When a Root Shinobi Stands Before You**
The night was eerily silent.
The usual sounds of insects had vanished.
The wind no longer rustled through the trees, leaving behind an oppressive stillness that seemed to suffocate the air itself.
Before Satoru, a lone figure slowly emerged from the shadows, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.
**Terai.**
A shinobi clad in Root's uniform, his mask covering half his face, leaving only his empty, soulless eyes exposed—eyes devoid of emotion, as lifeless as a corpse.
Satoru could feel the killing intent radiating from him, but it wasn't the reckless bloodlust of an ordinary assassin.
This was different.
This was the cold, calculating resolve of someone who had already abandoned their humanity.
Satoru swallowed dryly but forced himself to remain composed.
"So, I take it you've been watching me for a while now?"
Terai did not respond immediately. Instead, he slowly placed his hand over his weapon pouch.
Satoru narrowed his eyes.
"Damn it. I've never actually killed anyone before… But this guy isn't some regular ninja. He's someone who's already prepared to die."
Yet, instead of fear, a strange excitement bubbled up inside Satoru.
"At last… a real opponent."
He took a deep breath and quickly called upon the system.
"System, who is this guy?"
*Ting! This information costs 50 points.*
Satoru: "Damn it, do you always take advantage of me like this?"
*Awaiting host's decision.*
Satoru: "Fine! Deduct it!"
**[Root Shinobi - Terai]**
- **Rank:** Chūnin (Specialized in Espionage)
- **Expertise:**
- Mastery of projectile weapons and assassination jutsu.
- High-speed Shunshin (Body Flicker), allowing rapid engagement and retreat.
- Skilled in stealth techniques, proficient in ambush tactics, and ideal for eliminating targets from the shadows.
- **Weaknesses:**
- Lacks proficiency in close-quarters combat.
- Limited chakra reserves, unsuitable for prolonged battles.
- **Threat Level:**
- Medium. However, he is willing to sacrifice himself to complete a mission.
"Shit, a suicide ninja?"
"I can't kill him, but if I don't incapacitate him, my cover is blown."
Satoru gritted his teeth and quickly browsed the system store.
"Fighting bare-handed will be a huge disadvantage… I need a sword!"
"System, what's the cheapest but strongest option?"
*One suitable option detected: Yubashiri – one of the Ryo Wazamono-grade swords from the One Piece world. Price: 1,000 points.*
Satoru: "WHAT!? That sword got destroyed in One Piece, and you're still charging 1,000 points for it!?"
*Reminder: Despite its fate in the original timeline, it remains a high-quality weapon, only lost due to Shu's rusting ability.*
Satoru: "Can I buy now and pay later?"
*Installment plans are not available.*
Satoru: "…You are the stingiest system I have ever seen!"
*Thank you for your feedback, host.*
Grinding his teeth in frustration, Satoru clenched his fists.
"Fine. I'll fight bare-handed!"
---
**A Conversation Between Those Who Stand Between Life and Death**
Satoru took a deep breath, keeping his eyes locked on Terai.
"I'll ask you again—why are you so confident in facing me?"
"Did Danzo order you to kill me?"
Terai did not answer immediately.
Instead, he calmly pulled out a kunai, spinning it effortlessly on his finger before speaking in an emotionless tone:
"Lord Danzo wishes to test you."
"I have observed your training."
"You are a monster."
Satoru felt a chill run down his spine.
"I cannot defeat you."
"But I can use my death to ensure that you can never hide again."
"I want my life to serve a purpose. I want it to mean something to Lord Danzo."
"I believe that you, Satoru…"
"…will become a major figure in the future."
"And I will be the first to uncover your potential."
He let out a hollow, unsettling laugh.
Satoru felt a creeping sense of dread.
"This guy… is completely insane!"
A man willing to die just to leave a mark on history?
Cold sweat began forming on Satoru's back.
"System! Can I just run away!?"
*Negative. Host must knock him unconscious. I will handle the rest.*
Satoru sighed, rolling his shoulders and cracking his knuckles.
"Hey, Terai… How about we just go home, pretend this never happened?"
Terai tilted his head slightly before shaking it.
"That is not an option."
Satoru: "Then… DIE!"