Bird Tribe's Secrets; The Path to Emperor Rank

Bird Tribe's Secrets; The Path to Emperor Rank—Abihime's temporary camp was lively for three days.

This Bird Tribe princess seemed to have truly taken Chiyo as "the little brother she picked up." Every morning, she dragged him around the outskirts of the camp, eagerly introducing every blade of grass and tree in the mountain forest.

"Look, the fruit on that tree is called a Crimson Flame Fruit. Eating one can temporarily strengthen fire-type Demonic Power, though it tastes like burnt wood."

"There's an old Bear Demon living in that cave over there. His temper is terrible. Last time I tried to borrow some of his honey, he nearly chased me for ten miles!"

"Hey, Chiyo Uchiha, are you even listening?"

"..."

Abihime's delicate bare feet stepped across the bluestones by the stream. She turned around, hands on her hips, and glared with scarlet eyes at the white-haired man trailing leisurely behind her.

Chiyo raised his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"I was listening. You said that Bear Demon's honey was sweet, but stealing it would get you chased down and beaten."

"It wasn't stealing. It was borrowing!"

Abihime corrected him, then tilted her head and looked him over.

"Why have you kept smiling like that these past few days? It's weird."

"Like what?"

"Like... like you're watching a Little Demon make trouble!"

Abihime puffed out her cheeks unhappily.

"I'm not a child. I'm already a hundred years old!"

Among demons, that age was indeed only equivalent to fifteen or sixteen for humans.

Chiyo walked to the stream, crouched down, and scooped up a handful of clear water.

"Is one hundred and twenty years old really that impressive?"

"Of course! There aren't many in the Bird Tribe my age who can control Crimson Phoenix Flame!"