---
After seeing someone, Bai instinctively thought about retreating immediately.
He recognized the boy standing before him — the Konoha ninja who had wounded Zabuza Momochi that day... the young boy who had managed to forcibly withstand his Hyōton ninjutsu, something even adult shinobi struggled against.
After a brief hesitation, Bai decided not to flee right away. He wanted to try to gather some useful information from Ye Dou.
He firmly believed that the other party couldn't possibly know his true identity, since Bai had never revealed his face during the previous battle.
"Sorry to disturb you," Bai said softly, raising the bamboo basket in his hands. "I just came out to gather medicinal herbs."
He smiled politely, adding, "What about you, Lord Ninja? Why are you here so early?"
Ye Dou answered simply, "Training. To make myself stronger."
"It's really admirable," Bai replied with a gentle smile. "But you seem very strong already, Lord Ninja. Why work so hard? Is it to protect someone important... or just for your own sake?"
As he spoke, Bai unconsciously thought of Zabuza. He looked at Ye Dou expectantly.
Ye Dou frowned slightly. He turned his head, meeting Bai's gaze, and answered categorically, "For myself."
"I see..." Bai lowered his eyes, a trace of disappointment flashing across his face.
After regaining his composure, he continued, "I believe people truly become strong when they want to protect something important."
Ye Dou's expression remained unmoved. "That's an excuse for the weak to avoid facing reality."
"Perhaps," Bai said gently, "but people always need a reason to live, Lord Ninja. Not everyone is as strong as you."
Facing Ye Dou's intense gaze, Bai dismissed any idea of probing for more information.
In his heart, he judged the boy in front of him to be like many other shinobi in the ninja world — emotionless tools created for missions, without dreams or warmth.
With that thought, Bai turned to leave. But unexpectedly, Ye Dou called out to him.
"Wait."
Bai stopped and turned back. "Is there something else, Lord Ninja?"
"You said you came to gather herbs," Ye Dou said calmly.
He bent down, plucked a small plant, and tossed it lightly to Bai along with the clump of soil attached. "Talking with you was pleasant enough. Take it as a gift."
(Though he didn't find the conversation pleasant at all,) Bai accepted the herb politely on the surface.
When Bai finally disappeared from view, Ye Dou turned to the mongoose beside him.
"Is everything ready?" Ye Dou asked.
The mongoose puffed up his chest proudly. "Of course! You're looking at the stealthiest cat in the Land of Waves! I come and go without leaving a trace. The eyes of jōnin couldn't spot me even if they tried!"
As he spoke, he eyed a snow rabbit munching grass nearby and grumbled, "Hey Ye Dou, are you sure we can't eat that rabbit? It's a snow rabbit, a rare species even in places like the Land of Snow!"
Ye Dou ignored the complaint. His gaze turned serious as he looked up at the sky. Though the sun was shining faintly, the thick morning fog still clung stubbornly to the ground.
[ I'm looking for Gato... ]
After parting from Ye Dou, Bai cautiously examined the herb he had received, checking for any traces of poison or traps. Only after confirming its safety did he continue his journey back.
Meanwhile, Ye Dou remained motionless, not moving to follow immediately.
He had been waiting in this dense forest for several days already, the mongoose maintaining constant surveillance.
Ye Dou had originally expected Bai to appear much later — after all, Zabuza's injury, even if minor, should have required a week's rest to avoid risking further harm. Clearly, Bai's outing was premature, likely indicating the wound wasn't serious.
Sitting down cross-legged, Ye Dou weaved hand signs, releasing a Shadow Clone and immediately dissolving it to absorb the information it had gathered.
A torrent of memories flooded into his mind, making his head spin violently for a moment.
He stabilized his breathing and meditated silently, restoring his mental state.
He didn't know how much time had passed before someone called him.
It was Inari — the grandson of the bridge builder Tazuna.
The boy, who always wore a gloomy, lifeless expression, stood at the edge of the clearing, his small fists clenched tightly.
Seeing Ye Dou practicing, Inari couldn't help but sneer.
"No matter how hard you train, it's useless," Inari muttered bitterly. "If you go against Gato, you're dead!"
Ye Dou opened his eyes, glancing at the boy indifferently.
He understood Inari's pain — the boy had watched helplessly as Gato's men publicly executed his adoptive father, Kaiza, a man he had loved and admired. Since then, Inari had sunk into despair, rejecting all notions of heroism.
But Ye Dou was not the type to offer comfort.
"Why did you come here?" Ye Dou asked, his tone flat.
Inari's face darkened further. "Mom asked me to tell you… it's time to eat."
"Tell her not to wait for me," Ye Dou said, his voice cold.
Inari snorted, turned around stiffly, and stomped away.
When the boy's figure disappeared, Ye Dou stood up, pulled out a simple mask from his yukata, and placed it on his face.
Instantly, his aura changed — the murderous intent radiated from him like a tangible force.
"Is the location confirmed?" he asked softly.
---
Visit patreon.com/Mikeo481 to get 30+ chapters
P.S. "Sorry for the delay in posting the next chapter of the novel. Unfortunately, I experienced some technical issues that prevented me from sharing it on time. I'll get it up as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience!"