NOVEL WEB Chapter 81: Chapter 79: Eiki Yotu
Aoki's usually calm face now showed complexity, as if Aoki's mind was at war with itself.
With a disappointed gaze, Aoki turned his attention to the dense forest in front of him. "Maybe it's time to put an end to all this. It's better if I continue my journey," Aoki thought, trying to suppress the despair gnawing at his spirit.
With a new focus, Aoki gathered energy within himself. "Mizu no kokyu: Ku no kata: Suiryū shibuki. (Water Breathing: Ninth Form: Water Splash)!" Aoki recited his technique, and in that instant, a mesmerizing splash of water shot from Aoki's feet, although not as strong as he had hoped.
Aoki's journey through the forest became increasingly exhausting. Each step felt heavier as frustration lurked nearby. Aoki realized how dangerous this world was when he sensed the presence of several Anbu ninjas lurking close by. 'Damn, I thought the Anbu only protected the Village of Konoha, why have I been sensing so many Anbu!' Aoki thought, and without hesitation, he hurried away. A confrontation with Konoha's Anbu was the last thing Aoki wanted.
After three exhausting hours of travel, Aoki finally found a place that seemed suitable for a rest. He then spotted a large, shady tree, its roots forming a comfortable area. With a sigh of relief, Aoki searched for a comfortable sitting position and pulled out a scroll from his bag.
Quickly, Aoki opened the scroll. "Kai!" Aoki murmured softly, and instantly, smoke billowed from the scroll. In a flash, a bowl of warm ramen appeared before Aoki, releasing a tempting aroma that filled the air.
"Itadakimasu!" Aoki exclaimed enthusiastically, picking up his chopsticks and starting to enjoy the delicious katsu ramen. Each bite brought its own happiness, erasing the fatigue and hunger that tormented him.
After fifteen satisfying minutes, Aoki finished two bowls of katsu ramen. Although it was only two bowls, it felt like a drop of water in the ocean. Aoki's body, stronger than that of an ordinary human or ninja, required more energy, and the intense hunger gnawed at Aoki's stomach. Thus, eating two bowls did not truly fill him up.
"Gochisōsama deshita!" Aoki said, thanking the filling meal. With a slight sense of fullness alleviating his frustration, Aoki then tidied up his belongings and prepared to continue his journey.
In his heart, Aoki pondered how to master the technique he had long desired.
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(Inside the horse-drawn carriage)
"Huuh, still a few days before I reach the village of Konoha. I hope this journey continues to go smoothly," murmured Eiki Yotu, an elderly man who looked weary. Eiki's voice was filled with concern, "Because war will break out soon. I must return quickly if I don't want to die in the Third Shinobi World War."
Eiki, an antique dealer from the Land of Fire, specifically from Konoha, was known for his collection of valuable items that he often sold. However, the journey as a merchant was not without risks. The expensive items Eiki possessed often attracted attention, and sometimes, those unwilling to spend money legitimately chose the dirty path. To protect himself and his merchandise, Eiki did not hesitate to hire guards.
Currently, Eiki was being escorted by twenty samurai. Why not ninjas? Because the cost of hiring a ninja was much higher, and for a merchant, profit always took precedence over security. Eiki chose samurai—though weaker than ninjas—at least they could provide some protection.
However, that decision soon proved to be a mistake. Suddenly, the sound of an explosion shook the carriage, causing Eiki to jump in shock. Eiki then looked outside, and his view was filled with horror.
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Note: Hi! The Author is here, and since today is New Year's Eve, I would like to inform you that tomorrow the Author will take a day off on January 1st to rest for a bit. But don't worry! On January 2nd, the Author will be back! That's all! Happy New Year to EVERYONE!
Oh right, since it's New Year, the Author will update two chapters for today! Yay! Anyway, Happy New Year!