3

Liro carefully laid Ken down on a wooden bed. His hands moved with trained ease as he knelt beside him, pressing his palms together with a sharp clap.

Ding!

You have been attacked by a Low-Level Genjutsu!

The world around Ken twisted. Faint whispers filled his ears, soft and repetitive like a lullaby from a distant dream.

"Your savior is Jashin-sama..."

"Your mother and father entrusted you to Priest Jaron. They want you to be a good boy... to obey the priest."

Ken's senses blurred. Shadows danced at the corners of his eyes, forming images—half memories, half hallucinations. He could almost feel incense in the air, sweet and cloying, yet hollow. It wasn't pain, but it was invasive.

So this is what a low-level Genjutsu feels like? Ken thought, watching the visions like someone watching a TV drama in his past life. Like hypnotism, just stronger... more invasive. But it's weak.

He mentally boosted his wisdom stat by two points. A warm clarity spread through his mind like a gust of fresh air cutting through smoke.

Ding!

Genjutsu Resisted.

+10% Proficiency in Low-Level Resistance.

The illusion crumbled like sand, though Ken didn't move. He kept staring blankly at the ceiling, feigning submission. They think I'm still trapped. Good. He lay still, only blinking occasionally, wondering why Genjutsu took so long in real life. Even Itachi needed just a second to destroy people...

Time passed.

Eventually, Priest Jaron stood over him, examining his face. "Who is your savior?" he asked.

Ken gave no response at first, only furrowing his brows like a confused child. The priest sighed and decided to teach him directly.

"Jashin-sama is the savior of mankind," Jaron began, his voice rich with belief. "He is the only one who can lift us from this wretched world. He brings purpose through pain. He gives us clarity through sacrifice. He liberates us."

Ken slowly sat up, eyes wide with manufactured awe. Then, without hesitation, he began his performance—one even Hidan would envy.

"Oh, glorious Jashin-sama! Divine bringer of suffering and truth, I feel your will coursing through me. You are the blade that cuts through ignorance, the flame that scorches away lies. Through pain, we see you! Through blood, we reach you! Jashin-sama, the eternal light in this pit of shadows, the liberator of the faithful—your name shall ring in every corner of my heart. I will spread your glory in word, in scream, in death and in devotion. You are the purpose. You are the truth. You are salvation wrapped in agony. I am your vessel now. I am your blade. Let me serve!"

Jaron looked surprised—pleased, even. He stepped forward, placing a hand gently atop Ken's head.

"From this day onward," Jaron said with a smile, "you are my son. And one day, you will be the flame that reignites Jashin-sama's glory."

"Yes, Father," Ken said, kneeling reverently. "I will do my best—"

He was cut off by Jaron raising a hand. "That's enough for now. Save your zeal for tomorrow. You'll meet our settlement then."

He turned to Liro. "Tomorrow, we train him. But first, let him see the people."

Liro bowed slightly. "Yes, Priest."

With that, Jaron walked away, leaving Ken in Liro's care. The man said nothing as they made their way through the dimly lit paths of the hidden settlement. The night was cold, silent save for the occasional murmurs of distant cultists.

Eventually, they reached a small, unimpressive tent.

Ken raised a brow at its shabby appearance—until he stepped inside.

A mattress... a lamp... even a pillow? Not bad, he thought. For a war orphan, this is luxury.

"I'll leave you here," Liro said. "Wake up early. No excuses."

Ken stood straight, his voice sharp and obedient. "Affirmative, Sir Liro. I will not disappoint—"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Liro waved him off, annoyed. "Good night." He turned and walked off, mumbling, "Maybe I overdid that Genjutsu…"

Ken watched him go, then looked back at his tent.

He sat on the bed, letting out a sigh. "Well, time to sleep," he whispered to himself.

For now, he played the part of the devout. Tomorrow, he'd see how deep this cult went.

And eventually... he would tear it all down.