Before deciding to enter Kiri, Anya first sought out a nearby Kinto Exchange. Having done this once before, he quickly found it hidden within a public restroom.
Inside, the clerk asked indifferently, "What can I help you with, customer?"
Anya said, "A bounty mission—specified individual."
"Oh?" The clerk's tone shifted slightly. "Specified who?"
Anya quickly spat out one name: "Kakuzu."
The service staff had clearly heard of Kakuzu's reputation as a great killer. His expression turned serious. "What is the content of the bounty?"
"Just tell him to meet me in Kiri. I'm afraid I can't reveal the specific details. My name is Anya." He handed over a heavy money bag and continued, "I do have a small request."
The clerk accepted the bag cautiously and asked, "What is it you're asking for exactly?"
"I want him to come as soon as possible."
"Understood."
After leaving that insurance with the Kinto Exchange, Anya immediately departed. He couldn't afford to wait for Kakuzu to arrive. Once more using the Eagle Puppet, he flew directly toward Kiri until finally stopping. Knowing absolutely nothing about the village, he didn't want to recklessly charge in—doing so wouldn't complete his mission, but rather offer his head.
Arriving here, Anya now understood why it was called Kiri. A light mist perpetually hung in the air, with rivers and lakes everywhere—completely different from Sunagakure Village.
This landing area appeared to be a small village surrounded by forest. Entering it, Anya soon encountered a young man. Smiling warmly, he approached and asked, "Excuse me, could you tell me the way to Kiri?"
The man eyed Anya suspiciously, then shook his head without uttering a word.
In usual circumstances, Anya might have given up, but today wasn't ordinary.
Anya's eyes changed rapidly. The man's entire body stiffened instantly, his expression turning numb—he had already fallen under [Genjutsu], an illusion technique.
Anya commanded, "Draw me a map leading to Kiri."
The man picked up a stick and began robotically drawing on the ground. However, just halfway through, a whizzing sound cut through the air. Anya reacted instinctively, rapidly stepping backward. Where he'd stood moments ago, several fine needles now protruded.
This was chakra fluctuation—Anya wasn't alarmed; instead, he felt delighted. In such a remote location, encountering a ninja? Perfect—it suited his intentions exactly.
From atop a tree, a woman with long flowing hair and delicate features gracefully descended, shielding the young man protectively behind her while watching Anya with a nervous expression.
At this moment, Anya noticed the thin needles on the ground melt into droplets of water. Hmm, could this be...[Ice Release]?
Distant memories flashed in his mind. In his previous life, Anya had watched dozens of early episodes of Naruto. Among all characters, besides the main cast, the one who left the deepest impression was probably Haku—a perfect subordinate. Could there be some connection between Anya and Haku?
Only then did the woman across from him speak in a pleading tone, "I know you aren't a ninja from Kiri. Please release his Genjutsu, okay? Whatever you want to know—I can tell you myself."
Is she really that easy to talk to?
Anya had already mapped out an infiltration plan the moment his eyes fell on her. He wasn't some kind-hearted person, after all. Calmly, he replied, "Of course I can leave—but only after I get the information I want."
She had no clue what Anya was really thinking. Hearing his words, she let out a relieved sigh. "Okay, go ahead and ask."
"Was that Ice Release—a Kekkei Genkai—you used just now?"
After a brief hesitation, the woman reluctantly nodded.
Exactly as expected. Joy surged within Anya. There was no need to ask anything else.
"Thank you. I've learned everything I needed. His genjutsu is also broken. Farewell."
With that, Anya turned and left, keeping his word.
In reality, long before Anya had asked that question, Han had already broken free from the genjutsu.
So when the woman turned around, Han had already fled far away without a trace.
Confused, she chased after him. As soon as she entered the village, she saw that the man who once looked at her with affection had completely changed—he now showed nothing but disgust and fear in his eyes. He shouted loudly, "Why did you deceive me? You're not some ordinary refugee! You're a monster with a Kekkei Genkai—a bloodline curse that brings disaster!"
By this time, many villagers had gathered after hearing the commotion.
To the woman's eyes, these previously kind and familiar villagers suddenly seemed like strangers. They were holding kitchen knives and hoes, their gazes filled with cruelty and hatred. Someone abruptly roared:
"Kill her!"
"Quick, kill her, or the entire village will suffer misfortune!"
"Right! Right! Kill her!"
The man standing at the front breathed heavily, his eyes bloodshot like a wounded wild beast, shining with savage light.
"Even you... want to kill me now...?" Her voice was full of despair. Not long ago, she had thought she could build a family with this man, living a happy and peaceful life together for the rest of their days. Yet she never imagined reality would be so cruel. The two had barely begun developing feelings for each other before becoming bitter enemies poised to kill one another.
Coldly, Han said, "You shouldn't even exist in this world."
With that, he hurled the kitchen knife in his hand straight at her.
The woman, who should have easily dodged the blade, stood motionless instead. The knife plunged directly into her body, and crimson blood streamed down her skin, immediately soaking her clothes.
"Everyone, attack together! Kill her!"
The surrounding villagers surged forward wildly, raising their weapons high as they charged, ready to beat her to death—as though this young woman were the most unforgivable sinner in the world.
Having seen enough, Anya leapt forward. Hands flashing through seals, he called out, [Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique].
Several fireballs flew out like seeds of the cockscomb flower before scattering in all directions, firmly encircling the woman in protection while the fiery heatwave forced the villagers back, preventing them from advancing any further.
Anya walked up beside the injured woman. A green glow shined from his hands as he quickly yanked the knife from her body and immediately began applying Medical Ninjutsu. The bleeding stopped swiftly, yet the woman remained expressionless, showing absolutely no desire to live. She was alive, yet dead inside.
Anya held her close and said quietly, "Just a bunch of ants. Are they really worth your sadness? If you want, I can kill them all. What do you think?"
The woman's eyes flickered as she shook her head. "Don't kill them. It's not their fault."
Anya asked, "Do you still want to stay here?"
She shook her head again.
Anya asked again, "Since I just saved your life, why don't you stick with me from now on? I've got a use for you."
The woman gazed at Anya without blinking, like she was trying to burn his face into her memory, then gave a slow nod.
A spark of happiness flared in Anya's chest. He picked the woman up and said expressionlessly, "Then let's go."
With those words, the two vanished right before the villagers' shocked and suspicious eyes, disappearing into the flames.
After walking for a while, the woman seemed to recover from the hellish scene earlier. Lowering her head slightly, she murmured, "I'm okay now. You can let me down. I can walk on my own."
Anya didn't answer, still carrying her as he asked, "I'm called Anya. What should I call you?"
"My name is..."
"Never mind," Anya interrupted. "Since this is your rebirth, there's no need to keep your old name. From now on, you'll be called Haku."
"Haku?" She looked up at the sky. Right now, it was pure white, like falling snowflakes...
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>