Re:Zero - Starting Life as a Shinobi in Another World

9

The Natsuki Clan's compound was a world unto itself. Surrounded by high walls, this vast garden held a thousand years of history within its boundaries. It was known not only as a shinobi clan but also as a symbol of tradition and wealth. At the heart of the garden stood a single-story building constructed in the traditional Japanese style. Though it appeared serene and elegant, it concealed the tension of a dormant volcano within. 

In front of the building stood two men, stationed as if they would never abandon their posts. It was clear they were guards of the clan, but the bond between them hinted at something deeper. Their faces bore a striking resemblance to each other, but their stances differed. The slender man with an air of nobility had his eyes fixed on the distance—this was Inei. Beside him stood Myojo, bulkier with darker skin and a more defiant demeanor. 

Inei spoke in a calm but cautioning tone. “Myojo, prepare yourself.” 
Myojo scoffed, turning his head dismissively. “I won’t be frightened by a brat, Inei,” he said, his voice thick with unmasked disdain. 

Inei’s lips curled into a slight smirk. “You need to learn the difference between fear and prudence—especially when the opponent is Subaru.” 

Myojo offered no reply, but at that moment, a silhouette appeared slowly walking across the garden. Subaru's presence immediately made the air heavier. His bloodstained clothes clung to his broad shoulders, his face marked with cuts, as though he had just emerged from a battlefield. Yet what truly drew attention was the cold, deadly look in his eyes. 

Subaru's voice broke the silence, drawing the attention of the two guards. “Where is the leader?” he asked, his words sharp as blades. Then, with a mocking tone, he added, “Never mind. I’d rather beat the answer out of you.” 

Inei, accustomed to his cousin’s insolence, raised an eyebrow with a faint smile. “Still as disrespectful as ever, dear nephew.” 

Subaru didn’t care. He walked forward with slow but menacing steps, the tension thickening with each stride. 

“This ends here,” growled Myojo, his patience snapping. 

Both men moved simultaneously. Subaru stood still for a moment, as if the incoming attacks wouldn’t faze him. Myojo’s fist, cutting through the air, was aimed at Subaru’s face, but Subaru raised his hand and deflected it with ease. Without hesitation, he retaliated with a counterpunch. The blow landed squarely on Myojo’s face, sending him flying several meters away. Despite crashing through a wall, Myojo quickly recovered and returned to the fight. 

Inei, on the other hand, took a more calculated approach. He delivered a kick aimed at Subaru, unleashing a wind blade that slashed across Subaru’s chest. Subaru coughed up blood, yet his fury remained undiminished. 

“Is this all you’ve got?” Subaru growled, blood dripping from his gritted teeth. 

Myojo stomped the ground in anger. Sharp stone spikes erupted from the earth beneath Subaru, but he leaped back with agility, evading the attack. Before the dust settled, Inei launched another attack. Feigning a kick, he released another wind blade from his leg, cutting a gash on Subaru’s cheek. 

But Subaru stood firm, his determination unshaken. Suddenly, he lunged forward as if propelled by an unseen force. He delivered a devastating punch to Myojo’s face, sending him crashing into a wall once again. 

The Natsuki clan warriors, however, were not ones to give up easily. Myojo got back to his feet, more cautious this time. “You’re one hell of a problem, Subaru,” he hissed. 

Subaru ignored him. His eyes betrayed his single purpose: destruction. “I’ll kill you all,” he whispered, his words freezing the air around them.