Karin moved through the Country of Grass until her Feet ached again. Her cloak brushed against branches and leaves as she traveled carefully.
By now The sun was higher in the sky, she had expended far too much energy and was starting to really get Hungry, but she wasn't about to stop yet.
Half an Hour later she spotted a small village through the treeline, humble, quiet, probably no more than a hundred people. Exactly the kind of place she needed.
She ducked behind a tree and formed the familiar hand signs for the Transformation Technique. In a blink, her body shifted.
Her red hair darkened, her eyes turned brown, Her height grew to about 5 feet tall and her clothes morphed into those of a plain civilian girl. Nothing about her stood out anymore.
Still due not the Chakra expenditure she could at best keep this up for a couple of hours most.
Anyway, for now she was no longer Karin Uzumaki. Just another nobody.
With her new look in place, she took a deep breath and stepped out of the woods, walking onto a nearby Road and started to casually approach the village.
Keeping her posture relaxed she moved slowly, carefully, taking in every detail. Kids ran barefoot through the dirt roads. A few farmers carried baskets of produce. Nobody gave her more than a quick glance.
Perfect.
She stopped an older woman who was pulling a small cart of herbs.
"Excuse me," Karin said in the softest voice she could manage. "Sorry to bother you, but I've been traveling and got a little lost. What's this place called?"
The woman blinked, then smiled. "You're in Mura Town, dear. Just west of the Land of Grass border."
Karin bowed her head. "Thank you, I was wondering if you would happen to know anyone local who would be able to sell a map to me ?"
The Woman Answered " Of Course Sweety, I know someone that sells Maps, Please just follow me, it's right around the road."
She followed behind the woman, she quickly realized they were heading toward the market district. Well, more like a collection of wooden stands and tents set up along a dirt path.
The Older Woman walked up to a small booth where an older man was selling papers, ink, and a few scrolls. He looked half-asleep, but The Old Woman gave him a smile and leaned in.
"Old Yon, wake up, I've got a new little customer for you…"
The man perked up. "Huh What Who's there..?"
"Yon you silly Man, it's me."
Yon quickly recognized the older woman but looked confused at Karin ?
He pointed at her and half smiled "So Ayame, Who's this companion of yours?"
Ayame shook her head and smiled "She's got a little lost I just told her I could take her to someone who would be able to sell her a map of course..."
Yon smiled " I See. "He then turned to Karin who was Smiling Kindly "So Lady Looking for Maps are ya, well I've got a couple left. You looking for the local region or the border routes?"
Karin then politely said "Border Routes Please."
Yon pulled out a slightly crumpled scroll and unrolled it onto the table. Karin scanned it quickly. It wasn't super detailed, but good enough for what she needed.
The Map had some rivers, roads, a few scattered settlements, and most importantly, paths leading out of the Land of Grass.
Karin asked "How much?"
Yon twirled his finger and spoke "Nothing too expensive, just 150 Ryu."
Karin quickly calculated in her head, From the learned knowledge of this world and comparing it pricewise to the Murim, the Map was honestly quite Cheap indeed, a good Product.
She handed him the coins without complaint. It was worth every bit. The man smiled and rolled up the map for her.
(AN: You may be wondering where she got the money from ? Well, any seasoned Unorthodox Martial Artist of course is a seasoned pickpocket…)
"Safe travels, miss."
"Thanks," Karin replied with a small bow. She turned to leave, but as she passed behind a man browsing at a neighboring stall, her fingers slipped into his pocket.
A small pouch of coins. Clean grab.
Afterall after spending all of her hard earned cash she needed a proper refill…
Over the next hour, Karin wandered the market like a regular traveler. She asked a few more harmless questions.
These Questions were for example how far the next town was, where she could get food, if there were bandits nearby. Nobody questioned her. A few even smiled at her like she was just some clueless girl.
As she weaved through the crowd, she pocketed two more pouches and a small wrapped biscuit from an unattended food stand. Nothing major. Just enough to stay alive.
Eventually, the sun started to set, and the market began to thin out.
Karin left through the west road, blending in with a couple of traders heading home before she split off into the woods again.
Once out of sight, she canceled the transformation, stretched her arms, and leaned against a tree.
Her stomach growled.
She ate the biscuit slowly while looking over the map again.
"So, this river here should lead me to the border," she muttered. "Then maybe I can head south. If I can make it to the Land of Fire, I'll have more options."
She folded the map carefully and tucked it into her pouch. With the coin she'd taken, she'd have enough to get by for a while.
As the stars began to peek through the trees above her, Karin sat in silence, just listening to the wind.
She sought out a small Cover for herself and decided to take a Nap in a partially hollowed out Fallen Tree trunk just thick enough to provide a perfect resting place.