Chapter: Confronting the Ninja Pirates

As Hyojin, Haku, and the boat owner sailed across the vast sea, a group of ninja pirates intercepted them, intent on looting and enslaving them. The pirates consisted of ten individuals: six were mere Genin, while the other four were powerful Chunin.

Hyojin quickly assessed the situation—outnumbered and at a disadvantage. He turned to Haku and said firmly:

"Step back. Let me handle this."

Then, he leaped into the sea. But instead of sinking, he stood on the water's surface, using chakra to stabilize his footing. The situation was dangerous, so he decided to use the element of surprise. He pulled out several explosive tags he had kept as a precaution, then threw five kunai wrapped in the tags in rapid succession toward the pirates.

The kunai exploded in the middle of them. One Genin was killed instantly, while two others suffered severe injuries. The pirates were stunned by his audacity, but Hyojin didn't stop there. Taking advantage of the smoke from the explosion, he dashed forward and critically injured one of the Chunin.

Before the pirates could comprehend what had happened, they had already lost one member, and three others were wounded. Furious, they shouted:

"You bastard! We'll bury you here!"

Despite his confident appearance, Hyojin was internally cautious. He only had three explosive tags left, and he knew his opponents wouldn't give him the chance to retrieve more tools from his storage scroll. Given his limited stamina, he decided to end the fight quickly.

"Ninjutsu: Air Bullets!"

One of the Chunin yelled, "Watch out! Dodge the attack!"

The pirates swiftly jumped away to avoid it. Hyojin gritted his teeth in frustration.

"Tsk, the element of surprise won't work anymore."

Before he could think of a new strategy, he found himself surrounded. Each enemy began performing different Ninjutsu techniques, preparing to strike. Without hesitation, he quickly formed a series of hand seals, activating one of his mother's techniques:

"Ninjutsu: Circular Water Barrier!"

Water rose from the sea and formed a protective ring around him, blocking the incoming attacks. However, he knew time wasn't on his side. Within minutes, a third of his chakra had been drained, and if this continued, he would be trapped with no escape.

Suddenly, amidst his strategizing, he heard a desperate cry:

"Sir Ninja! Sir!"

He turned swiftly to see one of the injured Genin had seized Haku, while another had grabbed the boat owner. A Chunin stepped forward with a smug grin:

"You're a talented ninja. We were going to offer you a chance to join us, but after you wounded my brother, your fate is sealed. Surrender, and we'll spare your companions."

Hyojin stared at them expressionlessly, as if considering his options. Then, in a voice devoid of emotion, he said:

"Release them first."

The Chunin chuckled confidently before ordering his men, "Do it, but keep them within sight."

Then he turned back to Hyojin with a sneer.

"Now, fulfill your promise… Kill yourself, and we'll let them go."

Calmly, Hyojin nodded and slowly pulled out a kunai. He appeared to be about to stab himself in the neck, but at the last second, he shifted direction and hurled it toward the Chunin. Though the pirate leader was alert, he couldn't completely evade it, and the kunai cut deeply into his shoulder.

"Masati! Are you alright?" one of the Chunin shouted, rushing to his side in concern.

Masati ignored him and roared in fury, "Kill them both! Now!"

But what he saw next left him in shock—the two Genin who had been holding Haku and the boat owner had collapsed, dead!

Moments earlier…

When Masati had shouted, Hyojin seized the moment to cast a subtle genjutsu on the Genin, signaling Haku and the boat owner to act. Understanding immediately, Haku pulled out the kunai Hyojin had given him earlier and plunged it into his captor's heart.

Present time…

Hyojin observed the situation and murmured quietly, "It worked…"

Masati's rage only intensified. "Move in! This ninja is running out of chakra!"

The pirates hesitated for a moment but charged forward upon their leader's command. Yet, Hyojin remained unfazed. Instead, a glint of something sharp flickered in his eyes.

This time, he formed longer hand seals.

"Ninjutsu: Great Wind Explosion!"

