Aoki's steps were steady, but not rushed. Each thud of Aoki's shoes made a soft sound on the damp ground that had just been soaked by last night's rain.
Beside Aoki, Mei leaned weakly against his shoulder; her breathing was regular yet slightly trembling, as if her body was holding back the pain that was slowly creeping from her left shoulder.
The leaves were still dripping with water, creating a gentle trickling rhythm as the night wind slipped through the gaps in the trees. The aroma of wet earth, foliage, and faint traces of blood still lingering in the air created a strange blend of peace and horror.
The moonlight illuminated the path they were walking, reflecting a silver gleam in Aoki's eyes, which remained sharp and vigilant, watching for any movement in the shadows.
The sounds of nocturnal insects filled the silence between them, the only noise accompanying their steps away from the slaughterhouse, towards a village that now felt like the only sanctuary in this cruel world.
As the wooden gate of the village came into view, two figures emerged from behind its shadow—Tetsu and Ajisai. Their initially tense faces changed drastically upon seeing Aoki and Mei return.
Tetsu ran ahead, his expression a mix of joy and anxiety, while Ajisai covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a sob of relief.
"Boss Aoki! Sister Mei!" Tetsu exclaimed, breathless as he approached them.
Ajisai could only hug Mei tightly, though she was afraid to touch Mei's wounds. Tears streamed down Ajisai's cheeks uncontrollably.
Without saying a word, Aoki simply nodded and walked past them, still supporting Mei, heading straight for Misuki's house.
As soon as the door opened, the distinctive aroma of herbal medicine and dried flowers greeted them. Misuki, who was sorting through some medicinal plants at the table, immediately stood up upon seeing Mei's condition. Misuki's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat.
"What have you done to Mei!?" Misuki shouted, her face flushed, not just with anger—but with worry.
"Mei's wound opened again! Do you think Mei is a war machine, huh!?" Misuki approached them and quickly took over supporting Mei.
Aoki bowed his head. He wanted to explain, to say that it was Mei who chose to act recklessly, that he hadn't had the chance to stop her. But Misuki's wounded gaze silenced him.
Aoki stood there, fists clenched. Guilt pressed down on his chest like a heavy stone.
That night was quiet. Only the sound of boiling pots and the soft sigh of the wind could be heard in that small house. Mei lay on a thin mattress, surrounded by the aroma of eucalyptus oil and dried lavender. A lantern hung on the wall, casting soft shadows that danced gently.
...
...
...
Morning greeted them with a thin fog enveloping the village. The sun had just risen over the hills, its golden hue illuminating the rooftops with a soft glow. Aoki woke up first.
Aoki's face appeared calmer, but his weary eyes indicated that his mind had never truly rested. He reached for his clothes and went out to buy food.
The village streets were still quiet, only the sound of wooden doors being slowly opened by a few early traders could be heard. The aroma of toasted bread and porridge from the kitchens began to spread.
Aoki returned with several bags of warm food. As he opened the door, the air inside the house felt much more alive. Misuki was pouring tea into clay cups.
Tetsu was still yawning while scratching his head, Ajisai was combing her tangled hair, and Mei—sitting against the wall with a new bandage on her shoulder—smiled gently at Aoki.
They sat in the simple yet warm living room. As breakfast was served, silence filled the room.
------------------------------
[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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