Chapter 954 : Keeping the Outsider on the island!

[A/N: Apologies for my long absence and unresponsiveness here. Got hit by one of the worst instances of writer's block so far 😓 Been glued to my laptop for the past 5 days and kept away from all distractions to focus just on the story. Only managed to get into flow today. I hope I can keep going 😫

Another note. I know the recent pace may seem slow (which kinda is amplified by how slowly I'm writing). It's just the build up is kinda necessary for what I have planned ahead. Things will heat up very quickly once this phase is done.]

“We can't take this situation lightly. We have to deal with him, in one way or another!”

Genzo maintained his calmness and asked, “And, what do you suggest?”

Saburou paused, glancing at everyone in the room once, before saying, “We have to ensure he stays in the village. Only then we can be sure he won't bring trouble to our village by leaking information regarding us to the outside world and attracting sharks here. In addition, we also need to ensure he doesn't make any attempts to build boats which could teach our youth how to leave the island and go to that troubled continent.”

Genzo chuckled, “And how do you propose to keep him here? The mainland is merely 10 kilometers away. He could simply swim across if he is a good swimmer. He isn't like our kids, who don't understand how feasible it is to swim such a distance.”

Saburou shook his head, “Even if he does, it's pointless. The land is barren and uninhabited for several hundred kilometers. He'll die of hunger or thirst long before he reaches any village of significance.”

Genzo replied, “Don't underestimate what desperation can allow a human to do. Look at us. So far away from our origin. On an island no one knew could be inhabited. And living peacefully for over 3 decades.”

Saburou sighed, “If we can't ensure he'll stay here, not build boats or teach others how to do it, then we have no choice but to keep here permanently.”

His gaze hardened as he said without any hesitation, “We need to kill him!”

If Fujin had heard this discussion, he'd be surprised. He had just noted the absence of internal conflict on the island and wondered if it was due to the Jashin cult. Yet, the mere appearance of a stranger made this apparently non-violent society recall the violence humanity is known for. Unfortunately, he wasn't using winds to enhance his hearing as he was pretending to be an ordinary civilian.

Saburou's words shocked others in the room. Takuma, in particular, was taken aback. He stared at the Elder, who now seemed unfamiliar, and wondered, ‘That's it? Should we kill everyone who arrives here irrespective of their nature? What does that make us?’

Before Genzo could respond, Orino shook her head and asked, “If we do that, how are we better than those from whom we escaped? Is this what we want to teach our youngsters? Kill every soul who steps foot on our island? How much longer do you think it'll be before they start turning on each other?”

Takuma immediately said, “I agree with Orino-sama. If we start killing indiscriminately, it's only a matter of time before disaster strikes.”

Saburou sighed. Despite his brutal suggestion, he wasn't looking forward to doing something like that either. They weren't killers. He hadn't killed any human in his entire life. He merely put the security of their village and their peaceful life above everything else.

Genzo finally replied, “They're correct. Even though we're living in isolation, we're still a part of this world. We can't reject everyone else. This time it's only an ordinary boy. What happens if a ninja lands on our island? The ones who were born here will never understand the true terror of a ninja. Even if we maintain our current lifestyle for a bit longer by killing outsiders, what happens after we pass away and our younger generation, unaware of the dangers, try to kill a ninja?”

Finally, fear appeared on Saburou's face. He fully understood the consequences of such a miscalculation. Their entire village would be wiped out!

Defeated, he asked, “So, what do you suggest we do? We can't do nothing and just pray he loves our village and decides to abandon his past life and stay here permanently, can we?”

——

Sayuri sat beside Fujin, her small hands trembling slightly as she dipped her fingers into the ointment she had prepared under her grandmother’s careful watch. She pressed the cool paste against the gash on his shoulder.

Fujin let out a faint hiss and winced—not because of the sting, but simply to act the part of a normal, injured man.

Sayuri quickly drew her hand back. “S-sorry! Did I hurt you?”

Her cheeks warmed as she glanced at him, only to notice how the lamplight outlined the firm lines of his chest and arms. On this island, with so few people her age, the boys she knew felt more like brothers.

