Don't Drag Us Down!

Yuhi Shinku followed his gaze, his brows drawing together slightly.

"Indeed, not even the birds are chirping. It feels like... something is suppressing them."

There was a trace of caution in his voice, and his hand had unconsciously moved to the ninja tool pouch at his waist.

Sarutobi Asuma stopped and turned around, a grave look crossing his rugged face.

"Aoba, Shinku, don't go scaring yourselves.

The border region is quiet to begin with. Wild animals are afraid of us ninja's chakra."

He patted his chest and grinned. "Still, there's nothing wrong with being cautious.

Kurenai, Aoba, you two check out the watchtower. Shinku and I will patrol the area and make sure everything's fine."

Yuhi Kurenai nodded and shot Kawaki Aoba a look.

"Come on, Aoba. Let's see whether that watchtower has any of your 'secrets.'"

There was a teasing note in her voice, but a hint of seriousness flashed through her eyes.

Kawaki Aoba shrugged and followed Yuhi Kurenai toward the watchtower.

The two walked side by side, their steps light but vigilant.

The watchtower's wooden door swayed gently in the morning breeze, letting out a low creak, as though telling of some long-hidden past.

Aoba pushed the door open, and a damp, moldy stench rushed into his face. In the dim light, the scene inside the tower gradually came into view—several battered wooden tables, papers scattered across the floor, and dust piled up in the corners.

"Looks like no one's been here in a long time."

Yuhi Kurenai frowned as she entered the tower, her gaze sweeping over the scattered papers.

"These files... seem to be records left behind by the previous sentries."

She crouched down, picked up a yellowed sheet of paper, and examined it closely.

Kawaki Aoba stood beside her, but his attention had settled