As a Ninja, I Only Want to Live Off Others in the Nasuverse

The Head of the Ryougi Family took the box and opened it in front of Higashino Kanade.

Money. All he saw were stacks of cash in the largest denominations, piled up in bundles. A conservative estimate put it at tens of millions.

"A small token of appreciation. I heard you lost your parents not long ago, so I hope this money can help you." The Head of the Ryougi Family did not even blink, as though he had done something utterly insignificant.

A yakuza boss really was generous. Did they give away money by the boxful?

Higashino Kanade's gaze remained calm. He was not moved by so much money. After all, he was a ninja, and money meant little to him. If he truly wanted money, he could make a fortune just by taking his Sharingan around a casino once.

Higashino Kanade's composure disappointed the Head of the Ryougi Family somewhat. As expected, people from that side could not be easily swayed with money. If he wanted to recruit him, he would have to offer other terms.

"Higashino-kun, I'll get straight to the point. I did not come here merely to express my gratitude. I also wanted to ask whether you would be interested in joining the Ryougi Family." This time, the Head of the Ryougi Family used an honorific.

"Marry into the family?"

Higashino Kanade chuckled inwardly, but his expression did not change in the slightest.

"No. I wanted to ask whether you would be interested in becoming my adopted son?" The Head of the Ryougi Family shook his head, his tone exceptionally serious.

"Why?"

"As someone from the Other Side of the World, you should know that the Ryougi Family was once a renowned demon-slaying family. However, due to the decline of the Great Source and the loss of Mystery, the Ryougi Family inevitably declined as a demon-slaying family as well."

"Four generations ago, our family could still occasionally produce a few exorcists—what people today would call Magi. But by my father's generation, no one possessed any talent anymore. Thus, the Ryougi Family was forced to withdraw from the magus world and become the ordinary family we are today."

"Still, withdrawing was not entirely a bad thing for us. It allowed us to develop peacefully in modern society. The Asagami Family, one of the Four Great Demon Slaying Families alongside us, insisted on holding out and has now declined to the point of being swallowed by its branch family."

"Yet our development in modern society over these years has not been entirely smooth either. Whether it is the legitimate world or the underworld, we can handle the affairs of ordinary people. But certain businesses sometimes attract the attention of people from the Other Side, making them difficult to manage."

"So you need someone who can help you deal with Magi, Dead Apostles, and the like?"

P.S. Some readers have raised concerns about the power system, believing Chakra should not exist in the Nasuverse. Please do not worry. This will be explained later in the story, so please be patient.

Make Me Your Father-in-Law!

Hiring people stronger than oneself was a common practice in the Naruto world. For example, missions were issued to ninjas, while great nations hired ninja villages to fight their wars. Higashino Kanade naturally understood the Head of the Ryougi Family's intentions perfectly.

But since it involved employment, Higashino Kanade's professional instincts as a ninja surfaced. He straightened his back and asked with a serious expression, "What is the pay?"

The Head of the Ryougi Family paused. The Ryougi Family had left the world of Mystery long ago, and he did not understand what Magi truly wanted. He had originally planned to buy Higashino Kanade over with money, but it was now clear that Higashino Kanade did not care for that approach.

"Since you do not have any ideas, how about I propose a condition?" Higashino Kanade saw through the Head of the Ryougi Family's concerns at a glance and took the initiative.

The Head of the Ryougi Family nodded. "Please do. So long as the condition falls within what the Ryougi Family can accept."

Higashino Kanade smiled inwardly. That was exactly what he had been waiting to hear.

"To be honest, Uncle, I fell in love with Shiki at first sight the moment I saw her."

The moment Higashino Kanade said that, both the Head of the Ryougi Family and Ryougi Shiki revealed surprised expressions. Ryougi Shiki looked especially incredulous, as though asking, "Are you kidding?"

Higashino Kanade had anticipated their reactions long ago. Now was the time to show off his acting.

His face flushed red as he revealed the shy look of a boy confessing to the girl he loved. He clasped his hands together uneasily and said in a sincere tone, "I like Ryougi Shiki. I like everything about her. Whether it is Shirou Shiratsuyu or Araya Souren, so long as anyone threatens Shiki, I am willing to eliminate them. So my condition is to marry into the Ryougi Family and become Shiki's husband!"

"This..."

The Head of the Ryougi Family hesitated. Higashino Kanade's confession had come too suddenly. He had not expected it at all.

Before this, the Head of the Ryougi Family had considered using beauty to win Higashino Kanade over. But he had abandoned the idea after considering that the boy was only twelve. He had never expected this twelve-year-old child to genuinely desire his daughter.

Did he have some other motive? He had heard that when Magi sought partners, their first consideration was the partner's magical aptitude. Only an excellent mother could produce excellent offspring.

Had he taken an interest in Shiki's aptitude?

No, that was not right. He was still so young that he did not need to think that far ahead. Could he be sincere?

The Head of the Ryougi Family looked into Higashino Kanade's eyes. They said the eyes were the windows to the soul. At this moment, Higashino Kanade's gaze was incomparably clear. His amber pupils radiated a captivating glow, while the blush on his face perfectly conveyed a young boy's shyness. The Head of the Ryougi Family seemed to hear someone whisper softly in his ear, "You should believe me~"

I believe him!

