Escape From Konoha

The New Year celebrations have just passed, but the city, which is full of industry and green atmosphere, still retains some lingering charm of the New Year celebrations.

Fine snow began to fall from the tops of the skyscrapers that stood up like tall towers. Pedestrians walking on the road began their night life wearing thicker warm clothes.

Occasionally, you can see children running past in front of you, and there are also young teenagers and girls stopping in the square of the commercial street, as if they are waiting for someone, holding umbrellas and looking forward to a certain direction.

Although I have lived in this city for two years, I no longer have the feeling of "beauty comes from distance". After all, no matter how novel something is, once you get used to it, it will feel like nothing more than this. That's how Sakura feels now.

Although many things here are very convenient, it was very uncomfortable at first.

Generally speaking, convenience has its benefits, but it is also very fulfilling to be able to make enough food and clothing by yourself instead of relying on advanced tools all the time.

After all, as a ninja, you should not have too much enjoyment, and it is not advisable to fall into comfort. This is what she has been taught since she was a child.

This way of thinking has been engraved in her bones. Even if she changes to another place, this way of thinking cannot be changed even if she wants to.

"Sakura, you really don't like shopping. It's a rare holiday. It's time to indulge yourself physically and mentally."

Hanami Haruka, who walked out with Sakura on the night shopping street, said.

"Well, the main reason is that I don't have anything I want to buy. After all, the cosmetics I bought last time haven't been used up yet, so it would be too wasteful to just replace them with new ones."

Sakura, who only held a shopping bag in her hand, pressed her cheek with her fingers and smiled at Hanami Haruka beside her.

She has long cherry-colored hair, and her overall clothing is mainly simple. On both sides of her tight shorts, she always has the necessary ninja tool bag for ninjas, in which kunai, shuriken and other fighting ninja tools are always ready at any time. In the other ninja tool bag are auxiliary ninja tools, such as retractable medical kits, flares and flash bombs.

Even during vacation time, they are fully equipped.

Not only Sakura, but also Haruka Hanami, a fellow traveler, is also like this.

As a profession like ninja, you may encounter battles anytime and anywhere. Even in the base camp of your own camp, you must not give up your weapons.

However, compared to Sakura's flat figure, for a sixteen-year-old girl, her figure should be said to be slightly above the passing line.

Therefore, when Sakura accidentally brushed against her chest, she would cast an envious look.

"I always feel that Sakura, you will be very good at managing the household in the future. Even though you get so many bonuses every year, you are still so frugal."

Hanami Haruka joked with a smile.

She and Sakura were both medical ninjas and worked in the same department. Besides, they were about the same age, so it was natural for them to become friends over time.

Moreover, she is very aware of Sakura's strengths in the medical field, so it is not an exaggeration to call her a gifted person. That smart brain is serious and devoted to learning, and can quickly put theoretical things into practice. It can be said to be a 'genius'.

Therefore, the additional bonuses received every year are also a considerable sum for ninjas at this stage.

"Well...well, maybe."

Sakura responded vaguely, looking at the flashing neon lights around her, which showed a completely different New Year atmosphere from Konoha Village.

Although I have made friends again in this place and gradually got used to the life here, I still can't help but feel a little lonely at this time.

The faces of Naruto, Ino and others would often pop up from the depths of her memory in the past few days, making her feel an indescribable depression. Her heart would sting from time to time, making her even more depressed. I miss my old companions.

Although she knew that such an idea was undesirable, it might be an emotion that even she couldn't control, and it was during a special period of time that the feeling of longing that burst out was even more difficult to contain.

"well……"

The sigh disappeared in the freezing air.

Sakura walked endlessly on the smooth road of the commercial street, and from time to time the sound of pedestrians passing by and the sound of bus whistles could be heard in her ears.

Although there are people everywhere, the sense of belonging is really troublesome.

Maybe it will take some time before she can truly integrate into this place.

"Ah, that is..."

Hanami Haruka's exclamation suddenly came to her ears, as if she had discovered something terrible. Sakura suddenly woke up and looked forward along Hanami Haruka's surprised gaze.

In front is a huge circular flower pond square.

There were couples sitting there in twos and threes having a tryst and communicating quietly.

However, among the many lovers, there appeared a guy who was incompatible with this atmosphere - he had long white hair with a hint of light gold, and was wrapped in a slightly plain black women's coat. , wrapping the whole body tightly without revealing any gaps.

Sitting on the edge of the flower pond, I looked around at the passers-by, like a lively hamster, with a little curiosity and confusion. For a moment, he felt like a homeless child, filled with a pitiful atmosphere.

"Is that the daughter of a certain family who came out and got lost?"

Sakura felt that the other person looked familiar.

Although the women's coat I am wearing is not expensive in terms of material.

But the girl's exposed skin was not rough at all, especially her fingers, which were even more delicate and smooth... Those were slender hands that could only be maintained without doing any rough work.

The confusion and curiosity that were inadvertently revealed while sitting by the flower pond seemed to coincide with the setting of the rich young lady who was ignorant of the world.

"acquaintance?"

Sakura then asked.

"That's His Highness Ziyuan."

Hanami Haruka took a deep breath.

Her face fluctuated slightly, as if she had encountered something unexpected.

After all, there is absolutely no such link in her shopping details.

"Your Highness Ziyuan?"

Sakura was slightly surprised.

The word 'Your Highness' cannot be used casually to address people.

"She is a witch from the main line. Generally speaking, she lives in a different 'divine realm' from us and will not come to the 'mortal world' easily!"

Hanami Haruka said with a wry smile.

