A Traveler’s Legend: Leisurely Living My Life In A Normal World - Volume 1: A Whole New World Chapter 25 Episode 25: Progress In The Ninja Training Farewells And Departure

 

 

//IMPORTANT NOTICE!//

With this chapter, the second Arc of this story called, “Let’s Try Dabbling With Magic!”, officially ends. Next chapter will be a new story Arc called, “Let’s Try Helping Heaven!”.

I don’t know if this was a short story Arc since this is the first time I wrote a book, but according to Google-sensei, light novels usually have 50,000-70,000 words per volume. Guess mine has already reached the point of being one volume altogether.

 

“Now, do you understand?” Hinagiku said, still having the stoic look on her face.

“Y-Yes, I understand,” Shin replied.

Hinagiku continued to tell Shin about some things about them, the ninjas. Shin couldn’t help but think that ninjas had it hard. Who would’ve thought that people have so many misconception about them?

“Good. Now, we can start with the theory about our ninja arts. We ninjas use seals and scrolls to perform magic. Since you know that we humans can’t use magic, because we don’t have a catalyst, we resorted to this method,” Hinagiku said.

“The pros of using this arts is that you can hurl as many spells as you like at anyone without constructing any complicated magic scripts while fighting,” Hinagiku explained.

Upon hearing her words, a question formed inside Shin’s head.

“So, these seals and scrolls are special, aren’t they?” Shin inquired.

“Yes, they are. They are made from a special paper that was made from a special tree called Chakra tree. These trees are a great conductor of mana. The clan who manufactures these seals and scrolls uses some specially made brushes to imbue some magic seals on them. It was their clan’s secret so we don’t know much about it. All we know is that after these papers pass their hands, it turns into the seals and scrolls that all ninjas use right now,” Hinagiku answered.

Listening to her explanation, Shin was amazed. Who would’ve thought that these ninjas who isolates themselves from the world outside has created something so great. With these scrolls, you can kiss goodbye to the sigil construction part and just hurl spells at the opponents like a madman.

You do know that your race is known for doing exactly what you think, right? Yuki suddenly said.

Y-Yeah. I’m just saying that humans are amazing for being able to create such things using their knowledge, Shin replied.

Yep, humans sure are amazing for being able to do such things. However, they’re too fragile and easy to die, Yuki said.

Shin couldn’t say anything about this. For stronger beings, humans just look like ants who are easy to crush. These stronger beings view humans similar to how humans view the ants.

When a human who saw some ants walking on the ground, they would just look at them and see what they’re doing. However, they wouldn’t bother to know what they really are. They’re just ants, why bother?

This is where Shin is different. Seeing the memories where ‘he’ lived among humans, he knows just how great and disgusting humans really are. Great because of those great people who contributed in their history. Disgusting because he saw just how greedy, l.u.s.tful, and etc. a human could be.

“Our ninja arts aren’t really something so special as it was just a branch of magic that we were able to create by ourselves. What’s important for you to learn right now is how will you be able to use these scrolls and seals,” Hinagiku said.

“If you complete our training regimen, along with the training that His Eminence Vasco Strada gave you, you’ll receive a great surprise. This surprise is what will lead you to be able to activate ninja scrolls and seals,” Hinagiku said.

After she said that, Hinagiku then continued to tell Shin about the theoretical knowledge about ninjutsu(ninja arts). The spells varies from a huge array of selection, from a fireball to a great fireball, a fire wall, a blade of compressed wind, and etc. There was so many that Shin wondered if it’s ever gonna end.

 

Year 20xx, 5th of November.

A month has passed since Shin’s training under Fukushima Hinagiku has started. Shin found out, the hard way, that this girl who is only some 3 odd years older than him has led such a hectic life.

The training regimen was harsh that it could literally drain all of your stamina and energy even if you already went to some rigorous training. Aside from that, Shin gained some unexpected boon while he was training with Hinagiku. Well, that was the fact that he was able to train his flexibility more.

Actually, Hiruzen first proposed to have a man train Shin, because of some obvious reasons. However, Metatron opposed this, saying something like, “Michael actually told me that he received a report about Shin being flexible and agile. Why don’t you let him train with a girl instead and let us see what will happen?”.

