Naruto：Immortality and the Eight Inner Gates[Double agent]

Mizuguma watched Hanzō of the Salamander's departing figure with a lost soul, looking like a frost-bitten eggplant. He supported himself on the table and slowly sank into his chair, completely drained of energy.

"K-Kōhei, don't be discouraged. Chakra nature is... well... something that can be trained. It's... it's not a big deal."

Seeing Mizuguma struggling to comfort him with a bitter smile on his face, Rinjin felt touched. He wiped his nose and casually stuffed the chakra paper into the ninja pouch at his back.

Unseen by anyone, as the chakra paper fell into the ninja pouch, it immediately attached itself to the only kunai inside, like a magnet.

'Magnetic' - the ability to magnetize objects and attract magnetic materials.

Rinjin was well aware of the chakra paper's reaction, but outwardly, he maintained a stubborn facade.

"Tch, I'm not upset at all. My life goal has always been to live an easy life anyway!"

Seeing Rinjin trying to maintain his composure, Mizuguma fell silent.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door to Rinjin's room was pushed open again. Kanda stood at the doorway with a smug look, looking down at those inside.

"Oh, by the way, there's something I forgot to mention. Kōhei Iwai, your room has been requisitioned. Here's your new address."

He contemptuously threw down a piece of paper with an address, then turned his gaze to Mizuguma, whose eyes were gradually filling with anger.

"And you, Mizuguma, your next assignment is to continue teaching the daimyo's son. Don't worry about Kōhei Iwai anymore."

After speaking, he let out a snort and shook his head, closing the door with a mocking smile. His derisive voice echoed from afar:

"Trash will always be trash, completely worthless!"

In the room, Mizuguma suddenly stood up straight, his eyes gleaming as he stared at Rinjin.

"Kōhei! Don't mind what others say. What you need to do is stay true to your beliefs!"

"Life is simple - find your goal and run towards it with all your might!"

"Buck up!!!"

Seeing Rinjin still looking lifeless, Mizuguma suddenly thought of something, his eyes lighting up.

"Come with me! I'll help you strengthen your resolve!"

With that, he instantly appeared in front of Rinjin, grabbed his hand, and pulled him out of the room.

...

In Amegakure, where high-rise buildings dominated the skyline, Mizuguma led Rinjin through the streets at ground level.

Due to the constant rain and towering buildings, the narrow streets below were particularly dark. However, orange lanterns on both sides of the road emitted warm light, creating a unique atmosphere.

After turning a corner, Mizuguma led Rinjin into a narrow alley.

At first glance, the alley seemed endless, with its walls covered in colorful signs of all sizes.

The red lanterns and signs were particularly eye-catching. The street was bustling with pedestrians, all wearing happy expressions. At the open doorways along the street, attractive young women with alluring smiles were waving at passersby.

The melodious voices of these beauties filled the air, and this charming alley seemed to exude an enchanting atmosphere from every corner.

In this grey world, it seemed that only these faint lights hidden in the lower levels could bring warmth and happiness.

Rinjin looked up with an odd expression and read the sign at the alley's entrance, word by word.

"Kabukichō First Street?"

"Teacher, when you talked about strengthening resolve, you didn't mean this place, did you?"

Hearing this, Mizuguma's eyes lit up as he continuously scanned the ladies soliciting customers on the street, drooling.

"Don't you feel that once you're here, all worries and anxieties just disappear?"

After wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth, he raised his fist with a sanctimonious expression.

"As shinobi, we must eliminate our inner distractions in this great First Street, clear our minds, and fully recognize our heart's deepest desires to strengthen our resolve!"

Hearing this, Rinjin held his head in his hands.

Damn it, if you're just being perverted, just say so! Why try to make it sound so noble!

I can't believe I misjudged you. I thought you were a serious person, but turns out you're this kind of sleazy character.

Rinjin spent ten seconds severely condemning Mizuguma from his moral high ground, then grabbed Mizuguma's sleeve with a serious face.

"Teacher, do they accept kids?" After asking, Rinjin raised his eyebrows suggestively, his expression gradually becoming lecherous.

