-567th Year after Empire's downfall, Aprcien, Herdej, Summerfait Road (Inner parts of Neolan Kingdom)

As the warm sun touched my skin, I couldn't help but scratch the scar on my eyebrow.

After being reincarnated, I found myself embarking on my third day in Shandria.

I recalled the instance where I was killed by that woman and her words.

"We shall meet again." (???)

"Tsk." (Ryuji)

What did she mean by that? Does that mean she is also here in Shandria? I hope not. That was one of the very few instances in my life that I felt scared to the depths of my soul.

She barely did anything, yet I felt the overwhelming pressure from her.

It wasn't comparable to the people I have fought against in my past.

(I wonder why the village did not receive help from the city... Is it because of the bad logistics? Or poverty?)

I was given plenty of useful information about this kingdom, thank you villagers.

It seems that this was a tiny, underdeveloped country, encircled by powerful nations, likely seeking opportunities to invade and conquer it.

The country's economy was going downhill, corrupt noble families leeching on the poor villagers while they lived in luxury themselves.

And according to Edda, it was all because of the current Prince who is leading the country instead of his father, who is sick.

Untying the old scroll, I took a look at the map Edda gave me. A simplified map of the Neolan Kingdom.

image [https://i.hizliresim.com/il6113c.png]

(It's really small, isn't it? Perhaps about the same size as Tokyo.)

I was on Summerfait Road, which is one of the main routes leading to the capital city of Guiria. The old wooden sign I came across was the indicator that I was on the right path.

[Guiria —>]

I was surprised when I realized that I could read the letters. Whenever I tried to read something, the letters morphed into Japanese, allowing me to read anything.

"Perhaps it is connected with the fact that I can understand and speak their language as well..." (Ryuji)

I hear everything in Japanese too, but I am assuming people speak differently, it's just the way I hear and speak.

I was definitely given some powers. I easily defeated the Hobgoblin by using a technique I learned from the Ninja Leaf manga. Thanks to my extensive knowledge of the hand signs used to execute the Ninpou techniques, I was able to execute the technique flawlessly.

Maybe I can try doing some practice before I carry on...

(Being a dedicated Otaku surely comes handy in this new world. Ehehe...)

(...I'm glad I did not get reincarnated as some spider or a slime. I could not live with that. If I could choose, I'd definitely pick a Dragon after all. I wonder if Dragons exist in this world...damn that would be so cool.)

I navigated through the immense forest, following a dirt path that weaved its way like a serpent through a sea of towering trees and other vegetation.

It would be an overestimation to say the roads were poorly constructed. Did they even work on them?

From the old map I was able to tell that this Kingdom had a logistics problem. I had enough knowledge to know that in the medieval ages, logistics was the key to almost everything.

In my previous world, they even made a super long bridge that was connected to the new Korean government. If I remember correctly, the Northern nation was beaten by the South, and they unified successfully.

(All roads lead to Rome, huh...)

My face contorted as the saltiness of the beef jerky exploded in my mouth. It was better than nothing though.

I decided to try something silly as I washed the salty flavor of the jerky down with some water. I recalled some of those corny isekai mangas I've read in my previous life. Of course, I only did that to satiate my boredom while waiting for the new issues of the Ninja Leaf manga.

I got up from the rock I was seated on, then extended my arm with a cheeky grin. ✨

"Status." (Ryuji)

(Nope. Nothing. Let's try something else.)

I looked at the crow gawking on a nearby tree branch and aimed at it with my palm.

"Appraise!" (Ryuji)

"Tsk. In that case... FIREBOLT!!" (Ryuji)

As expected, nothing happened. The crow mockingly gawked at me before leaving.

"Shit. This doesn't work either..." (Ryuji)

(Why don't I have a cheat ability like those overpowered isekai protagonists? Good grief... Is it too much to ask? I could have my own harem of hot girls and never answer their feelings until the story ends!)

A sigh of disappointment left my mouth unintentionally.

"It will be beneficial for me to know the extent of my abilities, so I guess I will do some experimenting." (Ryuji)

----------------------------------------

—Deeper in the grove near Summerfait road.

