Along the way, the atmosphere of Konoha before noon felt so alive, as though the entire village was breathing together in a warm rhythm.
The main street was crowded with villagers passing by; some carried baskets full of fresh vegetables straight from the fields, others held rolls of woven cloth, and some simply strolled leisurely while chatting with their neighbors.
The sound of wooden sandals clacking against the dirt and stone road blended with the shouts of merchants, creating a distinct bustling noise.
Several vendors had set up small stalls beneath simple cloth tents, their fabrics fluttering as the midday breeze brushed past. They fanned glowing embers with enthusiasm, sparks flaring each time fat dripped from sizzling cuts of meat onto the grill.
The savory aroma of roasting meat mixed with the fragrance of steaming broth rising from a large pot in the corner of the street. Its vapor danced in the air, making anyone passing by swallow unconsciously.
The cheerful shouts of children running with bamboo pinwheels, the bright laughter of women bargaining for cloth or fresh fish, and the steady clatter of hooves pulling heavy wooden carts all merged into one.
That harmony formed a song of life, showing how quickly this village had grown—from a simple ninja settlement into a bustling center of civilization.
From time to time, Aoki's gaze caught figures dressed in black with a red fan crest emblazoned on their backs. That crimson symbol stood out among the crowd, a mark impossible to mistake.
Several members of the Uchiha Clan were patrolling. They walked upright, their steps disciplined, faces stern and dignified.
Their eyes were sharp, like drawn swords, observing every movement around them, maintaining order in the village with an aura that made some people bow their heads as they passed.
There was a cold authority in those eyes, as though they were not ordinary humans, but shadows poised to enforce justice with unwavering resolve.
Aoki watched them for a long moment. Without realizing it, his steps slowed, and his expression stiffened. Something complicated was clearly reflected in his eyes, like a man carrying a burden invisible to others. His breath hitched, as though his chest was being squeezed by feelings beyond words.
Deep inside, Aoki knew this sight might feel ordinary today—merely a part of Konoha's bustling daily life. But in the future, this image would vanish completely, swept away like mist by the wind. There would no longer be any Uchiha patrolling as the police force.
That awareness tightened his chest, making it feel heavy, as if a boulder had been set upon his heart. He held his breath for a moment, closing his eyes briefly before forcing himself to keep walking.
They continued on for several dozen minutes. The clamor of the crowd gradually faded, replaced by the quietness of emptier streets, until finally, they arrived at a house that stood sturdy yet worn.
The house had gray concrete walls that had begun to fade, its paint peeling in several places, leaving behind stubborn patches of black dampness.
A tall black iron gate stood in front, but rust had eaten away at its bars, making them appear fragile and weary from the passage of time. Beyond the gate stretched a wide yard, but it was clearly untended, like a stage long abandoned.
The two-story building bore the traditional style of Japanese architecture, with slanted roofs tiled in dark shingles, and sliding wooden windows that creaked with age.
At a glance, its form suggested grandeur, like the residence of a once-respected family. Yet that grandeur was now veiled beneath layers of dust and time, leaving only the shadow of past glory slowly sinking into obscurity.
But that impression of grandeur quickly crumbled when Kurisu saw the true condition of the place.
________________________
[Announcement: The novel 'A Shaman from the Uzumaki Clan in the World of Naruto' And 'The Strongest Swordmaster in the World of Naruto (AU)' is now completed on P@treon. If you want to binge-read the entire story right away, you can join as a member on P@treon. Alternatively, if you prefer to wait patiently, it is also available on Webnovel and Scribble Hub—though it will take quite a while for those platforms to catch up to the final chapter available on P@treon. That is all from me. See you all around!]
[Note: 694+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead,
Now you can access the chapters before Webnovel And Scribblehub by following,
Just become a patron on [email protected]:
[email protected]/Alex_Fabianoki]