Before the pirates could react, a violent storm engulfed them, filled with razor-sharp wind blades. Their screams echoed as their bodies were torn apart.

As the storm died down, their bloodied corpses fell into the sea, slowly sinking beneath the waves.

Hyojin exhaled deeply but soon collapsed to his knees from exhaustion. His final jutsu had drained a third of his remaining chakra, and with his previous techniques, he had less than a quarter left.

"Watch out!"

Hearing Haku's warning, Hyojin felt something pierce his back, but his face remained emotionless. He registered the injury but gave it no more than a second of thought. Without even glancing at the wound, he moved immediately, dodging the next strike.

There was no time to rest. Sensing another attack, he swiftly performed the Substitution Jutsu.

Boom!

The enemy's blade struck Hyojin—only for his body to burst into a log.

At that moment, Hyojin reappeared behind him, chakra spiraling violently in his palm.

"Rasengan!"

The rotating sphere struck the pirate's neck, killing him instantly. Watching the blood splatter, Hyojin confirmed the kill before finally allowing himself to breathe out.

Haku rushed over, concern written all over his face. Hyojin took out some medical supplies and instructed the boat owner to tend to his wound. But the man was frozen in shock, unable to react. Without hesitation, Hyojin turned to Haku and said calmly:

"You do it. I'll guide you."

---

Two hours later…

Hyojin sat on the boat, staring at the sea. Footsteps approached from behind, and he turned to see Haku, his expression hesitant.

"What is it?" Hyojin asked, motioning for him to sit.

Haku hesitated before speaking in a quiet voice:

"I… I hate killing people."

Hyojin remained silent, recognizing that Haku was still a child, struggling with his first kill. He waited for him to continue.

"But when I saw you injured, I felt this strange anger… I wanted to kill that person… I don't know what to think anymore."

Hyojin regarded him for a moment before replying:

"Killing isn't a choice. It's a consequence. If you're not prepared, you won't survive long."

Then, in a more serious tone, he added:

"You're talented, but you're too soft. That will get you killed. If you want, I can leave you in the next town, where you can live as a civilian."

Before he could finish his sentence, Haku suddenly shouted:

"No!"

Hyojin was momentarily surprised—this was the first time Haku had raised his voice to him.

Quickly regaining his composure, Haku looked embarrassed but spoke firmly, "I'm sorry for yelling, but, sir… You can't leave me! I can help you. I can be your tool. I won't fail you… Just don't abandon me!"

Hyojin studied him for a moment, then spoke in a sharp tone, "For now, you can stay. But I'll be watching you. If I decide you're not fit to be a ninja… I won't hesitate to leave you. Understood?"

Haku nodded with a bright smile, his voice filled with determination. "Yes! Thank you, sir!"

Watching his smile, Hyojin felt something in his chest soften slightly. He decided to leave Haku with a final piece of advice:

"Listen, Haku. In this world, there are three types of people: your enemies, your allies, and the ordinary."

Haku mumbled the words quietly, "Friends… Enemies… The ordinary…"

Noting that Haku had replaced "allies" with "friends," Hyojin let it slide. It wasn't time to correct him—he would learn the truth on his own.

As the boat sailed through the dark sea, I sat in silence, watching the horizon. My current strength is not enough… not yet. I must master that new ninjutsu and build my own power. Staying alone in the ninja world is not an option.

The Akatsuki… they might be the key to what I'm looking for.

---

Message to Dear Readers

With this chapter, we come to the end of the first part of the novel. It has been a journey full of challenges, and I know this is just the beginning. I will take a short break before returning with Season 2—where the story will unfold deeper, and the events will become more complex and thrilling.

But before I begin Season 2, I would love to hear your thoughts. How has your experience with the novel been so far? What aspects did you enjoy, and what do you think needs improvement? Are there any mistakes or weaknesses that you think should be avoided in the next season?

Your support and suggestions will help me provide a better experience for all of you.

See you soon!