The fire in the hearth flickered and popped, casting soft shadows on the walls of their humble mountain home. Yami and Rei sat together, the calm atmosphere of their mountain retreat in stark contrast to the world outside. The crisp air of Enraoi drifted in through the open window, carrying with it the sounds of the wilderness, but in this moment, everything felt quiet, almost serene.

Rei, her silver hair tied back neatly, leaned back against the wooden wall of the house, her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Yami, on the other hand, sat cross-legged, his mind seemingly elsewhere, his fingers tapping gently against the floor. His presence, calm but intense, seemed to permeate the room.

Rei's voice broke the silence as she tilted her head slightly, her eyes glimmering with the spark of curiosity. "Yami," she began softly, watching him closely, "I did some network digging today. I found out something important."

Yami's head turned just enough to acknowledge her, though he didn't yet respond.

Rei continued, the faintest trace of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "I discovered where Naruto and Sakura are staying. They're in Eginami Village."

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Eginami... one of the eleven largest villages on the island?" he mused. It made sense. Eginami was a bustling hub of commerce, politics, and ninja activity. A perfect place for someone like Naruto to be—someone who was always pushing forward. But it also meant they were not as hidden as they might have hoped.

Rei nodded. "Exactly. It's a big village—well within the reach of the major factions on Enraoi. But it's also far from where we are. There's no way they'll be expecting any surprises if we keep our distance."

Yami was quiet for a moment, considering her words. He trusted Rei's investigative skills. If she had confirmed their location, then they would be able to move forward with their plans. "So, we know where they are," Yami muttered, more to himself than to Rei. "What now?"

Rei stood from the floor, crossing over to him. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder, a tender gesture in the midst of the growing intensity between them. "Well, I think you already have an idea, don't you?" She smiled mischievously, her eyes glinting with a knowing look. "I know you, Yami. You've been thinking about this for days."

Yami didn't smile back, but his eyes narrowed slightly as he looked up at her. "You're right. I have been. I need to test them, Rei. I've trained them—pushed them hard, but I need to see if they've really grown. If they can handle a real test of their strength."

Rei's expression softened, though there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—an understanding of Yami's methods, no matter how harsh they may seem. "You're going to test them in your own way, aren't you?"

Yami didn't answer immediately. He stood up slowly, stretching as if preparing for something that required more than just physical strength. He turned toward the door, his body language steady, sure. "I'm going to try and kill them," he said, his voice cold but not without purpose.

Rei, without a hint of surprise, walked over to him and reached up to gently caress his cheek, her fingers brushing over the scar that ran across his face. "I know you will," she said quietly. "But remember, Yami, this is a test for them, not a punishment. They need to prove themselves. You know that."

Yami closed his eyes at her touch, savoring the moment of calm before the storm. "I won't hold back. This is the only way to know if they've truly reached the level they need to be at." He exhaled softly, his breath steady. "But I won't kill them. Not unless they fail."

Rei smiled, that same quiet, understanding smile she always wore when she saw a side of him that few others ever would. She leaned in close, kissing him lightly on the lips. "I trust you," she whispered. "Just make sure you come back to me when it's over."

Yami's lips curled into a faint smile. "Always," he murmured.

With that, he moved toward the door, pausing only for a moment as he pulled on his dark, long cloak. His cloak billowed slightly in the cool breeze, a symbol of his silent power, a reminder of who he was—someone who could vanish into the shadows with a single step.

Rei watched him, her arms crossed, her gaze steady. She knew he would do this. It wasn't a matter of whether he would—it was only a question of when and how. But she also knew that Yami didn't seek to hurt Naruto and Sakura. He was testing them. Pushing them to become stronger, even if it meant they had to face their own mortality.

As Yami reached the door, he glanced over his shoulder at Rei, his expression serious. "I'll be back before they even realize what's happened."

Rei nodded, her expression unreadable but firm. "I'll be waiting," she replied softly.

Without another word, Yami stepped out into the evening air, the door closing behind him with a quiet thud.

The world outside was silent, save for the distant sounds of wind rustling through the trees and the occasional cry of an owl. The mountain was peaceful, but that peace was fragile, held together by the tension that surrounded Yami's every action.

As he descended the mountain, Yami's mind was already focused on the task at hand. His cloak billowed behind him as he moved, his steps swift and purposeful. He was heading for Eginami Village, where Naruto and Sakura were waiting, unaware of the test that awaited them.

The thought of testing their abilities filled him with a certain satisfaction. They were strong, but strength alone was never enough. He needed to see how far they could go when faced with the true measure of their power.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Rei stood at the window, watching the silhouette of Yami disappear into the distance. She didn't worry. Not about Yami. But she did worry about what might happen when Naruto and Sakura faced him—whether they were ready for the harsh lesson he was about to give them.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a faint noise—a sound carried on the wind. She turned, sensing something different in the air. But she quickly dismissed the feeling, knowing that Yami would handle it. After all, there was no one on this island who could challenge him.

And no one who could challenge Naruto and Sakura… unless they truly earned it.

Yami's steps were sure and swift as he made his way toward Eginami. His mind was clear, focused on the task ahead. It wasn't about cruelty. It wasn't about anger. It was about growth. Testing Naruto and Sakura in a way they couldn't expect would force them to push past their limits, to truly understand the weight of the world they were stepping into.

If they survived his challenge, they would be ready for whatever came next.

And if they didn't?

Yami didn't think about that. Not yet.