It took a full day for all the villagers to pack their belongings.
The next day, bright and early, they gathered to set off. The only five oxcarts they had were used to haul the heaviest items; the rest of the lighter things were packed into large and small bundles, strapped to the villagers' backs and chests.
The procession of over a hundred villagers formed a small but significant caravan. Members of the security team flanked both sides of the group. Captain Okihira led the way at the front, Tetsuren guarded the rear, and Kaito moved around freely, scouting for enemies and clearing traps.
They traveled with frequent stops. Because the path was clear this time, the journey was a bit faster than Kaito's first accidental foray into the Land of Iron during the blizzard.
By the evening of the third day, they could see the three wolf-head mountains that symbolized the Land of Iron.
"Everyone's worked hard. Let's stop here for today," Captain Okihira announced. "We have to climb the mountains tomorrow, so let's all rest up tonight. Just two more days, we're almost there."
"Alright!" The crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief and began to unload their luggage, set up tents, and build fires for warmth.
"Hey, Kaito kid! Come give me a hand with this box," Uncle Beard called out to Kaito as he passed by.
"Later. I need to talk to the captain about something," Kaito said with a wave, walking away without a second glance.
"Hey, hey, hey?"
Captain Okihira was standing alone on a high slope, gazing at the three wolf-head mountains.
"Captain, there's an old saying: 'the closer to home, the more timid one feels.' Are you getting nervous now that we're almost at the Land of Iron?" Kaito came up from behind and stood beside him.
"'The closer to home, the more timid one feels?' Hmm, perhaps." For a rare moment, a trace of confusion appeared on Captain Okihira's face. "My comrades from the old days... I wonder how many are still left."
"Don't worry, I'm sure there are plenty. And if not, you've at least got that old man Goshin as a backup." Kaito chuckled. "Master Mifune said he was overjoyed to hear you were still alive."
"I have failed to live up to our master's expectations..." Captain Okihira sighed, his gaze gradually hardening. "But if I had to choose again, I would make the same choice. Kaito, in life, you must fight for a goal with everything you have at least once. Only then will you not have lived in vain. Even if you fail, the bittersweet experiences of the journey will give you endless things to look back on, and make you feel truly alive."
"Have you found your own goal yet?"
"I have a vague idea, but I'm not sure if it's what I'm truly meant to pursue," Kaito said, looking up at the sky. "So, I need to go and confirm it."
"Captain."
"Mm?"
"We're already within the borders of the Land of Iron. It's very safe. I'm planning to leave in a little while."
"Alright. Have you told the others?"
"No. They would surely do something to embarrass me. So, it's better to just say sorry when we meet again."
"That's fine too. By the way..." Okihira unfastened the sharp, sheathed sword from his waist and tossed it to Kaito. "This is Clear Spring. It has been with me through all my wanderings. It's no longer useful to me, so I'm giving it to you. It's different from ordinary swords; it's better for channeling chakra. It will be a help to you."
"Alright, I'll take it then. Thank you, Captain." Kaito didn't stand on ceremony and accepted Clear Spring.
After playing with it for a moment, he looked at the captain and pressed his palms together. "There's one more thing I need to ask of you."
"It's about that little girl, Tetsuren, isn't it?"
"Mm-hmm. The captain's insight is as sharp as ever." Kaito snapped his fingers. "That girl is very restless. I'm afraid she'll try to follow me when I leave, so I'd like to ask you to keep her here, using the excuse that the people need her."
"I can do that."
"Phew. Then I can rest easy." Kaito gave Captain Okihira a solemn wave. "Take care, Captain. We'll meet again if fate allows!"
"Take care."
Okihira watched Kaito walk away into the distance. Suddenly, he spotted another figure following after him and couldn't help but shake his head. "Kaito, you can't blame me for not helping you with this one."
Gazing at the vast plains before him, Kaito felt a sense of freedom he had never experienced before. Just as he was about to burst into song, an angry shout came from behind him. "Kaito, don't you dare think you can ditch me and run off alone!"
"You've got to be kidding me." Kaito turned his head just in time to see Tetsuren rushing toward him, out of breath, and stopping right in front of him.
"Hah... hah... I knew you were trying to run away."
"Sigh." Kaito slapped his forehead, utterly speechless. "Your mission is to escort the villagers to the Land of Iron. What are you following me for?"
"Protecting my client is also my mission."
"You, protect me?" Kaito shook his head and laughed. "It's not certain who will be protecting whom." He narrowed his eyes, wondering if he should just use Dig to get away.
"Say whatever you want. I'm not going back to the Land of Iron just like that," Tetsuren said with utmost seriousness.
"If you're not going back to the Land of Iron, where will you go?"
"Naturally, I'll wander around. It would be best to go to the Land of Grass. Isn't Master Mifune going to fight the ninja from the Land of Rain? We can go help him."
"You mean go get ourselves killed?" Kaito shook his head repeatedly. "No way, no way. If you want to go, you can go by yourself."
It was no joke. Hanzo was practically a demigod. Unless one of the Five Kage personally intervened, anyone who went there would be useless. Going to watch the show at a time like this could cost you your life in a heartbeat. Kaito wasn't that stupid.
"Then where are you going?"
"You can tell by the direction I'm heading." Kaito pointed to the southeast. "Through the Land of Iron, far away from the battlefield."
"The Land of Fire?"
"No, no, no. We're not going to the Land of Fire. Far away from the battlefield."
The main participants in the Second Great Ninja War were the Lands of Rain, Fire, Wind, and Earth. The Land of Iron and the Land of Grass were just cannon fodder, not even qualified to be considered true participants. So Kaito wanted to stay away from these countries to avoid being dragged into the conflict.
"I see." Tetsuren hesitated for a moment. "In that case, I'll still follow you."
"Not going to help Master Mifune anymore?" Kaito saw her unnatural expression and had a realization. "Oh, you don't know the way."
"Shut up!" Tetsuren's face flushed red, and she shouted, "I just thought that if we traveled together, we could look out for each other! If you don't want to travel with me, just say so, and we'll part ways here!"
Didn't I say that already? Kaito saw her pitiful expression, and his heart softened. "I'll remind you one last time: the outside world is very dangerous. The slightest misstep can cost you your life. I once encountered three rogue ninja, and if it weren't for my incredible luck, I would have died long ago. Even so, are you still sure you want to venture out?"
"I'm sure!" Tetsuren said firmly. "To die in battle would be a worthy death for me!"
"Alright then." Kaito held up three fingers. "We'll make a three-point pact. One, you have to listen to me in all matters. Two, you have to listen to me in all matters. Three, in all matters..."
"I'll listen to you in all matters, alright?" Tetsuren cut him off before he could finish.
"Ahem. Important things must be said three times. That's common sense. If you agree, then we'll do a pinky swear."
"Tch. How childish. Since I've promised you, I'll definitely do it."
"Heh. A woman's words should only be half-believed. I'm not a fool."
At Kaito's insistence, the two of them hooked their pinkies and made a vicious oath.
"Whoever breaks the promise has to swallow a thousand needles!"