Hearing this surprising question, Mizuguma frowned slightly and hesitated: "Well... I really don't know, since I've never tried bringing kids here before."

"Shall we try?" Rinjin asked softly, his eyes gleaming.

"Let's try!" Mizuguma nodded firmly.

The two perverted figures, one big and one small, walked arm in arm into the mysterious alley with synchronized movements.

In the alley, Mizuguma expertly led Rinjin through the streets, easily finding a small door in a corner.

An old red lantern hung above the door, with a sign reading 'Ami Free Information Center'. Compared to the bustling alley, this place seemed rather quiet.

Rinjin glanced helplessly at the impatient Mizuguma beside him, then pointed childishly at the brightly lit establishment across the street where ladies were handing out advertisements, and asked.

"Teacher, why don't we go to that 'Hanado First District'? It looks..."

Before Rinjin could finish, Mizuguma covered his mouth.

"Shh, keep your voice down. If I go there once, I'll have to eat instant noodles for a month."

Rinjin secretly complained - So expensive! What is it, gold-plated?

Removing Mizuguma's hand, he whispered like his teacher:

"Is this Hanado really that ridiculously expensive?"

Hearing this, Mizuguma nodded repeatedly.

"It's not just ridiculous, it's absolutely insane! Only big shots like the Land of Rain's daimyo and Lord Hanzō can afford to go there regularly.

They say the owner of this Kabukichō is from the Land of Hot Water, and there's an original Hanado First District in Yugakure there."

"The Land of Hot Water!" Rinjin sighed, his mind wandering to endless possibilities.

Embracing beautiful women while soaking in hot springs - what a life! These damn shinobi really know how to enjoy themselves!

Rinjin couldn't help but recall Kawabata Yasunari's "Snow Country" from his previous life. That book was openly erotic, and he remembered most clearly the scene where the female protagonist in a yukata tells the male protagonist: "You always touch one side, now one is bigger than the other."

Just thinking about it made his nose feel hot.

However, there was no chance to take a look inside now. After all, Mizuguma's wallet couldn't handle such extravagance for both of them.

Seeing Rinjin still looking enviously at the opposite establishment, Mizuguma bit his lip, trembling as he took his hand, steeling himself to walk towards it.

"No!" Rinjin instinctively pulled Mizuguma back, the force making him stumble.

"Let's go to this side instead. I'm worried you won't have enough money, and we'll end up having to wash dishes to pay our bill!"

With that, he pulled the touched-looking Mizuguma into the quieter 'Ami Free Information Center' before them.

Normally, as a Special Jōnin in charge of teaching the daimyo's son, Mizuguma's salary was quite considerable.

However, 'Hanado First District' was a complete money pit that could devour a month's salary in one visit. In contrast, 'Ami' across the street was much more affordable.

Mizuguma could come here every few days and still save some money for marriage.

Pushing open the creaking double doors, Mizuguma walked in front with great swagger, showing no shame about bringing a kid to such an establishment.

"Welcome!"

"Oh my, if it isn't dear Mizuguma! What took you so long? All the girls have been eagerly waiting for you~"

The seductive voice was as smooth as honey - just from hearing it, one could tell it belonged to a mature woman with irresistible charm.

Sure enough, following Mizuguma into the room, Rinjin saw the owner of that voice - a stunning woman with graceful curves.

Rinjin's first thought was: huge!

And not just regular huge - we're talking dairy-farm levels of huge!

Unconsciously, three words floated through his mind: 'Paradise of Tenderness'.

Compared to this woman, other women could only be called 'Village of Tenderness' - literally a whole administrative level below.

The alluring woman had eyes like rippling water that seemed to peer straight into one's soul; a delicate, perfectly proportioned nose; and moist, tender red lips that made one want to taste their sweetness immediately.

Damn, she's a supernatural beauty!

Rinjin mentally classified this woman's danger level.

If beautiful women were dangerous, this enchantress was on par with nuclear weapons.

When the beautiful woman saw Rinjin, her eyes lit up instantly. As if seeing something extraordinary, she covered her red lips and squatted down, causing another dramatic movement across her chest.