Thus, by following Hinagiku’s routines, Shin was able to actually improve the traits that he wanted to improve. Although majority of men would want to train their muscles and strength, Shin was different. He can just neglect his muscle training altogether but his strength will still rise up either way.

Why? Well, that’s because of his [Hero’s Aura] skill. Even though its cons are pretty obvious – the fact that you can’t specialize and your training progress takes more time – Shin actually likes the skill. The fact that he had a specialized parameters since birth really helped him.

However, that’s not the only things that happened during this past month. Aside from being subjected to another set of grueling training, Shin, Shuri, and Akeno finally met their neighbors after a month of staying at the Hidden Leaf Village.

They met them just the other day when they went in front of their house, trying to greet them. It just so happened that their supposed neighbors opened their door before they could knock. That’s when they knew that their neighbors are a man and a woman.

The man is someone in his early 20’s, with long black hair and black colored irises, while the woman who looks like she’s also in her early 20’s has a long and silky grey hair and grey colored irises. The pair seems to be ready to leave their house but they accidentally bumped into Shin, Shuri, and Akeno.

This pair admitted that they were trying to avoid them as they didn’t want to be looked at with scorn once again. However, it shocked them that neither of them looked at them like that.

They know that one of these three came from Heaven so they opted to avoid them. However, they didn’t expect that no one would say anything about them upon seeing them. Instead, they just greeted them politely and gave them some gifts before promptly leaving.

After that day, the pair who introduced themselves as Cleria Belial and Masaomi Yaegeki, would sometimes visit them or greet them. They became quite amiable and approachable. After that day where they started to talk with Shin, Shuri, and Akeno, Masaomi and Cleria immediately felt some kind of kinship with them.

They felt it most especially with Akeno and Shuri. Well, it was understandable as Akeno and Shuri are people who are shunned by their clan for being a half Fallen Angel and for loving a Fallen Angel.

 

Year 20xx, 4th of January.

During the span of three months of his ninja training, Shin managed to create his very first Lightning Elemental Bead. He’s focused on learning the ninja training and the ninjutsus(Ninja Magic) that Shin didn’t really try to experiment on the extent of his elemental bead’s effects on him and his control over the respective elements.

His priority right now is to absorb every knowledge that he can from his ninja instructor. Experimenting on his sacred gear and elements could come later. He believe that it is important to know your priorities and not get sidetracked while you’re in the middle of learning something. Due to this mindset, he progressed faster in his training.

His overall parameters rose up, however, it was not as much as when he trained with Vasco Strada. It’s probably because he is higher in strength level. Nonetheless, Shin ignored it as he knew that progress doesn’t occur in an instant. It happens over a period of time.

Aside from his parameters rising slightly, a few more things happened during the span of three months.

“HAAA!” a high pitched voice shouted.

Right now, two shadows are clashing with each other, throwing punches, kicks, slashes, blunted kunais, and blunted shurikens at each other. The first shadow is attacking quite fiercely as it lunged towards the second shadow with a kunai in its hand.

It performed a backhand stab towards the head of the second shadow. However, the second shadow just swayed its body slightly, making the first shadow miss its mark. The second shadow then grabbed the arms of the first shadow and pushed it. This made the first shadow crash on the ground with a loud *thud*.

“Ouch~! That was so mean, Shin-kun!” the first shadow said.

The first shadow has a very high pitched voice, similar to a girl.

“Maa, maa. It’s because I saw an opening. Here, I’ll lend you a hand,” the second shadow, who the first shadow called as Shin, said.

“Muuu, lies! Just say that you’re having fun hurting me! Shin-kun is such a sadist!” the second shadow said.

As if it wanted to further emphasize that it was angry, it turned its head away from Shin, accompanied by a loud “Humph!”.

“*sigh*… Don’t be such a baby, Akeno-chan. You’ve been training with me for two months now and you’re still not used to this? Besides, where did you learn that word?” Shin asked.

Yes, this two shadows were Shin Flammia Tenma and Akeno Himejima.

A few months ago, Akeno asked Hinagiku if she could also train under her. In truth, they didn’t expect that Hinagiku would accept Akeno’s request as they won’t get anything from it. However, to Shin’s and Akeno’s surprise, Hinagiku accepted her as her second ‘student’.

