TSSITWON Chapter 77: Just Stay Safe

"So, this person is near the border between the Village of Konoha and the Village of Suna. If I move now, I can arrive in about seven or nine days. But if I push myself... maybe five or six days will be enough. Alright, the sooner the better." Without wasting any time, I intended to rush out of the black market, my steps firm towards the next mission.

Before truly leaving, I paused for a moment and called the cloaked man once again, giving an additional request. "Find out all the locations of bounty exchanges and black markets currently in the Land of Fire. Report to me as soon as you have more complete information."

The cloaked man nodded, then disappeared back into the shadows. With this information in hand, I felt more prepared. Now, it was time to move.

After obtaining the desired information, Aoki hurriedly exited the black market. Aoki did not want to waste time just searching for the locations of Bounty Exchanges and Black Markets, although Aoki was confident that in the end, in his own way, he could find them.

Walking quickly towards the exit, Aoki occasionally glanced back, ensuring that no one was following. Once he was sure there was nothing suspicious, Aoki continued on, leaving the shadows of the black market behind.

Once he was far enough from the underground black market, realizing that there were no ninjas or other human figures around, Aoki decided to utilize the Breathing Technique he had long trained. He took a deep breath, slowly absorbing Natural Energy, then murmured the Breathing Technique.

"Mizu no kokyu: Ku no kata: Suiryū shibuki (Water Breathing: Ninth Form: Water Splash)," Aoki whispered firmly.

In an instant, Aoki shot forward, his movements so swift that each step created splashes of water. Aoki moved lightly over the ground, nimbly jumping from tree branches to rocks, each step so steady and accurate, even on horizontal or diagonal footholds. The gusts of wind accompanied Aoki's pace, and the dark night enveloped him like a loyal ally.

Four hours passed, and Aoki felt his body beginning to demand a break. The sky was now dark, indicating it was past midnight. Aoki realized the need for a short rest, then decided to stop on a sturdy tree branch. While catching his breath, Aoki thought hard. "A Breathing Technique that allows me to rest comfortably anywhere... Maybe I need to learn something that can maintain stamina while also being aware of my surroundings."

Aoki's gaze scanned the area around him, ensuring it was safe from threats. After feeling sufficiently assured, Aoki leaned against the branch, searching for a comfortable position to doze off for a moment. Although Aoki's eyes began to close, his instincts remained sharp; he kept his senses active, ready to face any threats in the forest tonight.

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(Konoha)

"Aoki... can you sleep well out there? I hope you are okay," Shizune said softly, gazing at the full moon with a worried expression.

A gentle voice greeted Shizune from behind. "Shizune, are you still not asleep?"

Hearing this, Shizune turned and saw Tsunade Senju, a woman with long blonde hair, a large chest, and a very alluring figure, standing in the doorway, looking at Shizune with a gentle gaze. "Ah, Miss Tsunade, I'm sorry... I can't sleep," Shizune replied, diverting her gaze back to the night sky.

Tsunade approached, then stood beside Shizune, staring at the same moon. "Has Aoki left the village?" Tsunade asked softly, with a concerned tone.

"Yes," Shizune nodded. "Aoki said he wanted to gain more fighting experience and become stronger."