Rinjin instinctively shrank back, feeling dizzy. He couldn't help but worry about the kimono she was wearing.

Damn, the quality of that kimono must be incredible to hold up like that!

Although Rinjin had browsed all sorts of content in his previous life and could be considered a professional connoisseur, he had rarely seen such a bewitching creature of this caliber.

The enchantress wore a pure smile as she squatted in front of Rinjin, her graceful curves on full display. She reached out with her delicate fingers and pinched Rinjin's cheeks.

"What an adorable little brother!"

"Ahem... ma'am... aunty, please show some restraint!" Rinjin coughed lightly and seriously swatted away her small hand.

"Hehe~ darling, I'm not an aunty, I'm your big sister." The enchantress's beautiful eyes crinkled with laughter as she stubbornly reached out again to pinch Rinjin's cheeks.

Seemingly noticing Rinjin's predicament, Mizuguma laughed and clapped his hands.

"Miss Mikiko, perhaps you could show us inside?"

Hearing this, the enchantress named Mikiko stood up with a smile and nodded.

"Of course, Master Mizuguma. Please wait here a moment while I get the girls ready."

With that, her white tabi socks and wooden sandals carried her swaying, enchanting figure into the inner room.

Taking advantage of this moment, Mizuguma quickly squatted down and whispered in Rinjin's ear:

"Rinjin, this is Miss Mikiko, the owner of this establishment.

Don't underestimate her - the rival 'Flower Street Block One' offered her a fortune to join them, even offering her a 'Jade' position where she wouldn't need to entertain clients, but they still couldn't lure her away."

Rinjin wasn't surprised by this revelation - after all, such an enchantress would be a nation-toppling beauty anywhere she went.

"So she runs her own business here?" Rinjin asked curiously.

"No!" Mizuguma shook his head, "She only manages the establishment, she doesn't entertain clients."

As they were chatting, the inner door opened, and Mikiko stood gracefully in the doorway, waving to Mizuguma and Rinjin.

"Master Mizuguma, the girls are ready. Please come in~"

"Great!" Mizuguma nodded repeatedly, unashamed tears of joy streaming down his face.

However, he was still reliable enough not to forget his comrade Rinjin, pulling him along as he hurried into the inner room.

It was a modest-sized room with dim, yellow lighting, warm and dry. Opposite the door, a spacious sofa dominated half the room, with two reasonably attractive women seated on it. In front of them was a low table covered with bottles and glasses.

Mizuguma plopped himself down in the middle of the sofa without ceremony, wrapping an arm around each girl, looking every bit the part of a lecherous old man.

"What are you standing there for? Come sit!"

One woman poured Mizuguma a drink with a flirtatious smile, while the other squirmed in his embrace.

Damn it, stop wiggling - do you have a rash or something? Rinjin thought maliciously.

Mizuguma was really too annoying, not only hogging everything but acting like he was hosting guests. Everyone was here to have fun, but this guy was just making Rinjin watch him enjoy himself?

Rinjin, who hadn't been particularly annoyed before, was now thoroughly irritated!

He glumly walked over and sat down next to Mizuguma, separated by the squirming girl, silently picking up a glass of oddly colored juice.

This wasn't entirely Mizuguma's fault. Perhaps because Rinjin spoke and acted so maturely, not only did others often forget his age, but even Rinjin himself would occasionally forget that he was just a seven-year-old child.

Soon, the two women left the sofa and moved to face Mizuguma, one playing the koto while the other danced.

Mizuguma leaned close to Rinjin with a mischievous grin, nudging him with his elbow as he whispered.

"Well? This is a great place, isn't it? I didn't lie to you!" Mizuguma's eyes craftily gestured toward the geisha performers.

Seeing Rinjin nod, Mizuguma laughed satisfactorily and slapped Rinjin's shoulder before speaking again.

"That's more like it! What's wrong with not having an elemental affinity? Even if you never develop chakra nature, you can still train in taijutsu!

And let me tell you a secret - ninja who excel in taijutsu are more popular with the ladies in Kaburencho First Street!

Think about it - you train hard in taijutsu, become a ninja, earn money from missions, come to First Street to strengthen your resolve! Then use that resolve to train harder, earn more money, find prettier gir... ahem... strengthen your resolve even more.

