Be Careful, It's Wind Style!

Beneath the wooden eaves lining both sides of the street hung dried fish and strings of peppers. Occasionally, passersby hurried past beneath oil-paper umbrellas, casting curious glances their way.

Aoba pulled his cloak's hood tighter and murmured to Asuma beside him, "This place looks peaceful, but something feels off. Do you get that feeling too?"

Asuma frowned, the cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth bobbing slightly as smoke dispersed through the damp, chilly air.

"Yeah, it is a little strange.

"The townspeople seem to be deliberately avoiding our eyes, especially the vendors. Everything they say is vague and evasive."

He paused and glanced at a middle-aged man packing up his stall in a nearby alley. "Look at that guy. When we asked for directions just now, he obviously knew something, but he only said, 'I don't know,' and ran off."

Aoba nodded, his gaze sweeping toward the end of the street. A low stone bridge stood there, with a slowly flowing river beneath it, its surface glimmering dark green.

"Maybe it's because we're outsiders. It's normal for them to be wary.

"But when that drunk mentioned the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, his tone was a little too casual. It was like he wanted us to know."

"You mean... someone's spreading rumors?"

Asuma stopped, his gaze sharpening. "If that's the case, we need to be more careful.

"This lead could be bait."

Aoba replied quietly, "That's possible.

"So when we scout the area, we'd better not reveal our identities. I can use some genjutsu as cover. What do you think?"

Asuma grinned and patted Aoba on the shoulder. "Not bad, Aoba. You think fast.

"Fine, we'll do it your way. The genjutsu is up to you.

"But how long can it last? Don't let it fail halfway