Aiko nodded, her expression thoughtful. "But how do we find them? We don't even know where we are, let alone where they might be."
Takeda leaned back, his smirk widening. "We start with what we know. The teleportation was a massive Fuinjutsu, and the chakra signatures of those involved would have left traces.
If we can track those traces, we might be able to find one of the seal masters. And once we do..." He trailed off, his gaze sharp and calculating, the unspoken implication hanging heavy in the air.
Teikei's grin widened, his bloodthirsty nature coming to the forefront. "We make them work. One way or another."
Aiko shot him a tired look but didn't argue. They were shinobi, after all, and desperate times called for desperate measures.
If finding a seal master was their only hope of returning home, then they would do whatever it took. Still, the thought of forcing someone to cooperate didn't sit well with her, even if she knew what their earlier mission was.
Takeda stood, his presence commanding as he addressed his team. "We move at first light. Teikei, go to the teleportation site and inspect any faint traces of chakra resembling that of the Uzumaki's.
Their chakra is distinct—it shouldn't be too hard to pick up if you focus. Aiko, you're with me. We'll need to stay low and avoid drawing attention while gathering information. This world might not have shinobi, but that doesn't mean it's without its dangers."
The two nodded, their earlier despair replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. They might be stranded, but they weren't defeated. Not yet.
Teikei cracked his knuckles, his grin still plastered across his face. "Finally, something to do. I was starting to get bored sitting around in this dump."
Aiko rolled her eyes but didn't comment. Instead, she turned to Takeda, her expression serious. "What's the plan if we run into trouble? We don't know the capabilities of the people in this world. For all we know, they could have their own version of shinobi—or worse."
Takeda's smile didn't falter. "We adapt. If they're strong, we avoid them. If they're weak, we use them. Either way, we don't engage unless absolutely necessary. Our priority is finding a seal master, not starting a war."
Aiko nodded, though her unease was still evident. She wasn't as reckless as Teikei, and the thought of navigating an unknown world with unknown dangers was far from comforting. But she trusted Takeda's judgment—mostly. He had gotten them this far, after all.
Teikei leaned against the house wall beside the window, his arms crossed as he stared out into the streets below. "You know," he said, his voice low but carrying a hint of amusement, "this might not be so bad. A new world, new enemies, new challenges... It's almost exciting."
Aiko shot him a glare. "Speak for yourself. I'd rather be back home, where I know what to expect."
Takeda chuckled, the sound dark and humorless. "Home isn't an option right now. So we make the best of what we've got. And if we play our cards right, we might just find a way back."
They might be strangers in a strange land, but they were shinobi. And shinobi didn't give up—not without a fight.
In a hill surrounded by a dense forest, sat the U.A. Hero Academy, a symbol of hope and vigilance over Musutafu City.
Within one of its many offices resided the director who oversaw the academy, Director Nezu. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the occasional clink of Nezu's teacup as he sipped his tea.
In front of him sat Eichi, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp and calculating. All Might stood nearby, his towering presence filling the room, though Eichi couldn't help but think the man was just hyperactive.
The contrast between the two figures was striking—one a small, unassuming creature with an air of quiet authority, the other a larger-than-life hero radiating energy and enthusiasm.
"So, this is the young troublemaker," Nezu said, his voice calm but laced with curiosity as he set his teacup down. His beady eyes fixed on Eichi, seemingly piercing through the boy's defenses as if reading him like an open book.
All Might nodded enthusiastically, his booming voice filling the room. "Of course! This young man, while still a child, is highly skilled. However, due to certain... circumstances, he finds himself in a bit of a predicament. But! There is also—"
While All Might continued his enthusiastic monologue, Nezu's gaze never wavered from Eichi.
The boy, for his part, held his ground, his own gaze steady and unrelenting as he met Nezu's stare head-on. It was a silent battle of wills, neither willing to back down.
He's suspicious of me,Eichi thought. Unlike his earlier appearance as a red-haired child soldier clad in tactical gear, Eichi now wore a simple set of clothes—jeans and a black T-shirt—with his hair dyed black to blend in more easily.
The only thing that remained unchanged was the scar running horizontally across his mouth.
He had opted against using a transformation jutsu, knowing the enemy had a sensor among them, and instead relied on a more traditional disguise.
As All Might finished his monologue, Nezu smiled, turning to the buff hero. "Thank you, Mr. All Might. Don't worry about the child; leave him to me." His tone was polite, but there was an edge to his words that didn't go unnoticed.
"However, from what I've read in the file sent to me by the Hero Association, his background is rather... suspicious, I must say."
This time, Nezu's gaze shifted back to Eichi, his smile never faltering. "After all, it was mere days after the incident. I suppose I have the right to be suspicious."
Contrary to his words, Nezu already had a good idea of who Eichi was. As a renowned strategist with an extensive network of information, he had pieced together enough to form a clear picture.