As Aoki and the others emerged from the dark forest, the cold night air immediately enveloped their bodies. The moon hung high in the sky, its pale light illuminating the dusty path leading to a small village surrounded by a tall wooden fence. Torches mounted at several points lit up the entrance area, creating moving shadows among the trees surrounding the village.
In front of the gate, two guard men stood tall, each wearing simple yet sturdy clothing. One of them had a thin mustache and sharp eyes that watched every movement of Aoki and his group. As soon as they saw the group approaching, a wary expression immediately appeared on the faces of both guards, especially when they noticed the glint of metal from the katana tucked at Aoki's right hip.
"Who are you?" one of the guards asked in a suspicious tone, his voice deep and firm. The man's eyes narrowed, trying to assess whether they were friends or a threat.
Aoki, standing at the front, calmly raised one hand, indicating that they meant no harm. He then put on a small smile, trying to appear friendly despite his body still being covered in travel dust.
"We just want to find a place to treat one of our friends' wounds," Aoki said politely. "That's why we came here. Is there a healer or doctor in this village?"
The guard's eyes widened slightly, then he glanced at Mei, who was in Aoki's arms. The girl's face looked pale, and her breath was slightly labored from holding back the pain from her shoulder wound. Occasionally, Mei's weak hand gripped Aoki's sleeve, as if she wanted to ensure she wouldn't fall.
"Hmm? There is only one healer in this village," the guard said after a moment of consideration. "We will allow you to enter, but don't make a fuss. It's late, and everyone is asleep."
"Really?" Aoki smiled faintly, his eyes sparkling a bit at the answer. "Thank you very much! We promise we won't cause any trouble."
The guard nodded slightly before turning to his companion, a man with messy hair and a slightly larger build. "Zekai, keep an eye on this place. I'll take these kids to Lady Misuki."
The man called Zekai let out a small sigh and nodded. "I know, Yachi. Go ahead."
"Alright, follow me," Yachi said as he turned and began walking through the village gate.
Aoki glanced at Zekai for a moment and bowed slightly in politeness. "Then, we'll go in first. Excuse us."
"Yes, come in." Zekai replied with a friendly nod, although his eyes remained vigilant, watching them until they completely disappeared from view.
They walked into the seemingly quiet village under the moonlight. Wooden houses lined neatly on both sides of the road, with windows tightly shut. A few dim lanterns were still lit on the porches, but most of the villagers seemed to have already fallen asleep.
During the walk, Mei squirmed a bit in Aoki's arms, her tired eyes looking at Aoki with a pouty expression.
"Enough, put me down. I can walk by myself," Mei said in a soft but firm voice. "Besides, we've arrived in the village."
Aoki only glanced briefly at Mei, then let out a small sigh while continuing to walk without changing his position. "How can I put you down when you're still injured?" Aoki said lightly. "Just be quiet for a little longer; we're almost at the healer's house."
Mei huffed in annoyance, her cheeks puffing out like a sulking child. "Uh! Fine! It's up to you!"
Tetsu and Ajisai, walking behind them, exchanged glances before stifling their laughter. Although their journey had been exhausting, watching the interaction between Aoki and Mei lightened the mood a bit.
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[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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