Netherworld Soul Pursuit: An Anxious Wait

Tap! The little boat came alongside the bank of the Nether River.

"..." Madara's brows drew tightly together.

They had barely entered this perilous place when an unidentified boat came gliding toward them. There was something eerie about it, no matter how he looked at it!

Yu released his grip, and the Red Spider Lily fell into the Nether River... With a hiss, it vanished into nothingness!

Yu said, "Looks like we won't get anywhere on this river without that boat!"

Madara said, "You're not afraid an unknown boat like that will capsize halfway across?"

Yu looked down at the mark of Ubiji-ni Deity on his right palm and said thoughtfully, "Maybe this was arranged by forces beyond our sight..."

Yu boarded first.

The boat was small but unusually steady. Even walking around on it did not make it sway!

After sitting down, Yu set his Six Paths Staff beside him and patted the planks. "See? It should be fine."

"Don't make it sound like I'm scared. I'm just maintaining the vigilance any ninja should have..."

Having made his point, Madara stepped aboard, sat cross-legged, and rested his hands at his sides.

Creaking, the wooden boat turned around. Its oars began to move, with Madara at the bow and Yu at the stern, carrying them down the Nether River!

Beyond the hazy mist, at the edge of the darkened sky, a gigantic jellyfish seemed to drift slowly past. Three purple lines outlined its face.

Madara asked, "Does a boat coming to pick us up have something to do with the mark on your hand?"

"Yeah, I think so," Yu said. "Ōtsutsuki Ubiji is one of Yomi's three great deities. I signed a contract with him, so you could say I have connections in high places."

Madara watched the riverbanks slip