The Secret of Hidan's Jutsu (Part 1)

Three months later, Ye Wuji walked down Rose Street in the Land of Hot Springs. Over these past three months, he had primarily been researching the Hero Water obtained from Takigakure and the secret techniques of the Earth Grudge Fear. As expected, the scroll from Takigakure contained instructions on how to properly consume Hero Water to increase one's chakra, though it also noted that due to individual physiological differences, the amount each person could safely ingest varied.

Naturally, it also stated that if a person possessed an exceptionally strong physique or high cellular vitality, they could tolerate a larger dose. Seeing this, Ye Wuji smiled with satisfaction. Although his body was not as formidable as those of pure taijutsu experts like Guy or Lee, Ye Wuji possessed medical techniques for Cellular Activation learned from Shennong. If he could master them, he could potentially become a person with vast chakra reserves—perhaps not on par with a Tailed Beast, but certainly stronger than the average ninja.

Over these three months, Ye Wuji's research had made some progress. He had conducted experiments on animals from the forest with no adverse effects, so he had already consumed a small amount of Hero Water himself. Since it was his first time, he had been cautious despite the animal trials, but the moment he felt his chakra reserves expand, Ye Wuji was overjoyed.

As for why Ye Wuji was visiting Rose Street today, it was because he wanted to study the A-rank ninjutsu, the Rasengan. After failing to make any headway despite numerous attempts, he recalled the method Jiraiya used to teach Naruto in the original story. Thus, he had come out to purchase a large quantity of water balloons to practice with upon his return.

Of course, there was another reason: Ye Wuji was still somewhat uneasy about Hidan and wanted to see how he was faring.

Upon reaching Rose Street, Ye Wuji went straight to the hot spring inn where he had eaten last time. Based on the conversation between the owner and Hidan's group, Hidan seemed to be someone close to the proprietor.

When he arrived at the inn's entrance, Ye Wuji found the doors locked and sealed with official strips. Upon closer inspection, he realized they were seals from the Daimyo Mansion's security bureau.

Ye Wuji approached a nearby flower shop and asked the middle-aged woman, "Excuse me, what happened to that inn? Why is it closed, and where is the owner?"

"Young friend, which inn are you asking about?" the woman inquired.

"The hot spring inn right next door, the one with the security seals on it," Ye Wuji replied.

"Oh, you mean Old Man Gu's place? Are you some kind of relative of his?" the woman asked casually, showing no signs of suspicion, likely because she saw Ye Wuji as just a child.

"No, I just received some kindness from that old gentleman last time, and I wanted to thank him. I didn't expect to see it sealed off. I remember him being such a kind person; why would the security bureau shut him down?" Ye Wuji fabricated a reason.

"It's true, Old Man Gu was a wonderful person who spent his whole life doing good deeds. I heard that when he was young, he lost all his family in the war, so he opened that shop here and lived alone. Over the decades, he kept taking in orphans who had lost their families in the war. Who would have thought he'd end up taking in such a disaster this time? Truly, no good deed goes unpunished," the woman said with a hint of sadness.

"Why do you say no good deed goes unpunished? Could you explain? He helped me find my relatives last time, and I thought such a good person would surely be rewarded," Ye Wuji asked, feigning surprise.

"Sigh, alright, I'll tell you. For years, ever since he was young, Old Man Gu would go out and take in orphans who lost their families to war. Once those children grew up, he would send them off, only to take in more. It happened several times. Even after they left, some of those orphans would come back to visit him. But no one expected that the three orphans he took in this time—Hidan, Da Ye, and Nakano—would be the ones to kill him."

"Those three joined some kind of Jashin Cult and were constantly causing trouble, preaching their cult theories. Old Man Gu often tried to stop them, but about a week ago, they argued again over the cult. Old Man Gu tried to discipline them, but they ended up killing him."

"I heard the scene was incredibly gruesome, with blood everywhere. Once a life was taken, the security bureau arrived and arrested all three of them on the spot. Even then, that Hidan kept shouting about 'judgment' and claiming that the Jashin had descended, and that this was the price for disrespecting the Jashin. He even threatened that anyone else who disrespected the Jashin would face the same fate."

