The Distance Between Humans and Monsters

Deep within the bamboo forest, the secluded courtyard was so quiet that not a single human voice could be heard.

Wrapped in a bedsheet, Kurenai Yuhi stepped out of the room and stopped beneath the corridor.

The courtyard gate stood ahead of her.

As long as she passed through it, she could enter the bamboo forest. But she knew full well that this was no ordinary residence. Since waking up, her Chakra had been sealed, she had no ninja tools on her, and even the sound of the wind around her carried an unnaturally steady quality.

Most importantly, Lie Yang was here.

He had not left.

Kurenai Yuhi raised her head toward the second-floor balcony.

Lie Yang leaned against the railing, looking down at her.

His black hair hung loosely around him, and his expression was calm, as though he had known all along that she would awaken at this time.

Kurenai Yuhi's fingers tightened.

"You've been watching me the whole time?"

Lie Yang did not deny it.

"Since the moment you opened your eyes."

"You could sense me from that far away?"

"After unlocking the Second-Stage Gene Lock, nothing within several hundred meters can escape my notice."

He raised his eyes, his gaze crossing the second floor and courtyard before settling on Kurenai Yuhi.

"When you stepped out of the room just now, your right foot moved half a step first, then paused."

"You were judging the location of the courtyard gate."

Kurenai Yuhi's expression darkened slightly.

Lie Yang continued, "After leaving the room, you first looked toward the bamboo forest to the east, then examined the eaves and the courtyard walls."

"You were judging whether there were hidden sentries."

"And now, your right hand is hidden beneath the bedsheet. Your fingers have tightened three times in a row."