Rasa

"Your mind is way too twisted. Who would have nothing better to do than drive a wedge between us and Kirigakure?"

Sarutobi Asuma was slightly surprised, and the way he looked at Uchiha Mai instantly turned strange.

Just because you were full of bad intentions yourself did not mean you should assume everyone else was so dark-minded. There were still more good people than bad in the Ninja World.

As long as everyone gave a little love, the Ninja World would become a better place. More sincerity, fewer schemes.

Uchiha Mai did not answer. He merely raised an arm and rubbed his elbow.

Sarutobi Asuma immediately became alert and hurriedly said, "I think you have a point!

This isn't Konoha, after all. Being more cautious isn't a bad thing. I'll go out and ask around right away."

With that, Asuma turned into a green flash and slipped out in a blur, moving so fast it left people dumbfounded.

About twenty minutes later, Asuma returned. He found Uchiha Mai, panting as he said, "Mai, I checked it out.

Kirigakure's quarters are the same as ours, newly built compounds with blue brick walls and red-tiled roofs. I heard Sunagakure even dug them a pond in their courtyard."

Uchiha Mai rubbed his chin. Sunagakure had not tampered with the lodgings. Could it be that he really had been too cynical?

"Anything else?" Asuma asked.

"No. Go do whatever you want." Uchiha Mai waved him off.

"Got it."

Asuma darted out of the courtyard and headed for the streets to wander around.

Sunagakure's environment was harsh, and its culture and scenery differed greatly from Konoha's. Living here for long would indeed be difficult.

But for a stay of only a few days, it was quite appealing to Asuma and the others. Familiar places had