บท 30: Outlander

---Kakashi Hatake's POV---

Rimuru-san and the admin share an air of mystery. Despite knowing the admin for years, I recently discovered she is a girl. Now, encountering the new arrival, the "good slime," I hesitated to discern their gender, opting instead to address them by name.

"Rimuru-san...?" I expressed mild concern as the newcomer approached the statue.

After a brief pause, Rimuru-san turned back, reassuring me with, "It's nothing." Despite the words, my senses revealed more. The Good slime concealed a green gemstone emitting power – a Dendro Vision. Rimuru-san discreetly hid it away, so I guess I shouldn't ask any questions...

Judging by Rimuru-san's approach, it seems they likely understand the conditions for obtaining it.

"Ame-chan sure took a while, huh?" Riko-chan remarked as she played with the vision she held in her hands.

About to respond, my senses picked up on something. Not hostile, but I remained vigilant. That's when he appeared.

"You guys... are quite intriguing." An unfamiliar voice sounded behind us.

Beige hair tied into a low ponytail, a red streak, and red eyes. Associated with maple leaves, he wore a black, red, orange, and white kimono with a red and black scarf, gloves, sandals, and wielded an Ameno vision. He resembled a ronin, a samurai without a master.

I gripped my Kunai and smoke bombs, ready for a quick escape. All eyes were on him, and Rimuru-san was the first to react, asking, "you are...?"

"Please be at ease. The wind merely guides my blade to places where ambition awakens," he replied with a soft smile.

"Guides you?" I questioned.

"Ah? Interesting... both ladies over there give off the essence of Earth and Nature," he observed, bringing his fingers to his chin.

"un? Nature?" Riko mumbled. Before the boy could reply, Rimuru-san intervened, "You haven't answered my questions."

"Ah! My apologies. I'm Kazuha, Kaedehara Kazuha."

--- Third Person's POV---

The ninja remained cautious, the humanoid slime displayed curiosity, and the cheerful schoolgirl wore a puzzled expression. Rimuru observed the azure gemstone on his scarf, an Anemo Vision; however, there were two – one vibrant azure, while the other appeared dull, like a regular pale obsidian devoid of any power.

'is that also a vision?' Rimuru thought.

"Excuse me, but you guys don't seem to be from around here," remarked the boy, now identified as "Kazuha."

"Um... yes. That's correct," replied Riko hesitantly.

"Well, since that's the case, I better share something with you, now that two out of three of you have awakened your Visions," stated Kazuha. Rimuru flinched, he observed Kakashi for any reaction, but the calm demeanor remained unchanged, despite Kazuha's words.

"Eh? Two-?" Before Riko could inquire further, Rimuru intervened, "O-OH! I suppose it's some kind of 'advice,' Kazuha-san? That would be very much appreciated... Thank you. But even so, we should also introduce ourselves first, right, guys?" he suggested.

Internally, Rimuru panicked, 'UWAAAAAH, that was close... seems like Kakashi-san pay no mind to my sudden words...' To his surprise, Kakashi responded with a closed-eye smile and a nod, saying, "My apologies," as he casually stored away his various weapons.

Taking a deep breath, Rimuru initiated the introduction, "Firstly, my name is Rimuru. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kazuha-san."

"Oh! Um... Riko Amanai! Nice to meet you, Kazuha-kun!" chimed in the friendly and extroverted star plasma vessel. All eyes then turned to Kakashi.

After a brief pause, the scarecrow opened his masked mouth, "Maa, please call me Kakashi." He had contemplated providing fake names, but considering the circumstances, Kakashi didn't perceive Kazuha as a threat.

"Um, Riko Amanai? Kakashi? Are you both perhaps locals?" Kazuha tilted his head.

The name Kakashi (Scarecrow), with its clear association with the Inazuma region, left Kakashi with no choice but to fabricate a story. "Something like that," he nodded succinctly.

"Well, that's enough introduction then. As you know, having a Vision is very dangerous in this place because of the Vision Hunt Decree..." Kazuha's words were abruptly interrupted.

"Eh? Vision Hunt Decree...?" Rimuru repeated the unfamiliar term.

"Indeed. Carrying a Vision is forbidden in this region. I assume Kakashi-san is already familiar with this? Those who resist will encounter considerable pressure and be left with no option but to comply. Please, rest assured; I have no intention of ratting you guys out."

After a moment of contemplation, Kazuha continued, "It won't be long before the Shogunate discovers and seizes your Visions. However, I've heard of individuals crafting counterfeit Visions and submitting them to circumvent the decree. This could prove beneficial for you, especially considering your recent acquisition of Visions."

"...Yes, I'm aware. Nevertheless, we appreciate the heads-up. Could you provide more details on these 'fake Visions' you mentioned?" Kakashi inquired.

"Of course. Why don't you all accompany me for a more in-depth explanation?"

--- Ame Hoshino's POV---

Utilizing both the sharingan's genjutsu and thought guidances, I infiltrated the outlander affairs agency, skillfully securing permission to leave Ritou through a blend of bribery and negotiations.

Employing a cloned member of the honjou commission, whom I discreetly tied up elsewhere, I forged connections, enabling unrestricted access to Inazuma with the obtained introduction letter.

In the vast plains of Byakko, near Inazuma city, I encountered a young man opposing the Vision Hunt decree. Dressed in an elegant white suit with blue floral accents, he exuded calmness and confidence.

"Well, pleased to make your acquaintance, Kamisato-sama," I greeted him with respect, yet beneath that tone, one could perceive an underlying motive in my greeting.

I know that, and he knows that.

"That's new. I don't think we have met yet. Why show such respect to a mere clan head, miss...?" he inquired, his calm smile evident as his sword vanished, surrounded by his unseen lackeys.

[Thought Guidance is active]

Veiling my words in an air of mystery, I addressed him, "A mere clan head, is it? I presume the leader of the Shuumatsuban is a person of humility. Isn't that so, Kamisato Ayato-sama?" The atmosphere grew tense; Shuumatsuban, an organization adept in intelligence gathering, heightened the intrigue.

He raised an eyebrow, "Not 'Commissioner of Yashiro Comissions,' but leader of Shuumatsuban? How intriguing... However, miss, you have yet to answer my question..."

"Amethyst Hoshino, I'm an outlander"