Yagura was completely unaware of the upheaval within the Hōzuki clan.
That afternoon, after leaving Kirigakure, the four-man team didn't stop moving until deep into the night.
Jinin Akebino had been subtly testing the three younger ninjas along the way. After observing them for a while, he noted that Ringo Ameyuri had exceptional taijutsu skills—just through sheer physical ability, she could already keep up with half of his speed.
Mukumo, on the other hand, was the weakest in taijutsu among the three. However, his Cloud Release kekkei genkai made up for his lack of speed.
As for Yagura… ever since becoming a Jinchūriki, his speed had improved dramatically.
Jinin kept throwing side glances in Yagura's direction, making him feel an eerie chill run down his spine.
Thinking back carefully, Yagura was certain he hadn't done anything to offend Jinin.
He asked, but Jinin remained completely silent.
Keeping pace just a step behind him, Yagura was tempted to ask, Are you okay? If not, maybe eat something?
Finally, as night deepened, Jinin came to a stop.
Standing on the branches of a small hilltop tree, he looked down at the distant town below, where faint lights flickered in the darkness.
"We're stopping here for the night," Jinin said, his voice filled with disdain. "At your speed, we'll only arrive tomorrow. If it were just me, I'd have been there today."
"Yes, sir!" Mukumo straightened his posture. "I apologize for the delay!"
"Don't mind him," Yagura tugged at Mukumo's sleeve and whispered, "He's just trying to intimidate us. This is a classic move."
Mukumo shrank back slightly, casting Yagura a look—Maybe pay attention to our teacher?
"Every teacher does this," Yagura continued, speaking as if he were an expert. "The next thing he'll say is, 'You're the worst group of students I've ever had.'"
"Yagura, I've never taken on Genin before," Jinin said, already itching to reach for his weapon. "Saying you're the worst class I've ever had wouldn't be unfair."
"See, see, see?" Yagura's expression screamed I told you so, his gaze accusing Jinin of being too predictable.
Scratching the back of his head, Mukumo didn't quite know how to react.
On one hand, this is kinda funny… But on the other, Jinin is our squad leader and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist… Yagura was way too bold.
Ringo Ameyuri smirked slightly, though she kept her amusement subtle.
Jinin took note of both their expressions, gaining a better understanding of his two additional "students."
"Alright, enough fooling around." Jinin's expression turned serious. "Find an inn and get some rest. We leave at dawn."
...
It was nearing midnight.
If they were in a wealthier town, this would be when the nightlife truly started—casinos, food stalls, taverns, inns, and less reputable establishments would just be opening their doors.
But as Yagura and his team stepped into the town, the lively scene he had imagined was nowhere to be found.
"Ahhh."
There wasn't a single lit sign. The streets were dark and lifeless.
Fortunately, being ninjas, their eyesight was keen enough to navigate through the night without difficulty.
The year was drawing to a close, winter approaching fast. Even the insects had ceased their singing, leaving only silence.
Yagura glanced around, taking in the bleak scenery.
"Anyone who didn't know better would think someone cast a Darkness Technique over this place."
"Guess we won't have trouble getting to bed early," Ameyuri muttered in disappointment. "There's nothing here to pass the time."
"Tch."
Jinin tossed away another empty bottle, clicking his tongue in frustration. "What a letdown."
He had planned to sneak off for a drink once the three "kids" fell asleep, but to his dismay, there wasn't even a single tavern open.
Mukumo glanced at him and muttered, "That's your eighth bottle, sir. Impressive."
Yet, Jinin showed no sign of being drunk.
Yagura gave Mukumo a side-eye. "When did you start keeping count?"
"Since he tossed the first bottle."
"…"
Yagura stared at him for a long moment before slowly blinking. ?
Mukumo's innocent expression made it clear he didn't see anything odd about what he'd said. Yagura opened his mouth, then decided not to question it further.
Switching topics, he mused, "This place is so close to Kirigakure, yet it's completely run-down."
A shinobi village could support an entire army of thousands, and not just ordinary soldiers—these were ninja, warriors with supernatural abilities. Keeping even a single ninja in fighting shape required the support of hundreds, if not thousands, of working civilians.
That meant a shinobi village alone needed a population of at least several million to sustain itself. A village like that should naturally become an economic powerhouse within its country.
But looking at Kirigakure now, Yagura found that notion laughable. The Hidden Mist had nothing to do with prosperity.
If the village itself was in such a state, it was no surprise that nearby towns were just as desolate.
...
Running a hand along the side of a nearby building, Yagura's fingers came away coated in dust. The wooden pillars looked so weathered that brushing against them would likely leave splinters.
"Even ordinary citizens in the Land of Water live like this?" Yagura muttered. "What is the Daimyō even doing?"
"Stop dawdling and pick up the pace," Ameyuri reminded him. "Or Jinin-sensei's gonna start yelling again."
Realizing the others had already walked ahead, Yagura snapped out of his thoughts and caught up.
"Thanks."
With his youthful features and natural dimples, he had the kind of face that made people instinctively want to ruffle his hair.
Ameyuri resisted the urge. "No big deal."
...
Despite its dilapidated state, the town still had an inn with its lights on. It didn't take long for them to find it.
At the front desk sat a drowsy-looking woman in a kimono, cradling a sleeping infant in her arms. She murmured, "Sleep… sleep…" as if soothing the baby—though the child was already sound asleep.
The four entered quietly, not disturbing her slumber.
Jinin scanned the price list on the wall. "Oi, two rooms."
Hearing his voice, the woman snapped awake. Her sleepiness vanished the moment she saw their attire. Eyes widening in fear, she stood up abruptly.
"N-Ninja lords!"
Her sudden movement woke the baby, who immediately burst into tears.
"Wahhh!!"
Terror flashed across her face as she desperately tried to muffle the cries. "I'm sorry! I'll calm him down right away! Please don't kill us!"
"Shut up. Just give us the rooms." Jinin tossed some money onto the counter. "One single, one double. That enough?"
"Y-Yes, of course!" The woman dared not count.
Taking the keys, Jinin handed the double room key to Yagura.
"You three share. Pay me back for your room in the morning."
"…"
We have to pay for our own lodging?!
"Meet at eight sharp." With that, Jinin slammed his door shut.
The innkeeper, still nervous, handed Yagura their key. "Your room is on the second floor, 205."
Yagura sighed, taking it. "We'll find it ourselves. Go take care of your baby."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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