"Kindred spirits..."
Kazeno Takuya silently repeated the words. Emotion stirred in his eyes as he turned to look at Aoba beside him. The boy was young, but his mind was mature. The resolve and clarity in his gaze were nothing like those of a teenage Genin.
"You're right," he said softly. "Perhaps I've been too fixated on the divide between our villages.
"Sunagakure has endured too much turmoil over the years, and I've seen too much betrayal and bloodshed. That's why I'm wary of everyone, including you, a ninja from Konoha."
"I understand."
Aoba nodded, his voice full of empathy. "The ninja world is filled with bloodshed and betrayal. To survive, you have to stay on guard.
"But being on guard doesn't mean closing yourself off or rejecting every act of kindness.
"Sometimes accepting help isn't weakness. It takes courage—the courage to face everything again."
They slowly reached a hollow behind the dune. It was just large enough for two people, and the sand inside was softer and a little cooler.
Kazeno Takuya leaned against the wall of the hollow and slowly sat down. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began circulating his Chakra to recover his strength.
Aoba stood at the entrance, scanning their surroundings with a sharp gaze, alert to the slightest movement.
About half an hour later, Kazeno Takuya slowly opened his eyes. His complexion had improved, his gaze was much clearer, and some of his Chakra had returned.
He looked at Aoba by the entrance and said softly, "Kawaki Aoba, thank you. I feel much better.
"Now we need to find a way out. Those enemies should catch up soon. We can't stay here."
Aoba turned toward him and nodded. "I agree. We shouldn't linger.
"Senior Kazeno, do you know the terrain around