"About that..." Aoki paused for a moment. He seemed to be thinking, but before he could finish his sentence, Misuki spoke up.
"Today is fine too, but don't strain your left shoulder," Misuki said. Her voice was soft yet firm, showing her concern for Mei's condition.
Mei smiled widely. "See? I told you so," Mei said with a victorious tone.
Aoki let out a quiet sigh and finally nodded. "Uh, alright... Get ready. We'll be leaving soon."
Mei smiled contentedly, while Tetsu chuckled softly at their interaction. Ajisai, as usual, remained silent, staring at the empty bowl.
...
...
...
After preparing all the equipment, they finally left Misuki's house. The fresh morning air began to warm up, signaling that the sun was rising higher in the sky. Golden light swept over the village, casting long shadows from the neatly lined wooden houses along the road.
Aoki took a deep breath, enjoying the still clean air before noon arrived.
"Ms. Misuki, we're off!" Aoki called out, glancing back at the house.
Misuki, standing in the doorway, nodded slowly. "Yes, be careful. Don't let that girl worsen her injury," Misuki said, glancing at Mei, her eyes slightly narrowed in warning.
"I understand. Don't worry," Aoki replied with a reassuring nod.
Mei merely huffed softly, but her smile didn't completely fade.
They then walked towards the village gate, passing over the stony path still slightly damp from the morning dew. In front of the gate, two men stood alert, long spears in their hands.
Aoki glanced briefly. These guards were not familiar to him. Of course, Yachi and Zekai—the two guards Aoki and the others met last night—were resting after their night shift. Earlier that morning, Aoki had encountered Yachi, so he knew it was the turn of the other guards now.
Without much conversation, they left the village and entered the forest.
As they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed immediately. The air in the forest felt cooler, the dense foliage creating a green shadow that swayed gently in the breeze. The scent of damp earth mixed with the fragrance of pine filled the air, creating a calm yet mysterious impression.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the trees, forming beams of light that looked like golden pillars amidst the darkness of the forest.
"So... what exactly are we looking for in this place?" Mei asked, her voice quieter this time. She glanced at Aoki with curiosity.
"Looking for a place," Aoki replied casually, the corners of his mouth curling into a small smile.
"A place? What kind of place?" Mei asked again, now with furrowed brows.
Aoki paused for a moment, turning to Mei. "If you want to know, then you have to join me," Aoki said in a mysterious tone. "This is a secret. If you join, I'll tell you."
"What?" Mei exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Why should I join you just to know that place?"
"Then don't ask," Aoki replied lightly, continuing on his way.
"Tsk, fine!" Mei huffed in annoyance and turned her face away, but there was a slight blush on her cheeks.
They continued walking, passing through thick bushes and tree roots protruding from the ground. Along the way, they discovered several interesting locations—a large tree with thick roots sprawling like snakes, a dark cave with the sound of trickling water inside, and even a hidden underground hole behind a large stone almost covered in moss.
However, none of the places were quite suitable to serve as a base as Aoki had hoped.
The sky gradually changed color, from bright blue to reddish-orange. The air began to cool, and the previously lively sounds of birds were now replaced by the chirping of crickets.
------------------------------
[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
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