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Chapter 59 - Chapter 53: “The Lost Memories”

And so, left alone, surrounded by whispering leaves and distant bird calls, I found myself once again alone not only with nature — but also with the thoughts I had tried to escape for so long.

I sat, staring into the silent earth, at barely visible paths and swaying bushes, trying not to get distracted. But they crept up — the thoughts I had avoided, drowning them out with constant training, tasks, and forced tension.

And now — in the silence — they caught up with me.

My native world.

The reality I left behind. Or… that left me.

I've been here a long time. I almost forgot how my native tongue sounds. Almost forgot the taste of familiar food. But every day I had to push away thoughts — about boredom, about home, about what once was. About those who stayed there.

Family.

My grandmother and grandfather… They were all I had. They raised me, held me when I fell, stayed silent when I needed to make a choice.

But now they're gone.

That world…

It brings me only cruel, bitter, harsh nostalgia.

Memories seemed to be covered in dust and blurred. I tried to recall their faces — and suddenly realized: I couldn't.

I couldn't remember exactly how they looked.

It struck me — sharply, like a blow to the chest.

Only feelings remained.

Warmth.

Calm.

The pain of loss.

I closed my eyes for a second. Took a deep breath.

"Enough," I whispered to myself.

I need to let go.

I need to stop living between worlds.

There's no road back — and no point in returning. That world is now just a shadow.

But here — I am a shinobi.

This is my second chance.

I opened my eyes. My head cleared a little, thoughts retreated like fog under the sun.

I shifted my gaze to the forest.

And then… I noticed movement.

Something was happening — among the trees, deep inside. A branch swayed, though there was no wind. Too evenly.

My instinct snapped awake immediately.

I squinted, lowering my hand to the bag of tools.

"I need to focus," I said quietly to myself.

Only a couple of minutes passed as I refocused on watching, when among the dense trees, closer to the clearing, two figures appeared.

They moved fast but not chaotically — deliberately, and quite confidently.

Uniform...

Yes, definitely — the uniform of the Land Village. Characteristic protective vests, muted shades of brown and gray, patches on their shoulders. Faces partially hidden — but without a doubt, these were shinobi from Iwagakure.

I immediately pulled out a scroll and quickly started jotting notes:

"Two individuals, Iwagakure. Appeared from the eastern side of the clearing. Movement: fast, oriented confidently."

I watched every step without taking my eyes off them. They moved almost silently, communicating with gestures. One of them periodically looked back — covering the rear.

They ran in a semicircle — almost half a kilometer along the edge of the clearing, not entering the center.

And — suddenly — disappeared.

But here's what was strange: the clearing in front of me was clear, like the palm of a hand...

And they did not appear at the other end. I checked twice. No tracks, not the slightest movement.

They should have come out — but didn't.

That could only mean one thing.

"There's something there," I whispered, narrowing my eyes.

Either they went around, using a bypass,

or — and this was much more likely — where they disappeared there was a hidden entrance or shelter.

I immediately added to the scroll:

"Did not appear at the clearing exit. Likely: hidden passage, underground route, or base point. Location: southeastern edge of the clearing, near dense thicket."

My heart quickened slightly.

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