Shinobi From Hell

Chapter 298 - Hunter Becomes Prey

'It's not like we would be alone,' Klautz thought, twisting his fist.

A huge number of mercenaries under Gozoto's command would always be along with them guarding them. But it wasn't like they would be guarding them against threats or monsters. What would have been the point of grinding if they did that? They would be guarding them against human threats and external instead.

Klautz;s reputation in the group was certainly far greater than Shizu so much so that no one would complain if Klautz were to take over. Indeed, no one would complain except for these mercenaries. 

Klautz overriding Shizu's commands and leading the newbies by themselves would be considered a human threat in their dictionary. It would be like a revolt against the strong and influential. And they would be quick to get rid of it. 

Klautz doubts that he would be killed the process. But it certainly wouldn't be a good result for him if his trouble only increases more..

'That would certainly not be good. It would be best to avoid that. But this Yuki-who is highly incompetent to lead.'

Klautz held onto his chin. He had no doubts about that. But was Shizu like the other second gens?

'It wouldn't have worked out if it was someone else. But maybe if it's her…'

Klautz wouldn't be buying the mercenaries' anger in case Shizu willfully lets him lead. But that would lead to the newbies losing trust in her and following Klautz instead. 

How many would give up their own position just for someone more competent to rise up? They would rather latch onto it until they die crushing every potential competitor that comes their way.

'At least certainly not these second gens.'

But Shizu certainly seemed to be different. At least the part that she portrayed herself to be.

"Hmm, it's quite a pity. But in my opinion you are not fit to lead so many people by yourself," 

Klautz ended up voicing out his opinions as he stroked his chin trying to look reasonable and wise. The last thing that he wanted was for her to assume that Klautz was against her command.

"Hmm, is that so?"

But contrary to Klautz expectations, Shzu didn't rebuke, causing him to steal a glance at her with his left eye. The cheeky smile on her face disappeared as a sad smile seemed to be dawned on her face.

"So what do you think I should do?"

Klautz shook his head.

"Such a thing requires experience. It's not something one can teach you in a few minutes. Your best bet would be to leave it for me to handle. Isn't that right?"

Klautz himself was no professional but he believed that he would be able to do it better than at least someone like her.

"Hmm, is that so?"

Shizu spoke like a parrot as she repeated the same dialogue over and over again seemingly in a daze. She seemed to be hurt but she didn't deny it either. 

Klautz wasn't expecting her to agree. But it was not a bad idea to politely ask.

'Maybe I should leave it as it is. After she fails a time or two she would be forced to pass it over.' Klautz thought.

The lack of confidence in her in this kind of stuff was plain as a day. If she wasn't even confident in herself how would she even make others confident about her?

"Then, it's okay. You take over. I don't mind to be honest."

She spoke as her voice seemed to dwindle into that of a mouse. Klautz had a bit trouble believing her words considering how she hid her face away from him.

"For real?"

"Yeah..."

Shizu gave off a light nod still not meeting his gaze.

"I would leave things to you. There aren't many members in the first place. I am sure you will be able to manage it."

Saying so Shizu turned around as she stormed away saying nothing anymore. Watching her go Klautz couldn't help but feel a little guilty. He never regretted what he said. 

But it felt like he had broken the dreams of a child.

"Was that too harsh?"

*sigh*

It seemed like she had got disheartened at her incompetence. But Klautz had asked but politely or so was what it was at least in his own dictionary.

'It isn't like I berated her. All I spoke was the truth. If she is incompetent then it is her fault not mine.'

In the world of hell, you cannot expect to survive with incompetence. It would only bring about your own doom sooner or later. In Shizu's case however she would have sunk the whole ship along with all of her crew in case she didn't pass the lead to Klautz..

Klautz nodded.

Little did he know that as Shizu showed her back at him, her tongue had playfully stuck out as she half closed her left eye.

'Sorry Big Brother, Klautz for troubling you like this… But I can't bear to get myself to work on my vacation you see.'

A slight chuckle left her lips.

It wasn't like she had planned anything from the beginning. She had just gone with the flow. Of course she had a hunch that Klautz would be stepping forward to take her place once he realized that things weren't looking good in her lead.

'But things progressed sooner than expected.'

It was because of that very reason that she had purposely acted even more stupid than she already was!

Not knowing about the surrounding topography? Well sure, she knew all of it. But Klautz didn't have to know that. 

'This had many a time worked on my sisters as well. There is no way it woudln't have worked on you Big Brother. But I am sorry, my mind goes blank whenever I think of work. I can't do it myself.'

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