Aoki paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. The moonlight hanging in the night sky cast a faint shadow on Aoki's face, highlighting the serious expression he wore. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves around them.
"Besides, you're not going alone," Aoki continued, "you have to go while keeping Tetsu and Ajisai safe. Remember that, Mei. You have to look after both of them, not just run away by yourself. So… don't make that sad and guilty expression, you crybaby."
Mei bit her lip, feeling a whirlwind of emotions stirring within her. Her hands clenched the fabric over her chest, as if trying to hold back the growing anxiety.
"...You have to promise to stay safe. Do you understand?" Mei said, this time with a firmer voice. Her green eyes shone under the moonlight, radiating an unwavering determination.
Aoki looked at Mei for a moment, then chuckled softly before shifting his gaze to Tetsu and Ajisai. "Pfff—of course."
Aoki's eyes then focused on Tetsu, who straightened up as soon as he felt that gaze. "Tetsu, take good care of Ajisai. Do you understand?"
Tetsu immediately straightened his back, his cheerful expression dimming slightly, replaced by seriousness. "I understand, boss! Just leave it to me!"
Meanwhile, Ajisai remained silent, merely staring at Aoki without saying a word. Her face was hard to read, as if there was something she was holding back in her heart.
Aoki smiled faintly, then added, "You too, Ajisai. Take care of yourself. Now, let's walk together. If they're still following us after ten minutes, then the three of you need to run immediately. Do you understand?"
Mei, Tetsu, and Ajisai nodded in unison. "We understand."
The night grew later, and the air in the forest felt colder. They stepped cautiously among the towering trees, the dark shadows of the leaves creating the illusion of creatures lurking in the darkness.
Only the moonlight served as their sole source of illumination, reflecting its glow on the dew-soaked leaves. The night breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying foliage.
Their footsteps were silent, but they knew—they were being followed.
Aoki occasionally glanced to the side, sensing the sharp gaze that continued to watch them from within the darkness. He couldn't see them, but their presence was unmistakable.
Ten minutes passed in a tension that tightened their chests.
Aoki finally signaled with his finger. Mei, Tetsu, and Ajisai immediately reacted. Without a sound, they quickly ran in the designated direction. Mei stayed behind, on guard for any sudden attacks from the rear.
Aoki, meanwhile, stopped.
Aoki's right hand slowly reached for the hilt of his katana. His fingers tightened around the leather grip, feeling the familiar coldness of the metal in his hand.
With a swift motion, Aoki drew his sword from its sheath. The moonlight reflected a sharp gleam along its blade.
Aoki turned, staring directly into the darkness.
"Come out." Aoki's voice was cold and sharp, piercing the silence of the night.
However, there was no response. No sound, no movement.
Aoki squinted, his body becoming more alert. "I know you two have been following us. Come out, I said." This time his voice was louder, more insistent.
Still, only silence answered him.
Moments passed slowly. Aoki took a deep breath, then tightened his grip on his sword.
"Kaze no Kokyū: Ni no kata: Sōsō - Shinato Kaze! (Breath of Wind: Second Form: Cleansing Wind Claw)!"
In an instant, Aoki raised his sword above his head, then slashed downward in four quick strikes that formed a claw pattern in the air.
------------------------------
[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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