho brought out her signature [Curry Of Life].
The pitch-black curry broth emitted a strong spices aroma. With just a light sniff, Naruto could identify many ingredients beneficial to the body.
"Tsk, tsk, the taste… is really something else!"
Naruto didn't hesitate, immediately digging in heartily.
Seeing this, the others suppressed their aversion to the curry's appearance and picked up their spoons.
The next moment-
"Ah!"
The cool-faced guy, Sasuke, lost his composure.
"Water! Water!"
The Toad Sage opened his mouth wide, uncontrollably sticking out his tongue.
Bang!
The worst off was Karin.
The young girl simply face-planted onto the table, unconscious.
A small plate of curry actually managed to make the previously powerful Sasuke and the others fall here.
"Whew… Delicious! Granny, another plate!"
Perhaps only a true 'glutton' like Naruto could enjoy such a meal so thoroughly.
After eating and drinking his fill, Naruto even asked Sansho for the recipe with great interest.
Sansho didn't hold back either, handing over her secret formula step-by-step to Naruto.
-Of course, whether Naruto's cooking skills were capable of replicating it was uncertain.
"Sigh... Actually, I can understand Karashi's thinking."
After saying all that, Sansho sighed again.
"Our place really is just an ordinary little curry shop. It's normal for a child not to want to stay here."
Unexpectedly, Naruto shook his head upon hearing this.
"You have such a unique skill, you just lack a good idea."
"Head east from here, go straight and open a shop in Konoha Village."
"Make it a [Ninja Curry Shop], hire some Konoha's Genin to help out here."
"And Granny, don't call yourself Granny, call yourself the [Curry Master]… it sounds much more high-end."
The business world of the One Piece World was far more developed than here. Naruto spoke off the cuff, casually listing several ways to improve the small shop's business.
Whether it would work or not was another matter, but Karashi, lying on the ground, had already turned his gaze over.
He thought it seemed like it had potential.
And if they moved to the outskirts of Konoha, those officials probably wouldn't be able to harass them anymore, right?