It's a perfect virtuous cycle!

Trust me, Hei, eventually you'll become a great ninja like Lord Hanzō!"

What nonsense! Rinjin nearly choked on the criticism stuck in his throat.

This Mizuguma and his twisted logic - what kind of ridiculous cycle was this!

I have every reason to suspect you're a Jashin Cult spy sent to infiltrate Amegakure!

Your goal must be to turn all of Amegakure's ninja into weaklings to fulfill your evil plot to invade the Land of Rain!

Despite these thoughts, Rinjin couldn't help but accept Mizuguma's warped reasoning with a bitter smile.

After all, he could sense the sincere heart beneath Mizuguma's frivolous exterior.

Mizuguma had two reasons for doing this: first, to help Rinjin cope with being ruthlessly abandoned by Hanzō of the Salamander;

After spending half a month together, he had discovered that Rinjin was actually someone without much direction; his second reason for saying all this was hoping Rinjin would find his own path forward sooner rather than later.

Having spoken such a long speech, Mizuguma's throat was dry, so he picked up a cup of sake and gulped it down.

"What about you?" Rinjin suddenly asked.

"What about me?" Mizuguma asked back, confused.

"You - why do you take such good care of me?"

Hearing this, Mizuguma scratched his scalp, his eyes briefly avoiding contact, before putting on a laughing face.

"Hahaha~ Don't think too much about it, Hei-kun! I'm this nice to all my students! What can I say, I'm just a gentle soul!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the two young ladies threw themselves admiringly into Mizuguma's embrace.

"That's right, that's right, Brother Mizuguma is the gentlest~"

"Brother, please have another drink, little sister admires men as yasashii as you the most!"

Mizuguma burst into another round of laughter, completely swept up in the ladies' flattery.

Hearing this exchange of sweet nothings, Rinjin's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

Damn it! Give me back my feelings of gratitude!

Frustrated, Rinjin silently pushed open the door and left the room.

Outside, Mikiko knelt gracefully on a cushion, her bewitching aura somewhat subdued, giving off more of an innocent next-door sister vibe.

"What a changeable enchantress," Rinjin muttered, strolling to the entrance of the establishment. As he watched the crowds passing by outside, Mizuguma's words echoed in his mind.

Though the logic was twisted beyond recognition, Rinjin had still received the message he was trying to convey.

So what should he, a visitor from another world, do to survive in this world?

First off, standing out was impossible - this world was too dangerous, with Shinigami and the Sage of Six Paths; even someone as powerful as Hashirama Senju, who could catch the Nine-Tails like catching a chicken, was still outmaneuvered by Madara Uchiha.

Therefore, staying low-key was the right path!

Moreover, this was a world that valued bloodlines - those without prestigious backgrounds could only play minor roles.

So?

Should he invest in real estate in Konohagakure?

Or perhaps venture into the entertainment business in the Land of Hot Water?

Or maybe just settle for a simple blacksmith's life in the Land of Iron?

Fighting was absolutely out of the question - he'd never get involved in that in this lifetime!

"Little brother, what's on your mind?" A gentle voice suddenly came from behind. Without thinking, Rinjin's body reacted instinctively, instantly jumping forward to create distance.

Looking back, he saw Mikiko, the establishment's owner, crouching where he had just been standing, giving him an innocent look.

"Geez, do you always move around like a ghost?"

Rinjin spoke while his gaze swept over her wooden sandals and playfully exposed toes.

"Hehe~" Mikiko covered her red lips and giggled like a mischievous girl who had just succeeded in her prank.

Seeing this, Rinjin was mesmerized. This woman's charm was truly incredible - she could master any style!

"Just teasing. What happened? Did Mizuguma kick you out?" Mikiko brushed off her knees as she gracefully stood up, looking at Rinjin with an amused smile.

"Something like that. Men are all the same," Rinjin replied with precocious wisdom, settling himself on a cushion at Mikiko's low table.

Hearing this, Mikiko shot him a flirtatious glance as she knelt across from him.

