Chapter 27: Repercussions and a Town Thief
The spectacle Momiji had created was already significant. To prevent an even larger disturbance during the upcoming 'punishment' bout, Shuichi Mayumi preemptively sealed his Blood Demon Art. Without the overwhelming power of the Crimson Bramble, Momiji, even with his honed Ghost Qi, stood little chance against the combined assault of the other demons.
The ghost crow, in particular, fought with vindictive glee, inflicting half the wounds Momiji sustained. The outcome was inevitable. Momiji was defeated, subdued by the coordinated efforts of Kagemi, Mushiji, Tenmu, and Onigarasu.
As per the rules, his defeat meant forfeiting any reward. Shuichi divided the portion of demon blood intended for Momiji among the victors. The original purpose of this exercise was to gauge potential and strengthen his assets; hoarding the power himself served no purpose. He was particularly hopeful that Tenmu and Mushiji, infused with this extra essence, might awaken their own Blood Demon Arts. But no such luck. They grew slightly stronger, but no new abilities manifested.
During the beatdown, Shuichi also fully assimilated the knowledge of Dry Arrow's unused Blood Demon Art: Hundredfold Return. It stored absorbed elemental attacks, releasing them with multiplied force upon reaching a threshold. Useless against purely physical foes, as Dry Arrow had discovered. If it could absorb all damage… 'Gluttony' would be a fitting name. A pity.
With the game concluded and lessons (hopefully) learned, Shuichi ordered Momiji to share his Ghost Qi cultivation methods with the others—a consolation prize of sorts. Then, he dismissed the bruised and sullen demon. For his own journey, he selected the two most immediately useful subordinates: Tenmu and Kagemi.
Tenmu offered no objection. Kagemi dared not.
The ghost crow was bitterly disappointed to be left behind.
Tenmu's Byakugan-derived vision would reveal hidden threats and track potential Black or White Zetsu spies. Kagemi's Layered Space provided concealment and a mobile, if temporary, refuge. While Kagemi couldn't perceive the outside world from within her space, Tenmu's eyes could pierce the dimensional barrier, creating a perfect surveillance and hideout system. The only thing missing was true teleportation. Walking was tedious.
Soon, Shuichi, flanked by his two new attendants, approached the town that had been their original destination. Being so close to Konoha, it was prosperous and well-developed.
Their journey had been uneventful—no bandits or rogue ninja to test Tenmu's limits and potentially trigger an art awakening. Tenmu was competent, but utterly lacking in drive. Given the chance, he'd probably choose to nap.
Both demons could retract their more monstrous features. Tenmu became a tall, pale man with intricate crimson tattoos. Kagemi was a striking woman with crimson hair and strange facial markings. In a world of ninja, priests, and mystical arts, such appearances raised few eyebrows.
They entered the town smoothly. Though it was late, the main street still held a few night vendors.
"Hey! You brat, stop right there!"
A rough shout cut through the night. A lean, agile teenager darted around a corner ahead, moving with practiced ease. He weaved an S-pattern through the sparse crowd, deftly dodging a rotten tomato thrown by a furious chef giving chase.
"Thief! Stop that thief!" The chef, apron askew, waved a greasy spatula, his face purple with exertion. He doubled over, gasping, unable to continue the pursuit.
"Heh! Hard day's work, boss!" The teen shot a mocking grin over his shoulder.
His triumph was short-lived. He turned back just in time to slam squarely into the unmoving form of Shuichi Mayumi. The impact sent him sprawling onto his backside.
Thump.
The street was wide. The boy had chosen his path poorly.
Rubbing his sore tailbone, the teen glared up at the three imposing figures blocking his way. He bared his teeth, letting out a low, animalistic growl.
Shuichi blinked. What, exactly, is wrong with this child?
"Is there… something off with his head?" Kagemi whispered, pointing discreetly at her own temple and glancing at Tenmu.
Tenmu, true to form, offered only a terse, "Perhaps."
Kagemi sighed internally. Now I understand Momiji's pitying look. This is going to be a long assignment.
The trio stared at the boy as one might observe a peculiar insect. The boy returned the stare with equal bafflement.
"Tch." He scrambled to his feet. Using his small size to his advantage, he ducked between their legs. As he did, his hand, trained by countless petty thefts, dipped into Shuichi's coat pocket with lightning speed. A moment later, clutching his original prize—the chef's money pouch—and a new, heavier wallet, he vanished into a side alley.
"Heh. That kid has some nerve," Shuichi remarked, unperturbed. He patted his pocket. Empty. The boy had indeed lifted his wallet during the 'collision'. The whole clumsy bump, the growling—all a distraction. A well-executed, if crude, bit of street theft.
"Tenmu," Shuichi said, a cold smile touching his lips. "Use your eyes. Find him. We're going for a walk."
He didn't mind the theft in principle. But he minded being its target. And a lesson in consequences was always educational. The night in the town was about to take an interesting turn.
(End of Chapter)
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