"Yossha! Let's try some of the jutsu I know! I'll start with one of the most useful ones." (Ryuji)

I had a tendency to speak to myself every once in a while. They say it's a trait only smart people have.

I began forming hand seals. As expected from a Ninja Leaf enjoyer, I knew almost all of them by heart. I spent years practicing them after all... Even though some of my colleagues called it lame.

This was one of the first jutsus the Narusuke learned in Ninja Leaf manga! The protagonist of the Ninja Leaf who becomes Kage in the end by saving the Ninja World! A Shinobi God! ✨

I want to be as amazing as him...

I focused on my inner energy. Somehow I could feel something travel from my core, then spread around my body.

(Just like the Chi they have in Ninja Leaf!)

Magic is imagination they say... Image...Image...Image!

"[Ninpou: Shadow Clone Jutsu!]" (Ryuji)

Two of my clones appeared next to me with a "poof" sound and a white cloud.

"OOOHHH!! I CAN DO IT!" (Ryuji)

(It seems that two clones is my limit. In the manga they had the quarter amount the strength of the user. I wonder if that's also the case here...)

I began inspecting my clones. As expected, they looked identical to me. It was impressive to me that my consciousness was somehow tied to them as well.

"Clone one, try performing a fireball jutsu!" (Ryuji)

"Yes, original me!" (Ryuji's clone 1)

My clone was able to execute the hand seals flawlessly and unleashed a fireball with nearly the same magnitude of power as the one I previously used against the Hobgoblin.

"[Ninpou: Fireball Jutsu!]" (Ryuji's clone 1)

-Btommm!-

"Oooh, amazing!" (Ryuji)

(Now let's try if I can use other elements.)

"Clone number two, try using a Water Dragon cannon!" (Ryuji)

He nodded before he perfectly performed the hand seals and fired off a powerful Water Cannon that had the shape of a Chinese Dragon.

"[Ninpou: Water Dragon Cannon Jutsu!]" (Ryuji's clone 2)

-Btoommmm!-

His jutsu tore down about five tall trees. They fell loudly.

"How about we try using three different elements at the same time?" (Ryuji's clone 1)

"Yeah, I think that would be even more amazing!" (Ryuji's clone 2)

"Hoo~ As expected of my clones... You guys are smart! ✨" (Ryuji)

They proudly folded their arms and puffed out their chests. They were just standing there... MENACINGLY!

(Stone men pose!!)

All of us began making different hand seals. I am surprised how I could pull off such a meticulous task. It was like I had three brains now, well- I technically did.

All of us chanted at the same time as we directed our jutsus towards the innocent trees in the forest.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"[Ninpou: Water Dragon Cannon Jutsu!]"

"[Ninpou: Fireball Jutsu!]" (At the same time)

"[Ninpou: Rock Bullet Jutsu!]

-BTOMMMM!-

"OOOH IT WORKS!!!" (Ryuji)

Later on I dismissed the clones and tried other elements.

Birds began fleeing as our jutsu decimated a large tree, thankfully I did not cause a forest fire.

(I'll try not to use fire techniques near forests from now on...)

Apart from Fire, Water and Earth, I was also able to use the Wind element, however I could not use special elements like Lightning, Wood and Lava as expected, since in the manga they were genetic abilities.

Being able to use wood would be very cool...

I certainly had magic within my body now, and of course I had limits.

My attempt to summon an armor around me with Chi failed, it seems like I cannot use one of the greatest abilities in Ninja Leaf, The Asura.

A giant impenetrable armor made up from flaming Chi, which is the form of the spiritual energy in the series I was so obsessed with.

Perhaps I did not possess enough Chi to perform the technique yet...

(I can't wait to summon a giant Asura and level mountains! Bwahaha!)

Dismissing my inner Maou, I carried on with my journey.

I continued my journey towards Guiria after hunting a boar with an [Air Bullet Jutsu].

Bang! Meal getto!

Though the lack of any sauce and spices degraded the taste quite a lot... I guess I won't be able enjoy Katsudon for a long time.

But there was another problem besides the lack of Japanese cuisine... Since I was in the middle of nowhere, I had to relieve myself in the nearby forest!

