Chapter 22 – Fog, Laughter, and a Little Unease
VILLAGE DOCK
Their small boat finally docked at a pier made of rickety wood. The planks creaked underfoot, as if complaining that they were too old to bear any more weight. Around the pier, there were only fishermen with gloomy faces, a few old boats, and fog that refused to lift.
Kazuki was the first to jump down, then held out his hand to help Hinata. The girl hesitated for a moment, her face turning red, but finally she accepted the hand gently.
Hinata: "Th-thank you, Akihiro-kun…"
Kazuki (with a small smile): "I already told you, don't be so stiff. We're a team, aren't we?"
Shikamaru was the last to get off, letting out a long yawn.
Shikamaru: "Hhh… sea travel is such a hassle. If only I could relax the whole way, it would've been more pleasant."
Kazuki patted his shoulder.
Kazuki: "You really are a master of calmness. If there were a medal for it, you'd already have a collection."
Shikamaru (staring blankly): "If possible, I wouldn't even bother picking up the medal."
Hinata chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. For a moment, the tension from their earlier journey seemed to ease.
---
Dirt Road to the Village
They began walking along the muddy dirt road toward the village. Tazuna walked in front, occasionally sipping sake from his small bottle.
Tazuna: "You kids are still too young… You should be studying right now, not playing around with your lives."
Kazuki looked at him seriously.
Kazuki: "If other people's lives are at stake, there is no such thing as too young. Isn't that right, Mr. Tazuna?"
Those words made Tazuna fall silent for a moment. He glanced at Kazuki, but only snorted before continuing his steps.
Shikamaru yawned again.
Shikamaru: "Hhh… and if things stay this serious, I'll be the one to grow old faster."
Kazuki (grinning): "If you get old, then Hinata will get married sooner. You might not even be invited to her wedding."
Hinata instantly turned bright red.
Hinata: "A-Akihiro-kun…! D-don't say things like that…"
Shikamaru sighed, giving Kazuki a lazy look.
Shikamaru: "You're really annoying."
Kazuki chuckled, satisfied with their reactions.
---
In the middle of the road, a mud frog suddenly jumped toward Hinata.
Hinata: "Kyaa!!" —she stumbled back, almost falling.
Kazuki reflexively steadied her back.
Kazuki: "Relax, it's just a frog."
Shikamaru stared flatly at the frog.
Shikamaru: "If only I could trade places with it… maybe I could just rest peacefully in the mud."
Kazuki (laughing): "You sure you don't mind being slimy all day?"
Shikamaru: "Compared to putting up with your chatter, I'd take it."
Hinata giggled softly, though her face was still red from being so close to Kazuki.
Their steps continued, but in Hinata's heart, a gentle ripple wouldn't stop stirring. She stole a glance at Kazuki walking firmly beside her.
Hinata (thinking): "He's always in front… protecting, encouraging. I… need to be braver. If I stay like this, I'll only be a burden."
Meanwhile, Kazuki also glanced briefly at Hinata.
Kazuki (thinking): "Hinata… she has strength far greater than she realizes. When the time comes… I want to be the first one to believe in her."
---
At last, they reached a narrow path surrounded by thick trees. The fog here was denser, limiting visibility. Tazuna began to grow uneasy, his face pale.
Tazuna: "A-are you sure… we're safe? Feels like someone's watching."
Kazuki raised his hand, signaling them to stop. He looked around, gripping his kunai.
Shikamaru sharpened his gaze as well, though his demeanor remained calm.
Shikamaru: "Hmm… yeah, I feel it too. Something's off."
Hinata closed her eyes briefly, trying to sense with her Byakugan, but she was still hesitant to keep it activated too long.
Hinata: "There's… faint chakra. But I can't see clearly…"
Kazuki took a deep breath, then gave a faint smile.
Kazuki: "In that case, stay close to me. Whatever happens, I'll protect you."
Tazuna swallowed hard, his body trembling even more.
Shikamaru sighed, glancing at Kazuki.
Shikamaru: "You're really too confident. But… I guess that's also the reason I haven't given up yet."
---
Somewhere Else…
In the distance, on a tree branch shrouded in fog, a pair of calm eyes watched them.
K???? (thinking): "These kids… it seems they've started to understand the meaning of teamwork. But this fog… it isn't ordinary fog. I have to stay alert, without them noticing."
And the shadow of an enemy waiting beyond the fog… slowly began to draw near.
.....
TO BE CONTINUED…