The Head of the Ryougi Family nodded. Higashino Kanade's gaze was too innocent, so much so that he could not help wondering whether he had overthought the intentions of a twelve-year-old child and become overly suspicious.

Besides, setting motives aside, the other party had helped Shiki solve such a huge problem. At the very least, his intentions toward Shiki were good.

If the Ryougi Family wanted to prosper further, it was necessary to win over someone from the magus world like Higashino Kanade. With him around, many of their businesses would become easier to handle. If Higashino Kanade and Ryougi Shiki had children, there was a strong chance that the child would possess magical talent. Perhaps the Ryougi Family could return to the magus world through that.

How could wolves remain among cattle and sheep forever? If they had not been forced into it, who would willingly leave the magus world?

Taking Higashino Kanade in as a son-in-law was beneficial in every way and harmful in none. Considering it from the family's perspective, the Head of the Ryougi Family was tempted.

"From the family's perspective, I would very much like to agree to your proposal. However, the Ryougi Family is not like an ordinary family. As the future head of the Ryougi Family, Ryougi Shiki possesses great authority. As the current head, I have no right to interfere with her future marriage. And as her father, I respect Ryougi Shiki's own wishes. If Shiki agrees, then naturally I will agree as well. If Shiki is unwilling, then I can only apologize."

"I love Shiki, so naturally I respect her wishes as well. I will not force her." Higashino Kanade nodded in approval, his face showing not the slightest resentment.

Higashino Kanade had expected the Head of the Ryougi Family's answer. There was no way he could succeed so easily. After all, in the original story, Kirito Kurogiri had married into the Ryougi Family. Without Ryougi Shiki herself overcoming all objections, how could a commoner like Kirito Kurogiri have entered such a prominent family?

"Uncle, please look into my eyes."

Higashino Kanade met the Head of the Ryougi Family's gaze. Under the man's confused stare, his Sharingan began to spin.

The next moment, the figures of the Head of the Ryougi Family and Higashino Kanade suddenly appeared within Higashino Kanade's Mental World.

"What is this?" The Head of the Ryougi Family looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings in surprise.

"Uncle, there is no need to panic. This is a Mental World I created with Genjutsu. There are some things I do not want Shiki to hear. Once we are done speaking, I will send you back."

The Head of the Ryougi Family swallowed, then quickly regained his calm, displaying an aura no weaker than Higashino Kanade's.

At the same time, he became certain that Higashino Kanade was a highly capable Magus. Recruiting him was the correct decision. He had met many Magi, but none had ever demonstrated methods like Higashino Kanade's.

"Uncle, I'll be direct. I am actually a rather selfish person. During a romance, I take the initiative to deal with rivals, so I want to make a deal with you."

"Please go on."

"I hope you can help me eliminate those pursuing Shiki. Do not let them have too much contact with her. In return, I will help you handle certain troubles beyond your ability, within my capabilities. What do you think?"

"Very fair. I agree."

The Head of the Ryougi Family gave a very reasonable assessment. There was no such thing as a free lunch. He knew he could not make Higashino Kanade work for nothing. Compared to the usual price of hiring Magi, Higashino Kanade's conditions were practically free.

"Oh, and please pay special attention to someone named Kirito Kurogiri. If I am not mistaken, he will become my greatest enemy. If you discover Kirito Kurogiri approaching Shiki, please call this number."

Higashino Kanade handed him a slip of paper. The number was one he had specifically obtained when he had informed Kirie Kurogiri about catching someone cheating last time.

With such a cute little sister waiting at home, Kirito Kurogiri really did not know when to be satisfied.

After finishing his conversation with the Head of the Ryougi Family, the two left the Mental Space.

"Then I will not disturb your rest any longer. Shiki, stay and keep your friend company." The Head of the Ryougi Family rose and left. Before departing, he did not forget to tell Ryougi Shiki to remain behind. He had clearly caught on quickly.

The moment the Head of the Ryougi Family left the hospital room, Ryougi Shiki quickly walked to Higashino Kanade's bedside and asked in confusion, "Why did you make that condition? Why do you want to marry me? It is too strange!"

Became Sister Shiki's Tool

"Sister Shiki, do you hate me?"

"I would not say I hate you. I just cannot figure it out. Kanade, you are so handsome. There will definitely be many girls who like you in the future, so why do you like me? I am not that special, am I?" Ryougi Shiki looked up at the ceiling in confusion.

Ryougi Shiki did not find it strange that boys might like her. Quite a few boys had confessed to her before, but she herself did not think there was anything about her worth liking.

Ryougi Shiki had always been withdrawn and rarely spoke with others. Her personality resembled a boy's, and she herself disliked humans, leaving her social interaction almost nonexistent.

Other than her pretty face, Ryougi Shiki could not understand what she had that could attract others. That was why the sudden confession had felt so strange.

When someone accustomed to solitude suddenly had another person enter her life, she naturally felt confused.

"No, there is one thing you are wrong about. To me, you are special!" Higashino Kanade answered firmly.

