Author's Note: I'm sure many of you will be pleasantly surprised by the new side character for the story. Her importance is still undetermined, but I believe she'll end up as a major character in the overall story. Also, an Isekai Quartet movie was announced! Excited about that!
Dim95: Glad you are enjoying the story! I noticed you are referring to Ainz with the female pronoun. I'll hazard a guess and say English is not your native language, likely French? I know a french author who had the same problem.
RandomGuy: The members of Ainz Ooal Gown roleplayed as evil Supreme Beings in YGGDRASIL. And Momonga didn't call himself Momonga in the bonus novel, he used his real name: Suzuki Satoru. The reason Ainz is using Ainz Ooal Gown as his name here is to hide his identity.
Less Q&A now, rest assured I'm still reading everyone's reviews! I deeply appreciate each and every one!
Does Chakra Absorption work on Ainz?
No, it does not, as Ainz uses mana.
Are there other players in this world?
Undetermined.
Why isn't Ainz just 'Base Building' Nadeshiko Village?
He is 'base building' Nadeshiko. But it's only been 4 days. The results aren't going to appear spontaneously. The first three seasons of Overlord occurred over many months if not a few years of time, and that's with Ainz having the luxury of time! The Fourth Shinobi War is less than a year and a half away tops! Well, that if canon were to proceed on its usual timetable.
The Overlord of Nadeshiko
Chapter 7
Suzuki Satoru knew today would be the ceremonial marriage between Ainz Ooal Gown and Shizuka, only four days after he arrived in this ninja-dominated world and he'd be married to a woman he still barely knew. After this ceremony, Satoru resolved to learn more about his new wife; it didn't feel comfortable to be married without some sort of familiar relationship besides co-workers. And he wasn't aiming to divorce, not that it was possible as Nadeshiko Village outlawed divorce.
Yesterday, he and Shizuka had discussed the details of the ceremony, and later at night, Ainz dived into the book of Nadeshiko laws. A complicated mess which if Ainz hadn't the mental fortitude and experience to navigate, would have flown completely out of mind.
YGGDRASIL had some complications in it that rivaled Nadeshiko's lawbook, and that was nothing compared to the cesspool that was Japan's megacorporate-favored laws.
Fortunately, his current apparel was deemed suitable enough, so Ainz didn't have to switch equipment. However, Ainz was expected to reveal his face for a lengthy period. This would be tricky, but not impossible, it would require some different illusion spells coupled with perhaps an item or two. If anything were to dispel the illusions, he would be doomed to reveal his undead nature.
Ainz wouldn't be the suspicious individual on this occasion. It was, after all, a celebratory event for him and Shizuka. Any kunoichi not attending the event due to missions or necessary duties would instead be patrolling and guarding around the ceremony location.
He understood the reason behind this protection; a publicized event like this could be a prime moment to assassinate someone. The ceremony didn't take place inside the village itself, rather there was a shrine at a ground elevation close by Nadeshiko in a clearing, it was typically used for religious purposes, but marriages occurred there as well.
Nearby the shrine, tents, and stalls had propped up over the last two days after the public announcement of Shizuka's betrothed status. After the ceremony, this is where celebrations would occur, almost like a holiday festival in YGGDRASIL, which was inspired by older festivals before the Earth went to shit.
It would be times like that when he wished his undead body would allow him to taste something. Some luxuries of life he would never get to experience.
Still, he'll be satisfied by the scents and sights.
But as for right now?
He was busy searching through the rings in his inventory.
Of course, he'll need a wedding ring, both for himself and Shizuka. But Ainz already had all ten fingers equipped with various rings, one which was [The Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown] also remained the only ring without any tangible benefits.
But [The Ring of Ainz Ooal Gown] is something he wouldn't give Shizuka. It would signify membership into the Guild Ainz Ooal Gown, and although she would be his wife, he didn't view her worthy or abiding by the guild's rules to join.
So it was off the table.
He thought about giving her [Ring of Mastery Wand], a ring that he himself had equipped. It allowed the wielder to use any type of wand regardless of arcane or divine wand type. The only downside is that it expends more mana to use, and since chakra seemed to not be equivalent to mana, Shizuka wouldn't be able to use it.
Why was he thinking of gifting her a ring from YGGDRASIL?
Shizuka was important.
