Splitting Up

Because it is located at the border of the two countries, getting involved in matters in this sensitive area will not only trigger local conflicts, but may also affect territorial disputes between the two countries, with unimaginable consequences.

Therefore, there is a strange balance here, an interweaving of freedom and chaos in a regulatory vacuum.

However, wherever missing-nin are, there will be ninja village Anbu tracking them, and bounty hunters also use this place as a stage to pursue bounties.

These strongholds were filled with a motley crew and fraught with danger. No one dared to show their face openly; everyone wore a mask, carefully playing their role while remaining vigilant about their surroundings.

Those who come here all know that keeping a low profile and being vigilant are key to survival.

From the Koki and her group stepped into this place, dangerous gazes were constantly cast upon them from the shadows and among the hurried passersby.

Those eyes hidden in the darkness gleamed with a bloodthirsty light, like those of wild beasts, and a tense unease permeated the air.

These desperate criminals, in pursuit of survival and profit, have long since abandoned all moral and ethical constraints.

Minato kept his eyes straight ahead, holding Koki's hand tightly as they walked forward, his body slightly leaning forward, ready to deal with any potential crisis at any moment.

Like Akimichi Chōza, Shibi Aburame ignored the hostile stares and remained on high alert.

Minato strolled into a haven of Pure Land amidst the chaos of the sea—a uniquely styled hotel whose serenity stood in stark contrast to the surrounding clamor.

The signboard in front of the restaurant is faded and mottled from the ravages of wind and sand, but the interior maintains a rare cleanliness.

Once past the threshold, Minato headed straight for the counter without hesitation.

A moment later, a man with a gloomy face strolled over. His cold gaze, like a winter wind, swept quickly over Minato and the others, assessing their threat level, before asking in a hoarse voice, "What do you need?"

"I need some food and water." Minato said calmly, casually tossing out a scroll, which was the currency used here.

Seeing that there was no danger, the group found a corner to settle down, and this simple place became a comfort to them during their tiring journey.

Koki leaned back in her chair and let out a long sigh, as if the tension in her body had finally been released.

Akimichi Chōza plopped down, his massive frame causing the chair to groan slightly.

Shibi Aburame's throat was parched and unbearably thirsty. The long journey had made him feel as if he were walking under the scorching sun in the desert, and the water in his body was quickly dissipating.

However, when the food and water were placed on the table, Minato did not budge an inch, but turned and walked out of the store.

A nameless anxiety lingered in his heart; Minato felt as if countless eyes were watching them from the shadows around them.

"Minato-sensei, where are you going?" Koki immediately turned around and asked.

"Wait here a moment, I'll go out and investigate," Minato whispered.

"Come back soon," Akimichi Chōza said as he grabbed a large water bottle and drank voraciously.

After traveling continuously, his body was extremely thirsty, and all he wanted to do was replenish his fluids as soon as possible.

Koki also raised her glass and drank heartily. The cool water flowed down her throat, bringing a sense of comfort, and even seemed to alleviate some of her fatigue.

Shibi Aburame silently watched the direction Minato had left in, then suddenly spoke, "Actually, Minato has always been a very gentle person."

Akimichi Chōza put down his water bottle, wiped the water droplets from the corner of his mouth, and asked in confusion, "Why are you suddenly saying that?"

Koki explained, "Minato-sensei brought us here specifically so that we could rest and replenish our energy. He wasn't just thinking of himself; he considered us too."

He had just seen it; Minato's movements were light and agile, completely unaffected by the harsh environment.

We brought them here so that those who weren't used to the environment could get some rest.

Minato-sensei... is indeed consistently gentle.

After listening, Akimichi Chōza nodded as if he understood.

After a long while, Minato's figure slowly appeared at the hotel entrance, his hair dancing lightly in the wind, slightly disheveled; his clothes were mottled with sand and dust.

"What's the situation?" Shibi Aburame asked first.

"The situation is not optimistic." Minato walked calmly, gently shaking his head, a look of helplessness in his eyes.

"The destination is hidden deep in the desert, its appearance elusive, and even I cannot pinpoint its location."

Even the Minato can't indicate the direction?

Shibi and Koki felt a sudden tightness in their chests, exchanged glances, and a deep worry flashed in their eyes.

"Then what should we do?" Akimichi Chōza asked, chewing on his meat.

For him, the confrontations on the battlefield were more direct and familiar, and this kind of problem of finding direction gave him a headache.

"Why don't we split up?" Minato suggested.

Searching separately might increase the chances of finding the target, but the risks also increase, though they seem to have no other choice.

"No problem, let's go to the east, let's go." Shibi Aburame trusted Minato's judgment, stood up without hesitation, and prepared to walk outside.

"What's your hurry? Who's on whose team?" Akimichi Chōza glanced at him, his mouth still full of meat, his tone indistinct.

He hadn't caught up with Shibi's line of thinking yet; in the past, when faced with similar situations, the group assignments were usually decided by drawing lots.

Shibi paused, turned around and looked at Chōza with the same look he gave her as if she were a fool.

Unlike Chōza, who was oblivious to everything, he had already noticed the subtle feelings between Minato and Koki.

Minato and Koki were so close together, and Minato's care for Koki was incredibly meticulous throughout the journey...

Shibi glimpse of Koki Minato, and sighed inwardly, as if she understood something at that moment.

He grabbed Chōza, who was still eating, and forcibly pulled him up. "Naturally, we're colleagues."

Upon hearing this, Minato's eyes flashed with joy. He took out a sealed scroll and handed it to Shibi, saying, "This scroll bears Cursed Seal I set. If we lose contact, use it to find me."

"No problem." Shibi took the rolled-up sleeve and carefully hid it in her bosom.

"Huh? Why? Didn't we always draw lots before?" Chōza was clearly not used to it yet, being dragged along by Shibi, and occasionally looking back at Minato and Koki.

"Hehe, no need to ask any more questions, let's set off immediately!" Shibi maintained her smile, trying her best to remain calm.