For most of those who witnessed the events of that night, it was a tale that would be passed down through generations.
A ghost ship, a sea monster, and a powerful shinobi—it was a story that contained all the essential elements of a maritime legend. Even decades later, sailors would likely still recount this tale.
But for Rasa, the protagonist of this story, things were not so simple.
As he watched the ghost ship disappear and heard the faint voice of gratitude, his brow furrowed slightly.
"A coincidence…?"
Rasa didn't believe in such things. While life was full of inexplicable coincidences, it seemed too convenient that on his very first day at sea, he encountered both a ghost ship and a sea monster; phenomena that most sailors rarely, if ever, witnessed.
Especially that "thank you." It felt as though the ghost ship had been waiting for him. Unfortunately, even with these doubts, he had no way of finding answers.
Meanwhile, exclamations of awe erupted from both ships. Whether it was the merchants or the sailors, everyone was amazed by the power Rasa had displayed.
Kawamatsu, in particular, made a request.
"Um, Rasa-dono, would it be possible for you to hand over the sea monster's corpse to me? Don't worry, I won't take it for free. I'm willing to pay for it."
Rasa understood Kawamatsu's intentions. The corpse of such a sea monster would be a tremendous showpiece and could fetch a high price.
"No problem. But there's no need for payment. Just make sure to post more missions for Sunagakure in the future."
Of course, Rasa wasn't being a noble king. First, Rasa didn't have time to deal with the corpse. Secondly, as a transmigrator, he knew better than anyone that winning trust of merchants/traders is far more efficient in the long term,
Hearing this, Kawamatsu was overjoyed.
"Of course! From now on, all our escort missions will be entrusted to Sunagakure."
With the help of the sailors, the massive sea monster's corpse was towed behind their ship, creating a spectacular sight.
After the incident, Kawamatsu was too excited to rest. He was eager to transport the sea monster's corpse to the Land of the Sea as quickly as possible.
If they delayed any longer, the giant crab's body would be devoured by the fish and shrimp attracted to it.
Thus, the night's journey proceeded at a much faster pace than before.
By the afternoon of the next day, the Island of Forgotten was within sight.
---
Under the azure sky, on the calm sea, Kawamatsu stood on the deck of the merchant ship, pointing toward a distant area of the ocean shrouded by a massive, swirling black cloud that connected the sky and the sea.
"Rasa-dono, look! That's the sea where the Island of Forgotten is located!"
"Thank you, Kawamatsu-san. From here, Thunder Blade and Wind Blade will escort you back to your country. Rest assured since their skills are more than sufficient."
Having received the giant sea monster's corpse for free, Kawamatsu was in high spirits.
"No problem at all! I have complete faith in the abilities of Sunagakure's shinobi. This ship will return here in about three or four days after dropping us off. At that time, Thunder Blade and Wind Blade can reunite with you, Rasa-dono."
"Thank you."
With that, the two parties bid farewell, and Rasa returned to his smaller vessel.
"Now, Ootsu-san, the rest is up to you!"
"Leave it to me!"
As Ootsu took the helm, the two ships adjusted their courses. The single-masted sailboat Rasa had purchased headed straight toward the ominous, dark clouds.
---
As soon as the sailboat entered the area shrouded by the black clouds, fierce winds began to whip across the sea.
Rasa instantly felt the raw power of nature. The wind here, which could easily be classified as an A-rank Wind Release ninjutsu, was merely a fraction of the countless storms that raged across the ocean.
Lightning flashed within the black clouds, each bolt rivaling the power of the Lightning Release: Kirin.
BOOM!
Fortunately, everyone on the ship was prepared. Under Ootsu's guidance, each person performed their duties, and the ship soon entered the heart of the storm.
Instantly, the wind and lightning grew even more violent. The sea churned with waves that reached dozens of meters high. The small boat Rasa and his team had purchased was tossed around like a leaf, mercilessly battered by the raging sea.
Even for jōnin with chakra-enhanced abilities, falling into such turbulent waters would likely mean certain death.
Torrential rain poured down, drenching everyone and making it feel as though they were submerged in a watery world.
CRASH!!!
"Ootsu-san, how much longer until we get through this storm?" Rasa asked, completely soaked, as he struggled to maintain his balance.
Ootsu checked their position.
"About an hour, Rasa-dono. As long as the ship holds up, we'll make it."
"Understood."
Rasa chose not to use any ninjutsu to protect the ship. Although he had awakened the power of Wood Release, he had no intention of revealing it.
In this world, Wood Release held a significance that was far too special. If exposed, the chain reaction could turn Sunagakure into an enemy of the entire shinobi world.
Currently, only one person in Sunagakure knew about Rasa's Wood Release: Hana. Thankfully, the ship they had purchased, as per Ootsu's recommendation, was of excellent quality. Even in the face of such a violent storm, it remained sturdy and resilient.
After enduring the storm for over an hour, the black clouds ahead began to thin.
Ootsu, seeing this, shouted with relief,
"Rasa-dono, we've made it through!"
This news reinvigorated the exhausted Sand Lizard and Sand Eagle, who eagerly looked toward the horizon. As the black clouds gradually dissipated, a golden sea came into view.
At the center of the sea stood a massive volcanic island, its peak emitting white steam.
"Is this the Island of Forgotten?"
Sand Lizard and Sand Eagle, who had swallowed more than their fair share of seawater, let out a sigh of relief, their faces pale. As land-dwelling shinobi, they never wanted to experience such a maritime ordeal again.
Rasa, on the other hand, calmly walked to the bow of the ship, extending his senses toward the distant island.
Sure enough, the island was rich in natural energy, though not as concentrated as the Dragon Vein Chakra. It emanated from the volcano's crater, spreading across the entire island.
Just then, a loud, piercing cry echoed through the air. A giant eagle, as large as a mountain, appeared in the sky above the volcanic island, circling majestically.
Its sheer size left everyone speechless. Sand Lizard and Sand Eagle exclaimed in whispers.
"It's… it's enormous!"
"It looks like we've come to the right place, Kazekage-sama!"
"Indeed."
Rasa nodded before smiling at the two.
"You've all worked hard. If there are suitable summoning creatures on this island, you'll have first pick."
"Yes, sir!"
Sand Lizard and Sand Eagle were visibly excited. For a shinobi, a powerful summoning creature was an invaluable asset.
"Well, Rasa-dono, I won't be going any further with you. Beyond this point lies the territory of those giant beasts."
Ootsu said and Rasa nodded.
"Understood. Thank you for waiting here for us."
Rasa then turned to Sand Lizard and Sand Eagle.
"Rest up. We'll be landing soon!"