Public and Private

Faced with an urgent situation, the first thing to go was the pretentious, elegant way of speaking.

“W-wait! Your disciple! You said that mid-level ninja was your disciple! I spared his life!”

“I am grateful for that! However, public matters are public and private matters are private! Even if you had killed my disciple, the lad would not have had a single regret. Born as a ninja, dying by the blade of a peerless master - would that not truly be a profound end! Nakamura-san, it must surely be the same for you!”

The same my ass, not at all!

“Enough stalling! We have met here to cross blades, making this the greatest battlefield of our lives. Receive the blade of this Commu-Jōnin, master Thief. Ha-ap!”

Swish. An invisible, imperceptible blade brushed past the nape of my neck. I barely managed to step back and dodge it, but that was just a stroke of beginner’s luck. There wouldn’t be a second time.

The next strike would definitely kill me. The difference in our levels was palpably clear.

In my desperation, I looked behind me. Since I stood no chance against him with my own strength, I instinctively searched for someone to help.

Kali Haywood! If I joined forces with her, even if we couldn’t beat the high-ranking ninja, wouldn’t we at least be able to hold out for a few seconds?

But the moment I turned my head, I realized my mistake...