If Yujin's current identity were not that of the leader of "Ashes," but rather the patriarch of the Hanemiya clan, then his words would undoubtedly be much harder to believe.
But with this change in status, the things he said carried a different weight and had a very different effect.
Not that Fūma Gorō was naive or easily trusting—it's just that they had reached a dead end.
The Fūma clan was now down to just over thirty people, only half of whom were shinobi. The rest were civilians.
Civilians had no means of defense, and the shinobi had no will to fight. Amid such desolation and despair, what could Gorō do as the clan leader?
After hearing his concerns, Yujin looked slightly surprised and said:
"Our organization's mission is to gather drifting shinobi like streams forming rivers and seas—to weather the storms of the shinobi world together. If you wish to join us, of course I would gladly welcome you.
However... this is a major decision. Are you really going to make it so hastily without consulting your clansmen?
Also, if you join us, while we won't interfere with your internal affairs, your future actions must align with the collective principles of the group—that is, follow my command. Is that something you can accept?"
Yujin was being honest—this wasn't a dismissal, but more like laying out the terms upfront.
Gorō's words earlier had indeed been somewhat impulsive, but the problem was that the Fūma clan had truly run out of options. To survive in the shinobi world, joining forces with other powers had become their only realistic path.
And this "Ashes" organization seemed like a very suitable partner.
It was small in scale but clear in its ideals. A merger between the two would be more of a union than an annexation... Gorō believed that he could rely on Yujin and his group to get through this crisis, while still maintaining the clan's relative independence. That was already more than he could have hoped for.
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he was that this was the right decision.
"Mr. Yujin, I believe I can persuade my people. As long as you're willing to accept us, we will gladly become a part of Ashes," he said.
Yujin seemed to consider it carefully before responding:
"How about this—you can join us as provisional members. That way, we can spend some time together and help you through this difficult period while also giving you a chance to understand us better.
Once your strength has recovered, if you agree with our ideals, you can choose to become permanent members. If not, you're free to leave..."
Gorō felt a wave of shame. Yujin's words were filled with sincerity, and in contrast, his own idea of using the Ashes for protection felt somewhat despicable.
To put it bluntly, the Fūma clan's desire to join Ashes wasn't out of a rush toward lofty ideals—it was simply surrendering to reality. Ideals didn't matter—they just wanted a way to survive.
"Mr. Yujin, your offer is more than reasonable. But since we've accepted your generous help and made the choice to join you, we will not betray you. Please believe that. I'll go persuade my clan now."
Though Gorō's words sounded resolute, Yujin wasn't naive enough to take the promise of a shinobi he'd only known for a few hours at face value.
One thing was certain, though—while the Fūma clan's decision to join the Ashes might seem hasty and impulsive, if they ever did try to leave in the future... it wouldn't be that simple.
Gorō returned to the Fūma camp and consulted with the others. It took surprisingly little effort to convince them.
In a sense, encountering someone willing to help you when you've hit rock bottom is an extraordinary stroke of luck—and they had no reason to reject such help.
Of course, part of why Gorō was able to persuade them so quickly was Yujin's "exit clause," which played a key role in easing their concerns.
Gorō returned with good news for Yujin.
But what happened next quickly made him realize that joining the "Ashes" was anything but a casual commitment.
"Mr. Yujin, we've unanimously decided to join Ashes. We hope you'll accept us and treat us as equals," Gorō said.
Yujin smiled in return and said:
"Welcome to the team. Rest assured—sincerity and equality are the foundation of our organization.
To demonstrate mutual trust and to express our welcome, I believe we should hold a formal alliance ceremony."
A sense of ceremony was important, and Gorō didn't see a problem with that. But...
"That sounds good, but given our current conditions, how would we hold such a ceremony?"
"Nothing complicated. We value substance over form."
"Very well—whatever you suggest, Mr. Yujin."
Under Yujin's arrangement, both groups quickly gathered together.
They stood in a circle—Yujin's people on one side, the Fūma clan on the other.
A bright bonfire was lit in the open area between them. Yujin and Gorō stood beside the fire, and Yujin began explaining the ritual.
"Today, at the request of Clan Leader Gorō, the 'Ashes' organization has agreed to accept the Fūma clan as members.
Our principles and how we treat every member will become clear with time, so I won't elaborate here.
Please know that even if we come from different origins, we can still be bonded like blood relatives, united in spirit and purpose.
I understand that words often lack the power to bind or to convince. But that's alright—we'll build trust step by step.
That said, before we can go any further, we must remove any lingering hostility between us. Only then can we move forward. That's what this ceremony is for..."
As he spoke, Yujin extended his right hand toward Fūma Gorō.
At that moment, most people thought he was just speaking pretty words. What effect could a simple handshake ceremony really have?
Gorō smiled and reached out, grasping Yujin's hand tightly.
Then—
Amid the flickering of the flames, a cold flash gleamed.
Yujin's left hand held a sharp dagger, and without hesitation, he drove it through their clasped hands, pinning them together in one swift motion.
A sharp, searing pain shot through Gorō. Confused and stunned, he tried to pull back instinctively, but Yujin's grip was like iron—he couldn't move an inch.
Drops of blood trickled down from between their palms.
Gasps of shock erupted from the Fūma clan. They thought Yujin had suddenly turned on them.
But Yujin's calm voice cut through the commotion with quiet authority:
"We seal our ninjutsu and pledge never to turn on each other."
Their palms were literally impaled by the blade, making it physically impossible to separate—this act was a brutal but direct symbol of forced cooperation.
And their blood truly mingled.
For shinobi, their hands and fingers were as precious as a pianist's—tools of their trade. Many would gladly insure their hands for a fortune.
By locking hands with Gorō in mutual self-mutilation, Yujin had symbolically sealed both their abilities—under such injuries, neither of them would be able to form hand seals for a long time.
No words could speak louder than the sight of shared blood.
Gorō stopped struggling. He looked into Yujin's calm, unfathomable eyes and suddenly realized— Once you join the Ashes... there's no turning back.
...
Note: What a fckn chad!