Chapter 473
"It's a little burnt, but it's an improvement over last time. Come on, I'm counting on you."
"......"
Using a bloodline limit to grill fish seemed a bit unconventional, but Pakura genuinely believed this training helped her control her bloodline abilities.
In the past, all she knew was how to create fireballs. No matter how much her strength grew, she stuck to the same technique.
Now, things were different. Not only could she create fireballs, but she could also form intricate shapes, like flowers, with her flames.
Despite her progress, Shinki's constant criticism and dismissive remarks over the years made her teeth itch with frustration. Every time he belittled her, she would grit her teeth and train even harder, determined to one day prove him wrong.
Unfortunately, that day hadn't come yet.
"My Lord..."
Just as she finished grilling the fish, Shinki, who had lost interest in fishing, was planning to return to the cabin with Pakura for some leisure time. Unexpectedly, the leader of the caravan on the ship approached him.
"Sir, the caravan will enter the waters of the Land of Water in two days. In this area, there's a chance we might encounter ships from the Cloud Village..."
Glancing at the caravan leader, who seemed worried about potential dangers, Shinki waved his hand nonchalantly.
"I know. You don't have to worry. Spread the word: don't concern yourselves about the waters of the Land of Water, the Land of Lightning, or any war zones. Just proceed directly through."
"Ah?"
The caravan leader was stunned.
Go straight through?
What if they encountered Mist or Cloud ninja ships engaged in battle? Wouldn't the caravan become a target?
"You don't need to worry about safety. Just focus on your tasks—unload goods where you need to, sell where you must, and buy where it's necessary. Leave the rest to me."
Shinki patted the caravan leader's shoulder before yawning and heading toward the cabin.
"Oh, one more thing."
Just as he was about to close the door, Shinki turned back to the still-stunned leader.
"Starting tomorrow, a large snake will escort the caravan. If you see it, stay calm and don't panic. It's my summoned beast."
The news quickly spread through the caravan.
While everyone knew of Shinki's reputation—having seen even the Third Kazekage personally invite him to visit the Sand Village—the idea of traversing through a war zone unnerved them.
The Land of Water and the Land of Lightning were active battlegrounds. Wouldn't passing directly through those waters provoke both sides?
It felt reckless, but with Shinki as their protector, they had no choice but to trust him and continue their journey.
The next morning
As the sun rose over the horizon, a loud cry came from the deck.
"Oh no! There's a huge shadow in the water!"
"There's a monster under our ship!"
Several people on deck had spotted a massive black shadow beneath the waves, and panic quickly spread.
"Splash!!!"
With a resounding crash, a massive golden head emerged from the sea, peering curiously at the cargo ship.
The giant serpent wasn't particularly interested in the ship—it was the terrified, screaming people on board that caught its attention.
"Shut up! Quiet down!"
The caravan leader hurried out, shouting to calm the panicked crew.
Shinki had warned them the day before about his summoned beast escorting the caravan. Now that it had arrived, what was all the fuss about?
The sudden appearance of the massive snake left the crew frozen in fear. Even the caravan leader, while shouting commands, couldn't hide his trembling legs.
Shinki stepped out of the cabin and was immediately greeted by the serpent. Bowing its massive golden head, the creature greeted him respectfully.
"Master."
Shinki nodded, gesturing to the caravan to indicate there was no danger.
"Why are you all standing there? Get back to your positions and continue sailing! This is Master Shinki's summoned beast, here to protect us. What are you afraid of? Show some backbone!"
Despite his stern words, the caravan leader's legs wobbled as he walked, betraying his own fear.
Shinki glanced at the snake—its golden head was half the size of the ship itself.
What in the world did Orochimaru feed this thing? Shinki wondered.
For such a young creature, its size was astonishing. If it kept growing, it would be terrifying.
Sensing that its size made conversation difficult, the serpent lowered its head into the water, bringing itself to Shinki's eye level.
"Not bad. You've grown again. By the way, where's Black Fang?"
Hearing Shinki's question, the golden serpent—Gold Fang—lowered its head and let out a deep roar. Moments later, another massive black shadow surfaced, revealing a second serpent.
"Oh no... another one?"
The sight of the second snake sent another wave of panic through the crew.
Standing on deck, Shinki leaned casually against the railing, smirking. "Relax. That's Black Fang, my disciple's summoned beast. It won't harm you."
"Master Shinki," Black Fang greeted respectfully.
Like Gold Fang, it lowered its head and kept its posture non-threatening, trying not to frighten the humans on the ship.
Shinki inspected the two snakes closely.
Gold Fang was noticeably larger than Black Fang. Aren't they both experimental subjects? Why is the size difference so dramatic?
"I'm heading out for a bit. You two stay with the ship," Shinki said.
With that, he leapt onto Gold Fang's head and signaled for the serpents to move away from the caravan.
Pakura remained aboard the ship, watching as the two massive snakes swam toward the open sea.
Once the crew realized the serpents wouldn't harm them, curiosity replaced fear. Those not afraid of snakes craned their necks to watch the creatures vanish into the distance.
"Master Shinki's summoned beast is huge. Its head is half the size of the ship!"
"The black one isn't small either, but the golden one is bigger."
"Well, obviously! The golden one belongs to Master Shinki, and the black one is his disciple's. The teacher is stronger than the student, so of course the teacher's summoned beast is stronger too. What's strange about that?"
"......"
That logic seemed sound.