Path Of War-Chapter 365: No Big Deal

Arthur finished his observation, and now it was time to head home.

As he walked back, he considered the day. It had gone well—more than well, really. He had planted seeds of influence, and perhaps most importantly, he had left an impression in this village.

By tomorrow, he would hear from someone. Likely the Raikage. That thought was short-lived when he heard a voice cut through the murmur of the night.

"There you are," a woman said.

'Guess I was wrong,' he thought to himself as he turned around.

Standing a few paces away was Samui. She looked at him with a faint resolve, or maybe just impatience. She wasn't the kind to chase after people or make a fuss, but tonight, she seemed determined about something.

"I've been looking all over for you," she said in a firm voice.

"That so?" Arthur smirked.

He played it cool as if he hadn't expected her at all. This made her cross her arms and ask, "What's with the big idea of paying for my meals and taking my mission?"

"Now what would make you think I did all that in one day?" Arthur said, feigning innocence.

"Don't play, Hoshikaze..."

"Maybe I just saw someone who needed help. Maybe I wanted to do a good deed. Or maybe I just thought you looked a little hungrier."

This earned him a slight scoff, almost like a soft chuckle. He was playing with her, but not in a malicious way. It was more like a game—a teasing one to gauge all of her reactions.

Samui then sighed in amusement before finally relaxing her shoulders. She then shook her head and said, "You're impossible, you know that? And if you're going to stalk me, the least you could do is tell me."

"Then it wouldn't be stalking."

She rolled her eyes but gave him a soft smile. Despite her usual seriousness, she found herself strangely entertained. Maybe it was his confidence, or perhaps the effortless way he made light of the situation.

Either or, she wasn't about to let him have all the fun. So she took a step closer and asked in a more serious tone, "Where are you going right now?"

"Home to rest."

"No... Come walk with me so you can help clear the air on what you did today."

That seemed a little forced. So Arthur played it off and casually said, "I guess I can spend a little time with you. Hard to say no when someone asks so politely."

The two would later be spotted walking side by side with the sounds of the village night wrapping around them. Most of the villagers were cleaning up and heading home, making it seem as if they were alone against the lantern-covered streets.

Silence was between them for a moment. This made Samui look over at him to study his features as they moved. It was hard for her to get a read since he was always wearing his blindfold.

"So," she began in a soft but curious voice, "did you really stop that tsunami by yourself?"

Arthur chuckled, tilting his head slightly. Then he replied, "It wasn't a big deal."

Though it was a humble reply, he knew she wouldn't buy it.

"You're joking, right?" she pondered.

"Why the fuss?"

"I'm not... That was a big disaster threatening to wipe out a whole village, and you just... stopped it without telling anyone?"

He gave her a gentle shrug and said, "Like I said, it was no big deal. I just did what I could in my free time."

How could any normal person just casually say that?

Samui stopped walking for a moment. She looked at him and tried to gauge whether he was modest or simply dismissing something that was clearly extraordinary. She wanted to believe it was the latter, but part of her struggled to reconcile his calm words with what she'd seen.

"Hoshikaze," softly said in a little strained voice, "you don't have to pretend it's nothing, and you don't have to try to carry this whole village on your back."

He faced her then and announced, "I don't see it that way. It is the LORD in whom I trust with all mine heart; for I lean not unto mine own understanding."

Samui felt her heart race a little at that. While she didn't understand that he was referencing Proverbs 3:5-6, she was aware that she was in the presence of someone who spoke so frankly, so sincerely.

The words struck a chord—something warm and unexpected blossomed in her mind.

She had always been the serious type, the one who took her duties and responsibilities seriously. Compliments or words of reassurance from others were scarce, and when they did come, they often felt like empty gestures.

But with him? It felt different and genuine. And for a rare moment, her face was beginning to grow red.

She looked away briefly, trying to hide her blush. Her experience with men was limited, and her stern demeanour often kept others at arm's length. But this man—this Hoshikaze—had a way of making her feel seen, even in her guarded state.

Because Arthur knew her well and all these facts, she was easy to work with.

"Can I ask you something?" she finally said in a quiet but earnest voice.

"Of course."

"What did you mean when we first met that you 'did it for my sake'?"

He answered without hesitation, "I meant that you're someone who cares. Someone who deserves to be treated right. Is it so hard to believe someone out there values you that much?"

For a moment, she became silent. No one had ever asked her such a question, and it made her cheeks grow warm again. He could tell that she honestly wasn't used to men speaking like that—so confidently and naturally.

It was almost too easy to believe him, and that thought made her feel vulnerable.

As she looked at him, she wondered if he was just good at saying the right things or if he truly believed it. Perhaps both. Either way, it was enough to make her heart pound.

"Are you... serious?" she whispered.