When they asked why she accepted their request, Hinagiku just answered, “The more, the merrier” with a deadpan expression on her face. Thus, Akeno and Shin just chalked it up to Hinagiku actually agreeing because of the goodness in her heart. Well, if you think about it, that’s actually very unlikely. She’s a ninja, after all.

The most probable reason would be that Metatron or Sandalphon asked Hiruzen to also teach Akeno if she were to ask them to. This is actually quite plausible as Shin knew that those two would often talk with Akeno whenever they come to visit. Well, it was actually just the two of them bragging how great ninjas are.

Aside from that, Shin also got to know Metatron and Sandalphon more. Metatron is a kind of person who would, more often than not, be immersed in his hobby. The only time he will get serious is when the situation called for it. In this sense, he’s like that Governor General in his memories.

Sandalphon, on the other hand, is a very cheerful, bubbly, and upbeat woman. When Shin is interacting with her, he could vaguely see how Irina and Jeanne will be when they grow up. Aside from being bubbly and cheerful, she’s also quite fond of ninjas that she cosplay like them often. Because of this fact, she reminds him of a certain magical girl that he saw in his memories.

Whenever this pair of twins start to make trouble, the younger Hinagiku would always come and reprimand them. This was probably why she reminded Shin and Akeno about what ninjas really are and what they don’t do. Hinagiku fears that the two of them might turn into someone like Metatron and Sandalphon.

While Shin and Akeno are talking to each other, a girl around 11-12 years old approached them and said,

“Good job, Akeno. You’re learning pretty quickly.”

She then looked at Shin and said,

“Don’t compare yourself to this abnormal creature who looks like a human. If you take him as a standard, everyone would seem like idiots for learning too ‘slowly’.”

Hearing her words, Shin couldn’t help but retort,

“Oi! What do you mean by that, Hina-chan!?”

Suddenly, an imaginary light bulb seems to have lit up on top of Shin’s head as his expression turned into that of a smile.

“You’re just saying that because you’re jealous, right~! I know you quite well now, Hina-chan~. You would throw some snide remarks when you feel jealous~. Come on~. Are you jealous~?” Shin teased.

At the very beginning, Hinagiku’s stoic expression didn’t show any changes. However, as Shin’s teasing continued, Hinagiku’s face gradually turn redder and redder, until her face became beet red. Due to the embarrassment and the anger she is feeling, she took out a kunai from her pouch and began to childishly chase after Shin.

“You! C-Come back heerrrrreeeeee!”

Hinagiku’s shouts of anger and Shin’s laughter echoed through out the place they are training. On the other hand, Akeno was just looking at the both of them with a wry smile on her face.

“Maa… Hinagiku-oneesama seems to be quite vulnerable to Shin-kun’s teasing,” Akeno said while looking at Shin who is dodging the kunais and shurikens that Hinagiku is throwing at him.

 

Year 20xx, 3rd of March.

Two months later, Shin and Akeno began their kenjutsu and taijutsu training. Hinagiku taught them the basics while leaving the other knowledge for later. If in the first few months of their training, Hinagiku taught them the theory behind ninjutsu, how to train their body, and how to properly throw kunais and shurikens(shurikenjutsu), this past two months was focused on kenjutsu and taijutsu.

She taught them about how to find weak spots, how to exploit them, how to throw a punch, how to throw a kick, and basically any basic things that first timers in taijutsu need to learn. There’s also the kenjutsu training where they learned some basic sword motions like stabbing, slashing, and such.

It was not as in-depth as what Vasco Strada taught Shin but the style that she taught them are essentially performed using a katana. That’s why, majority of the motions she taught them were multiple variations of a slash.

Even though his gains in this past two months in terms of techniques were quite nil, Shin got lots of gains in another field. His major gains were in the field of mana gathering. His lightning elemental bead has increased by two, making his [Lightning Mana] skill to reach S rank. This seems to have also affected his [Sacred Gear Wielder] skill which increased by a rank.

This made Shin quite excited as a skill that he isn’t training yet has increased. Thanks to that, he knew that his sacred gear training in the near future would be much smoother.

 

Year 20xx, 3rd of May.

