The Mysterious Disappearance of Rin

"Sage Mode" wasn't something one could figure out behind closed doors. It had to be attained through a specific method and painstaking training. As far as Long Ye knew, only a few sages from the secret realm seemed to know this method of cultivation.

Given his current situation, cultivating this power would require a great deal of time, to begin with. It would also depend on luck. After all, even if he wanted to learn, the sage might not necessarily be willing to teach him.

For now, he pushed the matter to the back of his mind.

After traveling day and night without rest, they finally saw the coastline half a month later.

The first thing that entered their view was the Land of Water, surrounded by sea on all sides.

Once the two of them reached shore, the pirate gang sailed away, disappearing over the horizon.

"I didn't expect you to really keep your word and release those pirates. I thought..."

Mei Terumi looked at him and smiled, trailing off.

"You thought I was using them, waiting until they brought us ashore before killing them to silence them, so that no one would ever know I'd obtained the gold, right?"

Mei Terumi smiled without contradicting him.

But it was clear that she seemed quite pleased with Long Ye's actions.

It wasn't because he had released a few pirates. Rather, she had realized that he truly was a man of principles. A person like that was undoubtedly worth trusting.

"You came with me to the Land of Snow this time and gained quite a lot. With this windfall, most of Kirigakure's losses during the Shinobi World War should be made up for."

"So I'm supposed to thank you too?"

Mei Terumi didn't think much of it, seemingly displeased that Long