Chapter 210: Chapter 210: The Returning Team
Chapter 210: The Returning Team
Ryosuke didn’t interfere with clan affairs.
What concerned him more at this stage was his contact with Shanks.
Since Shanks was so confident, Ryosuke and the others didn’t intend to miss this opportunity on their home turf.
He was eager to schedule it for next week.
The location, of course, was the Hyuga estate in Konoha.
News of the meeting quickly reached Hoshicai, who was far away in Saki Castle.
"Mr. Shanks."
Early in the morning, Hoshicai rushed with his men to the Saki residence, hoping to meet Shanks.
After waiting a long time and enduring veiled deflections from the Saki retainers, they finally secured an exhausted but precious chance to speak with him privately.
"I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I promised to spend some time each day teaching them swordsmanship," Shanks said, walking into the living room, drenched in sweat. "I made you wait too long."
It was clear he took his interaction with the Konoha shinobi seriously so much so that he’d come straight after his training session.
Swordsmanship training?
Hoshicai narrowed his eyes slightly, filing that information away.
"Mr. Shanks, when our lord learned of your goodwill, he was pleased to have a chance to negotiate."
Standing from his seat, Hoshicai added politely, "Our Lord has prepared a banquet in Konoha and awaits your arrival at any time."
"If necessary, we can also arrange an escort. A large summon beast or carriage we’ll handle all preparations."
"Really..."
Shanks scratched his head at Hoshicai’s directness. "I’ll speak with the head of the Saki family about this soon, then find a good time to head to Konoha. No need for an escort, I’ll follow village protocol and enter formally."
He seemed completely at ease, showing no concern over letting Ryosuke’s side pick the time and place.
"Now that the message has been delivered, we’ll take our leave," Hoshicai said.
Their task complete, Hoshicai was eager to return and report.
Shanks didn’t stop him he even walked him all the way to the gate of the Saki estate.
He would need to leave soon as well. Before heading to Konoha, he had to speak with the Saki family head.
After all, they had an agreement: he would train their retainers in exchange for intelligence about this world.
But now, that guidance would have to be postponed.
Judging from the Saki family’s recent attitude toward Hoshicai and the others, it seemed the Land of Fire nobles they represented weren’t exactly friendly toward Konoha’s shinobi.
Though they belonged to the same country, ostensibly fighting for its stability, there was clear wariness between them.
The nobles, lacking combat power, were clearly at a disadvantage so it made sense that they were desperate to empower themselves by any means possible.
Still, Shanks wasn’t sure whether aiding the nobles would affect his future information-sharing with the shinobi.
He turned back with mixed feelings.
If it did cause trouble... he wouldn’t side with the shinobi, at least not until his current agreement expired.
He’d given the nobles his word.
But if he delayed too long, he’d be pushing back his return.
---
"So... Shanks didn’t come with you?"
Ryosuke had gone to the Konoha gates, eager to welcome him but only members of Hoshicai’s team returned.
Fortunately, none of them had been lost during the mission not even the old cat.
"Mr. Shanks needs to clarify things with the Saki family," Hoshicai explained. "It seems they reached some kind of agreement.
But he values contact with us, so you needn’t worry he’ll definitely come."
Ryosuke nodded. "I’m not too concerned. Shanks will come."
"He’s already seen traces of Devil Fruit powers and the Marine Six-Style from Old cat. Since he’s from the One Piece world, he must be eager to figure out what’s going on and how to get back."
Shanks was backed by the Red-Hair Pirates. He knew better than anyone what would happen to his crew without him at the helm.
So yes he was definitely in a rush to return.
"This isn’t urgent," Ryosuke added.
Glancing around, he noticed the occasional passerby shooting curious glances at them. Turning on his heel, he said, "Let’s head back."
With his current fame, standing around at the village entrance would only attract attention like a rare collectible.
Better to avoid some overeager fan running up for an autograph or worse, sparking a mob.
---
"Our movements were well hidden. I think he sensed us the moment we saw him," Hoshicai said as they walked. "Strange, but I suspect he might have some kind of mind-reading ability."
"Throughout the negotiations, he was calm and kind. He spoke with a persuasive tone liike a warm spring breeze."
"And the Saki family... they seem to be considering a foreign power system to strengthen ordinary people."
---
As Hoshicai detailed the mission events, Ryosuke and the others made their way back to clan territory.
He didn’t press them hard.
After hearing the full report and the team’s thoughts, Ryosuke simply told them to go home and rest.
---
"That mission was so boring," Old cat grumbled on the way back. "No fighting at all."
Perched on Ryosuke’s shoulder like an owl, a habit picked up during this journey the old cat stretched lazily.
"You still thinking about fighting Shanks? Didn’t you already go a round with him?" Ryosuke asked, glancing at him in irritation.
"Strictly speaking, you’re a person now. Try acting like it. Know your role and your limits."
"Besides, I didn’t plan for you to fight. What was the mission I gave you? Don’t tell me you forgot?"
Why hadn’t he realized earlier that this cat had such a big head?
Feeling Ryosuke’s sharp stare, old cat instantly straightened his back and dropped the lazy attitude.
"N-No! I remember everything!"
He panicked. "I just wanted to get used to how missions work, learn how to execute properly and work with the team!"
