That was the reason Aoki chose to return to Konohagakure in a conventional way—slowly but surely. Besides being safer, Aoki also wanted to enjoy the journey.
After all, in a few months or even in just a little over a year, the war would soon come to an end. And when that time comes, Aoki would begin to move more aggressively.
Aoki had planned many things. After the Third Ninja World War was over, Aoki would expand the organization that had been built. Kisatsutai and Oni, two groups that had been run by the women from Kurisu's Brothel, would be developed even further.
Aoki would recruit more members. Aoki believed that women were easier to train and more effective in carrying out certain tasks. However, Aoki also planned to form a new group consisting of both men and women. This group would have various specializations—medical ninjas, spies, fighters, and even merchants who would manage businesses throughout the ninja world. All of this aimed to strengthen Aoki's information network.
Aoki also knew that even though the Third Ninja World War would end, there would still be another war.
The Fourth Ninja World War.
Not to mention other hidden threats—like members of the Otsutsuki clan who might still be lurking in the shadows.
Therefore, Aoki could not afford to be complacent. Aoki had to keep evolving.
But for now…
Aoki looked back at the seemingly fragile wooden bed. Then Aoki let out a soft sigh and walked closer.
For now… Aoki just needed to sleep.
...
...
...
A few dozen minutes after Aoki fell asleep, the small village where Aoki was staying began to show signs of suspicious movement. That night was so dark, the sky was covered with thick black clouds that swallowed the moonlight, creating an even more ominous atmosphere. Only the sound of the wind blowing softly could be heard, sneaking through the gaps in the dilapidated wooden hut.
From the darkness, several wooden doors creaked slowly as they opened, revealing thin figures stepping out from their huts. Their bodies looked frail, as if their bones could break at any moment.
Their eyes were empty, like people who had long lost hope. Some of them clutched sharp objects—rusty knives with rotting handles, and a few carried simple tools that resembled kitchen utensils more than weapons.
Their steps were almost silent as they approached the hut where Aoki was resting. Their breaths were ragged, their bodies trembling either from hunger or from the desperate decision they had made that night.
In front of Aoki's hut, a man with a gaunt face raised his hand, slowly pressing against the old wooden door.
Creeeak...
The sound of the wooden door opening was faint in the stillness of the night. They moved inside cautiously, as if afraid to wake the young man who was soundly sleeping within.
Aoki lay peacefully on the decaying wooden bed, his breathing steady, his chest rising and falling with a rhythm that was serene—too serene for someone in danger.
A man who seemed to be the leader of this group raised his knife high. The man's face showed determination, but his hand trembled. Perhaps from a body too weak, or maybe from a heart still filled with doubt. However, just as the man's knife was about to be plunged—
Aoki's eyes opened.
"Yo," Aoki greeted casually.
In a matter of seconds, the atmosphere changed drastically.
The thin man widened his eyes, his heart seemed to stop beating. The other villagers also jolted, some instinctively stepping back. The moonlight, now slightly breaking through the clouds, illuminated Aoki's faint smile. However, that smile was not calming—instead, it only made them more afraid.
Their fear intensified as Aoki attempted to sit up.
The man still holding the knife, whether out of panic or the remnants of courage, raised his weapon and tried to stab Aoki once again.
------------------------------
[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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