This was different. Though she had seen Itsuki and the others shirtless at the beach, she had never looked this closely before. Fujin’s lean, muscular frame seemed refined in a way she had never seen. Her eyes lingered for a breath too long before she quickly lowered them back to her work.

“I’ll be fine,” Fujin reassured, relaxing his body as if placing his trust in her.

Sayuri’s embarrassment deepened. She forced herself to focus on smoothing the ointment across his wound. Yet curiosity tugged at her—the long hair that framed his face, the sharp eyes that still carried calm even as he smiled faintly. He was nothing like the other boys she had grown up beside.

Her reactions were subtle and well hidden from Itsuki and Akari. But Fujin, ever watchful, noticed them. And so did another.

Hatsue, seated across the room, observed in silence. The faint flush on her granddaughter’s cheeks, the hesitant but careful hands, the way her gaze wandered despite herself—these things did not escape the old woman. A knowing smile touched her lips.

She thought, ‘Takuma should be explaining everything to Genzo right now. The old man must be breaking his head wondering how to make this boy stay. But how can someone adventurous enough to sail across the continent along an undiscovered route ever be tied down by our small island? Nothing we offer can bind him. Fortunately, there is one thing that can…’

Much like the others, Hatsue recognized the trouble an outsider might bring. But while they hesitated, she had already chosen her path.

Recalling all the information fed by Itsuki and Akari, she reflected, ‘He isn’t a bad boy… Brave, loyal, mature beyond his years. Perhaps too soon to judge, but he could be a good match for Sayuri. I had been worried she’d never look at anyone here, and yet, she’s already drawn to him—whether she admits it or not.

I hate to use you like this, my dear granddaughter, but this may be the best for the village, you and perhaps the boy too. Of course, he'll have to pass my tests and convince me this is the best for you to truly get your hand.’

Her eyes softened as she glanced at Sayuri, then hardened slightly with resolve as she calculated, ‘If Naoki falls for her, his loyalty will keep him here. But… Sayuri’s curiosity about the outside world is stronger than anyone else’s. One day, she will want to leave. Before that happens, I must make him understand that staying here is what will keep her safe even if that is against her wishes.’

The thought left Hatsue with a gamble. Yet she was willing to take it. In the worst case, even if Sayuri chose to leave, at least she would not do so alone, and Naoki’s presence would ensure she had someone strong and trustworthy at her side. In addition, Sayuri's presence by Naoki's side would ensure he wouldn't endanger their village by selling their information and attracting sharks to their paradise.

As such, Hatsue was very confident in her plan. There was only one ‘tiny’ detail that she overlooked, or rather, couldn't notice. Her ‘target’ had not only noticed her granddaughter's reactions, but also her scheming smile despite having his back towards her.

Continuing to wince occasionally, Fujin thought, ‘That's the second time a girl has developed a crush on me in this world… Or well, at least without any preconceived notions.’

Needless to say, the first was Mieko, who formed a crush on him a few days before her death. However, she wasn't the only one. Thanks to his bounty, the rumors circling him, Fujin had been a target for fascination, especially among the younger generation in Konoha.

That fascination changed into infatuation among many when Fujin made his first public appearance in the short war against Otogakure and Sunagakure. Hiruzen undoubtedly played the most crucial role in that war by stopping Orochimaru and the reanimated Kages, but his battle took place inside a barrier with a very limited audience. Unlike him, Fujin's battles were watched by hundreds of ninjas. The sight of him cutting down the enemies and creating a bloodbath in the stadium was still etched in the minds of many Konoha ninjas.

The events following the battle, where Fujin continuously led Konoha's forces into three outrageously successful campaigns, further deepened his impression in their hearts. As such, there were far many who had more than just a bit of a crush on him. Unfortunately for them, actually meeting Fujin and interacting with him was almost as difficult as finding Orochimaru.

Regardless, Fujin was no longer a stranger to such emotions. Even if he was, the current circumstances wouldn't allow him to lower his guard.

Fujin wondered, ‘Is this real infatuation or is this a scheme set up for me by the cult? Irrespective of whether they're involved or not, this old lady sure looks pleased. Though I can understand her thoughts. No one would like their little paradise being exposed to the world and taken away from them. So, even if the cult isn't involved, her scheme wouldn't be suspicious. Now then… How do I use this?’