Chapter 21 – The Stirring Waves
The small boat rocked gently over the waves. The soft splash of water became the backdrop of their journey through the thick, endless fog.
At the bow stood Kazuki, black hair fluttering in the sea breeze. His eyes were fixed forward, though all he could see was a wall of white mist stretching without end.
Kazuki (murmuring):
"…It's so quiet. Feels like… this isn't just any ordinary fog."
At the stern, Shikamaru lay lazily against the side of the boat, his hand clutching a worn orange book. He cracked one eye open.
Shikamaru: "That's how it is. This sea fog is often used for ambushes. Which is exactly why I'm reading instead of worrying."
Hinata, sitting nearby with her knees pulled close, kept her head low. Her face still bore traces of unease from last night's incident. Every so often, she stole a glance at Kazuki, who stood like an unshakable shield.
Hinata (thinking): If it wasn't for Akihiro-kun… I don't know what would've happened to me…
Tazuna, seated by the old fisherman steering the boat, let out a long sigh. He looked a little more sober than the night before, though he still clutched a small pouch of leftover sake.
Tazuna: "Hhh… I really am a useless old man. But I hope… you kids can really protect that bridge."
Kazuki turned and met his gaze, his eyes sharp but earnest.
Kazuki: "Don't underestimate us, old man. If your bridge is that important, we'll make sure you finish it. No matter who stands in the way."
Shikamaru let out a quiet snort.
Shikamaru: "If everyone were as optimistic as you, the world would be a simple place. But reality says otherwise… we're stepping into enemy territory."
Kazuki flashed him a grin.
Kazuki: "Keep that up and your back's gonna bend before you turn thirty, Shikamaru."
Shikamaru: "Hhh… if it bends, at least I can nap more comfortably."
Hinata covered her mouth, hiding a small giggle. Despite the fog and tension, their banter lightened the mood just a little.
---
Hours passed. The boat began rocking harder as the waves grew rougher.
Hinata lost her balance, nearly falling—until Kazuki caught her by the arm.
Kazuki: "Careful, Hinata. The waves are getting wild."
Her face instantly turned scarlet.
Hinata: "Th-thank you… Akihiro-kun…"
Shikamaru sighed and raised an eyebrow at the sight.
Shikamaru: "Good grief… if every wave turns into this, our journey's going to feel like some cheesy romance drama."
Kazuki: "Eh, not like that, Shikamaru? If you want, I can hold your hand too so you don't fall."
Shikamaru shot him a flat look before turning back to the sea.
Shikamaru: "If I fall, just leave me. At least I'll finally get a long nap at the bottom."
Kazuki chuckled, while Hinata lowered her face, cheeks glowing red.
Tazuna's tone suddenly sharpened.
Tazuna: "Enough joking. Something's wrong."
Kazuki stiffened. He scanned the sea, but all he saw was the fog thickening even further.
Kazuki: "You feel it too, Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru gave a slow nod.
Shikamaru: "Yeah. A faint killing intent… drifting in the mist. Like a predator waiting to strike."
Hinata bit her lip.
Hinata: "I-I can feel it too… chakra. Faint, but definitely not human."
Tazuna's face went pale, his body trembling.
Tazuna: "Don't tell me… they already know…?"
Shikamaru's eyes narrowed on the fog ahead.
Shikamaru: "Looks like… the real game has just begun."
The boat pressed on, but the mist closed in around them like a wall, shutting them off from the outside world. The wind grew sharper, carrying the sting of salt mixed with something far colder that sank into their bones.
Kazuki tightened his grip on his kunai, resolve burning in his eyes.
Kazuki (thinking): Alright then… if this is the path I must walk, I'll face it head-on. Even if the story strays from the one I remember.
And in the distance, through the swirling mist, the faint silhouettes of two figures slowly emerged.
.....
TO BE CONTINUED…