The other person seemed to be hanging onto him, their face slightly pale, and the sound of deep, clear breathing could be heard.

She took off her expensive outer garment and covered him with it, wearing only a thin white inner garment underneath.

"..."

Akakage's first thought was to push Princess Tamahime away, but he couldn't muster any strength, and just opening his eyes took immense effort.

Seemingly sensing Akakage's slight movements, Princess Tamahime awoke from her slumber. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Mr. Ninja, are you awake?"

Sitting up, Princess Tamahime felt her previous posture was too ambiguous, so she blushed slightly and hurriedly explained:

"Please don't misunderstand, I only did that because Mr. Ninja's body seemed too cold..."

"..."

He didn't want to speak; conversing with this princess was exhausting.

He needed to quickly recover his strength; he wasn't sure how long he'd been in a coma, or if the enemy had found him.

Even though he escaped into Hell Valley, he couldn't ensure he was out of danger or able to recuperate at ease.

Given that the aim was him, the enemy wouldn't pass up such an opportunity to eliminate him.

"Mr. Ninja, is your body still cold?"

Princess Tamahime blinked her bright eyes and asked with concern.

"..."

Akakage didn't reply but rolled his eyes, carefully inspecting his surroundings.

Besides the decaying remains of animals and humans, there was only the towering rock wall faintly visible through the yellow fog, turning this place into a dead zone.

Seeing Akakage ignore her, Princess Tamahime was not disheartened.

After all, a serious ninja was truly handsome and very manly.

The stories she had read before didn't seem entirely far-fetched.

If her future husband was someone like Mr. Ninja, it might not be unthinkable.

But how could that be possible?

He was merely a minor guard under her father; no matter how skilled, it was impossible to exceed the bounds of servitude.

From a social status perspective, they were worlds apart.

Unless... they elope!

Princess Tamahime's breathing quickened; it seemed to be the only feasible way.

Moreover, now that she's fled the capital of the Land of Bear, the conditions seemed to be ripe.

But would Mr. Ninja be willing to elope with her? Would he see her as a frivolous, dissolute girl?

Where would they live after elopement?

How many children should they have?

These questions are so profound and complex.

As Princess Tamahime pondered these major life questions, a sudden movement interrupted her thoughts, and Akakage also turned his head to watch cautiously into the depths of the yellow fog.

A tall figure became a vague silhouette within the fog.

As the sound of footsteps grew closer, the figure became clearer.

Soon, the figure emerged from the fog.

His body was tall and robust, his appearance ordinary, dressed in simple coarse linen, his fingernails cracked, and his hands thickly calloused.

He looked like a life-hardened, honest farmer.

Seeing this person, Akakage finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It was indeed Chou Niu.

One of the intelligence agents of the Land of Demons military.

But unlike Akakage's duties, this person was responsible for communication and support.

Seeing relief on Akakage's face, Princess Tamahime knew this man wasn't an enemy, likely a companion of Mr. Ninja.

However, she'd never seen this man within the estate.

Then again, there were too many ninjas loyal to her father for her to know each one.

Chou Niu stopped in his tracks, seeing Akakage wounded and wrapped in Princess Tamahime's outer garment, while the princess dressed in thin white inner garments like an obedient little wife taking care of him. His expression grew peculiar.

He felt like he'd come at the wrong time.

Just as Chou Niu was about to speak, Akakage preempted him:

"You needn't worry about me; I know the rules of our field, and I won't indulge in habits that obstruct my mission."

Implying he had no interest in women.

Chou Niu likely meant to warn him about such things.

Hmph, they seriously underestimated his commitment to following that great leader's will.

However, Chou Niu shook his head and said, "I never said that. I simply wanted to tell you that valuable resources are scarce in this world. Seize high-quality resources swiftly to avoid future regret."

He spoke in a lecturing tone, as if sharing wisdom.

The Land of Demons was actively encouraging birth rates. Exceptional ninjas like Akakage remaining single and not passing on their Kekkeigenkai was a serious waste of Kekkeigenkai resources.

"?"

Princess Tamahime listened to the cryptic conversation between Chou Niu and Akakage, sensing they were discussing something significant.

This must be the ninjas' professional jargon. Amazing!