Chapter 188: Chapter 188: Standing Still Means Death
Chapter 188: Standing Still Means Death
"This is... Mr. Old Cat. I believe you’re all familiar with his origins, so I won’t go into detail."
The summer sun blazed high overhead—it was the hottest time of the day.
Seated at the head of the dining room table, Hyuga Hiashi cleared his throat and glanced at Ryosuke with a complicated expression. "Starting today, Mr. Old Cat will temporarily stay in our home until he fully adapts to living as a human."
The seating arrangement was neatly divided. On one side sat the two sisters, Hinata and Hanabi. On the other, Ryosuke sat beside a peculiar-looking old man.
Today, a new guest joined the Hyuga family’s dining table—one who would be living with them for the foreseeable future.
The Old Cat sat in a toddler seat, his legs raised by design to accommodate smaller frames. From afar, he resembled a hunched old woman with long, sparse gray hair. But up close, that illusion shattered. His body was brimming with strength and vitality, muscles taut beneath the loose clothes, radiating power. This was no frail elder on the verge of death.
"I’ve instructed the butler to prepare your lunch based on your previous preferences. If you need anything else, feel free to tell her."
Hiashi’s tone remained gentle as he addressed the Old Cat. "Ariane is the woman who often fed you before. She’s well-versed in nearly every cuisine from the Land of Fire. I’m confident she’ll be able to satisfy your tastes."
Though he appeared composed, a trace of embarrassment flickered beneath Hiashi’s calm facade.
After all, who would suspect an old, dying cat of being a potential powerhouse?
During Ryosuke’s absence, Hiashi often held the Old Cat in the courtyard at night, admiring the moon while confessing thoughts he had never shared with anyone. Thinking back to the words he’d whispered in confidence, he felt a little awkward now.
The Old Cat gave a nod, unfazed. After all, this was merely a shift in appearance. In truth, he’d already been in this household for some time. Whenever hunger struck, he simply went to Ariane for food.
"So—how did your morning experiment go?"
With the introductions out of the way, Hiashi couldn’t hold back his curiosity. After all, this was a rare treasure from another world. "That fruit’s ability seems animal-based, right? Possibly a mythical beast?"
From Ryosuke’s previous reports, Hiashi had gleaned quite a bit of information about the other world. Based on limited intel and the Old Cat’s transformation, he’d drawn a rough conclusion.
"...Speed, strength, reflexes—across all physical parameters, the Old Cat far surpasses my instructors at the Ninja Academy."
Hanabi, who had served as a sparring partner, was the first to speak. "Even compared to the clan’s jonin I’ve seen during meetings, he’s probably slightly superior in raw physical ability."
"But I’m only referring to his body—not his combat techniques."
She emphasized that her assessment excluded actual fighting skill.
Hiashi turned his attention to Hinata.
Seated beside Hanabi, Hinata simply shook her head. "I wasn’t paying close attention during their match, so I can’t make a fair judgment."
"Indeed, it was purely the physical boost from the Devil Fruit that allowed him to push forward."
Ryosuke stepped in with his own evaluation. "In terms of overall physical attributes—body durability, muscular power, nerve reaction speed—he’s easily at Chunin level, maybe even nearing Jonin in some aspects."
"The fruit he consumed is definitely a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, but we still don’t know what divine or legendary creature it represents. If it’s a god from another world, we might never uncover the truth."
"But one thing’s for sure—the creature this power comes from was born for battle. It granted the Old Cat extraordinary combat aptitude."
His praise was high enough that Hiashi’s expression changed noticeably.
After a short pause, Ryosuke glanced at the Old Cat again. "Still, you have to remember—your fighting techniques as a human are underdeveloped. That brings your effectiveness down quite a bit."
"In real combat against trained shinobi, your overall strength likely falls between a Genin and an average Chunin. If you go up against Chunin with unique abilities, you may be defeated quickly."
"And against a Jonin... well, right now, that’s not a fight you can win."
"A real ninja battle is nothing like sparring with Hanabi. Shinobi use misdirection, techniques, and strategies. Physical strength alone won’t save you. I’ll arrange a proper test later—one where you’ll face real ninja opponents. That’ll help you see where you stand."
"Understood."
The Old Cat nodded, taking Ryosuke’s advice seriously to avoid picking fights beyond his level.
"But even so... this is a little hard to believe..."
Hiashi, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke, his voice tinged with disbelief. "He used to be weaker than an ordinary person—and now he’s nearly at Chunin level? Just from eating a fruit? That’s... incredible!"
His heart stirred with excitement.
If something so simple could transform a dying old cat into a near-Chunin powerhouse, then what would happen if a trained ninja consumed one?
And...
"Even though this fruit is considered rare in the other world... there are quite a few of them, aren’t there?"
Hiashi turned toward Ryosuke, his breath quickening. "If the Hyuga clan could acquire even a few—"
"Please calm down, Father."
Before Ryosuke could respond, Hinata cut in, her voice steady and composed.
"If a single fruit can grant such strength... then maybe—just maybe—the world it comes from is far more dangerous than ours."
"We still don’t know whether we’re hunters... or prey."
"Rather than focusing only on the potential benefits, I believe we should assess the threat level carefully and rationally."
"Perhaps it’s time to inform the clan elders and revise the initial development plan with more precise considerations."
That was the first thought that had come to her when she saw how easily Hanabi was defeated on the training grounds.
Hiashi blinked in surprise, then slowly nodded. "You’re right. I got ahead of myself—thank you."
This apology didn’t come from a father to his daughter—it was from a clan leader to a fellow strategist.
Though he would likely revisit these ideas with greater calculation later, he couldn’t deny it—ever since Ryosuke’s strength had begun to grow, his own cautious nature had started to evolve into something far more daring.