A premium meal ticket like Ryougi Shiki held an extraordinarily special place in Higashino Kanade's heart. The only ones who could likely rival her were Scáthach, the queen of the Land of Shadows, or Sajyou Manaka, the yandere of the highest rank.

The former was infinitely difficult to obtain, while the latter was utterly impossible unless Higashino Kanade was Arthur reincarnated.

Higashino Kanade would never forgive himself for passing up such an exceptional meal ticket.

"I know you definitely cannot accept this right away, Sister Shiki. Feelings need to be cultivated slowly. I will spend the rest of my life pursuing you, so please guide me well."

Higashino Kanade's sincere expression touched Ryougi Shiki somewhat. She smiled faintly and said indifferently, "Do as you please. If you become more pleasing to the eye, it is not as though I could not marry you. But before that, when will the battle you promised me begin? I want to experience those strange techniques of yours."

You?

Higashino Kanade tilted his head in confusion. If Ryougi Shiki had awakened the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, he might fear her somewhat. But the current Ryougi Shiki was only a little stronger than an ordinary person. She was no match for him at all.

Just as Higashino Kanade planned to pretend to agree and hold back during the fight to raise her favorability, the system notification suddenly sounded.

Ding! A special system mission has been triggered!

Mission Name: Macho Man Battle

Time Limit: One month

(Exceeding the time limit will be considered mission failure.)

Description: As the strongest macho man on the surface, you have been provoked by a woman. Enraged, you have decided to go all out and teach her a lesson, then taunt her: Small breasts, big talk. Take my three pages of Ora!

Mission Reward: One Special Treasure Chest

Mission Failure: Transform into a cute girl

(True power, Godzilla erupts, the beast is unleashed, terminator of strength, tyrant of strength! If you cannot even beat a woman, what kind of man are you? A true macho man does not need love!)

Higashino Kanade: ...

Three days later, a battle was underway in the Ryougi Family's Training Hall.

"Ora ora ora ora ora—"

As the furious cries of "Ora" came to an end, Ryougi Shiki was knocked to the ground by Higashino Kanade and his Shadow Clone.

Watching Ryougi Shiki, who could no longer rise, Higashino Kanade's heart bled. Yet outwardly, he still wore an indifferent expression.

"You are too weak, Sister Shiki. Stop asking me to fight you."

I really do not want to hurt you anymore, T_T

Ryougi Shiki propped herself up with her sword. Her beautiful face showed neither pain nor unwillingness, only intense fighting spirit.

Higashino Kanade had trained for many years in the Naruto world. He knew where to strike without causing pain, places that would recover after a short rest. So he deliberately targeted those areas and held back considerably. That was why Ryougi Shiki could still rise so enthusiastically.

But to pass the system's inspection, he had indeed used quite a bit of strength. As the system notification sounded, he finally completed the mission that had tormented him beyond measure.

Ding! Congratulations, host, for completing the special mission "Macho Man Battle." Reward: one Special Treasure Chest. Would you like to open the reward?

Open it!

Within his consciousness space, a special chest radiating seven-colored light opened. A dazzling rainbow beam shot out from the chest.

Delicious Häagen-Dazs

Description: Special ice cream made through a special process. After consuming it, the eater can restore a large amount of Chakra in a short time.

(Note: This prize was generously provided by the Queen of Häagen-Dazs.)

The reward was boxed ice cream, three boxes in total. The result was not as good as the rewards from previous chests, but obtaining a reward so easily was still quite nice.

As an aside, the silver chest Higashino Kanade received for completing the temporary mission had contained a Lightning Release Scroll. It had not emitted any golden light when opened either. Luck really was limited.

Lightning Release Chakra Mode

Description: Wrap lightning around the body, stimulate cellular activity, increase the body's hardness and speed, and create armor that vitalizes the flesh!

(Note: Upon activation, Chakra consumption will increase by 50%. Please use with caution.)

Higashino Kanade was not unfamiliar with Lightning Release Chakra Mode. It was a Chakra usage technique that many people with Lightning-nature Chakra could use, such as Sasuke and A, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure.

Although the ninjutsu itself was rather commonplace, only a few could train it to perfection. It was a ninjutsu heavily dependent on the user's talent.

But what delighted Higashino Kanade most was that, since he did not possess Lightning-nature Chakra himself, the system automatically compensated for it by granting him Lightning-nature Chakra. This allowed many ninjutsu he had learned before but could not use to become useful again.

"Keep going! I can still fight!"

Ryougi Shiki stood up again, unwilling to admit defeat. Sweat slid down her cheeks, and the excitement on her face was intense. She looked as though she could fight Higashino Kanade for another three hundred rounds.

Higashino Kanade suddenly noticed that her eyes carried a sense of ease he had never seen before. It was as though some suppressed emotion had found release, making her entire person much more spirited.

Could Sister Shiki secretly be a battle maniac?

Higashino Kanade felt somewhat doubtful. It seemed that in the original The Garden of Sinners, Ryougi Shiki had experience seeking out fights. In the FGO plot, she had even led the Master through the entire Ogawa Apartments.