There was no way to hide it.
And honestly, there was no need to.
The image of Logan, carrying the corpse of the Watermelon Mountain Pufferfish Ghost, leading a massive crowd of 400 survivors through the firelit streets of Mirage City, was forever etched into the hearts of its citizens.
People peeked through cracked doors and pressed their faces against windows, watching in stunned silence.
The Land of Water was small compared to the other great nations. Its waterways were more developed than its roads, and news between cities traveled quickly.
As the group passed through the city, more and more citizens recognized familiar faces among the crowd.
"Nitta?! Why are you here?"
"Uesugi-san… what happened to you?!"
"Matsudaira-sister! You're hurt—come inside quickly, I'll bandage you!"
Some rushed from their homes, trying to welcome friends and family who had seemingly vanished long ago. But the survivors—hardened by torture and betrayal—refused.
They had seen the cruelty of the system. If they allowed themselves to be embraced too soon, it would only bring disaster upon those trying to help them.
So, they kept walking.
They followed Logan without hesitation. Along the way, curious citizens and hidden spies whispered questions and theories. Every now and then, someone in the crowd would cry out in surprise or call someone's name.
By the time they reached the port, half the city already knew what had happened: how the Fourth Mizukage and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen were behind the human trafficking ring, and how Logan had somehow slain the feared Pufferfish Ghost in open combat.
At the docks, Logan spotted an official ship from the Land of Water—a sleek cruise vessel over 30 meters long, usually reserved for daimyōs and visiting dignitaries.
He walked up and kicked the railing aside, leading everyone aboard.
"Stop right there! You can't go any further—ow!"
Seven or eight guards tried to stop them, only to be kicked or thrown into the sea by Logan one by one.
The people of the Land of Water had been sold by their own Hidden Village like cargo. Compared to that, taking one ship in exchange felt like poetic justice.
And these 400 survivors? They were born by the sea. Sailing was second nature.
Within minutes, they had the luxurious cruise ship up and running. The engines hummed to life.
"Woooo—wooooo!"
The horn of the ship roared as they pulled away from the dock.
"Stop them! Don't let them leave!"
City officials scrambled onto the scene, robes half-fastened, bellies jiggling as they sprinted, shouting desperately.
"Come back! Get back here right now!"
As the ship pulled farther and farther away, the official in charge of Mirage City dropped to his knees on the dock and began to sob uncontrollably.
This disaster—on his watch—would be the end of his career.
---
Aerosmith hovered overhead.
A few ships tried to follow at first, quietly tailing the escapees.
Logan calmly gave the order.
Aerosmith swooped down and blasted the pursuing ships into flaming wreckage.
After that, no one dared follow.
By the time night fell, the group finally allowed themselves to breathe.
They had escaped.
"Ding-ling-ling!"
The sound of a bell echoed across the deck.
A cheerful young man with grease on his lips ran out from below deck, grinning ear to ear.
"Food's ready! Come and eat!"
All four hundred people gathered in the ship's cafeteria. There, in massive barrels and trays, was food—real food—unlike anything they had seen before.
"Is this what nobles eat?"
One man smiled through his tears. "Even if I died right now, it would be worth it to taste food like this."
Smack!
Someone slapped him on the head. "Don't say unlucky things like that!"
The first man chuckled, rubbing his head sheepishly, still drooling over the smell.
They were starving. But when they saw Logan standing silently by the window, everyone quietly formed a line.
The first person who received a meal hesitated.
He looked at his plate—hot rice, fish, fresh vegetables—and trembled. He wanted to shove it in his mouth immediately… but he didn't.
Instead, he turned and walked toward Logan.
"My lord… please eat first."
Logan raised an eyebrow.
He understood immediately—this wasn't flattery. It wasn't a show of fear or deference.
It was gratitude.
He accepted the meal with a small smile and nodded. Then, without a word, he walked to a quiet corner where Sasuke and Xiaotao sat.
He handed the food to Xiaotao.
"Eat something."
"Brother Logan… I'm not hungry…"
Logan gave a soft nod. "I know. But whether you want revenge, want to investigate, or just don't know what to do yet—you need to stay alive first."
Xiaotao lowered her head, eyes filled with emotion.
Then Logan handed a portion to Sasuke. Sasuke accepted it and thumped his chest confidently, flashing a rare grin.
Soon, everyone was eating.
Some sobbed as they chewed. Others savored each bite, eyes wide, chewing slowly like it was the finest thing they'd ever tasted.
"Look!"
A cry of awe came from the crowd.
Everyone turned to see—
The sunrise.
Golden light spilled over the ocean's horizon. The cruise ship's glass caught the sun and scattered rainbows across the floor.
It was… beautiful.
Had the sun always looked so warm?
They hadn't seen sunlight in so long. Since the cages. Since the stench and filth and darkness. Many had believed they would never again see daylight, never again feel warmth on their faces.
And now, here they were.
Free.
Because of him.
They turned to look at Logan's back, eyes filled with admiration, awe, and hope.
---
After everyone had eaten, Logan stood, dragged a chair into the center of the room, sat down, and said, "Let's talk about your future."
As soon as they heard the word future, everyone straightened up. Some even knelt.
Logan spoke clearly.
"There are three paths ahead of you."
"The first path—go home."
"Some of you are residents of the Land of Water. Others are travelers from other nations. If you want to go back to your homes, I'll dock the ship and let you off."
Several people nodded slowly.
Even though the Land of Water was corrupt, those from outside—especially from places like the Land of Fire or Land of Earth—would probably be safe once they crossed borders.
A few civilians wouldn't be worth chasing down.
"The second path—seek political asylum in Konoha."
"…Political…asylum?"
The word was unfamiliar. Many exchanged confused glances.
Logan explained.
The Hidden Villages, especially Konoha and Kirigakure, were always engaged in political games. Tensions between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water were constant.
If they arrived in Konoha, the Third Hokage—or even Danzo—would surely use their testimony as political ammunition. They would gain safety… but at a cost.
Some freedom would be lost. They might be used for propaganda. But at least they would live peacefully.
Many nodded thoughtfully. The offer intrigued them.
"The third path—build a village of your own."
Logan's eyes sparkled.
He had seen many untouched lands during his journey from Konoha to the Land of Water. Forests, hills, rivers—untamed places waiting for life.
With the right tools and cooperation, they could clear the land and start anew. A farming village. A new beginning. In a year or two, they could be self-sufficient.
Three paths. Three futures.
The room fell into thoughtful silence.
Then, a man stood.
"My lord… I want to follow you."
Others immediately joined in.
"Please, sir! Let us follow you!"
"Wherever you go—we'll go!"
Logan raised his hand.
"No."
They fell quiet.
Logan's voice was calm but firm. "After I killed the Pufferfish Ghost, Kirigakure and the Land of Water won't rest. They will come after me. If you follow me, I'll be putting all of you in danger."
He paused.
"I'm not strong enough to protect that many people—not yet."
One person couldn't understand.
"But sir… you saved us. You did the right thing. Why would they come for you?"
Logan looked out the window at the rising sun.
His face was calm, but there was a deep, weary pain in his eyes.
He sighed softly.
"…Yeah. Why?"
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