Early morning.
A knock sounded at the door.
Pakura woke up.
She instinctively pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling utterly exhausted.
Only after gathering her wits did she remember what had happened.
A faint blush crept onto Pakura's face.
She had misjudged Natsuki's strength and ended up completely unable to fight back.
Pakura vaguely remembered even begging him for mercy.
The thought made her blush deepen.
Pakura was filled with regret.
If she had known, she would never have been so stubborn last night.
Pakura let out a breath.
She had even considered finding two female ninja in Sunagakure to help her.
But after giving it some thought, she decided not to make any decisions on her own, lest she get beaten into begging for mercy again.
Pakura got dressed and left the room.
She walked to the entryway and opened the door.
A little girl stood outside.
Her student, Maki.
"Teacher."
Maki asked curiously, "Why haven't you gone to the training ground today?"
"I was just about to."
Pakura said without batting an eye, "I stayed up late last night because of the war, so I'm running behind."
"Oh, I see."
Maki hurriedly said, "Then you can keep resting, Teacher. I can train on my own."
"I'm already awake. I don't need any more rest."
Pakura thought for a moment and said, "Wait here."
She turned and walked into the living room.
Before long, she returned and handed Maki a scroll.
"Give this to Rasa."
Pakura instructed her, "Tell him to follow it immediately."
"Yes, Teacher."
Maki took the scroll and said, "I'll go right now."
"After you give Rasa the scroll, wait for me at the training ground."
Pakura nodded as she spoke.
Maki turned and jogged away.
She soon arrived at the Kazekage Building and gave