I got my son out and got to work while singing the Dragon God X anime opening song.

"Cha-la! Head Cha-la—! 🎵" (Ryuji)

Perhaps I can try out the techniques from Dragon God X as well? I decided to try them later...

While letting my Celestial Dragon go back inside after hydrating a tree, I heard the sounds of metal clashing into each other in the distance.

(Ooh? It sounds like someone is fighting.)

I decided to check it out from a distance as I jumped on a tree and squatted on top of it like a Ninja would!

(I'm just so cool! ✨)

The sounds of grunting and metal clashing with each other. A group of twelve people had three individuals cornered.

(A world of magic and swords. Survival of the fittest...)

The tall man from the group swatted the blood from his blade as he cut his first of many adversaries down. I witnessed his blade go through the bandit's stomach and spill his guts out.

"Ughh...!"

"Orraa! Come at me you bastards!"

(He is not bad... Despite his lack of technique, his strength was truly impressive.)

As an arrow whistled through the air, taking down another bandit with blood spurting from his throat, the girl in the white dress raised her wooden staff and cast a spell on her warrior friend.

"...[Lumienus Annoeus!]"

"Be careful! They got a healer!"

The muscular arm of the warrior emitted a fleeting golden glow, presumably healing a minor cut.

(I knew magic existed here after all! Amazing! It seems like I am not the only person who can use it!)

The battle seemed to be in a stalemate, after all the Scavengers were formidable, causing some of the bandits waver.

(A party of a Cleric, an Archer and a Warrior huh? But wait a minute... Isn't this a chance?! The chance of me playing the Hero and looking super cool?! I'm excited!!! ✨)

I need to interfere before these guys take out the bandits. However I won't show them my suit. It would be too much since these guys are quite weak.

I decided to try out another jutsu I memorised from the Ninja Leaf jutsu book I bought in my previous life.

(Yossha! Let's do this!)

—I made a tiger hand seal. This particular technique required only one along with an affinity for water and fire elements, and luckily I had both.

Focusing on my energy... I casted the jutsu.

"[Ninpou: Hidden Mist Jutsu!]" (Ryuji)

All of a sudden, a massive mist cloud started to rise from the trees below, completely enveloping the bandit group within its grasp. The group of Scavengers immediately reacted and put some distance between themselves and my mist.

"Where did that come from?!"

"Stay away from the mist!" The tall Scavenger in armor said, putting his massive shield before him as he was on guard, his face contorted with displeasure and surprise.

"Tsk... They have a mage too?"

The girl in white dress was seemingly annoyed.

I used my [Silent Step] to infiltrate my own mist, moving like a breeze through the mist without remaining unseen nor unheard.

"You scoundrels... Your crimes end here." (Ryuji)

I decided to act cool as my voice echoed within the mist. One of the perks of this particular technique, making me almost impossible to spot within the mist.

"W-Who are you?!"

"Shinobi." (Ryuji)

I love it when people ask me that question, so I can reply with the obvious answer.

One of the bandits yelled, I could see most of their knees turning into rubber as I brought one down with a slap to his nape.

"Ack-"

"Watch out! He is in the mist!" Another bandit said, however he was also silenced by the slap of justice.

"Futile." (Ryuji)

"Ack!"

I said with a villainous tone after knocking another one out, and as a result some bandits began swinging their weapons blindly in order to try and hit me.

Before long, the mist became filled with the anguished cries of pain and the piercing shrieks of terror with boring mob one-liners.

"Imposs-"

"Help-"

"Ugh-"

They did not know what came to them. I moved between them like a breeze of wind, quiet and fast as I knocked them out one by one while aiming for their vital spots without the intention of killing them.

I wasn't going to dirty my hands for a group of lowly bandits.

—It is good to know how to form a fist or throw a kick. However, to knock somebody out you did not need any of those. With the right principles anyone could knock someone out even with a simple slap.

My hands moved like whips—shaking their brains in their skulls as they fell one by one like dominoes. The sounds of me slapping them unconscious echoed within the mist.

