Yugakure.
The hot spring inn.
Because of last night's murder, the hot spring inn where Yūto and his companion were staying naturally had not a single guest today.
Auntie, the proprietress, sat behind the counter, her cheek resting on her upper arm, and sighed toward the lobby. "Lord Yukage, the village has fewer and fewer tourists these days..."
Hearing her sigh, the Yukage's wrinkled face broke into a gentle smile.
He walked slowly to the counter, took a packet of candied fruit wrapped in waxed paper from his sleeve, and gently pushed it toward her.
"Try these. I bought them especially at the confectionery when I passed through South Street this morning."
Ever since Yugakure's founding, every Yukage had been someone deeply respected by the villagers, and the current elderly Yukage was no exception.
Like an elder, he looked after every villager.
The proprietress paused. She raised her head to look at the Yukage before her, and a blush spread across her cheeks.
"Lord Yukage, I'm too old for you to be offering me treats like you're coaxing a child!"
Despite her words, Auntie, the proprietress, still reached for a piece of candied fruit and popped it into her mouth. A satisfied smile immediately spread across her face.
"Don't worry. That Uchiha boy will certainly solve the problem. I trust my own judgment."
With the Yukage having gone that far, the proprietress could only nod in agreement.
Just as she was enjoying the candied fruit, a silver-haired boy suddenly appeared in the corner of her vision.
"Welcome!" A practiced smile immediately appeared on her face.
After waiting all day, her hot spring inn finally had a customer.
"Oh, Hidan." The Yukage immediately beckoned when he saw Hidan, calling him over and giving his head a pat.
"Little Hidan, have you