Baku finally saw her.
His wife.
Standing beside another man.
For a moment, the world around him went silent. The noise of the city faded, his breathing grew heavy, and his heart felt like it was being crushed slowly, painfully. Yet even as anger burned inside him, one thought refused to leave his mind.
She would never do this.
She was never that kind of woman. She was gentle. Loyal. Honest to the point of pain. If she had married another man… then something had happened to her.
Something terrible.
Baku clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. His chest tightened, and his thoughts spiraled toward violence—but before he could move, Nobu stepped in front of him.
"We'll find the truth," Nobu said calmly. His voice was firm, grounding. "But don't let your mind run wild. Not yet."
Baku looked away, his jaw trembling. He wanted to believe Nobu. He needed to.
Far away, in the heart of the city, Beru had finally recovered.
His body still ached, but his strength had returned. He entered his home, greeted by the worried eyes of his wife and the laughter of his children. For a brief moment, peace surrounded him.
"You should stay home for a week," his wife said softly. "You need rest."
Beru shook his head. "Not now. I still have unfinished business."
Before she could protest, Beru turned to one of his men. "Find Nobu," he ordered. "I want his exact location. No mistakes. No delays."
The man bowed and left immediately.
Back in the mountains, the wind cut sharply through the trees.
Nobu trained relentlessly, his body moving with precision, sweat dripping from his brow. Nearby, Baku sat on a chair, watching in silence. His mind was far away—lost in memories of his wife, her smile, her voice.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the clearing.
A man emerged from between the trees, his body soaked in blood, his breath ragged. Fear filled his eyes as he staggered forward.
"Please… save them…" he gasped.
Before anyone could reach him, his body collapsed.
Dead.
Baku and Nobu rushed forward, shock written across their faces. They tried to wake him, but it was useless. His eyes stared blankly at the sky.
Nobu crouched down and searched the man's clothes. His expression changed.
He pulled out a folded, bloodstained map.
"What is it?" Baku asked.
"A map," Nobu replied slowly.
Baku grabbed it impatiently. When he unfolded it, his breath caught.
The place marked on the map… it was his hometown.
But twisted. Altered. Like a reflection seen through broken glass.
His hands shook.
He recognized it instantly.
Baku crumpled the map and threw it aside. "It's trash."
Nobu's eyes widened. "Are you insane?"
Baku turned to him sharply. "Why?"
"The man came here begging us to save someone," Nobu said. "And he died right after. That map matters."
Nobu paused, then looked directly at Baku. "Where did you see your wife?"
Baku hesitated. "Why does that matter?"
"Just tell me."
Baku closed his eyes, forcing himself to remember. When he spoke, his voice was low.
"The place… it was near my hometown."
Nobu froze.
Slowly, he picked up the map again.
The marked location matched perfectly.
"This man wasn't random," Nobu said quietly. "He came to us to save your wife."
The realization hit Baku like lightning.
Back in the city, Beru received the report.
"This is Nobu's real location," his man said confidently.
Beru stared at the coordinates for a long moment. Then he nodded. "Good. Prepare."
Without hesitation, Beru left.
Baku's rage finally exploded.
"She's in danger," he growled. "And you want me to wait?"
Nobu stepped forward. "We go tomorrow. Rushing in blindly will—"
Before Nobu could finish, Baku grabbed him and threw him into the woods.
"I won't wait," Baku said coldly.
He turned his back and walked away toward his hometown.
Alone.
"Nobu tried to stand up. "Baku! Stop!"
But Baku didn't even look back.
Time passed.
Nobu sat on the ground, dirt on his clothes, his chest rising and falling heavily. Regret filled his eyes.
"I should've stopped him," he muttered.
Just then, he sensed something.
Footsteps.
Someone was approaching.
Nobu slowly lifted his head.
And saw a man emerging from the shadows.