When the caravan arrived at Sawakuchi Town, the sun had already set. This small town, which relied on a rare underground spring in the desert, was not large in scale, but it had everything it needed.
The low, earthen-yellow buildings are scattered in a pleasing manner. In the center of the town, there are several inns and taverns, and the lanterns hanging at the door emit a dim yellow glow in the twilight, guiding weary travelers.
The air was filled with the mixed smells of baked flatbread, meat broth, and animal manure, exuding the ruggedness and vitality unique to this border town.
After a brief discussion with the caravan leader, Reppu chose a relatively clean and spacious inn in the town to stay in. The caravan members were busy unloading goods and feeding livestock, and for a while, there was a lot of noise.
Shira and the other guard ninjas were relatively relaxed. Reppu asked for a table against the wall in the inn's lobby, took out a slightly old but finely drawn route map from his scroll, spread it on the table, and studied it carefully by the light of the oil lamp.
His brow furrowed slightly, and his fingers moved slowly across the map, as if he were deducing something.
After entering the room, the two brothers, Sada and Sasori, immediately and carefully removed the long, cloth-wrapped object from their backs.
They opened the package, revealing intricately designed puppet parts with their joints gleaming with a cold metallic sheen. Finding a well-lit spot in the corner of the room, the two took out special oil and a soft cloth and began to meticulously wipe, inspect, and oil the parts, their movements gentle as if handling a precious work of art.
The puppets made a soft, reassuring "click" sound as their joints turned; this was an essential preparation before battle.
The energetic young man, Asuka, couldn't stay in the inn. After informing Reppu, he slipped out to "familiarize himself with the town's layout," though he was mostly there to satisfy his curiosity and voracious appetite.
Shira didn't stay in the slightly stuffy room. He carried his newly bought sword and went to a relatively open sandy area in the backyard of the inn.
There were some odds and ends piled up here, but enough for him to move around in. He drew his sword and, by the light shining through the inn's window and the last rays of the sunset, began to slowly practice basic sword moves.
The feel of the new sword is completely different from the training sword. The weight distribution, center of gravity, wind resistance when swinging... all need to be readjusted. Shira practiced very slowly and carefully. With each chop, thrust, parry, and swipe, she was carefully feeling the feedback from the blade and adjusting the subtle differences in muscle power.
Shira used her own strength to wield the sword, allowing her body to quickly become familiar with this companion that would accompany her on her long journey. Occasionally, the sword's edge would trace a cold arc of light in the dim light.
As Sasori wiped the puppet's arm, he glimpsed through the window the thin, silent figure wielding a sword in the backyard. He pursed his lips and whispered to his brother, Sada:
"Brother, look at that kid, he's really hardworking. Is it really necessary to treasure a new sword like this? No matter how strong his Taijutsu are, he's just a brute."
Sada didn't even look up, continuing to adjust the puppet's finger sensitivity with a special tool, his voice flat. "Shut up, get to work. His Taijutsu strength isn't a bad thing for us. At least he can hold the line."
Sasori snorted and didn't say anything more, but the disdain in his eyes for Shira's "foolishness" still lingered.
About an hour later, Asuka returned satisfied, carrying two skewers of roasted scorpions that he had bought from somewhere. He handed one skewer to Shira.
Shira thanked her and accepted the food, but did not eat it immediately. Instead, she sheathed her sword and returned to Reppu's room with Asuka.
The Sada Sasori had also finished its maintenance, wrapping the puppet up again. The four gathered around the Reppu Table.
Reppu raised his gaze from the map, swept it over his four teammates, and his expression turned serious.
"Have you all rested well?" he asked in a deep voice.
"Yes, Captain!" Asuka immediately straightened her back.
Reppu nodded, pointed to the location of Sawakuchi Town on the map, and then moved westward, landing on an area marked with a brown shading.
"We'll set off from here early tomorrow morning and continue west. At a normal pace, we'll pass through this area—'Rolling Stone Gorge' —this afternoon."
He paused, then circled the area with his finger. "This place is narrow, with severely weathered rocky mountains on both sides. The paths are winding, and visibility is limited. It's a typical terrain that's easy to defend and difficult to attack, suitable for ambushes."
The atmosphere in the room immediately became more serious. The Sada Sasori brothers subconsciously touched the puppet package beside them. Asuka also put away his playful expression. Shira, her hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of the new sword.
"The caravan is quite large, and the goods are of considerable value; it's difficult to completely block the news." Reppu's gaze swept over the four people. "Based on my experience, places like ' Rolling Stone Gorge ' are among the most favored locations for bandits along the way. They may already be watching us, or even... perhaps they're already waiting ahead."
"Captain, do you mean...?" Sada asked.
"What I mean is, don't let your guard down just because we arrived safely in Sawakuchi Town today." Reppu tapped the map. "The real test might come some distance from the town, especially before and after entering ' Rolling Stone Gorge.' The bandits are likely to choose to attack when we are least vigilant and the terrain is most unfavorable."
He looked at Asuka: " Asuka, tomorrow you need to expand your reconnaissance area, paying particular attention to any unusual activity, signs of falling rocks, or signs of deliberately placed tripwires or traps on the rocky mountains on both sides. Don't be reckless; if you find anything, immediately withdraw your report."
"No problem! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Asuka nodded vigorously.
" Sada, Sasori," Reppu turned to the puppet master and his brother, "Once we enter the canyon area, you two will stand on the left and right, maintaining a distance of fifteen to twenty meters from the caravan, using the puppets for flank surveillance. Pay special attention to guarding against surprise attacks from above and ranged attacks. Set up early warning and distraction traps in key locations in advance."
"Understood," the Sada Sasori replied in unison.
Finally, Reppu's gaze fell on Shira: " Shira, you'll stay with me, providing support from the center and protecting the caravan's core. If we're attacked, you'll need to quickly eliminate approaching enemies or provide support to the direction under pressure, depending on the situation. Your Taijutsu and reflexes are crucial."
"Yes, Captain," Shira replied in a deep voice, her eyes resolute.
"Everyone, stay alert." Reppu closed the map, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Get a good rest tonight, but keep your weapons and ninja tools within easy reach. Tomorrow... might not be so peaceful."
As night deepened, Sawakuchi Town gradually quieted down. But in this room of the inn, a tension had already built up in the hearts of several Sunagakure. The shadow of Rolling Stone Gorge seemed to have seeped through the map and loomed over everyone's hearts.
Shira returned to her simple room, placed the sword beside her pillow, and lay down fully clothed.
Outside the window, the desert town was silent in the night, but in his mind, the location that Reppu's finger had pointed to on the map, and his stern warning, kept replaying in his mind.
" Rolling Stone Gorge..." he murmured to himself, slowly closing his eyes. His body was exhausted and needed rest, but his mind remained somewhat clear. Tomorrow's journey would likely not be as peaceful as today.