Not in the way that Ainz cared for her emotionally, but from a purely logical perspective. And since Shizuka would be directly connected to him, it would be wise to present her a ring with a tangible benefit.
What about divination protection or mental resistance?
With protection against divination, it would prevent enemies from trying to spy on her using divination spells. That was always a crucial measure to safeguard information from opposing players. However, Ainz was unaware if jutsu with divination capability existed.
A safer bet would be mental resistance, it was more straightforward and likely to work in protecting Shizuka from genjutsu. While not granting her complete immunity, lower-ranked genjutsu might be resisted and trick genjutsu specialists into believing Shizuka would be an ineffective target for genjutsu.
Ainz nodded, mental resistance would work for the wedding ring's effect. He had few of them, even if they held no tangible benefit for an undead, most had an additional benefit. He picked one that would fit the best for a [Ninja] Job Class. As for Ainz, he would fake wearing the same ring with an illusion on his hand; he did have to take his gauntlet off for that brief moment after all.
Just needed to avoid direct physical contact.
Shizuka didn't actually wish to kiss him, given her displeasure of the rule that led to this. So the plan was simple, remove his mask, face still covered by his illusion, and use the mask to cover the act of the kiss.
Peroroncino said that it was romantic in his eroges, maybe it would work here?
"What am I doing… I'm taking advice from Peroroncino for romanticism…" Ainz muttered to himself, facepalming at the lunacy of it all. "I just have to get through this one event, just this one, then never again!"
Why was this so much harder than doing the village paperwork!?
His emotions regressed to a manageable state.
"I can do this, complete the ceremony then return to work, no need to do the post-ceremony bedroom," Ainz said aloud.
An electronic beeping sound echoed from a watch on his arm, which he had set earlier, ["Big Brother Momonga! The timer you set is up!"]
"Thanks for the reminder, Bukubukuchagama," He replied as he unequipped the nostalgic item and stored it back into his inventory. He stood up, mentally prepared, and walked out the door.
As he left the building, he suddenly felt the connection between him and the [Moonlight Wolves] dissipate. But it wasn't caused by the death of them, rather, he knew the reason behind it.
"So, around forty-eight hours they lasted, a record time," Ainz felt pleased by this, an excitement of progress, his summons would last longer in this world than in YGGDRASIL. Or at least, those summoned by [The Staff of Ainz Ooal Gown].
He wondered how long his undead skill's creations would last.
Shortly after Shizuka finished explaining about the ceremony yesterday, Ainz retreated to his private quarters and used his skill [Create Low-Tier Undead] to make a [Wraith]. He ordered it to stealthily follow and protect the genin team with the magic scrolls, which it followed right after the team had left Nadeshiko. He hoped no complications would occur, but just in case any kunoichi from Nadeshiko discovered the [Wraith] and attacked it, it was ordered to let them kill it.
"Lord Ainz," Tokiwa greeted him outside.
"Tokiwa, I assume you'll be my escort?" Ainz questioned.
"Yes, I'll escort you through Nadeshiko down to its entrance. Then you'll follow down the path by yourself," Tokiwa replied.
"Lead the way," Ainz motioned his hand for her to proceed.
They continued walking in silence for a bit, civilians absent of their day-to-day activities, likely present at the ceremony location, only the subtle hidden movements of other escorting kunoichi betrayed any hit of a private walk.
Tokiwa suddenly started speaking, "I'm going to be brutally honest, Lord Ainz, Shizuka doesn't like this marriage."
"I know, we've spoken about it," Ainz admitted.
"I'm her friend, I support her wishes and approved of her previous relationship full-heartedly. I tried to keep it a secret, but the cat got out of the bag soon enough," She continued, he noticed her fists clenching. "And I did nothing to help her in that endeavor."
"The circumstances that led to the incident were against Shizuka, the odds of changing such a deeply embedded law were low and would take years to accomplish," He said. "Even if you did help her, the Elder Council held too much weight for an attendant to change anything."
"That doesn't excuse my lack of actions," Tokiwa stated.
"No, it does not," Ainz acknowledged. "But as you said, you supported her desire. Shizuka still keeps you by her side, when she could have easily replaced you. I say that means she still considers you a friend."