-Tap! Taptaptaptap!-

When it comes to hand-to-hand combat, I was the second best in my village.

As the last bandit collapsed, I crossed my arms and stood among them proudly as I released the [Hidden Mist Jutsu] in front of the Scavengers. It was over in a moment.

(Cool Hero pose between the defeated enemies! Woohoo! ✨)

As the mist dissipated, the Scavengers holstered their weapons and advanced towards me. However, I noticed the archer girl was ready to shoot me if I did something wrong. Her hand was ready near her quiver.

"Thank you for helping us. Are you a Scavenger too? I have never seen any spell like this..."

The tall, muscular warrior said while he sheathed his sword and held his massive kite shield on his side, but my instincts told me that he was ready to draw the sword again if needed.

The warrior was much taller than me—about 7ft tall, more muscular than me too. And a simple metal chest plate armor which complimented his tall, muscular build told me that he is a tank warrior. The scars he had on his big arms and a claw scar across his right eye confirmed my observations.

"No, I am not a Scavenger. However, I was on my way to Guiria to join the guild." (Ryuji)

The red haired warrior tilted his head in confusion, seemingly surprised. He carefully observed me from head to toe with his blue eyes, scratching the crimson beard under his chin that was collected together with a leather stripe.

"You are not a Scavenger and you took those bandits down in a flash? You must be very reliable! Haha!"

He said with his deep voice as he offered me his big hand. This guy was trained, the admirable callouses in his big palm was the evidence.

"My name is Milgard Tetsugo, A bronze level Scavenger and a warrior as you can see." (Milgard)

I noticed the bronze rod attached to a rope around his neck as I shook his hand, applying the same amount of strength he put into the hand shake, nothing more. A vein on his big arm bulged while attempting to crush my hand. His blue eyes widened in surprise.

"Hoho~ I haven't met somebody who could shake my hand without crying in a long time! You have good muscles too!" (Milgard)

(A muscle head, huh? I usually like those types as they can be funny.)

"Stop it Milgard. He will probably think you are a muscle head!"

(On point!!)

The blond girl in white, religious outfit said, sighing out. The other girl with blue hair —who was the archer of the group— could not contain her quiet giggle. My lips also flitted into a smile.

"My name is Melodia, Melodia Bern. A Cleric and follower of the Luminestelle Church, also a bronze rank Scavenger. And this is Clovea Wisteria, the ranger and leader of our party. We are known as Ivorystand, a bronze rank party." (Melodia)

The young girl in white, Cleric outfit offered me a lithe hand. I gently shook while exchanging stares.

She also had blue eyes like everyone else in Catago village. Her curly, shoulder-length golden hair swung around her neck in a glossy mass while two long bangs framed her pretty, bony face.

For a person who is out adventuring, she had a very well-maintained appearance. I could tell she was taking good care of herself.

Despite not being curvy like the blue haired girl, she did not refrain from displaying her pair of pretty legs adorned with black stockings, creating an eye-pleasing contrast with her white dress and pearly skin. My gaze drifted to those legs unintentionally before my face felt warm, to avoid a bad situation I ended up looking at the muscular warrior instead.

(Now I noticed, most girls in this world are quite pretty. Thank you, radioactive woman!!✨)

I did not let my excitement surface and replied with a collected tone and expression, offering a gentle smile too.

The first impressions were important after all.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Shinobu Ryuji, I've been headed to Guiria from Catago Village. I'm a simple traveler." (Ryuji)

(They probably won't buy crappy lies like 'I'm a merchant!' like they say in isekai animes... Hahaha...)

Their expressions suddenly shifted. Did I say something weird?

"Did you say Catago?!" (Melodia)

Melodia and Milgard had a worried expression, meanwhile Clovea seemed calm and collected, carefully calculating the situation in her mind.

She seemed to have a calculative nature, which told me that I had to be careful.

"We are supposed to go there and exterminate Goblins! We were also informed that they were being led by a Hobgoblin, which is considered a tier four threat!" (Milgard)

(Ah, I guess I should tell them the Goblins got defeated, not by me though.)

