"No need to thank me."
Kawaki Aoba smiled. "You earned this through your own hard work. You're talented and determined. Keep at it, and one day you'll be able to control Chakra well, maybe even use it in ninjutsu and Taijutsu."
"Mm!"
Just then, Kawaki Aoba's eyes sharpened. He sensed an unfamiliar surge of Chakra. It was powerful, tinged with malice, and closing in fast on the cave.
Oh no. Danger!
Kawaki Aoba sprang to his feet and told Haruno Mei, "Mei, stay here. Don't move. Whatever happens outside, don't come out. Understand?"
Haruno Mei's heart clenched at his grave expression. She nodded, her voice trembling. "Sister Aoba, be careful. Is someone bad coming?"
"Yes."
Kawaki Aoba nodded, his tone serious. "A very strong ninja, and he means us harm. Stay here and protect yourself. I'll take a look outside and be right back."
With that, Kawaki Aoba headed for the cave entrance. The short blade at his waist was already drawn, pale blue Chakra gathered in his palm, and he watched the outside of the cave with wary eyes, ready to fight.
Haruno Mei watched him go, her heart full of worry. Clenching her fists, she prayed silently, Sister Aoba, please come back safe. Please.
"Senior Yuhi, what are you doing here?" A cool voice edged with concern came from behind, breaking the deathly silence. Yuhi Shinku stiffened and spun around, his hands forming Hand Seals in an instant. Chakra gathered instinctively in his palm. Only when he saw who it was did he slowly breathe easier, though he kept his guard up.
"Kawaki Aoba? What are you doing on Sunagakure's border?"
A faint tremor ran through Yuhi Shinku's voice. The grief and anger had yet to leave his eyes as he studied the upright young man before him,