90 – Who watches the Watchmen? (1)
Four months have passed.
With the help of Treebo and other technicians, Yongjugol has taken on the appearance of a village.
During this time, I have taught the ninjas of Yongjugol about the mindset of a ninja, taught them the art of stealth, and trained them in combat.
“Kid, you’re pretty good.”
“You too.”
“This is really tough.”
The ninjas of Yongjugol have become quite close during this time.
“Please, spare me…”
“Heh, I thought I was going to die.”
“Ugh…”
Through the “Mana Training” filled with love for Jjoker and Hook, who were not mana users, they have become mana users.
Actually, Bigbangdaengyi’s private tutoring with a magic wand – messing around with various things – was more effective than my mana training, but anyway. Although they were all learning stealth, they were slower to progress than the other ninjas.
It seemed that it took time to fully master the smart Orphe as a stealth technique, so no ninja had mastered it perfectly, but Lunox seemed to understand about 70% of it.
“-Helicopter Swordsmanship.”
Swish, swish, swish, swish!
Lunox fiercely swung her modified chain sword. The sleeves of her blue uniform shook violently, and at the same time, the target in front of her was shattered.
Ah, all ninjas wear blue uniforms. The black uniform is mine as a runaway ninja.
If they become the strongest super ninja of Yongjugol, they can wear a white uniform, and if they become the master ninja who leads Yongjugol, they can wear a red belt.
The black and white blue is the ranking system for ninjas.
“Huh.”
Lunox wiped the sweat off his forehead and aimed at the target. The target had a perfectly round hole right in the center.
“…Slow.”
As he said that, his trembling head made him look quite frustrated.
He seemed to be comparing the swordsmanship I showed him with his own, realizing that he still had a long way to go. I believe that he is digesting my teachings in his own way and will eventually see the results.
“Master, can I keep up with you? The speed of your world…”
Ah, of course.
I wanted to say that, but I can’t speak right now.
‘Nin-nin.’
It’s because I was secretly observing Lunox’s training in my shadow state.
It’s not because I’m a pervert, but rather to check if the ninjas are diligently conducting their individual training even when I’m not around, and to see if they have any distractions.
It’s a sort of impromptu patrol, or rather, an unexpected inspection.
My shadow state is so perfect that even Orpheus would have a hard time noticing, so it’s safe to say that there is no better way to spy.
Now that I’ve finished checking on Lunox, it’s time to see the others.
“Hyah!”
Boom-!
Maximus swung his large and small axes alternately, accompanied by a resounding battle cry. The large axe was originally used by Treebo and was called the “Great Woodcutter’s Axe.”
Since I couldn’t see one of the small axes that he had been using for over decades, it seemed like he faithfully followed my advice to use the large axe.
From Noble mtl dot com
A pair of short-range axes. It was a good combination, but in my opinion, the defense seemed significantly lacking.
If you have good mobility like me or high defense like Orpheus wearing armor, it might be fine. But Maximus can only withstand attacks like a bull and seize opportunities. In that case, even if he wins the fight, he will end up battered and bruised.
So, the combination I recommended was a big axe and a small axe for the pond spirit.
If you can handle this combination skillfully, you will be able to protect yourself from fatal blows with the big axe even in a one-on-one battle with a formidable opponent.
Of course, it meant discarding the style that Maximos had built up until now. It was not an easy decision to make.
– To grow, to withstand even bigger waves, one must evolve.
I persuaded him while saying that.
He also told me a famous story from Earth, about that, you know, the ashen frog or the feather-brain chicken, I can’t remember which one.
– Maximos, do you know? The small yellow-headed condor replaces its beak and claws every 10 years. To survive, it sharpens and polishes worn-out hunting tools by hitting them against rocks. To become a ninja, you must act like that beast.
– Indeed… Your words are reasonable. It may take some time, but I will try.
I said that for now, as if he were a small yellow-headed condor.
I know more than 500 species of insects and dinosaurs, but for some reason, I can’t remember birds well.
I guess I only need to remember the chicken menu, but I wonder if I have to remember those little birds too.
Anyway, Maximos was a guy who had the qualities of a good ninja, second only to Lunox.
Maybe because his skin was dark, he was good at disguise, and he had good stamina for ninja slaughter. He had the disadvantage of being done growing, but that could be compensated with new equipment and techniques.
The double-bladed axe Dorun that Treebo used was a sturdy and foldable rare-grade item, so there was no problem.
Clang! Clang!
While I was thinking, I went to find Treebo. He was diligently hammering iron.
[Why. Do. I. Still. Have. To. Do. This.]
Seeing him humming a song while working made me relieved that he had adapted to being a blacksmith. When I told him to make a blue ninja suit, he resisted with his heavy body, jumping around.
Clang! Clang!
“Now I can kill more. Wendy… Peter… Lily… Watch over me from above.”
Hook was mumbling something as he touched the standard-issue ninja dagger.
