Chapter 26

As Henrietta was the only girl who showed even a little bit of interest in a historical heritage site for more than a minute, William decided that they should walk around and visit places more popular with the younger generation, so that everyone could enjoy more of this new world.

This was a different experience even for William, as he had been alive during the 21st century and all of his pitifully short life was spent in a third world country, so he was a little eager about it too.

Sophia was unanimously elected as the guide of the group after everyone realized that William was more closely related to NEETs than he had let on.

As they were walking past a posh jewellery shop, a young man in his early twenties came out of the shop. His dress, his manner, in fact, everything about him screamed dandy. William looked at him for a second before he had a very weird thought.

'I hope this person can see the Mt. Tai. I mean I'm wearing a non-branded suit made by the designer and tailor, who takes care of the Queen's wardrobe. Ít is made of the best quality fabric present in the world. Not only that, my suit has flawless and polished diamonds as buttons. Anyone who is actually rich enough should be able to know right away that I am also someone rich, so no point in fighting unprepared. He shouldn't give me trouble due to his lust...right?'

Clearly, the young man seemed to have been completely captivated by Kirche's looks. One look towards her, and he had started drooling like crazy. But just as the young man was about to run up to them and start his magnificent speech about his father's identity, something very small hit him, very swiftly, at the back of his head and he blacked out.

William gave a quick thanks to the Itachi's shadow clone who was hiding in the shadows of the building adjacent to them.

When he was talking about today's plans to Itachi, the topic about shadow clones had somehow come up. As Itachi was able to only perform it recently due to the huge chakra requirements, so they wanted to test the limits of the jutsu. Itachi made two clones (it was the maximum he could do without meeting the creator), one was with William, the other one was in the different world with his disciple, and Itachi himself was in Asia.

Even after half a day, the jutsu was working completely fine, so the test was going very well.

Completely ignoring the expected panic due to a rich man fainting in the middle of the streets, William nonchalantly suggested the group that they try some street snacks that were being sold down the road.

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***On the outskirts of a Slum in an Asian city***

Today was one of those days that Lin Shihong was trying to stay alive just because of her cute little baby girl, Tingting. She had been trying hard to find a new job this month and she had unsuccessful once again today.

After her ex-husband had become the boy-toy of a rich old woman, who also happened to be the president of the company she used to work at - well, she had learned some important life lessons the hard way.

Lin Shihong gave a deep sigh, hid her exhausted expression, and looked at the small baby on her back. She hadn't figured out a respectable job which would allow her to bring the baby to the work. But she would have to do something soon, as her savings were barely enough to last till the next month.

As she opened the room of her newly rented apartment room, yes there was just a door and room - there was also a communal bathroom in the flimsy lease contract; she got a very hard scare by the mysterious man standing in the middle of her room.

"Don't be scared, Ms Lin, I mean no harm. I heard that you have been having some financial difficulties lately. I have a very interesting offer and I think you will really like it."

Lin Shihong wanted to scream or do lots of other things, like maybe get the fuck out of there, but when she looked at those cold and indifferent red eyes, she knew everything would be useless.

The man wearing the weird black cloak with red clouds spoke again, "Why don't you come inside and take a seat. This is your own place after all."

Lin Shihong took a gulp of nothing, closed the door softly, and gingerly walked a little closer to the strange man. With a slightly trembling voice, she asked, "What do you want from me? I have nothing that can be of use to you."

When the man saw that Lin Shihong was trying to cover the baby with her thin hands, despite her shivering legs, he gave her a slight smile.

"On the contrary Ms Lin, I have a very great need for you, or to be precise, someone with a good personality like you. In today's society, it is really hard to find someone as loyal, and as courageous you. Given your increase in cunningness and ruthlessness after that certain incident last month, I think you are the best candidate for my purposes."

Looking at the man's demeanour, Lin Shihong was sure that he wasn't here to harm her, at least not right now. He needed her to do something, which means he needed her alive. The only problem was that he hadn't talked about what would happen to her baby.

As if seeing through her thoughts, the man continued, "We won't take the baby as a hostage but.....if you betray us....."

Lin Shihong forcefully calmed her overactive imagination and said, "Please, don't do anything to my baby, I will do everything that you want. But I am just a normal clerk, so I don't have any special skills. I-"

"Relax Ms Lin! Nothing will happen to the baby...unless you want to. And as I said before, I am interested in your character, not your skills."

Lin Shihong gave a slightly apprehensive nod to express her understanding.

The man gave a quick clap and said, "Then I will explain some things to you. First, you should try to treat the guild as your family, not necessary but it helps.

Second, how does opening a high-end female salon sound to you? We will provide you with the skills and the necessary start-up funds.

Third, you have to submit a daily report about interesting events that you see or hear from your customers. How does that sound to you, Ms Lin?"

Although Lin Shihong wanted to say that the whole thing was pretty sketchy but all that came out of her mouth was a raspy 'Okay'.

'Saphira, buy a few skills related to managing and working at a salon. Also, ask Claudia to allocate some funds for this business venture.'

(*Ding* On it Itachi. Do you want me to inform Will about it?)

'Not yet. I will do it in person after selecting all the required members.'

Itachi walked towards Lin Shihong and grabbed her left shoulder. Although she was a bit startled, she didn't do anything when she realised that he was only looking at her with pure and warm? eyes.

"I will reveal to you the most important secret of the guild. You can't tell it to anyone, even your blood relatives."

Without waiting for her reply, he transported her to the guild headquarters of the Rhapsody of Death.

Just like that, one more innocent lamb was tied to the pirate ship.

(AN: Enjoy! Please leave behind power stones, as well as, suggestions on how to improve my writing.)