Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 157 "The First" Voyage

It's clear that the people of the Land of Iron are in a real hurry. The message was sent out as soon as they passed through the border, and by the time they crossed the territory and reached the coastline, the locals had already prepared a ship, just waiting for them to set off.

“I understand your urgency, but shouldn’t we at least understand the circumstances of the attack?” Facing a military officer a head taller than himself, Naruto showed no fear. He already knew the gist of the situation: if those people were still alive, they were definitely on the island, and there was no need to worry about their fate; if not, they were probably dead. Ultimately, the problem stemmed from Kumogakure’s mismanagement of the turtles, and trouble couldn’t be directed at Konoha. Therefore, he wasn’t in a hurry, because being anxious wouldn’t help.

“All the surviving witnesses are on the ship. We can interrogate them as we sail.” The military commander’s reply was cold and distant. “You should understand that time is life. Every second that is wasted may reduce Mr. Matsui’s chances of survival.”

Naruto took a deep breath, his smile vanishing. His gaze was calm, and he replied just as bluntly, "You just mentioned 'interrogation'? I think that word is always used for suspects or criminals, no matter where you are. The survivors are just ordinary people, and I just wanted to understand the situation from them, not force them to face danger again."

The general paused for a moment, then finally removed the helmet that had covered him completely. This samurai was old; his temples were streaked with white, and his face perfectly matched the stereotypical image of a samurai: serious, imposing, with a vertical wrinkle between his brows—one could tell from his appearance alone that he was not someone to be trifled with.

“Ninja, didn’t you hear what I just said? We don’t have time to waste on ‘understanding the situation.’ What you should be doing now is boarding the ship and setting off immediately.” The general’s voice was deep, his brows furrowed, and his gaze shifted from the young captain to the rear of the group, meeting Jiraiya’s eyes as he pretended not to exist. “I think you should find someone more reasonable to be the captain.”

"Questioning me won't change the contents of the appointment letter, Lieutenant-General Ikeya. It's fine if you don't understand, as long as you remember everything, you can report to me on the ship. Now, please 'invite' all the civilians off the ship so we can set off." Naruto, who had been entrusted with command of the investigation team, gave his first order upon arriving here. Facing Ikeya, who looked like he could stab him at any moment, he even added, "Remember, it's 'invite,' be gentle, Lieutenant-General Ikeya, and keep smiling."

When the members of Kaiban saw Ike's constipated expression, they were already trying to find ways to hide their barely suppressed laughter. Only Jiraiya laughed openly, his face full of pride, very satisfied with his apprentice's performance.

Chi Ye gritted his teeth, wanting to argue again, "They are important witnesses."

“As soldiers, protecting the people is our duty, I believe that’s common sense. Civilians have no obligation to participate in rescue operations. Don’t they pay taxes every day to support you? You ask the people for money when you need it, and you ask the people for a fight when you need it. What are you for then? When it’s crucial, please play your part, samurai.” Naruto released a tiny bit of chakra pressure. “Execute orders. I won’t repeat myself a third time.”

The chakra pressure of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is no joke; even ordinary ninjas might not be able to withstand it, let alone samurai. Naruto only looks harmless; in terms of combat strength, Konoha would probably have few who could defeat him. This mission is to deal with a sea monster; how could Konoha send ninjas who aren't strong enough? Ike instinctively took a step back, his hand on the hilt of his sword, but the overwhelming difference in strength couldn't be overcome by skill. Naruto wasn't releasing any "killing intent," just pure aura. His will to resist finally vanished, and he stiffly turned to carry out the order.

"Tsk tsk tsk, what an air of authority!" Jiraiya teased as soon as the man left.

Naruto's serious expression immediately deflated, and he replied with a laugh, "Don't make fun of me, you perverted sage."

"That guy is really annoying," Tenten couldn't help but mutter. Her family owned a ninja tool shop, and she wasn't even a ninja two generations ago, so naturally she disliked this kind of guy who completely ignored the thoughts of ordinary people.

"Just bear with it a little longer, we still need to take them out to sea with us." Cognitive issues can't be changed overnight; he's no longer the impetuous young man eager to express his opinions.

Naruto's gaze suddenly shifted, landing on a spot on the large ship where a row of samurai stood neatly in uniform, their identical attire making them indistinguishable. But Naruto's eyes were fixed on one person, and a smile involuntarily crept onto his face.

"Is there something there?" Li Zheng saw the smile in that direction and looked over curiously.

"Is this everyone's first time going to sea? Aren't you excited?" Naruto's quick wit was already quite impressive, and he answered with great seriousness, "Oh, except for the perverted sage."

“Teacher Kai said that taking a boat is hell…” Li shuddered.

"Well, it can't be that bad, can it?"

"For a ninja, it must be very unsafe to have both feet off the ground."

"But we can also walk on water."

The civilians, who had been forced onto the ship and then given permission to disembark, were bewildered. Heaven knows how terrified they had been when they boarded. At sea, they could rely on their skills to escape a hurricane, but encountering a sea monster meant they were left to their fate. No one wanted to experience that feeling of being at the mercy of fate again, but they couldn't escape the government's orders. But now, a seemingly cheerful young ninja had taken over the group, gently comforting them and telling them they could go home now.

is this real?

The dark-skinned fishermen looked at each other, and for a moment no one dared to move.

Naruto sighed, told them to tidy up their things, and said with a smile, "Then, please come with me."

A dozen or so fishermen silently followed him until they reached the edge of the blockade line, then dispersed in twos and threes. A few knelt before him from a distance before leaving. Naruto couldn't describe his feelings, but they were certainly not good; even the Perverted Sage didn't speak to him. They boarded the boat in silence, only to be met with Ike's incomprehensible expression. He might have scoffed at Naruto's actions, but intimidated by the man's immense power, he dared not even show his disdain.

That's human nature.