Exactly two months later, Shin has learned every basic things that he needs to know about ninjutsu. It was actually quite easy to perform, given that you only have to carve a seal on a chakra scroll or chakra paper.

Remembering that lesson, Shin couldn’t help but marvel at the handiness of it. However, there’s a huge obstacle that he has to pass before he can use ninjutsus.

In a forest nearby Shin and Akeno’s temporary shelter, Hinagiku, Shin, and Akeno are discussing about the applications of ninjutsu.

“We once talked about the pros and the cons of using ninjutsu. I intentionally made the initial lesson quite brief as even if I told you, you wouldn’t be able to use it any time soon,” Hinagiku said.

“What do you mean by that, Hinagiku-oneesama?” Akeno asked.

“That’s because ninjutsus can only be activated once you learn how to use something called ‘touki’. This technique can only be grasped by those who has trained their bodies to the utmost, gaining extremely high vitality. Due to their arduous training, they gained the ability to ‘project’ their ‘touki’ or what is also known as ‘aura’. By surrounding yourself with a cloak of aura, your offense, defense, and speed will gain a tremendous boost,” Hinagiku explained.

Hearing this, Shin and Akeno was amazed. This technique is definitely handy. It would be like gaining a new layer of defense.

“Then, how is this touki or aura thing connected with using ninjutsu?” Shin asked.

“I told you that the chakra seals and scrolls are being made by a clan in our ninja village, right?” Hinagiku asked.

Both Shin and Akeno nodded, remembering the very first lesson that Hinagiku taught them.

“This clan has a very high vitality and are quite adept at creating seals ever since. This skill of theirs is passed down to them from generation to generation and, by now, they’re one of the most influential clan in this ninja village,” Hinagiku said.

“Due to this clan’s high vitality, they were able to tap onto the technique called touki or aura quite easily. After that fateful day, they started to make seals that could store magic within them. However, only a select few can use them at that time and those were…” Hinagiku paused as she looked at Shin and Akeno.

“Those people who can use ninjutsu are only those who are able to use touki. You can only activate a chakra seal or scroll when you are able to use touki. This is why ninjas have a very busy training schedule. It’s because this is the only way we can use ninjutsus and boost our overall fighting capabilities,” Hinagiku said as she ended her speech.

Shin couldn’t help but sigh, remembering that time. Now he understood why ninjas were training like madmans and why they were often described as ‘fast’.

Looking at his hands, Shin murmured,

“Touki, huh… I guess, I’ll have more time to learn that once I have more time in the future. For now, learning ninjutsu is still a pipe dream. If only I can learn how to use senjutsu.”

There’s a lot of time in your hands, Shin. Also, you have other things in mind, right? Yuki asked in her usual monotonous tone.

Well, I plan on focusing on my mission now. Of course, I won’t neglect my training! However, I can’t just pass up the opportunity to finally open the Gacha and Shop function, Shin replied.

I thought so, Yuki said.

Scratching his cheeks, Shin didn’t reply to Yuki. Right now, he is in a situation where he have to say his farewells yet again.

“Akeno-chan. Akeno-chaaaan~. Your hug might start to suffocate me, you know?” Shin said, looking at the black haired girl in front of him.

“Eehhhh~. B-But, we won’t see each other for a long time~!” Akeno replied between her sobs.

Yes, right now, he have to yet again leave. After learning the basics, Shin figured that he already had the foundation to start developing his own style. Although it’s painful to say his goodbyes right now, he knew for a fact that he will eventually have to say his farewell to them, anyway.

Currently, Akeno is hugging Shin while Sandalphon, Metatron, Hiruzen, Masaomi, Cleria, Shuri, and Hinagiku are watching them.

“We will eventually see each other, you know? Didn’t I tell you that I will transfer schools to that school at my second year? Come on, don’t be sad,” Shin said as he tried to console Akeno.

“B-But still…” Akeno said as she tried to say something else.

“Come on. I will contact you when I go back to Japan again. Besides, didn’t I tell you that there will be some friends there that I know? Promise, after I’m done with my mission, I’ll go back to Japan fast,” Shin said.

