Realizing that their search had not yielded results, Aoki finally decided to return to the village before night fell further.
The sky began to darken, adorned with a sprinkle of stars that slowly appeared between the thin clouds. The night air grew colder, making the breeze that passed through the trees sound like a soft whisper dancing among the leaves.
When they arrived at the village gate, the torches mounted along the wooden fence lit up quietly, their golden light illuminating the dusty ground beneath them.
Yachi and Zekai were already on guard, having replaced the previous sentinels. The two men looked more refreshed after resting, unlike Aoki and the others who appeared slightly tired after a full day of travel.
"Oh! You're back!" Yachi greeted cheerfully, folding his arms in front of his chest while looking at them with curiosity. "So you really went outside the village earlier?"
"Yes, we just went to look for something," Aoki replied calmly. Although Aoki's eyes were slightly droopy from fatigue, his expression remained flat, as if he didn't want to discuss it further.
"I see! Then come in," Yachi said with a smile, gesturing for them to step inside.
Without much conversation, Aoki and the others passed through the village gate. The road that had previously been dark was now illuminated by the torchlight hanging from wooden posts, casting long shadows that moved slowly with each gust of wind.
Some houses still appeared to be lit from within, indicating that their occupants had not yet gone to sleep. The sound of water trickling from the village well could be faintly heard, mingling with the sounds of night insects singing among the grass.
After a few minutes of walking along the rocky path, they finally arrived at Misuki's house. The house looked simple yet cozy, with an old wooden sliding door that was well-maintained. As the door opened, the aroma of wood and herbal tea welcomed them, providing a warm feeling after their tiring journey.
Misuki was still awake, sitting near a small table with a cup of tea in her hand. She glanced over briefly and smiled faintly as she saw them enter.
"Welcome back," Misuki said softly, her voice gentle yet clear in the stillness of the night.
Without much talk, they each took off their gear and quickly rested. That night, silence enveloped the house, with only the sound of the wind softly rustling outside, bringing a soothing coolness.
...
...
...
The next morning, the sky looked bright, adorned with the orange hues of the rising sun on the horizon. Aoki woke up early, feeling the cool morning air as he stepped outside. He walked along the path to the small market in the village, where several vendors had already begun to set up their stalls.
The aroma of warm bread and fish soup filled the air, mingling with the smell of firewood coming from the kitchens of the residents. Aoki bought breakfast at the same place as yesterday, chatting briefly with the friendly vendor before returning to Misuki's house.
When Aoki returned, the house was starting to get a bit lively. The sound of footsteps could be heard from inside, indicating that the others were beginning to wake up. It didn't take long before they gathered at the table, enjoying a simple breakfast together.
After finishing their meal, Aoki, Tetsu, Ajisai, and Mei prepared to continue their journey. Their steps took them to various areas around the village, exploring dense forests, steep hills, and clear-flowing rivers. Each day felt like a new adventure, full of surprises and challenges.
Days passed, and during that time, Aoki's relationship with Mei grew closer. Mei, who had previously been quieter and full of mystery, began to talk more often with Aoki.
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[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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