This ninja, with a killer’s face, had attached a finger-shaped hook to his left hand this time. The fingers were sharp and could be used as close combat weapons.
The name of the hook was ‘Ninja Claw’. He planned to attach a ninja dagger to his forearm later.
“Yeah. It tastes good.”
Heidi was feeding the livestock she raised outside the cave.
A few months ago, she brought three pairs of male and female animals and left them to breed on their own. Pigs, chickens, goats, and sheep were relatively easy to bring, but cows were difficult to bring into the cave hole, probably because of their size.
There was plenty of grass around, and there was a lake a little further away, so there shouldn’t be much difficulty in raising them. And there were ninjas who handled the waste separately, so there was no need to worry.
“Sob…”
Over there, Choker was crying and using a shovel to clean up the waste. He was the representative of the waste management team.
“Oculus… I’m so tired… This isn’t what I signed up for…”
“Ugh.”
Oculus, who was watching from a distance, covered his nose with his beak, as if he was covering his nose with his hand.
Since it’s not good to go around naked, Oculus was also dressed in a blue mini ninja uniform.
“Should I give up on the path of a ninja… I want to go back to the theater…”
Choker, you really know how to make trouble. Betrayal is unforgivable, as it is the rule of the ninja village.
The deserter ninja raised his hand to the sword. He was trembling. It had been a while since he killed someone.
Choker… Can you maintain that damn tone even when you’re about to die? People become humble in the face of life-threatening situations. You will beg me for mercy in standard language.
I will firmly refuse.
“…!”
He couldn’t stop his tail from rising.
“Ugh.”
“…Is that so? Well, this is the path I’ve chosen. If I run away from here, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. I won’t be able to face the Commander and my comrades ever again out of shame.”
What?
“Ugh.”
“The Commander always said that the right path is always difficult and steep. I’ll work harder so I won’t become a shameful person.”
“What?”
I can’t believe this. No, are you some kind of protagonist from a boy’s comic? Why are you answering your own questions and achieving emotional growth?
…
Because of these pointless growth events, I’ve lost all interest. I put the ninja escape tool back in my bag and headed towards the cave.
Anyway, Heidi…
I’ve been watching her since the first day, but she hasn’t shown any suspicious movements.
I don’t know if she has a lot of patience or if she has another plan, but it seems like it’s time for a personal “interview.”
Since the Joker has been irritating me too much, no, because waiting any longer is not my style, I plan to visit her tonight.
“Robin, where are you?”
Orphe blinked and found me, so I stopped peeping and approached her.
“Why?”
“It’s nothing major, it’s because of next week’s schedule. Enduring an hour in the fire, what is this? Is there a hidden meaning that I don’t know?”
“Just as it sounds.”
“…Alright. First, it’s better to change this.”
“What? Are you saying there’s a problem with my education?”
No one can interfere with my education.
“It’s irrational. What’s good about enduring in the fire? You’ll just end up covered in burns.”
“Orphe, it’s enough to provoke them like that. Let’s make sure they can’t make fun of us right away.”
After that, I listened to a chaotic sermon.
***
It was a night in Yongjugol where all lanterns were extinguished. Heidi quietly entered the tent.
“Hmm…”
Seeing Heidi sleeping, tightly holding the straw-filled Dakimakura, she looked very comfortable.
Just looking at her like this, she seems like an ordinary child.
“…Heidi!”
I called her name softly.
“Hei-di! Wake up quickly.”
“Hmm?”
Heidi’s eyes, as big as marbles, opened as she woke up.
“Talju Ninja?”
“Shh. We can’t wake people up.”
“What’s happening at this hour?”
I dislike children. It’s not just a simple dislike, but a strong aversion.
Honestly, people who like children are weird. Where on earth is the reason to like arrogant and useless creatures who only eat, poop, sleep, and cry?
But since Heidi is a child who fulfills her role well, I’m thinking of providing some service as well.
“hehehehe…”
First, I eased her tension with a sweet laugh.
“Why, why are you laughing like that…”
“Heidi, I’m on your side.”
Compared to other kids, that’s how it is. Although I’ve seen her for a long time, Heidi is the only kid I haven’t hit even once.
“Yes…?”
“So, I’m going to treat you as gently as possible.”
“…”
“You should also treat me honestly, right?”
“…Mhm.”
Heidi’s face is pale, probably because it’s cold at night. I can understand.
But not answering my question… that’s suspicious.
Ssshh.
I drew my ninja sword.
“Heh, huff!”
Heidi pressed her back against the tent, making a strange sound. Her eyes were filled with tears.
Should I take this as a thief stepping on my foot?
“You.”
Her trembling body was like she was going crazy.
“Are you a spy?”
She stopped as if it were a lie.
“Answer.”
“…ugh.”
Now, Heidi, the girl from the disappeared village of Andes.
“If you don’t answer within 10 seconds, I’ll kill you.”
She could feel the presence of a watcher.