The sun spread across the sand like a golden veil. Ace and Lale moved forward among the white dunes, the desert landscape stretching endlessly around them. Ace pushed back his orange hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"This place is really hot," he said, tightening the red scarf around his shoulders. He wore a sleeveless black vest and a red sash tied around his waist. His loose white trousers and sandal-like boots gave him a desert-ready look.
Lale was dressed in a light desert robe. The fabric was thin and flowed easily, with golden embroidery sparkling in the sunlight as the wind danced around her. Her head was wrapped in a sheer cover to protect from the sun, and her eyes, shining with the Sharingan, scanned the distance.
"Something's not right here," she murmured. "Something is moving beneath the sand."
Ace grinned. "Maybe it's sand snakes! Hey, Lale, want to have a contest? Whoever catches more—"
Lale rolled her eyes. "No, Ace. Not this time."
Just then, a massive creature burst from beneath the sand! A giant sandworm, with razor-sharp teeth, lunged at them.
Ace's eyes sparkled. "Now the fun begins!"
Lale swiftly formed hand signs. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!"
A fireball struck the worm's mouth, and the creature writhed in pain before diving back beneath the sands.
Ace turned to Lale. "Wow, that actually worked this time!"
Lale gave a slight smile. "I guess I've made some progress."
Suddenly, Ace grabbed Lale's hand. "Hey, look over there!"
In the distance, an oasis shimmered. Palm trees and a clear pool looked like paradise in the middle of the desert.
Lale eyed it warily. "It can't be that easy..."
But Ace was already running. "Come on! Maybe there are coconuts!"
As she followed him, Lale sighed. "Dear gods, give me patience..."
When they arrived at the oasis, they found a group of people sitting by the water. They wore colorful clothes and had warm, welcoming smiles.
"Welcome, strangers!" an old man called out. "Would you like to rest?"
Ace jumped in. "Yes! And maybe some food too!"
Lale carefully scanned the area. These people seemed a little too friendly.
The old man looked at Lale, and a flicker of recognition flashed in his eyes. "You... those eyes..."
Lale stepped back, activating her Sharingan immediately.
Ace noticed and stepped in front of her. "Hey, is there a problem?"
The old man smiled. "No, no. It's just... it's been a long time since I've seen those eyes."
Lale's heart raced. Could this man know something about her past?
Ace, sensing her tension, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. I'm here."
Lale felt a bit calmer with Ace's warm touch. Maybe the secrets of this place could lead her to answers.
That night, they gathered around a fire in the oasis. The locals sang and danced. Ace wrestled playfully with a group of children while Lale sat quietly, gazing up at the stars.
The old man came and sat beside her. "Your eyes... they belong to the Uchiha clan, don't they?"
Lale froze. "How—"
"I used to hear tales from distant lands," the old man continued. "But don't worry. No one here will judge you."
Lale looked down. "I... don't really know who I am."
The old man smiled. "Maybe the answer lies with that fiery boy beside you."
Lale looked at Ace. He was laughing joyfully as he tumbled around with the children, spreading happiness.
Maybe it was true...
Just then, Ace leapt onto a child's shoulders and lost his balance, falling straight into Lale's lap!
"Oops!" Ace said with a shameless grin.
Lale rolled her eyes. "Ace..."
The old man laughed heartily. "Ah, youth... what a beautiful thing!"
As the night wore on, the weight in Lale's chest began to lift. Perhaps this journey wasn't just an adventure—maybe it was the path to discovering herself.
And Ace... would always be by her side.
TO BE CONTINUED...