"The local security bureau usually didn't care about the Jashin Cult, since it consisted only of those children and they were just causing minor disturbances. But after Old Man Gu was murdered, the bureau banned the cult and arrested all the children, who are now being held for a while."

"Hidan and his two companions were supposed to face the death penalty, but I heard they escaped from prison and killed several guards in the process. Now, the security bureau has issued a warrant for their arrest." Although the woman was a bit long-winded, Ye Wuji managed to piece together the truth.

"I see. Those three really deserve to die for killing the man who raised them," Ye Wuji said indignantly.

"You can't say that entirely. I've seen Hidan and the others since they were small; they were quite decent. Sometimes they'd even come over to help me, especially Da Ye and Nakano. Even though they were strong, they never bullied anyone. It's all the fault of that Jashin Cult. Ever since it appeared, many good children have been led astray, especially Hidan—he was so cute when he was little," the woman said, cursing the Jashin Cult. She then complained that the security bureau should have arrested the cultists sooner to prevent such a tragedy.

"Indeed, such a Jashin Cult is truly hateful," Ye Wuji agreed, joining her in her condemnation. He then bid the woman farewell and prepared to leave.

Just as he was about to step out of the flower shop, the woman called out from behind the counter, "Hey, little one, you look like you're from out of town. There's a ruined temple south of this town—don't you ever go near it. You kids are always wandering around, and it would be bad if you accidentally stumbled in there. Do you hear me? They say that's the birthplace of that Jashin Cult. The Land of Hot Springs never had such things before."

"I understand, thank you, ma'am," Ye Wuji said, waving back at her.

Ye Wuji took one last look at the hot spring inn. Based on the woman's words, the owner had died inside the building.

To confirm the situation, Ye Wuji carefully scanned his surroundings. Finding no one watching, he quickly slipped into the inn through a side window. Upon entering the main hall, the scattered tables and chairs didn't catch his attention; his eyes were immediately drawn to a circle and triangle pattern on the floor. The markings looked blackened, but they unmistakably resembled the ritual site Hidan used for his abilities.

I never expected Hidan to have awakened his powers already, and to have used the innkeeper to complete his first ritual. To think he used this ability for the first time on the man who raised him. If I had known, I should have tried to kill him last time. Ye Wuji thought to himself.

Reflecting on it, Ye Wuji felt a pang of regret. If he had acted, the old man might still be alive. If this is the result for those who do good, who would ever want to do good again?

It reminded him of his previous world, where people who helped fallen elderly were often framed, leading to a society where good Samaritans were rare. Even those who wanted to help would first look for witnesses or evidence to protect themselves from being framed.

As for those who intentionally framed others, even if exposed, they rarely faced any real consequences—at most, a trivial punishment. Compared to the evil they committed, these penalties were far too light. People who exploited others' kindness for extortion didn't need punishment; killing them was the best solution. Don't talk about "not being a capital offense"—such people deserve to die.

It reminded him of a line from a book he once read: "Those who murder and set fires are granted amnesty; how are the good people supposed to survive?" Ye Wuji remembered this clearly. Yes, if you act like this, how are the good people supposed to live? Killing such people is a light sentence.

Having confirmed the nature of Hidan's ability, Ye Wuji left the inn. Hidan had already escaped the Land of Hot Springs, and there was no telling where he had gone. For now, Ye Wuji had no way to track him, but he thought, We will meet again sooner or later.

Ye Wuji bought all the water balloons on Rose Street—about four hundred in total. The shopkeeper had to empty his entire warehouse to find that many. Because of the bulk purchase, the shopkeeper gave him a very favorable price.

Ye Wuji packed the four hundred balloons into a bundle and prepared to head back. He also asked the shopkeeper to order two hundred rubber balls for him. Since he wasn't sure how many he would need, he started with that amount, as the shopkeeper only had about twenty in stock due to low demand.

Finally, Ye Wuji decided to buy those twenty rubber balls as well; he would need them eventually. Carrying his supplies and a few other daily necessities, he set off on his return journey to Angkor Fortress.