Chapter 90: Meeting the Feudal Lord of the Land of Hot Water
[Summoning Beast: Void Mantis]
Rank: C+
Species: Mantodea Insect
Attribute: Void
Abilities:
Mantis Fist (Passive): The Void Mantis's bloodline retains the most primitive combat techniques. This fist style, which encompasses all things and contains the principles of the world, has transformed into a top-tier taijutsu in the Shinobi World, possessing astonishing power.
Void Spikes: The Void Mantis swings its scythes, launching senbon-like spikes formed from void energy to pierce the enemy.
Void Jump: The Void Mantis harnesses void energy to traverse space, achieving an effect similar to teleportation. (The distance is dependent on the amount of void energy used.) Cooldown: 1 hour.
Void Slip: The Void Mantis slips its body into the void for up to 3 seconds. While in the void, it can still move in the real world. It becomes tangible when attacking. Cooldown: 30 seconds.
Five-Hit Lightning Combo: The Void Mantis channels all its physical strength to deliver five simultaneous chop attacks with its two "feet," possessing the power to split mountains and shatter rock.
System Evaluation: Jelly, I want my Mantis!
"This... is an even purer taijutsu-type summon than Goldie!"
That was Kael's assessment. In his view, although the Void Mantis had no chakra, its void abilities made it the ultimate nemesis of ninjutsu-type shinobi. Once it got in close, any ninjutsu user would be helplessly thrashed by its unpredictable movements.
The two summons Kael had created from that single, accidentally-obtained void stone were completely different in both personality and ability. This was likely due to the amount of the stone each one consumed; the smaller mantis had used up two-thirds of the material, which was why it had a higher C+ rank.
The Void Mouse's abilities, in Kael's opinion, were not very practical. Its two "bug-like" abilities were just weakened versions of Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan. Kael had excitedly made the mouse demonstrate them, only to be deeply disappointed. Although its abilities looked like Kamui, their effects were severely watered down. Probably due to its limited void power, it could only use Void Slip three times a day, and Kamui... just once. A full-power Kamui from the mouse could barely warp space, and its activation was so slow it was easily telegraphed.
"Still, space-time abilities are incredibly rare. I managed to find creatures with high compatibility with the void stone. If I get the chance, I'll have to strengthen the Void Mouse. I'm sure it won't disappoint me then," Kael thought.
Then his mind drifted to Little Gray. To his frustration, three years had passed, and the wolf was only just now leaving its pup stage. It had grown in size, but none of its other abilities had awakened yet.
Three days later, Kael, wearing the white, four-sided hat symbolizing his authority as the Leader of the Hidden Hot Water Village, arrived in the capital of the Land of Hot Water with Jade. They were accompanied by two Hidden Hot Water shinobi, one of whom was Jade's trusted subordinate, Saburo. Nominally, they were Kael's bodyguards, but their real purpose was to care for and protect Jade.
The group of five rode the Thunder-Wind Eagle, landing just outside the capital city, Sakura City.
Jade immediately sent Saburo to the Feudal Lord's (Daimyo's) palace to announce their arrival. A village leader was not just anyone, and a meeting between a country's highest authority and its strongest military leader required a certain amount of ceremony.
Fortunately, Jade had scheduled the meeting in advance. Although their arrival was a bit sudden, it wasn't long before a retinue of officials was dispatched from the palace to welcome them.
Jade shuffled forward with a smile, supported on either side by Saburo and the other shinobi.
"Lord Jade! It's been a long time. You were so full of life when I saw you a few years ago. How have you aged so?" The lead official, who had approached with an eager smile, was visibly shocked when he got close enough to see Jade's decrepit state. A look of pained sympathy crossed his face as he rushed forward to grasp Jade's hands.
Kael couldn't tell if the man's words were sincere or just an act, but mastering such pleasantries was a necessary skill for a high-ranking official. Sometimes, words that sounded the most heartfelt were the most insincere.
It didn't matter to Kael. Sincere or not, a day would come when he reached a height where these officials wouldn't dare show him anything but respect, and they would all become his eager employees.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Kael and Jade were ushered into a luxurious carriage. The two shinobi walked alongside as guards, and the procession entered the gates of Sakura City, heading toward the palace.
Following the officials, Kael and Jade, one in front of the other, stepped into the magnificent Daimyo's palace. They crossed a long, jade-paved plaza and arrived at the main palace hall, which was over ten jo (30 meters) high. This was the seat of power for the entire Land of Hot Water, where all national decrees were issued.
"Compared to this opulence, built on money, the Hidden Hot Water Village looks so... shabby. Just like any other ordinary village..."
Kael ignored the curious, appraising stares from the officials on either side. A faint smile on his lips, he walked past the crowd, positioning himself one step ahead of Jade, and stopped before the screen in the main hall.
He gave a slight bow. "The new Leader of the Hidden Hot Water Village, Kael Cross, pays his respects to the Feudal Lord."
A steady, middle-aged man's voice came from behind the screen. Kael couldn't read any emotion from it.
"Oh? So you are Kael Cross? I heard you defeated Konoha's Shimura Danzo a few years ago. A truly impressive young man."
Hiding behind a screen... must be hiding something. Kael grumbled inwardly, his disdain for the Daimyo growing.
Outwardly, however, he maintained a humble posture. "It was just a stroke of luck, my lord. You praise me too highly."
A hearty, if somewhat forced, laugh came from behind the screen. "Hahaha... Humility is a virtue in the young, but too much humility can make others look down on you. Kael, a young man should have a young man's pride. Wouldn't you agree?"
Kael's smile widened as he bowed his head slightly. "Your lesson is well-received, my lord."
With that, he turned, glanced at Jade, and took a small step back, giving Saburo a meaningful look. Saburo looked to Jade for confirmation.
Jade nodded with a faint, tired smile and allowed himself to be led forward, disappearing behind the screen. He was laughing bitterly on the inside.
He knew Kael was getting impatient.