Shadow Slave: Divergence of Hereos

Chapter 37: The Hermit

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Sasuke's eyes flickered, his mind already weighing the potential of The Fools offer. 

The concept of exchange was familiar, though the rules in this strange place seemed far more abstract. 

He leaned forward slightly, pressing for clarity.

"And what is it that you wish to receive in exchange for my question?" Sasuke asked, his gaze piercing.

The Fools smile never faltered, though there was a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. "That," he began, "is something you can ask me during our weekly meetings. Every Monday, 3pm.."

The word our caught Sasuke's attention, and he raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. 

"There are others like me?" Sasuke asked, the notion of being part of a larger group—of being among others who might share his situation—something he hadn't expected.

Klein's expression shifted slightly, but he didn't hesitate in his answer. "No… not exactly. Each of you comes from different backgrounds, different walks of life. But I hold weekly meetings where everyone gathers to discuss various topics.

Some exchange objects, some knowledge. Some make deals based on the currency of the world."

Sasuke frowned, the edges of his calm demeanour beginning to fray. 

This was not what he had expected. 

He wasn't here for vague answers, nor was he interested in playing along with the rules of someone else's game. 

He was here for one thing—answers. And waiting a week for them, especially when they were so close, was not something he relished.

"I see," Sasuke muttered, his tone colder now, clearly displeased with the delay. 

The idea of sitting in a room full of strangers for an indefinite amount of time was far from ideal. 

He would have to bide his time, play the game, at least for now. But the impatience in his expression was undeniable.

Yet he quickly gained his composure.

​It was clear to Klein, with his years of experience as a High Figure, that Sasuke was someone who adapted to situations quickly. 

The Uchiha's sharp mind was evident, even in this strange realm. 

Klein could sense that Sasuke was already analyzing every word, every movement, looking for any advantage.

Deciding to throw a bone to the ninja, The Fool leaned forward slightly, a rare glint of interest flickering in his eyes.

"How about I provide this information for free, on the house?" Klein said, his voice calm, with no trace of deception.

Sasuke's gaze shifted, his expression subtly changing as he processed the offer. 

There was a spark of interest in his eyes now, his wariness momentarily pushed aside.

Klein let the silence stretch for a moment before he added, "You are not the only one here from another world."

​Sasuke's eyes widened ever so slightly, the shock evident in his posture as he processed Klein's words. 

Another person from a different world? 

His mind raced, calculating the implications. 

Were they from his world again?

If they were, who was it?

But he didn't know too many people with proper dimensional warping Jutsu from his world…

They didn't have to be an ally…they could also be an enemy as well.

Though, had been stuck in this strange realm, disconnected from his own reality. 

The idea of meeting someone else with a similar fate intrigued him, but he remained cautious.

Klein's voice cut through his thoughts. "Well, do you want to join?"

The question hung in the air, quiet but pressing. 

Sasuke took a moment, weighing the pros and cons, his mind analyzing every angle. 

On one hand, aligning with another person from a different world could offer him valuable insight into how to return home. 

On the other hand, the risks of joining something unknown, of potentially putting his trust in an enigmatic figure like The Fool, were not insignificant.

However Sasuke did realise that so far his life had not been in danger.

If all was said was true, it was a simple exchange of information where he would be able to find his way to go home.

Sasuke's sharp gaze never left Klein. 

After a long moment of silence, he spoke, his voice low and controlled.

"I'll join."

​"Excellent," The Fool said, his voice smooth and satisfied as he snapped his fingers.

 A few tarot cards materialised on the table in front of Sasuke, each one glimmering faintly in the dim, ethereal light of the world above the grey fog.

Sasuke looked at The Fool, wondering slightly how he had simply materialised these cards from seemingly thin air.

"The Emperor, High-Priestess, The World, and The Fool are already taken. Pick among the remaining," Klein added, his gaze steady as he watched Sasuke carefully examine the cards.

Sasuke's eyes swept over the remaining options. 

The cards were colorful, mysterious, and each had its own weight, its own aura. 

But in the end, his gaze lingered on one. 

It seemed... fitting. 

A lone figure, standing apart from the world, searching for wisdom in solitude. 

A path he had walked many times in his life.

Without hesitation, Sasuke reached out and placed his hand over this card.

This card that symbolised basically his entire life, since this, deep down was something he simply was.

The moment his fingers brushed the surface of the card, everything around him seemed to warp. 

The world above the grey fog, the eerie presence of Klein, and even the table with the tarot cards vanished.

In an instant, Sasuke was gone.

Klein observed the empty space where Sasuke had once been, a faint smile curling on his lips. "The Hermit, huh? We'll see how that plays out."

With a final wave of his hand, Klein dismissed the lingering energy and moved on to his next task.

...

Authors note:

Unfortunately this isn't a continuation of the fanfic. I simply had a couple of spare chapters I wanted to upload.

I am currently trying a new project, which is basically my own novel but I will be uploading it as a fanfic since honestly I write mainly for interaction with people.

I write to share ideas and run through scenarios with people, so I hope you will try my new project out.

It is called "Eternal Heir."

Do not subscribe to patreon for this fanfic anymore thanks.