The dense fog of night hung over the docks of Kinokata, blending the edges of shadows into the inky blackness of the sea. After six intense days of relentless training, the group finally stepped onto the soil of Enraoi, each of them cloaked in midnight black and moving with quiet purpose. The trip had worn on them, but each had grown stronger, sharpened by grueling drills and focused determination.
Rei walked slightly ahead, her posture poised and guarded, even as her thoughts swirled. Kakashi and Jiraiya had proven invaluable mentors, pushing her to hone her agility, harness her chakra more precisely, and tap into a level of power she hadn't fully grasped before. As she moved, her gaze stayed fixed forward, every step carrying her closer to Yami. Behind her, B and Naruto walked in sync, each exuding a newfound intensity. Naruto had achieved a mastery over the Nine-Tails that defied even his wildest expectations, his aura steadier and more controlled than ever. It was as though an invisible flame radiated around him, quiet but fierce.
Kinokata, one of the Eleven Villages of Enraoi, lay spread out before them, its buildings illuminated dimly by lanterns flickering in the fog. The village was known as a gateway, its people responsible for monitoring trade, travelers, and any unusual activity coming from the seas. While it appeared quiet on the surface, Rei knew well enough that beneath the calm exterior, the people here were wary, their senses trained to detect anything out of the ordinary.
Their dark hoods kept them concealed, making them seem like shadows moving through the mist. Just as they reached the edge of the village, three cloaked figures appeared out of nowhere, blocking their path with silent, intimidating grace. Rei tensed, but her expression shifted from surprise to astonishment as one of the cloaked figures stepped forward, pulling back his hood.
"Qwana?" Rei's voice was barely a whisper.
The lean, enigmatic figure gave a small smile, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow over his sharp features. Behind him stood Buddha, the eldest of the Naguyoto brothers, a towering figure with wise, battle-worn eyes. Beside Buddha was Nijira, who nodded in acknowledgment as their gazes met. There was a fierceness in their expressions that sent a flicker of hope through Rei's chest.
"Come," Buddha said in a low, commanding tone, gesturing for them to follow. Without hesitation, the group fell in line, following the brothers through narrow, winding alleys and past quiet buildings until they reached a small house near the edge of the village. Buddha opened the door, ushering everyone inside before closing it tightly behind them.
Inside the house, the silence was thick, each member of the group studying the Naguyoto brothers, unsure what to expect. Finally, Buddha stepped forward, his presence filling the room as he looked at each of them in turn. Rei felt her pulse quicken under his intense gaze; there was an air of gravity around him that demanded attention and respect.
"Rei," Buddha began, his voice steady and low. "You might be surprised to see us here, given everything that has happened. But make no mistake—we know what Yami is enduring, and we believe that the punishment he's facing is unjust."
Rei felt a rush of emotions, relief mingling with gratitude. She hadn't expected to find allies here, especially not the Naguyoto clan. The weight she'd been carrying for so long felt momentarily lighter, knowing that there were others who understood the wrongness of Yami's situation.
Killer B crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "Now this is what I'm talkin' about! Support from within, that's the power to win!" he rhymed, his tone carrying both respect and a hint of amusement.
Buddha's eyes flickered over to B, and a small smile creased his otherwise serious face. "The Moukoku sees us as outcasts, but we know these lands well. We've been watching, waiting for the right moment." His gaze turned back to Rei, his voice softening. "Yami's incarceration is about more than just his actions. It's political—it's about maintaining an image of control."
Rei nodded, her mind racing as she processed Buddha's words. She glanced at Naruto, who was listening intently, his fists clenched with determination.
"You mean… they're trying to make an example out of him?" Naruto's voice was laced with anger, the injustice striking a chord within him.
"Yes," Buddha confirmed, his tone solemn. "Yami's strength, his lineage—both are threats to those who seek to maintain power here. By sealing him away, they believe they can curb the Shiyume influence."
Nijira stepped forward, his eyes focused intently on Rei. "But we don't agree with that. Yami is our ally, and though the Naguyoto have been cast aside, we still hold a sense of honor and justice. We're willing to help you. However…" He paused, his gaze flickering over the group. "You must understand that this won't be easy. There are eyes everywhere in Enraoi."
Rei took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mixture of relief and apprehension. "We're prepared for whatever it takes," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "We didn't come all this way to turn back now."
Buddha nodded approvingly, his expression softening just slightly. "We will do what we can to support you," he said. "But you'll have to keep a low profile for now. There are… others who would not take kindly to your presence here."
Qwana glanced at Rei, his eyes glittering with an intensity that reminded her of Yami. "We'll handle the rumors. For now, you all should rest and gather your strength. The journey ahead will be treacherous."
A solemn silence filled the room as everyone absorbed the weight of Buddha's words. Each of them knew the risk they were taking, and yet, the spark of hope Buddha's support provided was undeniable. They were no longer alone in this fight.
As the night wore on, the group settled in the dimly lit room, each of them preparing mentally for the challenges that lay ahead.