A ship rides the waves on the ocean, as it ventures deeper and deeper, the surrounding fog grows denser.
The lights on the ship diffuse like bubbles in the white fog, appearing as hazy shadows from afar.
Deep in the thick fog is a sheer cliff.
At the base of the cliff, there is a hollow cave. The ship cautiously sails into it, and after a considerable journey, the play of light and shade awakens a sudden clarity, completely different from the eerie and frightening ambiance outside.
The gilded architecture is lined up in close succession, and everyone's attire on the street is very meticulous. It feels like entering a paradise with no presence of poverty.
Although it's not his first time in such a place, Aburame Ryuma couldn't help but feel amazed at the sight of buildings far wealthier and more luxurious than anything in Konoha Village as he disembarked the ship.
The boatman seemed accustomed to this, and seeing Aburame Ryuma disembark, silently steered the boat away along the route they came.
Aburame Ryuma paid no mind; at this moment, he had shed his Konoha Root attire, draped in a pitch-black cloak, covering his body, walking with his head slightly lowered, showing people mainly only the sunglasses on his face.
His attire, though conspicuous, was hardly unique in a place filled with those best kept in the shadows.
Thus, even if someone were curious about his attire, they wouldn't actively approach to inquire.
Because the people appearing on this isolated island all have identities and statuses that are acknowledged, wealthy or influential.
The connections and power gathered here surpass that of most countries in the Ninja Realm.
Although not every merchant here is exceedingly wealthy, the top few can easily achieve it.
Entering a hot spring inn, he showed his identity, and the innkeeper promptly arranged for Aburame Ryuma to be led into a corresponding room where someone was already awaiting him.
The person was a plump man, affluent-looking, seemingly just fresh from a hot spring. His face was aglow as he reclined on a cushion. Beside him were a few maids with half-open kimonos gently kneading his body, eliciting sounds of immense comfort.
Aburame Ryuma, accustomed to such sights, remained unfazed as he knelt before this affluent man.
"It seems you're a few minutes late, Mr. Ryuma."
The affluent man opened his eyes and said to Aburame Ryuma.
Aburame Ryuma said, "Apologies, I was delayed due to some complicated preparations."
The affluent man glanced at Aburame Ryuma and waved his hand. The nearby maids immediately understood and obediently exited the room.
After the maids withdrew, a burly man dressed in a black formal suit with black sunglasses entered, carrying a silver-gray briefcase, which he placed in front of Aburame Ryuma.
The affluent man yawned and said, "Never mind, I won't dwell on such trifles. The medicine you gave me last time, my subordinates took it and indeed it worked wonders. At the arena, it brought in a lot of honors for me. So, as per our agreement, I need one hundred doses of that medicine this time. Did you bring it?"
"Yes."
Aburame Ryuma nodded, took a scroll out from his pocket, spread it out in front of the affluent man, and sealed it with his hands.
With a bang accompanied by smoke, a bag appeared.
Aburame Ryuma untied the string, revealing the contents of the bag.
They were capsule medicines with red shells, totaling one hundred as agreed with the affluent man.
"Very good, it's been a pleasure working with you again. The one hundred million ryo in the box is yours."
The affluent man smiled wickedly upon seeing the large quantity of red capsule medicines in the bag. With these, the useless ninjas under him could finally serve some purpose.
Aburame Ryuma picked up the silver-gray case, not bothering to count the money inside, and stood up from the floor. Nodding toward the affluent man, he left in silence.
Though their cooperative relationship was smooth, the other party's personality was indeed somewhat perversely amusing, making Aburame Ryuma unwilling to associate with such merchants for too long.
Furthermore, this isolated island with its shielded atmosphere filled him with discomfort.
Decay, depravity, sin.
The brighter and more magnificent the exterior, the darker the hidden places.
The Root of Konoha seems hardly notable compared to the dark underworld here.
This is the darkest place in the Ninja Realm, a lawless domain of crime, violence, and slaughter.
◎
"Speaking of which, it's been a long time since you last came here, hasn't it? So, are you hoping to uncover some treasures again this time? Miyoko?"
The man, about in his thirties, tall with somewhat rugged features, his face marred by peculiar sunglasses which spoiled his overall handsome appearance.
Speaking in a light-hearted, playful tone, there was a sense of slickness in his words.
He looked toward the beautiful woman in a luxurious kimono sitting on the sofa. Although over forty years old, her appearance still resembled that of a woman in her thirties, stunning and otherworldly.
She sat there, holding a glass of wine.
Uchiha Miyoko.
The president of the Shion Flower Merchants Association from the Land of Demons, a member of the Uchiha Clan, also the mother of Ruri.
"Your perception is as sharp as ever, Oyashiro."