Even as a member after member left YGGDRASIL, Suzuki Satoru still considered them his friends. He never replaced their positions and refused to sell their equipment or items. If at any point they'd return, he'll welcome them with open arms.
He longed for that moment, clinging on to a small hope that somewhere in this world, that sometime in the future, he will find them.
She paused in her walk for a moment, remaining in silent reflection, then said, "Sorry, I guess I needed help understanding that, thanks."
Ainz raised his hand, "It's alright, helping someone is common sense."
Isn't that right, Touch Me?
Shizuka approached the shrine and began her ceremonial prayer, a tradition passed down for each village leader's marriage. In all honesty, Shizuka wasn't praying, just thinking to herself while kneeling in position with hands clasped together. How could Shizuka pray when this wasn't what she wanted? To marry a man that wasn't her true love, following a barbaric law, and above all else, connecting herself to the terrifying individual known as Ainz Ooal Gown.
He was terrifying, but not horrifying.
He was scary in the way of his intellect and charisma.
But, by some mercy, he seemed to genuinely want to help. His ideas, while outside the box, might have merit.
Shizuka wasn't blind to Nadeshiko Village's problems, disregarding the cultural laws, the village wasn't in a stable economic position. Ainz knew that too, and that is why he started searching for ways to improve it.
The shrine is where they would marry. She would pray at the shrine for a few minutes before the groom, Ainz, arrived down a long road, both sides crowded with villagers. They would cheer, congratulate, and throw flowers in approval. The Elder Council stood around the shrine, each giving their blessings to the husband before Shizuka would stand and face him.
Afterward, Ainz would show a feat of strength, likely a jutsu. Shizuka would follow suit.
Then, the rings that the husband provided would be placed on her finger and his own, with a kiss confirming the marriage.
Only after that, would the festivals begin.
She could hear the cheers already, the throwing of flower bouquets, Ainz Ooal Gown approached the shrine, his steps were heavy on the stone stairs. He stopped and each Elder began their spiel about the 'duties' and 'love' that this mockery of a real marriage would be. Shizuka stood up and turned, her sight taking in the form of her husband.
He looked intimidating, even as he wore the same clothing as the past few days, it didn't lose any of its regality or shine. As if dirt and stains could not touch the outfit, too lowly to consider such an act.
"My husband," Shizuka forced the words out. "Ainz Ooal Gown."
"My wife," He replied, "Shizuka."
The Elder of War began the announcement, "This day, our village leader shall marry the only man to defeat her! As a tradition in Nadeshiko Village, let the husband showcase his power with an introduction, to represent his ability to defend his newfound family that is the village!"
Ainz turned to face the ground, his voice seemed to bolster itself, speaking loud and clear.
"People of Nadeshiko Village, I am Ainz Ooal Gown!" He began. "Heed my words, so long as I remain, this village will remain protected under my name! All its citizens, its kunoichi, and future immigrants shall have my support." His voice switched its tone, taking a more humble approach. "I will be honest with you, Nadeshiko Village is a minor footnote compared to the Five Great Ninja Nations," He then returned to a loud statement. "But I aim to change that fact, under Shizuka and I, we will guide the village to prosperity matching or exceeding them!
Her citizens, her kunoichi, those that Shizuka had to lead, all cheered and shouted in response to his speech. He had them wrapped around his finger.
Shizuka listened more closely, Ainz was speaking under his breath, a whisper that none could hear but her.
"What should I use? Don't want to use my strongest, maybe 10th Tier? Something not destructive… Ah, that could work, and it could be used as a defensive location."
Ainz Ooal Gown took a glance around and found a location not occupied by the crowd. He raised his hand, "[Create Fortress]... Jutsu!"
It sounded like he added that last word as an afterthought.
Again, without hand seals, but this time it was occupied by various circles that appeared in front of his hand, covered in some sort of script unfamiliar with Shizuka. But, not a moment later, a loud rumbling echoed through the area, and the location that Ainz had aimed at appeared a large, 30-meter tall fortification standing proudly against the sky. If it were an Earth-style Jutsu, this type of building would be quite simple in design, but Ainz had created an impossibility for all kunoichi in Nadeshiko.
It wasn't just pure earth.
This mighty tower had massive double doors, sturdy-looking enough to withstand a siege, its walls were studded with numerous spikes to prevent ninja from easily scaling it, and four demonic statues adorned the corners of its peak. Its design felt oppressive as it was impressive, the material the tower was created was a sturdy, carved rock with a white gleam.