Akeno didn’t know about him being affiliated with Angels yet so he only told her that he have something to do overseas. The unsuspecting little girl didn’t doubt a word he said as the only phrase that she managed to register at that time was the words “I have to go”. Every word after that was either filtered or ignored altogether as she started to sob.

“O-Okay. But… you definitely have to write me letters, okay!? I won’t forgive ever you if you don’t,” Akeno said.

“Understood, Akeno-chan,” Shin said.

He looked at her for a few more seconds before leaning forward and giving her a kiss on her forehead.

Giving her one last hug, Shin whispered,

“Let’s see each other again, okay? Right, don’t forget to get to know my friends, okay? I’m quite sure that you guys will get along just fine.”

“Mm,” Akeno nodded as she buried her face on Shin’s neck.

After a few more minutes of hugging, Shin finally separated from her. He then walked towards Sandalphon who is waiting for her, turned around, and said,

“See you soon, Akeno-chan, Aunt Shuri, Hina-chan, Cleria-san, Masaomi-san, Old man, and Metatron-sama!”

Everyone waved at him, giving him their goodbyes, too. However, there was someone missing from the people that Shin called out. While the others are saying their farewells, Sandalphon closed her eyes, beginning to construct a teleportation script.

While the magic circle was gradually beginning to form, a black flash suddenly appeared right in front of Shin and gave him a quick peck on his cheeks. Before he was swallowed by the light of the teleportation magic circle, Shin heard a soft murmur that is almost inaudible. If not for his heritage, he probably wouldn’t even hear it.

“See you soon, Shin. When we meet again, I have a surprise for you.”

After they were transferred at an alley in Japan to supposedly go shopping, Shin just stood in his place for around two minutes while holding his cheeks. Remembering the kiss on his cheeks, the familiar scent, and those blood red eyes that he saw for a brief moment, Shin knew who exactly appeared in front of him earlier.

However, someone didn’t let him reminisce even longer.

“Shi-chan! Are you going to buy gifts for your friends and sisters back in Heaven or not? If not, we can immediately go back now, you know?” Sandalphon, who has been watching Shin all this time, said.

“Eh… Ah! Y-Yes! I’ll go buy some gifts for them now, Big Sis Sandalphon!” Shin replied in a panic.

He instantly dashed inside a nearby shop as the previous event began to once again replay inside his head.

‘I really didn’t expect her to do that,’ Shin thought as he began to pick out some things that his family and friends back in Heaven might like.

 

At the Hidden Leaf Village, a few moments after Shin and Sandalphon left.

Hiruzen is looking at his daughter with his mouth agape, not knowing what to say.

“Y-You… my dear daughter… You…” Hiruzen said while stuttering.

“What is it, father?” Hinagiku asked with the usual stoic look on her face.

“That… Shin… You… He…” Hiruzen said, trying to find out the right words that he should say at this very moment.

“You mean Shin and me, father? I haven’t decided yet so you don’t have to worry, father. It’s just… um… a promise for the future,” Hinagiku said, trying to hide her embarrassment.

However, she failed horribly as her cheeks began to blush.

Upon seeing this, Hiruzen finally found the words that he wanted to say.

“YOU BRAT! THE NEXT TIME WE MEET, I’LL MAKE SURE TO TEACH YOU THOROUGHLY ABOUT OUR NINJA WAYS MYSELF! I WILL NOT HAND OVER MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER TO YOU!!!” Hiruzen’s shouts echoed throughout the Hidden Leaf Village.

Unknowingly, Shin has made an enemy(?) at the ninja village. What will happen in the future? What things are in store for Shin? Those are the questions that are still left with no answers.

However, one question can immediately be answered with absolute certainty. Will Hiruzen still remain alive if he ever hurt Shin? Yes or no? Such a simple question with a very simple answer.

 

//Progress Report//

Status Progress

~~~

Name: Shin Flammia Tenma

Race: Mystical Elemental Fox God

Racial Rank: (undetermined/mutated specie)

Age: 7

Gender: Male

Affiliation: Angel Faction

Rank: Commoner

Title: Monstrous Genius, Apprentice Ninja

Strength Level: 2(Champion)

Parameters:

STR: G-> D

END: G-> C

DEX: F-> C

AGI: E-> B

MAG: E-> B

Skill(s):

Light Mana(SSS)*, Lightning Mana(S)*[new], Hero’s Aura(B)*, Sacred Gear Wielder(F)*-> (E), Mana Control(S), Resilient Body(SSS), Luck(D), Swordsman(S), Friendship(S), Hidden Weapon Mastery(G)[new]

Magic:

Angel Magic(S), Strengthening Magic(S), Holy Magic(S)

~~~

Light Mana

Rank: SSS*

Increases the attack power of the user’s light element based attacks drastically.

