Chapter 23 – Small Footprints in the Land of Waves
The mist still hadn't lifted, even though the sun was already high. The dirt road they walked on was muddy, filled with tree roots and puddles of sludge. Tazuna walked slowly in front, occasionally glancing nervously around.
Kazuki walked leisurely while occasionally kicking small pebbles on the road.
Kazuki: "Hey, Shikamaru… with the mist this thick, isn't this the perfect chance for you? You could sleep while walking. No one would even notice."
Shikamaru, who was indeed walking lazily with his head down, snorted.
Shikamaru: "Hhh… if possible, I'd love to. But the problem is, if I trip on a tree root, you'd definitely be the first one to laugh at me."
Kazuki grinned.
Kazuki: "...."
Hinata held back a small laugh, covering her mouth with her hand. Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper.
Hinata: "A-Akihiro-kun… you really do love teasing, don't you…"
Kazuki turned with a smile at Hinata.
Kazuki: "If it's not me, then who else could make the team's mood feel alive?"
Hinata's face instantly turned red, and she lowered her head deeply.
---
The Scenery of a Forgotten Village
A while later, they passed by small rice paddies that were nearly abandoned. The water was murky, the embankments cracked, and no farmers were in sight.
Tazuna let out a long sigh.
Tazuna: "Back then, this place was lively… children played along the paddy ridges, people planted rice while singing. But ever since that man took control of the Land of Waves… everything changed."
Hinata looked around with sadness.
Hinata: "It's truly… painful to see a village so quiet like this."
Shikamaru scratched his head.
Shikamaru: "If this keeps up, this place will completely vanish from the map. If only humans weren't so greedy…"
Kazuki looked at Tazuna, then spoke firmly.
Kazuki: "If your bridge is finished, all of this could change, right? Then our mission is clear—we must make sure that bridge stands."
Tazuna turned to look at Kazuki. His eyes trembled, as if hope long buried was starting to resurface.
---
Suddenly, a small stray dog came out of the bushes, barking lightly at them. Its fur was dirty, thin, but its eyes were full of spirit.
Hinata immediately crouched down, smiling softly.
Hinata: "So pitiful… he must be starving."
She took out a small bento from her bag—a piece of onigiri—and gave it to the dog. The dog devoured it eagerly, then licked Hinata's hand.
Kazuki looked on with a mix of amusement and admiration.
Kazuki: "You really are… too kind, Hinata."
Hinata blushed.
Hinata: "I… just can't stand seeing the weak suffer."
Shikamaru yawned while turning his head away.
Shikamaru: "Hhh… if everyone were that kind, maybe I could live my whole life more peacefully and relaxed."
Kazuki patted his shoulder.
Kazuki: "If you keep being this relaxed, you'll definitely end up single for life."
Hinata immediately choked, her face flushing red all the way to her ears.
Tazuna nearly choked himself, trying to hold back laughter.
Tazuna: "You kids… really are strange. But… it's been so long since I last heard laughter on this road. It feels… warm."
---
As evening approached, they passed along a forest path. The atmosphere was quieter, only the sound of birds could be heard.
Hinata walked slightly behind with Kazuki. After a while of silence, she gathered the courage to speak.
Hinata: "A-Akihiro-kun… back on the boat earlier… when you said you'd protect us… I…"
Kazuki turned, looking at her seriously.
Kazuki: "Hm? What about me?"
Hinata clenched her fists tightly, trying to gather courage.
Hinata: "I also… want to protect you. So… don't think I'll just hide."
Kazuki was stunned for a moment, then smiled warmly.
Kazuki: "Good. That's the Hinata I know."
Hinata's face turned red, but this time she didn't lower her head. She tried to look back at him despite her nerves.
Up front, Shikamaru, who seemed uninterested, was actually listening, then let out a long sigh.
Shikamaru (in his heart):
"Hhh… such a bother. But… I think, with a team like this, I might not mind fighting a bit longer."
---
The sun began to lean toward the west, the mist still refusing to thin. They were getting closer to the village, but the strange atmosphere seemed to grow heavier.
Kazuki felt his hair stand on end. He looked back.
Kazuki (in his heart): "This feeling… just like on the boat earlier. Someone's watching us."
Hinata bit her lip, Shikamaru sharpened his gaze, while Tazuna grew even paler.
Yet, the shadow stalking them still did not show itself.
On a high tree branch, a hooded figure with sharp eyes only observed.
And not far from there, another pair of eyes—belonging to K****—was also watching from afar.
K** (in his heart):** "Alright… keep struggling, you three. But when the time comes, I'll make my move."
...
TO BE CONTINUED…