He smiled and said, "Absolutely. I don't see the point in pretending otherwise."

She bit her lip, uncertain whether to feel flattered or suspicious. Usually, she kept her guard up around men like him—men who were too confident and mysterious. But this man, this newcomer, seemed genuine.

It was unsettling, yet oddly comforting.

"Well," she softly said, "if you're telling the truth, then I guess I'll take your word for it."

He chuckled quietly. "Good. And I'll be more honest: I like your attitude. You're tough, smart, and not afraid to speak your mind. That's rare."

Samui felt her stomach tighten at his words. She was used to people flattering her, but that was for her skills as a kunoichi, not for her personality. This felt different; it felt more sincere and more personal.

She looked away, pretending to be interested in the distant lights of the village, but inside, her mind raced. She wanted to get to know him a little more.

After a while, she suddenly asked, "Can I see your eyes again?"

He paused, then reached up, removing his blindfold. His gaze was calm and steady, and as he looked at her, she felt a strange feeling run through her chest because it was as if he was looking right through her.

Such eyes were filled with such reassurance that she couldn't quite explain. One thing was certain: she wanted to keep looking at them. So she demanded, "Don't put them back on."

He agreed, knowing she was referring to his blindfold.

For the remainder of their stroll, he kept his eyes uncovered and allowed the moonlight to glint off them. They moved in a peaceful silence and were unhurried to end the night.

By the time they reached her home, the village was very quiet. Samui hesitated at the door, feeling a twinge of reluctance—she didn't want this moment to end. But she knew it had to.

"Thanks," she quietly said as if acting shy. "For tonight, I mean."

Arthur smiled, "Anytime. I enjoyed it."

Then he reached out to see if she would react. She did, so he gave her a gentle hug, making her feel the unfamiliar flutter before he stepped back.

As he turned to leave, she watched him walk away. The faint silhouette of his figure receded into the night, making her sigh inside. Yet for whatever reason, she couldn't tell why.

So she walked inside and stood by the door for a moment. With her eyes closed, she clutched her chest and could still feel the warmth of his presence. The way he looked at her and the words he said—it was as if he had left a mark in her heart.

Was it hope? She wasn't used to feeling like this, but she liked it.

Arthur, meanwhile, moved through the darkness without a single smile on his face. He knew that moments like these were false.

He didn't even bother looking back, knowing she was still behind the door. Whatever she was feeling was none of his concern.

All he was doing was building a reputation. That was how he would influence this place. Not through force or wealth alone, but through these small acts and the strength of connection.

By the time he made it home, there was no time for him to rest. His nights were also filled with much work to do. For he wasn't just Hoshikaze, shinobi of the Cloud Village; he was also Arthur Bennett, unmatched ruler of the Land of Birds.

'Flying raijin...'

Arriving at the throne, he donned his white cloak and sat on the chair. Because he had arrived in this manner, he knew that at least one of his clones would signal the others to arrive for a necessary meeting.

As such, he sat there and rested until everyone arrived.

As if on cue, nine more figures in matching cloaks began walking to the throne room. They each lined themselves up with five standing on one side and five on the other. Some had their hoods on, and some didn't, forming a shadow to cover their features.

Arthur's eyes were closed because one was missing. So he waited patiently, allowing them to speak freely amongst themselves till the last member arrived.

"Who are we waiting on?" a girl's voice asked. Everyone knew this was Tayuya. "Don't they know how important these meetings are?"

Truth be told, they were only held once in a blue moon to discuss the status of not just the Hidden Light village, but the entire country. And she wasn't wrong in upholding the importance of a meeting. Especially when Arthur was present.

"I would think we all understood lord Arthur's importunity when he calls us," an elderly man answered. It was Ashina Uzumaki, and he wasn't at all pleased with such behaviour. "A punishment might do them justice."

"Calm down," Kimimaro stated. "The one missing is none other than Kaito..."

"It's because he's with Sasori from the Akatsuki," added Shisui.

While a plausible reason, Ashina was not willing to take any excuses from anyone that did not adhere to Arthur's demands.

"Akatsuki or not," he argued, "we all agreed to pay our lord with the utmost respect when he calls."

"I agree," came a softer tone. It was Rin, and she was one of the few who kept her hood on. "But I'm sure he'll be here soon."

"I don't see lord Hoshikaze," said an unknown voice. "I haven't seen him in a while."

"Since lord Arthur hasn't said anything about it," Brie announced, "there's no reason to ask."

Hoshikaze also wasn't here due to still being in stasis, and no one except Arthur knew this. The others, while it was obvious who at least two of them were, remained quiet. Nothing from them needed to be stated unless they were spoken to directly.

After the theatrical introduction, Kaito finally materialized in the room.

In a voice that echoed in the room, they all heard Arthur announce, "Let us begin."