It wasn't an Earth-Style Jutsu, the materials didn't match with it, the design was too elaborate.
That is why the kunoichis were silent, from the genin to the jonin, and even Shizuka herself.
Many civilians were also astounded, as more than half of them were familiar with chakra due to the Academy's fusion of civilian and ninja education.
This caused the entire crowd to look in complete astonishment, utterly silent.
Ainz coughed into his hand, "Shizuka."
That knocked her out of her stupor, "Ah, right," Shizuka began running through the various hand seals, molding her chakra to begin her strongest jutsu: Rat, Snake, Horse, Dog…
"Wind Style: Vacuum Blast," She took a deep breath and spins while exhaling towards the sky, compressed air was released as a solitary blade of wind, cutting apart a few nearby trees that were near and tall enough for her directed jutsu to hit.
With this, the crowd seemed to return to a normal response, but their cheers were louder than before, excited by
"Interesting, an area of effect wind element ninjutsu," Ainz commented. "Curious as to its rank."
Once Shizuka finished her jutsu, she replied to Ainz in a lowered tone. "It's B-Rank."
"So that's a B-Rank," He seemed satisfied with the answer, though it only confused her by his meaning. He reached into his robe and pulled out a small box, which Shizuka identified must be holding the wedding ring inside. He opened it, revealing a beautiful piece of jewelry that must have costed a fortune to make.
"A-Ainz, that's-" Shizuka attempted to reject it.
"Do not worry, it is more than it appears," Ainz reassured her, though he must've misunderstood her intention.
She sighed and raised her arm, revealing her bare hand.
Ainz slipped on the ring.
Something happened.
It was some sort of feeling that was hard to describe.
But the moment the ring slipped on her finger, a feeling of safety washed over her thoughts and remained like a barrier between her mind and outside influences.
"What… What is this ring?" Shizuka questioned in shock.
"A wedding ring," He answered while bringing out another, taking off one of his gloves to reveal his firm bare hand, then slipping it on himself for many to see, then placing the glove back on. "Apologies, I prefer to keep my gloves on for personal reasons while in public."
Ainz and Shizuka moved closer to the shrine, this was because they wanted the shrine to cover a direction, and not let the Elders have full view. It was time to end this ceremony.
He removed his mask, revealing his face again, then leaned forward. She also leaned forward towards his face, but could not feel his breath, was he holding it? Regardless, Ainz used his mask to cover both his and Shizuka's close faces, leaned a little closer, and they both stayed like this for a long couple of seconds in a fake kissing act.
Then, he retreated, as did she, and Ainz placed the mask back on.
With that, Shizuka was now married to Ainz Ooal Gown.
The village of Nadeshiko cheered louder than ever as the festivities began.
Meanwhile, in a region not far from Nadeshiko Village, a team of four genin kunoichi arrived at the designation location for their mission. It was a large forested area with high humidity and a massive lake at its center, a heavy fog covered the water's surface. The experienced genin led the team towards a small encampment near the lake's edge, where the previous team lead by the jonin, Kluke, awaited them.
Jonin Kluke greeted them warmly, "I'm pleased to receive some additional kunoichi. Do not worry, there hasn't been any sort of danger in the region,"
The experienced genin, Uraku, presented a scroll, "Jonin Kluke, Lady Shizuka wants you to read this."
Kluke raised an eyebrow, then opened the scroll, quickly reading through it, before her eyes trailed over the four genins. She burned the scroll, then directed her attention towards one of the graduates, a petite blond girl that was shorter than her temporary companions, her outfit a dull grey and green hues for camouflage, headband tied to her upper arm, and her weapon pouch had an additional string to it, preventing it from falling out from a stray kunai. It was a very militant approach to uniform, completely unlike her fellows which boasted the more typical expressive clothing and colors.
"You are my team's newest member?" Kluke questioned, a little puzzled and curious as to what sort of individual a graduate could be to warrant placement on a team of chunin and a jonin. "Introduce yourself."
The young girl nodded, then replied, her voice sounded purposely more mature as if practiced to hide her young pitch, "My name is Tanya, ma'am."
"Tanya, welcome to my team," Kluke greeted.
