Aoki's eyes looked at me with full conviction, as if he wanted to instill something deeper than mere words. "Mei… This might sound stupid. No, it might sound ridiculous. But in the time we've spent together over these past few days, I've come to consider you my friend."
Aoki's voice sounded deeper, more serious than before.
There was warmth in Aoki's words, but also a firmness that conveyed an unwavering determination. "That's why I don't want any of my friends to be killed or hurt."
The wind blew softly, bringing a chill that seeped into my skin.
Every leaf trembled, as if whispering about something that couldn't be heard by humans.
The sound of the rustling wind accompanied the silence of the night, creating a heavy atmosphere, as if the world around us was waiting for something to happen.
"Especially since you're not going alone," Aoki said, his voice now firm, though there was an exhaustion that couldn't be hidden behind his harsh tone. "You have to go while keeping Tetsu and Ajisai safe. Remember that, Mei. You have to look after both of them, not just run away by yourself. So… don't make that sad and guilty expression, you crybaby."
I bit my lip hard.
The emotions swirling within me felt like a fire that couldn't be tamed, burning through all my thoughts.
Unconsciously, my hand gripped the fabric of my shirt at my chest, as if trying to hold back the anxiety that continued to spread, growing more oppressive.
Fear, anxiety, and self-blame merged into a single burden that felt so heavy.
My skin felt cold, like the wind blowing sharply toward my heart.
I knew Aoki was right, and I knew I wasn't running away just for myself.
But how could I leave Aoki to face them alone?
I then looked at Aoki's face, a face that seemed ready to confront whatever came, and it made my chest tighten even more.
Why did I have to face this again? Why did there have to be such a difficult choice? If only I had left right after my wound was bandaged, if only I weren't tied to them—Aoki, Tetsu, Ajisai—I wouldn't be trapped in this dilemma.
But if I did that, I wouldn't know them. There would be no cheerful smile from Tetsu, no joy and cuteness from Ajisai, and certainly, no Aoki who was so strong. I couldn't choose that.
But… if I did that, maybe I could keep them safe from danger.
Ah, how fragile this decision was.
If I drew the attention of those two Anbu, maybe they would chase after me, but then they would separate.
One of them could attack Aoki, Tetsu, and Ajisai, and if that happened, I didn't know if I could forgive myself.
Damn! This is all my fault! Why am I always caught in situations that make me lose the precious people I love?
The pain bit deeper than anything I had ever faced.
As my thoughts grew more chaotic, suddenly a ray of light appeared in my mind.
What could I do? I could take Tetsu and Ajisai away first, out of this forest, and then come back to help Aoki.
That was the only way I could think of right now. It was the best solution I could take to ensure their safety.
"... You have to promise to stay safe. Do you understand?" My voice this time was filled with firmness.
My green eyes, shining under the moonlight, radiated a determination that was almost palpable.
Every word that came from my lips felt like a burden, but I knew I had to say it.
I had to make sure they were all safe, even if it meant I had to bear a greater burden.
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[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
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