"That's good."
Kawaki Aoba nodded. "Desert nights are cold. Let's find somewhere to rest tonight and continue on our way tomorrow.
There's a cave up ahead. We can rest there."
"Okay. I'll do whatever you say, Aoba."
Haruno Mei nodded and stayed close behind Kawaki Aoba, her eyes full of trust.
Kawaki Aoba led Haruno Mei toward the cave. Moonlight fell across them, casting two long shadows over the silent desert. Together, they made the night feel a little warmer.
At the cave entrance, Kawaki Aoba checked inside first. Only after confirming it was safe did he bring Haruno Mei in.
The cave wasn't large, but it was dry. There were no wild animals or other people inside.
"We'll rest here."
Kawaki Aoba took a coat from his pack and handed it to Haruno Mei. "It gets cold at night. Put this on so you don't catch a chill."
"Thank you, Aoba."
Haruno Mei put on the coat and immediately felt warmer. She looked at Kawaki Aoba with gratitude in her eyes.
Kawaki Aoba found a clean spot and sat down. Leaning against the cave wall, he closed his eyes and sensed the Chakra around them. Once he was sure nothing was amiss, he slowly relaxed.
Haruno Mei sat beside Kawaki Aoba and studied his profile. After hesitating for a long time, she finally gathered the courage to ask, "Aoba, you're a really strong ninja, aren't you?"
Kawaki Aoba opened his eyes and glanced at Haruno Mei with a smile. "Not really. I'm just a little better than an ordinary ninja."
"But you defeated that really powerful rogue ninja."
Admiration filled Haruno Mei's eyes. "I've never seen a ninja as strong as you. Aoba, could you teach me ninjutsu? I want to become strong too. I want to protect myself.