The Cycle of Hatred

Asuma Sarutobi struggled even harder after hearing Uzuki Yugao's words, but he still could not shake the invisible force binding him. It pried his fingers from his Chakra Blade, which fell to the ground with a clang.

He glared at her. "Do you think Konoha Ninja are afraid to die? Yugao, stop making the same mistake!"

"Think of Kurenai, Asuma." Yugao's voice softened for an instant, but her gaze remained firm. "You need to get some sleep."

The next moment, Asuma felt the invisible force pry his mouth open. A pill was shoved inside and slid down his throat.

He fought desperately, but the drug swiftly overwhelmed his mind.

Before darkness swallowed him, he heard Yugao's final words: "I'm sorry, Aoba. Asuma. It'll all be over soon."

Yugao looked at the two unconscious men, then took out the Chakra-suppressing iron cuffs she had prepared. She locked their hands and feet, brought them to a hidden cave, and shut them inside.

She gave the comrades she had once fought beside one last look. Then she vanished into the night, heading resolutely toward the approaching Sunagakure Investigation Team.

Morning sunlight filtered through the sparse leaves, scattering patches of light across a clearing on the Land of Fire's border.

A Sunagakure Investigation Team consisting of one Jonin and three Genin had stopped there to rest.

The three young Genin, all around thirteen or fourteen, still had a childish look to their faces. They huddled together, chatting excitedly.

A boy with short brown hair waved his arms. "I heard Konoha has Ichiraku Ramen, and it's amazing! I have to try it this time!"

Another boy, wearing a headscarf, chimed in. "And the toy shops! When I came with my uncle last time, I saw puppets that could dance on their own. It was incredible!"