Apparently, being away for a while had made him forget just how serious Ryosuke could get.
After staring at the old cat for a long time, a faint, standard smile appeared on Ryosuke’s face.
"I’ll check to see if there’s anything," he said.
As he spoke, the Yin-tuned chakra in his body surged out and entered the old cat through their limb contact.
"I—"
The old cat panicked and tried to speak, but his entire body froze as if he had been wrapped in plaster. He couldn’t move at all.
"Can you shift freely between cat and human form? The abilities from other worlds really are bizarre..."
He turned and began walking.
"Let’s go into the city. Don’t act on your own. Follow my instructions completely..."
"Someone needs to deliver the information from here, so don’t bring up going together or swapping places. Now... follow the order!"
"Which is more important, the mission or your companions? I don’t want to be alone anymore."
...
Countless fragmented memories surfaced in the old cat’s spiritual consciousness, flashing across his mind like a movie projected by Ryosuke’s chakra.
Scene after scene unfolded.
From the day he left home, the old cat’s memories played out. His awkward introductions to his teammates... his slow process of opening up and working together... his first missions...
Even his encounters with Shanks, his thoughts and feelings at the time—were laid bare to Ryosuke, who easily absorbed it all.
It really was Shanks.
Through the old cat’s memories, Ryosuke clearly saw that man’s figure.
Red hair. Facial scars. A missing arm.
Beyond those distinct features, there was also that unmistakable presence a subtle, almost careless dominance honed over years in command.
His strength...
Ryosuke hesitated for a moment, wanting to gauge Shanks’ combat power through the old cat’s memories. But unfortunately, the gap between them was just too wide.
Whether it was raw power or refined technique, the old cat was no match.
Even in the areas where he was supposed to excel, the old cat still fell short. His memories offered no deeper reference about Shanks other than confirming his identity.
"Still, not bad. A bit of a burden lifted," Ryosuke muttered.
He retracted his chakra and crouched down. The old cat suddenly snapped awake, fur bristling, visibly shaken.
"J-Just now...?"
Though conscious again, his mind was still foggy.
In just a few seconds, it felt like his brain had been split open and every moment of his past was being dug up and replayed. Even details he didn’t remember were dragged out and inspected.
It wasn’t painful, just dizzying.
Buried deep in his subconscious, memories captured in fleeting glances resurfaced.
Fragments long forgotten came flooding back all at once. The flood of data made the old cat feel like vomiting, but his body remained stiff and numb.
"For a first mission, you did well. You deserve praise," Ryosuke said, continuing forward at a relaxed pace.
He was in a good mood.
Aside from confirming Shanks’ identity, the old cat’s memories revealed something else: his own growth.
Not in terms of battle power or enemy kills, but something more valuable, he was learning how to be human.
Learning discipline.
Learning restraint.
Ryosuke was satisfied.
"...Boss, can you give me some time to prepare next time?" the old cat complained, still shaken. "At least a warning! I nearly had a heart attack!"
He had genuinely thought he was losing his mind.
But as Ryosuke’s words sank in, the old cat’s expression softened. His feline features stretched into a smile, and he playfully swayed his tail, leaping from Ryosuke’s shoulder.
"But... was I really that good? I thought you’d be mad I almost ran back..."
"You ran because the team needed someone to report. You followed orders."
Ryosuke shook his head.
"Learning to obey and think as part of a team that’s the biggest improvement you made."
"You turned back, risking your life to help your comrades. That may not be ideal from a mission perspective... but from a teammate’s perspective, it shows trustworthiness."
He paused, then added with a more serious tone, not wanting the praise to go to the cat’s head:
"But there’s one big mistake—you were too hesitant. Lacked decisiveness."
"Next time, make your intentions clear. Whether you choose to cover a retreat, rescue someone, or pass on a message, say it outright."
"And once you make a decision... don’t regret it."
"Those who retreat to relay intel, only to turn back midway, might fail in both missions. It can cause unnecessary sacrifice."
In truth, if you didn’t count Hinata, the old cat was the closest thing Ryosuke had to a true disciple.
Sure, he used to be a cat.
Sure, he never called him "sensei," only "boss."
But facts were facts.
During the Devil Fruit trials, Ryosuke had taught him how to fight. The old cat’s style was clearly molded by his training, resembling Ryosuke’s own techniques.
Now, with no more need to test his abilities, Ryosuke began sending him on missions, helping him integrate into human society.
It was, by all accounts, the treatment a master gives a student.
He just never said it out loud. And the old cat never noticed.
"Finally home!"
From a distance, the old cat spotted the familiar retro-style house. He leapt from Ryosuke’s shoulder, excitedly bounding forward.
When he’d left, it was early winter, and the snow hadn’t yet fallen.
Now, the snow had melted. Spring had arrived.
He had clearly missed this place.
Following behind, Ryosuke stepped into the courtyard.
Sunlight bathed the space.
He saw the old cat chattering to the housekeeper, Ariane, demanding food like a spoiled child.
A strange emotion stirred in Ryosuke’s heart.
It was like picking up your child from boarding school on a Friday watching them run home after a long week, eager and bright.
From the old cat, that longing for home radiated clearly.
It was... a beautiful sight.
Unconsciously, Ryosuke raised his hand and bit down hard on the middle of his index finger.
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