Chapter 18: Mist of Secrets: The Journey Begins
Ares' feet hit the ground with a soft thud as he used the Geppo technique, the signature move of the Rokushiki, allowing him to land gracefully after falling 10,000 meters. His body moved effortlessly, defying gravity as he skillfully adjusted his position in midair. It was an advanced martial arts technique, used by few—mostly elite agents of the CP0 and CP9, trained to use it for swift and lethal combat. But Ares, with his knowledge of ninjutsu and his own immense skill, had adapted it for a far more peaceful purpose: landing safely after a long fall.
As he touched the ground, Ares took a moment to look around. The landscape before him was unfamiliar, yet somehow alluring. According to the map he had, this was the Kingdom of Water—a land thick with mist and an aura of mystery. Ares knew that this would one day become the future Kirigakure, the Hidden Mist Village, a place infamous for its blood-soaked history. But he wasn't here for the past or the future. He was here for the journey, to discover the people and the world that lay ahead.
He glanced at his companions—Ely, the dryad fairy, floated beside him with an almost ethereal grace. With her small, delicate wings fluttering, she blended in with the mist, her presence barely noticeable to anyone who wasn't attuned to her. Ely had the unique ability to make herself invisible to others, her form only visible to Ares or those she permitted. Ares trusted her implicitly, knowing that her connection to nature gave her an extraordinary ability to sense the true nature of those she encountered. She could easily identify a liar, a murderer, or anyone with malicious intent. This skill made her an invaluable ally on their journey, and Ares was grateful for her quiet, yet ever-watchful presence.
Rimuru, the slime, Though small, he was fiercely loyal, and Fenrir the cute puppy Ares had come to rely on her for everything from assistance in battle. Rimuru had even become Ares' personal butler, managing the day-to-day operations of the household back at the kingdom, but now, he was here by Ares' side, eager to explore the world beyond their floating island.
The little trio and Ares walked through the densenand , damp fog that had settled over the island. The weather was wet and cool, the air thick with moisture, making it hard to see very far. Ares found himself in awe of the atmosphere, the quiet and eerie stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant sounds of animals in the jungle. Days passed, and still, they encountered no humans. Ares, though accustomed to solitude, began to feel a tinge of anxiety. It had been thousands of years since he last spoke to a real person, and the idea of encountering one filled him with a nervous anticipation.
Fenrir ,sensing Ares' unease, walking straight and upright even she was a puppy "Do not worry, Master," she whispered, her voice cute but clear. "The journey will lead us to what we seek, in time."
Ares nodded, but his thoughts were still preoccupied. Fenrir reassurances helped, but it didn't quell the growing anxiety he felt as they trekked through the mist, searching for signs of civilization.
Then, one afternoon, their perseverance paid off.
Out of the fog, Ares spotted something moving on the surface of the water—a boat. It was a small, weathered craft, floating aimlessly in the sea, as if abandoned. His heart raced with excitement, and for the first time in days, he felt a spark of hope. Could there be someone on that boat? Maybe a person who could guide him, someone from this strange land?
Without hesitation, Ares took off running toward the boat, Ely,rimuru and Fenrir following closely behind. His footsteps splashed through puddles as he moved with the urgency of someone finally encountering another human. When he reached the boat, his excitement grew as he peered inside, his eyes scanning for any sign of life.
Ares stood there for a moment, contemplating. "It's a start," he said softly. "I know there's more to this place than meets the eye. We'll find the people we seek. I'm sure of it."
Little Ely nodded. "The world is full of secrets, Master. We just have to know where to look."
The journey was just beginning, and with each step, the excitement of discovery stirred something deep within him—something he hadn't felt in a long time. The road ahead would be filled with challenges, but Ares was no stranger to overcoming obstacles. The world of ninjas awaited, and he would meet it head-on, with his companion's and the knowledge that every step brought him closer to his destiny.