The surroundings were very quiet. Only the sound of flames scorching branches could be heard behind them. As time passed, the boy sensed danger radiating from Tobirama.
Realizing he was not welcome here, the boy licked his dry lips and raised his hands to show that he meant no harm. After retreating to a safe distance, he said, "Sorry. I just thought you looked familiar, and that person seemed like he was about to die, so I came over to ask whether you needed any help."
"Kagami, what's going on over there?"
A man in his early twenties, lean but covered in muscle, came over to ask out of concern when Kagami had not returned for so long.
The boy called Kagami shook his head. "No, it's nothing. Let's go first. Has everyone packed up?"
"More or less. We owe you for what you did for the girl. If you ever need anything, just tell me. If I can help, I definitely will."
Kagami tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Forget it. If it's something even I can't handle, you'd better run as far as you can."
Hearing that, the man did not feel insulted at being looked down on by a kid in his teens. He merely scratched his head sheepishly. "True. But what if—no, ptooey! This stupid mouth of mine. There won't be any what-ifs. No what-ifs..."
When they returned to camp, a gaunt middle-aged man emerged from a makeshift shelter. "Lord Kagami, everyone is ready. When do we leave? Are those three coming with us?"
Kagami hesitated, then sighed softly as he rummaged through the backpack on his back. "Uncle Zhang, I told you not to call me 'Lord.' It makes me sound older than you. They aren't coming. All right, everyone, bring your water and