"Oh— about that... When I arrived at the village, someone called Yomi apparently took care of that by himself." (Ryuji)

"Huh?!" (Melodia and Milgard)

"But who? We are talking about a Hobgoblin and a group of at least thirty goblins..." (Melodia)

(Hmm, it was quite easy for me though...)

"Hobgoblins are that dangerous? I didn't know." (Ryuji)

Clovea nodded. She also appeared to be the most level headed person in their group.

A stunning beauty with cascading waves of long, lustrous blue hair reaching from her shoulders all the way down to her hips.

—She had some braids that gave her hair depth and style. I immediately noticed those green eyes too.

She was the first person I saw that had a different eye color apart from blue so far.

—They shone a pair of shiny emeralds which complimented her fair skin and the brown ranger outfit which wrapped around her curvy physique perfectly while being paired with thigh-high brown boots, displaying her long legs.

In my previous world, she would definitely be a top model.

The brown-leather armor layer on her big bosom took the shape of those large mounds too. And the design of the leather was similar to the ones Kyudoka wore in Japan.

Her archery bracers and the thumb ring she wore told me that she valued her craft, and was presumably good at it.

I prevented myself from drooling.

(Oppai...)

"Normally the goblins require a bronze rank Scavenger party. But a Hobgoblin requires either 3 bronze ranks or a single Silver rank. They are quite powerful." (Melodia)

Melodia's voice brought me back to the living world, I almost forgot we were having a conversation. How rude of me...

"I see... I am not very familiar with Scavengers or their ranks." (Ryuji)

Seems like they have a ranking system. How convenient...

"That Yomi guy must be at least Gold ranked to take care of a single lair by himself. However, I've never heard that name before. How about you girls?" (Milgard)

The girls shook their heads in unison.

(Hoo— Yomi-kun would be pleased to hear that. Praise me more! ✨)

"Yes, normally goblins are very weak individually, but what makes them strong is their numbers. I wonder how that Hobgoblin ended up evolving..." (Clovea)

"Haaah—The goblins probably took advantage of the poorly guarded village... And now we got our prey stolen... Tsk." (Melodia)

Melodia said, seemingly disappointed.

"I guess we have no choice but to do the other quest. And what are we going to do with these guys?" (Clovea)

(Quest? Just like in games!)

"Lets tie them up and leave a note. Surely a Neolan patrol will find them..." (Melodia)

"Brother, did you say you wanted to become a Scavenger?" (Milgard)

-Brother as in 'An-chan', a casual way of saying brother in Japanese.-

"Yeah! I believe I can be useful." (Ryuji)

Milgard turned around to the girls, as if asking for their confirmation. Then both the girls smiled and nodded, making Milgard grin at me.

"Then why don't you come with us? We are short of a member to become an official party as well." (Clovea)

Her green eyes gleamed with a captivating radiance that I couldn't help but notice. It appears that she was using some sort of magic to analyze me. I decided to act like I did not notice anything.

"Sure! I'd be happy to learn how things work." (Ryuji)

Meanwhile Melodia seemed confused, looking at my blade sheathed on my back.

"You use a sword as well? I can't see a wand on you." (Melodia)

(They think I am a magic caster, I suppose I can't blame them. And they need wands to cast magic here? Reminds me of the Barry Totter books I've read when I was a kid.)

"Well... I don't use wands. I simply use my hands." (Ryuji)

"Ehhh?! But how do you do that? Don't tell me you have a Prana Heart!?" (Melodia)

I found her small-scale panic amusing.

(Prana heart? What is that?)

"I simply never needed a wand. But I don't think I have a Prana Heart... Hahaha..." (Ryuji)

I nervously laughed as I scratched my head.

"I will be in your care, Milgard-san, Melodia-san, Clovea-san." (Ryuji)

I offered a respectful bow. Milgard slapped my shoulder. He was slightly surprised with my hard muscles.

"C'mon man, you don't need to be so formal! We are a party now!" (Milgard)

The other girls nodded with agreement.

"Welcome to our party, Ryuji. I look forward to working with you." (Clovea)

She smiled, making me blush slightly as I scratched my beard.

(And that's how I made my first friends in this new world...)

—End of Chapter Two—