"You talk as if you're not male yourself. Won't you be interested in such things when you grow up~?" she teased.

"Ah, now that's where you're wrong," Rinjin waved dismissively, casually picking up her teacup and taking a sip.

"To be precise, before I develop any skills of my own, all men are scoundrels;"

Mikiko watched him drink from her cup, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "And after you develop these skills?"

"Now that's worth discussing," he said, taking another sip before changing the subject. "This tea is excellent. Where's it from?"

"Oh you little rascal, tell me!" Mikiko fluttered her fan to hide her flushed face, urging him in a coquettish voice.

Anyone else using her cup might have faced her blade, but this precocious little fellow, barely seven or eight, was somehow impossible to dislike.

Plus, the kid had quite an interesting way with words.

Seeing Mikiko's alluring gaze, Rinjin thought: since he couldn't properly respond to her charms, he might as well enjoy the view.

"Once I have my abilities, men will fall into two categories."

"Which two?"

"Well, most would be friends, but any man lucky enough to marry a beauty like you would become my sworn enemy!"

Mikiko burst into melodious laughter, her whole body shaking with mirth.

In that moment, Rinjin felt the room bloom with flowers and fill with sunlight.

Heavens, her every gesture was pure enchantment - too much for his old soul to handle!

Following propriety, he should look away... but wait! He was just a seven-year-old - who could blame him for watching a beautiful lady laugh?

At this moment, he felt truly blessed with his current body!

Everyone criticizes Momotaro, but everyone wishes they were him!

After her laughter subsided, though her chest still rose and fell noticeably, Mikiko caught her breath.

"Little brother, you... you silver-tongued charmer. Am I really as beautiful as you say?"

"Absolutely!" Rinjin nodded without hesitation, thinking how she outshone any beauty from his past life.

This sent Mikiko into another fit of giggles.

All women love compliments - it's in their nature.

As an entertainment house owner blessed with natural beauty, Mikiko had heard plenty of flattery and grown immune to it.

But Rinjin's creative praise was both novel and amusing.

Mid-laugh, she paused, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She leaned forward, giving him an enchanting view.

"Since big sister is so beautiful, would you marry me when you grow up?"

Rinjin immediately shook his head vigorously.

"You little brat!"

Seeing his emphatic head-shaking, Mikiko straightened, her expression cooling instantly.

Seemingly oblivious to her change in mood, Rinjin continued: "I don't want to wait - I'd marry big sister right now!"

Mikiko froze, her frosty expression melting like spring snow. She hid her blushing face behind her fan.

"Then it's settled~ my little man. You must grow up quickly and take responsibility for me~"

Rinjin nodded with mock solemnity, laughing inwardly.

Only a fool would take this seriously. Did she think he couldn't see the playfulness in her eyes? She was just treating him like an amusing child, so he'd play along - he had nothing to lose.

"By the way, my little man, what's your name?"

"Rin..." Rinjin began instinctively, but quickly caught himself: "Kōhei Iwai, I'm Kōhei Iwai!"

Just then, the inner door opened and out stumbled Mizuguma, his face covered in lipstick marks, supported by two ladies as he called for another drink.

Rinjin gave Mikiko an apologetic smile before rising to help the unsteady Mizuguma.

"Sorry, I'll get him home," he said, supporting Mizuguma out of the 'Amei Free Information Office'.

Mikiko leaned against the doorframe, watching their retreating figures with an enigmatic smile. Suddenly remembering something, she called out:

"My little man, come visit often~ Big sister will be waiting!"

"Will you charge me?" Rinjin called back without turning.

"Of course~" came her sweet reply.

"Even though I'm your husband?"

"Yes, a girl needs to eat~" Her coquettish voice rang out, drawing stares from passersby.

Rinjin stumbled, glanced back at her peach-blossom face, and clasped his hands in farewell.

"Goodbye then, until fate brings us together again."

With that, he grabbed Mizuguma and hurried away as if fleeing some terrible beast, vanishing into the crowd.

Mikiko watched him disappear before turning inside. As she closed the wooden door, a knowing smile curved her lips as she murmured: "Rin... Rinjin, is it? Hehe~ What an interesting little brat!"