Lightning Mana

Rank: S*

Increases the attack power of the user’s lightning element based attacks significantly.

Hero’s Aura

Rank: B*

Raises the user’s overall capabilities passively. When activated, the user summons a domain where he can intimidate an opponent weaker than him.

Sacred Gear Wielder

Rank: F*-> E*

The user is a natural sacred gear wielder. Through training and the user’s desire, the sacred gear will get stronger.

Mana Control

Rank: S

The user’s control over mana is increased slightly.

Resilient Body

Rank: SSS

Improves the user’s resilience to frightening heights while simultaneously granting the user abnormal status immunity.

Luck

Rank: D

Improves luck.

Swordsman

Rank: S

Increases attack damage when equipped with a sword. Slightly increase the user’s speed.

Friendship

Rank: S

The user is now passively emitting an aura that makes a good first impression to any person/creature you meet. Maintaining or losing this good impression depends on the user’s behavior.

Hidden Weapons Mastery

Rank: G

Increases the user’s attack damage when using hidden weapons. Slightly increase the user’s speed and accuracy when wielding hidden weapons.

Angel Magic

Rank: S

A magic of the race known as Angels, focusing on controlling the ‘holy power’. Light based attacks gained a significant increase.

Strengthening Magic

Rank: S

A branch of magic where the user boost a part of his body to gain a boost in strength or agility.

Holy Magic

Rank: S

A branch of magic created by humans to imitate the effects of Angel Magic. Spells consisting of light based attacks and healing are included in this branch of magic.

Note: Shin gained knowledge from ninjas but didn’t gain any skill. Like parkour, it is just some kind of ‘technique’ and is honestly not unique enough to gain a skill. What skill would I write for it anyway? [Ninja]? Hahaha.

P.S: He gained the title [Monstrous Genius] after leaving Vatican. That was the title given to him by the maids and butlers of Vasco Strada, Vasco Strada himself, and the sword instructors of the training facility.

Mission Progress

~~~

//Pending Mission//

[Let There Be Angels!]

Rank: SSS

Main Objective(s):

Save Heaven from their predicament and solve their population problem. Make a Peerage System that can grant holy power to other species. (Pending)

Optional Objective(s):

Save Heaven from their predicament and fix the bugs in the Heaven’s System. (Pending)

Save Heaven from their predicament and remove the restrictions placed on the Angels. (Pending)

Save Heaven from their predicament and loosen the Heaven’s System a little regarding procreation. (Pending)

Failure Requirement(s):

Death, Uncompleted Mission after 10 years passed.

Penalty(s):

Sacred Gear’s Deactivation for 3 Months, System’s Deactivation for 3 Months.

Reward(s):

Advanced System Upgrade Card(Gacha, Shop, Map), 5x Random Weapon Card, 1x Random Holy Weapon Card, 10,000,000 ria, 1,000,000 SCs

~~~

 

A/N:

Life is really full of mystery. In my plot, I only wrote a very simple line. “Shin will train for 7 months somewhere”. Somehow, one thing led to another and here we are. I never thought I would write about Sandalphon, nor did I predict that everything will end up to this. Like everyone else, I feel like I’m also reading and waiting for what will happen next.

Another arc has ended. I wanted to further expand on the Hidden Leaf Village in the future so don’t worry about not being able to learn more about this place!

Was my idea about ninjutsu great? Passable? Well, it wasn’t planned at all so I wonder if it is acceptable.

Ninjutsus needs to be prepared for when you will use it. It’s like storing some kind of magic on a piece of paper. It’s obvious downside is that you need to learn how to use touki. However, learning it and being to control it to be channeled through an equipment takes years of experience and talent. Also, the magic inside the paper will continue to deteriorate and weaken when not used.