A Shinobi's Take on this Wonderful World

Going Home?

"Once again, on behalf of Nuzloft, I thank you for aiding this village during our time of need."

Ryozo said and bowed his head respectfully, an action that was followed by Aomidori and Joe who were standing next to him.

They were all standing at the edge of the village. The sun had just risen, and dozens of tamers could be seen testing out their Scroll Balls in heated battles throughout the open space at the top of the hill.

"Of course! I'll be back next year to claim the title of Conqueror, so get ready Joe."

Naruto claimed and pointed towards the young Beast Tamer in challenge.

"Zard and I will be ready!"

Joe responded to the challenge with his Scroll Ball in hand.

"We also thank you for donating such a wonderful artifact to our tamers as well. I apologize for our lack of finances to pay for them... But in return, we can offer you and your party free lodging during your future visits."

Aomidori added, prompting the chief to stiffen as he felt her gaze fell on him for a brief moment.

"Th-thanks..."

Kazuma chuckled nervously, but groaned internally.

With how things played out, their journey having back to back events, his beast taming dreams being crushed by the reality of monster battles, having to donate all of his merchandise to save the town, AND the events at the Forbidden Cave?

Yeah... He was definitely never coming back to this place again.

"Wh-what is that!?"

Ryozo suddenly shouted and ran over to Aqua, who seemed to be fiddling with something in her hands by the group's collective luggage.

"This is...!?"

The chief of Nuzloft gaped upon seeing the familiar looking handheld device in the goddess's hands.

"Hm? What, you want a turn? No way! I just taught my Giant Toad a new move!"

Aqua said and turned away from the middle-aged man without even looking.

"P-please, Aqua-sama! It's been so long since I've been able to play! In return, I'll teach you a special cheat code!"

Ryozo bargained, and this drew the girl's attention.

"Cheat code? Tell me! Ah, but don't tell Kazuma. We made a bet to see who could get the highest score. If I win, he'll give me the other treasures he found like this one!"

Aqua whispered and handed the device over to a very eager Ryozo.

"Hey! That's cheating, Aqua! No outside help!"

Kazuma barked and tried to grab the treasure, but Aqua quickly intercepted and blocked his path.

"Hah! A gamer-NEET like you probably knows the cheat codes too! You just want to use them for yourself, don't you?"

Aqua mocked and giggled into her hand at the boy's reaction.

"Geh...! W-why is your intuition always so sharp in situations like this!? Also, does that mean you remember who Ryozo is!?"

Kazuma remarked as he tried to get past the goddess, which caused the girl to look at the chief with narrowed eyes.

Ryozo, in the midst of his blast from the past, stiffened when he felt the eyes of the goddess on his back.

"Hmmm..."

Aqua hummed as she rubbed her chin in thought, causing the chief of Nuzloft to sweat bullets.