Outside Kumogakure, dark clouds gathered densely, thunder rumbling faintly.
Chiya and Shisui stood on a high cliff, overlooking the village in the distance.
Kumogakure's architectural style was rugged, mostly constructed with dark stone and steel, completely different from Konoha's refinement.
Few pedestrians walked the streets. Occasionally ninja hurried past, and the air was thick with an aura of solemnity and killing intent.
"Sensei, are we going in directly like this?"
Shisui asked in a low voice, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes.
The corner of Chiya's mouth lifted slightly, his crimson Sharingan appearing especially sinister in the shadows.
"Of course, but we need to keep a low profile."
He raised his hand and pulled out a scroll, summoning a set of clothes.
He changed into ordinary dark, simple clothing. His forehead protector had already been put away long ago.
Seeing this, Shisui also took out his own sealing scroll. After unsealing it, he changed clothes.
"Let's go. I'll take you to see Kumogakure!"
Shisui nodded, a hint of curiosity appearing in his eyes.
The two walked slowly down the mountain path and soon arrived at Kumogakure's main gate.
The guarding ninja's gaze was sharp. He extended his hand to stop them.
"Halt! Show your travel permits!"
Chiya raised his eyes. His three-tomoe Sharingan rotated slightly, his gaze staring at the other party like an abyss.
The guard's eyes instantly became vacant, his body stiffening as if his soul had been extracted.
"You may enter."
He said mechanically, then retreated to the side, his gaze dull.
Shisui was secretly shocked. Although he knew his teacher's genjutsu mastery was extremely high, to manipulate others so effortlessly still made him feel astounded.
Chiya, however, acted as if he had merely done something trivial. He stepped into the village, Shisui following closely behind.
On Kumogakure's streets, pedestrians wore hurried expressions. Occasionally there were vendors' calls, but they seemed suppressed and restrained.
The people here were bold and fierce. Most ninja were powerfully built, their eyes carrying untamed defiance.
The shop signs along the street were rough and simple, lacking Konoha's refined decorations, yet they conveyed a sense of wild, powerful energy.
"Sensei, what do we do next?"
Shisui asked in a low voice.
Chiya's gaze swept around as he said indifferently.
"First fill our stomachs, then gather intelligence."
The two walked along the street and soon found a yakiniku restaurant.
Inside the shop, voices filled the air, rich aromas of meat and alcohol washing over them.
It was noon, and the shop was nearly full. Individual private rooms had already been completely reserved.
Chiya didn't mind. He led Shisui to search for empty seats in the main hall.
It seemed everything was full!
Suddenly, his gaze stopped at a table in the corner.
There sat a girl with straight brown hair tied into a long braid reaching her waist.
She wore practical ninja clothing and sat alone.
The seats around her were completely empty, forming a stark contrast with the other crowded tables.
The girl's face was delicate and beautiful, but her eyes carried a trace of detachment. The customers around seemed to intentionally or unintentionally avoid her.
"That spot then."
Chiya pointed to the seat beside the girl and walked over with Shisui.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
Chiya asked politely.
The girl raised her head, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes, as if she hadn't expected anyone to actively approach her.
"No."
Her voice was cool, yet revealed a trace of barely perceptible nervousness and unease.
Chiya smiled slightly and beckoned Shisui to sit down together.
Seeing this, the surrounding diners cast strange looks their way. Whispered voices rose and fell continuously.
"Who's that guy? He actually has the guts to sit with a Jinchuriki..."
"Shh, keep it down! Don't cause trouble!"
"Hmph, Jinchuriki are monsters in the end. Who knows if she'll suddenly go berserk?"
"..."
Although these words were spoken in lowered voices, they were clearly audible to ninja ears.
Chiya's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over those gossiping diners.
Jinchuriki?
Chiya raised his head, looking at the beautiful girl who was currently eating with her head down.
She was eating quietly, appearing very careful.
Her ear clearly twitched. Obviously she had heard the surrounding people's discussion.
Female, Kumogakure's Jinchuriki...
Could it be?