Sometimes, boldness isn’t always a good trait for the head of a clan.
When faced with important decisions, that same boldness could lead him to overlook crucial details that should’ve been considered more carefully.
The conversation between the two was clearly heard by the others at the table.
Hanabi didn’t offer any opinion. She hadn’t been involved in clan affairs yet, so she lacked the practical experience to judge.
But deep in her heart, she knew one thing for sure—it was enough to stand by her family, no matter what.
The old cat had even less to say. Strictly speaking, he wasn’t even a member of this family.
For him, it was simple: just stick close to Ryosuke for now.
"Actually... Hinata, you could trust me a little more when you’re thinking things through," Ryosuke said gently.
Among everyone at the table, only he could keep up with the conversation.
He respected Hinata’s caution—but a part of him couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.
"It’s not wrong to weigh gains and losses carefully," he continued, "but investment is always a risky endeavor. There’s no such thing as a guaranteed plan for success... unless you’re the one directing and executing it yourself."
"In this process, as long as we can keep the risks within our control, it’s worth giving it a shot."
"I believe my combat strength can greatly minimize many of those risks. So you can afford to be a bit bolder, maybe even a little indulgent."
"...I just don’t want to bring you any trouble," Hinata replied quickly.
"But I’m also a Hyuga now," Ryosuke reminded her softly. "I’m the clan leader’s son-in-law—and your husband. You’re the future head of this family, right?"
He looked at her with gentle exasperation, then turned toward Hyuga Hiashi.
"Father, if your plan is to enhance the clan’s combat strength using Devil Fruits, then I support it."
"I do have a suggestion, though. While it’s unrealistic to seize Devil Fruits from another world, we can still find unknown ones here in the ninja world."
"To those who don’t understand their true nature, these fruits might just look like strange ornaments—maybe even poisonous or revolting. That means we could discover them without much competition."
He paused, his tone turning serious.
"But I must warn you. While Devil Fruit powers are formidable, some come with dangerous side effects."
"And not every fruit will be as powerful as the one the old cat ate."
"That’s why I suggest giving any new Devil Fruits to members of the clan who lack ninja talent but are loyal and determined. Not only will this simplify management, but it will also serve as a reward for those who have shown devotion."
He had no objections to Hiashi’s proposal.
In fact, it wasn’t much different from the plan he and Hinata had discussed—to explore another world.
That "other world" was like Pandora’s box: once opened, it could never be shut again.
It came with risks, yes—but the potential rewards were enormous.
Other worlds each had their own focus of development.
Even when two worlds shared the same concept of supernatural power or similar laws, differences in history and environment would inevitably lead them down different paths.
Take their own ninja world, for example. Its power system was mysterious and spiritual in nature.
Here, thanks to Chakra and the techniques for extracting and cultivating it, people emphasized personal strength.
Few devoted themselves to external tools like weapons or armor.
The world of One Piece was similar in its emphasis on individual strength.
But over there, in addition to Devil Fruits, they practiced Haki, trained in the Navy’s Six Styles, and used various external technologies—artillery, mechas, even war robots.
That’s why Ryosuke didn’t stop his father and the others from pursuing their otherworldly ambitions.
Not just for himself, but for the entire clan—his family could grow stronger through the resources of other worlds.
Colliding systems bring endless possibilities.
Like now—he was planning to teach the old cat how to refine Chakra.
With the Devil Fruit giving him a human-like meridian system, the old cat would likely be able to extract Chakra successfully.
And once he combined that with the power of his Devil Fruit, ninja techniques, and even the Navy’s Six Styles...
Ryosuke didn’t need to guess—he knew. The old cat’s combat power would be terrifying.
Maybe... just maybe, he’d have the potential to stand at the top of the ninja world.
Of course, that was only a possibility.
Right now, knowledge of the other world was still hidden in the shadows, known only to a select few.
But eventually, that would change. The door connecting the two worlds would open wider, and more frequently.
More visitors from beyond would arrive—bringing with them new systems, new tools, new powers.
In such an environment, standing still meant falling behind.
Just like a bull market:
Those too afraid to take risks, content to let their money sit in savings, would eventually see it vanish in the tide of inflation.
Only those who seized the opportunity—who climbed despite the danger—could reach the top and look down from above.
Of course, there was always the chance of falling—being crushed by a single misstep or trampled underfoot by others.
But for people who already had little or nothing to lose, it was still a chance.
And if another world ever invaded...
Then standing still wouldn’t just mean financial ruin—it could mean death... or even the loss of one’s dignity.
Not every visitor from another world would live peacefully like Gintoki and his friends, seeking only a way back home.
When the ambitious and the powerful arrived, chaos would follow.
And if the local powers of the ninja world couldn’t stand against them...
Then the people of this world would become slaves. That was the brutal truth.
Remember Kaguya Otsutsuki?
When she came to this world, she saw humans as little more than fertilizer—for the sacred tree.
Now imagine a world with no magic or chakra being invaded.
The conquerors could impose any laws they wanted—laws as twisted as claiming the right of the first night.
People would be categorized by class.
The natives wouldn’t even be seen as human anymore.
They could be sold, traded—treated like livestock.
That’s what happens when you lose.
So no, Ryosuke wasn’t obsessed with chasing power...
But he wasn’t going to sit around and wait to be crushed either.
He understood the stakes.
That’s why he wouldn’t stop his father and the others from taking action.
He wouldn’t lose this war.
Even though the world seemed on the verge of spiraling out of control...
Even though he was being dragged along by the current himself...
Ryosuke felt incredibly calm.
No—more than calm. He felt confident.
It didn’t make sense. It didn’t match his usual personality.
And yet, that unshakable belief burned bright inside him.
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