Night fell, and Uchiha Ying and Tsunade were deeply troubled. In this unfamiliar place, the road ahead was uncertain, and after traveling all day, they were exhausted in both body and mind.
Ying spotted an old-fashioned inn ahead. Its outline was somewhat hazy in the night, yet it radiated a warm glow, like a beacon in the darkness.
Uchiha Ying softly said to Tsunade, "Tsunade, look. There's an inn not far ahead. We've been traveling for so long; it's time to rest. If we stay here for the night and travel another half day tomorrow, we'll reach the daimyo's residence in the capital of the Land of Demons."
Tsunade slightly raised her eyes and looked in the direction Uchiha Ying indicated before softly answering, "Mm." Though her voice was quiet, it carried an unusual gentleness.
The two walked side by side toward the inn, their footsteps like light notes playing faintly upon the somewhat silent road.
They exchanged a glance, then headed toward the inn as though their minds were in perfect sync.
As they pushed open the door, an old yet reassuring scent, like a spring breeze, washed over them.
Several dim yellow lamps lit the inn's lobby like twinkling stars in the night sky. The owner was dozing behind the counter.
Hearing the sound, the owner abruptly woke up. Upon seeing them, a brilliant, flower-like smile immediately bloomed across her face.
The inn looked rather ancient and simple. Its wooden structure seemed like a masterpiece carved by time itself, revealing the marks of age.
The owner, an old woman around fifty, came forward with a beaming smile and warmly said, "Welcome! Honored guests, please come in. Our inn may be small, but it is clean and tidy. You'll certainly be able to get a good rest here."
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