Chapter 659 - Refusing Empty Promises

Under the Genjutsu’s effect, Hanwu’s meter filled rapidly, and he soon grew immune to its illusions. By the second day, Natsutsuyu’s Genjutsu no longer affected him. He could even break free on his own with ease.

Any ordinary ninja, even a Master, would need some time to recover after dispelling a Genjutsu. Meanwhile, Hanwu’s soul was too strong and could withstand the damage inflicted by illusions.

The other Masters had to admit that Hanwu was a monster. Over the next two days, Kumori and Sadamasa subjected him to relentless tag-team attacks, and Hanwu accumulated numerous upgrade points.

After allocating them, he reviewed the updated parameters on his interface.

[Name: Kokkai Hanwu]

[Strength: Master (Ranks: Apprentice, Adept, Master, Shadow)]

[Nin: 9 (Ninjutsu proficiency)]

[Tai: 10 (Taijutsu proficiency)]

[Gen: 9 (Genjutsu proficiency)]

[Sage: 8 (Experience and Wisdom)]

[Power: 10 (Physical Strength)]

[Speed: 9 (Speed and Reaction Speed)]

[Control: 8 (Chakra Recovery Speed)]

[Seal: 8 (Speed and Accuracy of Hand Seals)]

[Skill Ranks: E, D, C, B, A, S]

[Taijutsu: Vortex Collapsing Fist B, Slashing Steel Palm B]

[Ninjutsu: Swap B, Transform B, Pocket Dimension B]

[Genjutsu: Oversight B]

[Hijutsu: Water Style: Black Water Multiclone A (Fused Multiclone and Black Water Bullet)]

[Divine Power: Undying. The body functions at ten times its normal capacity. All wounds can heal within a short period. Dismemberment and fatal wounds regenerate at a slower but steady rate.]

[Divine Jurisdiction: Duel. During battle, all parameters increase. The host will enter combat flow more easily, and their skills will be enhanced. Current progress: 60%]

Neither Sadamasa nor Kumori could defeat him anymore. Natsutsuyu couldn’t deal damage at all.

It took him only four days to reach this stage.

Naturally, the speed of Hanwu’s growth stunned the Shadow. Originally, he had intended for Hanwu to rely on Undying to assist the team during the mission. Now, it appeared that Hanwu had become the team’s main force, and the Shadow’s confidence in the mission increased accordingly.

That night, the Shadow summoned them to his office for a briefing. At first, the mission required only Sadamasa and Kumori. Since Natsutsuyu was one of Hanwu’s teachers, the Shadow decided to include her and Hanwu as well. With all four participating, the success rate would rise.

Once everyone was present, the Shadow took out the mission scroll and laid it before them. “According to our scouts’ report, our target is located on Whirlpool Island, fifty kilometers from our village. Your objective is to capture the Giant Sage and bring it back. If containment is not an option, you have permission to kill it.”

The moment he heard that a Giant Sage was their target, Kumori asked, “Which Giant Sage is on the island? I recall that there are nine, correct?”

The war between ninjas and giants had lasted for years. The ninja villages already gathered extensive intelligence on each of the nine Giant Sages, including their names, powers, and distinctive traits. Each required a different strategy.

The Shadow answered, “The Maw Giant is our target.”

According to their intel on the Maw Giant, the previous Maw Giants shared several unique traits: razor-sharp teeth, tremendous bite force, exceptional agility, and destructive power. The Maw Giant, however, wasn’t considered especially powerful. It ranked below average among the nine Giant Sages.

Sadamasa felt some relief when he learned that this was their target. Past Maw Giants had been slightly smaller, around ten meters tall, which meant that Sadamasa’s Taijutsu would be effective.

The Shadow suddenly warned, “You must remain cautious. There are threats other than the Maw Giant. It’s likely that the traitor ninjas will appear. Our reports indicate that they are searching for clues about the Giant Sages.”

The group grew serious.

“Lord Shadow, do you mean that we will most likely fight against the traitor ninjas on this mission?”

“Yes. According to my report, they have already captured a Giant Sage. They have begun extracting and selling its spinal fluid to create more witless giants and disrupt the battle. If you encounter them, proceed with extreme caution. You have permission to forfeit the mission at any time if your lives are in danger.”

The Shadow delivered the warning with unmistakable gravity. The Giant Wood Village had a smaller population than the other villages. He had no intention of sacrificing several powerful Masters for the sake of this mission.

The three Masters acknowledged the order. “Yes!”

Hanwu didn’t mind. After all, his only goal was to become strong.

The Shadow noticed his silence and the distant look in his eyes. Hanwu had just joined his ranks, and the village hadn’t invested much in him. Hence, it was natural that he did not yet feel intense loyalty toward the village.

As the village’s leader, the Shadow concluded that he needed to give Hanwu an appropriate reward to build trust between them.

“Kokkai Hanwu, since this is your first mission as a Master, I will give you a reward if you successfully return. By my authority as the Shadow, I will allow you to learn any A-rated Hijutsu in this village. With your parameters, I believe that you can master it.”

Hanwu inwardly scoffed. That offer sounded hollow. He would only receive it after returning. By then, he suspected that most of his jutsu would have already reached the A rating and rival a Hijutsu. He doubted that he would need the reward at all.

The Shadow frowned when Hanwu responded with calm indifference rather than gratitude. In his experience, such an offer usually inspired overwhelming thanks. Why was Hanwu unaffected?

The Shadow asked, “Kokkai Hanwu, are you not satisfied with the gift?”

Hanwu maintained a respectful tone to preserve the Shadow’s authority. “I am satisfied. However, I would prefer to learn it before the mission to strengthen myself.”

Hanwu believed that a reward held value only when it was already in his hands. Any unfulfilled promise was nothing more than words.

Kumori was dissatisfied with his response. “Hanwu, we depart tomorrow. You can’t master a Hijutsu in just one night. We don’t have time to delay the mission while you train.”

Kumori still bore the wounds from several defeats at Hanwu’s hands.

Hanwu shook his head. “I’m talented and smart. I will only need one night.”

Hanwu wanted the reward upfront, and the Shadow had a habit of indulging prodigies. He was also curious to see whether Hanwu truly possessed the talent to master an A-rated Hijutsu.

“Very well,” the Shadow said at last. “I will grant your request. You may begin learning it before the mission starts.”