The sexy wildcat, Nii Yugito??
Nii Yugito, in Chiya's memory there wasn't much information.
Only that in the anime, she was pinned to a wall by the "Immortal Duo," dying quite miserably.
Additionally, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, her clothes were split open, revealing her proud figure for a moment...
No wonder when she sat here just now, there wasn't a single person around her.
So it's her!
What a pity. The "sexy wildcat" was ultimately pinned to death on a wall!
Shisui also sensed the abnormal atmosphere and asked in a low voice.
"Sensei, should we change..."
Chiya didn't answer. Instead, he suddenly stood up and slammed his palm on the table.
"Bang!"
With a loud sound, the entire shop instantly quieted.
Everyone's gazes simultaneously focused on him.
"You few, what are you chattering about?"
Chiya's voice was cold, his gaze sweeping over the crowd like a blade.
"What's wrong with being a Jinchuriki? Aren't Jinchuriki comrades of the village?
Right now on the battlefield, our Jinchuriki are still fighting for Kumogakure!
Without the Jinchuriki's sacrifice and power, where would your peaceful days come from?!"
His words struck forcefully, silencing everyone present.
Some showed shame on their faces, some lowered their heads without speaking. More people looked at the brown-haired girl with complex expressions.
The girl stared blankly at Chiya, an incredible light flashing in her eyes.
She had never imagined anyone would speak up for her, much less that it would be a stranger.
Chiya sat back down, his expression returning to calm, as if the outburst just now had been an illusion.
He picked up the menu and said to Shisui.
"Let's order. The signature grilled meat here is good."
Shisui nodded, secretly glancing at Yugito, discovering her gaze had been resting on Chiya all along.
A strange expression appeared at the corner of Shisui's mouth.
'Sensei's charm is still too great!'
Shisui sighed in his heart, then began ordering.
Soon, the grilled meat was served. Chiya and Shisui ate heartily.
Yugito looked at Chiya, seeming to want to speak but hesitating.
Chiya naturally noticed but didn't pay it much attention.
After Chiya brought Shisui out for so long, they could finally have a proper good meal!
All along this journey they'd eaten nothing but soldier pills until they wanted to vomit.
Soon, the two were full.
Chiya stood up to pay and prepared to leave with Shisui.
Just as they stepped out the shop door, Yugito quickly caught up.
"Please wait!"
She called out.
Chiya stopped and turned to look at her.
"What is it?"
Yugito bit her lip, her eyes determined.
"Just now... thank you."
Chiya chuckled lightly and waved his hand.
"I just spoke a few truths. Don't worry about it."
Yugito shook her head.
"No, no one has ever spoken up for me like that. You..."
"Can you tell me your name?"
"Chiya."
He answered frankly.
"Chiya?"
Yugito repeated softly, feeling this name was somewhat familiar.
"If you need anything, you can come find me anytime. I can..."
Chiya raised his hand, interrupting her words.
"No need. I appreciate your goodwill."
A trace of disappointment flashed in Yugito's eyes, but she quickly rallied.
"Then... can we meet again tomorrow?"
Chiya didn't answer directly but said meaningfully.
"Perhaps. This world is small. If we're fated, we'll meet again."
Having said that, he turned and left, Shisui following closely behind.
Yugito stood in place, watching their backs, not moving for a long time.
After walking some distance, Shisui couldn't help but ask.
"Sensei, that person just now..."
"Nii Yugito, Kumogakure's Two-Tails Jinchuriki."
Chiya answered indifferently.
Shisui had a sudden realization.
"No wonder those people discussed her like that. But Sensei, why did you speak up for her?"
Chiya's gaze was profound as he said softly.
"There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. In all things, you must keep an extra card up your sleeve!"
"Who knows, someday it might come in handy..."
Just then.
[System triggered mission: Steal Nii Yugito.]
[Mission reward: One random clan secret technique.]
?
Chiya's expression stiffened. He couldn't help but complain in his heart.
'System!'
'When I said "come in handy"...'
'Is this the kind of "handy" you mean?!'
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