Although the industry of the Kingdom of Ghosts is developed, both the major cities and the villages and towns built next to the main cities have begun to slowly develop an industrial foundation.

Ninjas and science gradually formed the mainstream culture.

But from the most primitive place, the Kingdom of Ghosts is a theocratic country where "witches" are supreme.

It's just that because the mainline 'miko' doesn't easily get involved in the world, she will only show up on important festivals to keep in touch with the 'human world'.

"If you say so, it is indeed..."

Sakura was also shocked, and she suddenly remembered who this 'homeless' girl in front of her was.

She already knew everything about the situation in the Kingdom of Ghosts.

The Kingdom of Demons was originally a country established based on 'theocratic power', although like the great masters of various countries, it was a hereditary system. However, the hereditary system of shrine maidens and the hereditary system of daimyo are completely different in nature.

Although in ancient times, the names of various countries were also exaggerated with titles such as 'gods', and they were the agents of gods in the 'human world'... But compared with the real 'gods' like 'mikos', they are still somewhat different. different.

Miko can cultivate special chakra, suppress various monsters wandering in the ninja world, and quell disasters. They are not ordinary people who do not understand the use of chakra.

"But why is she in a place like this?"

Sakura asked.

As the monarch of a country, even if he doesn’t have bodyguards by his side, he still comes from the ‘divine realm’ to the ‘mortal world’ during a non-festival period... This is a big problem no matter how you look at it, right?

"Probably he sneaked out."

Hanami Haruka sighed.

"Escape?"

"Yes, I heard that this kind of thing happens several times every year."

While sighing, Hanami Haruka walked towards the flower pond.

Sakura followed suit.

"Ah you are……"

Seeing someone approaching her, Ziyuan couldn't help but raise her head and narrowed her eyes to look at the person.

"I am Wuzhi's friend. We have met before, His Highness Ziyuan."

Hanami Haruka said respectfully.

"Kirieda? Ah, I remembered that branch miko who used monsters to fight in the Chuunin exam four years ago."

Shion suddenly realized.

Hibiki Kirie is a fighting miko from a branch of the Kingdom of Demons.

Able to control multiple monsters, in terms of talent, she is also an outstanding miko in the branch.

Hanami Haruka nodded, and then asked: "Why is Your Highness here alone? Did you get separated from your entourage?"

In fact, he knew that Zi Yuan had sneaked out alone, but in order to take care of the other party's emotions, he still kept his attitude and words conservative.

"No, I sneaked out alone. The witches on the mountain were all bewitched by my witchcraft!"

As if making such a rebellious move was very remarkable, Shion straightened up, which was not a fruitful thing for people of his age. Sakura, who was keeping quiet beside her, couldn't help but feel sympathy for each other.

"Please don't act like this, Your Highness."

Hanami Haruka smiled bitterly again.

I knew it would be like this, and it's not something to be proud of.

"That being the case, this is a rare opportunity."

Shion stood up from the edge of the flower pond.

"Rare opportunity?"

"Yes, this is a rare opportunity to serve me. Tonight, you two will be my servants."

The natural attitude made Sakura, who originally had a feeling of 'sympathy' towards Shion, immediately frown in displeasure.

Although the other party has a distinguished status, his rhetoric is extremely unpleasant.

"Okay, Your Highness, I am willing to serve you."

Hanami Haruka was used to this and knew Shion's willful and arrogant temperament, so she wasn't surprised at all.

When we came into contact, we were already prepared for this.

"What about you? Broad forehead?"

"Width--"

Before Sakura could say anything, Hanami Haruka quickly stopped her with the palm of her hand, and forced her to bend down and bow.

"She is also very happy, Your Highness."

Hanami Haruka said on behalf of Sakura.

"You are worthy of being a ninja trained by your father. Well, you must feel extremely honored to be able to serve by my side."

Ziyon straightened her body, feeling very satisfied with the obedient attitude of the two, which was completely different from the restless shrine maidens at the shrine.

Sakura had a "well" character forced out of her forehead.

To be honest, she really wanted to touch the other person's head gently.

"Be patient for a while, Sakura. Just think of it as playing house with a wayward child."

Hanami Haruka saw that Sakura was showing signs of anger, so he came over and whispered softly.

"You're a wayward child...well, I didn't expect you to have a sharp tongue."

Sakura cannot deny Hanami Haruka's evaluation.

He is indeed a willful child.

Hanami Haruka smiled and said nothing.

"Hey, what are you two muttering about?"

Shion looked at Hanami Haruka and Sakura talking quietly and asked loudly.

"We are discussing where it would be better to take His Highness to play next."

Hanami Haruka lied without blushing, as if the person who said the words 'wayward child' was not him.

"Don't bother me. I'm hungry now. Go there and buy me some food."

Shion pointed to the dessert shop across the street and showed that she wanted to eat.

Hua Jianyao understood immediately and knew that Ziyuan had sneaked out and must have forgotten the money, so she was sitting here helpless and waiting.

Leaving a look at Sakura, Hanami Haruka walked towards the dessert shop on the opposite street to buy hot-selling desserts for Shion.

"It's so slow. He must have run away secretly."

After waiting for about a minute, Shion started to kick the stones on the roadside out of boredom, as if she was dissatisfied that Hanami Haruka hadn't come back for so long.

"Be right back."

Sakura responded perfunctorily.

Although the other party is a girl of the same age as himself, her willful character is just like the children on the D-level missions she did in Konoha in the past, making it difficult to get along with her.

Reminds me of the painful memories of caring for naughty children.

"Well, broad-foreheaded girl, go and buy me a drink. It needs to be heated. I'm thirsty."

Shion licked her lips and gave orders to Sakura.

"Sorry, one person must be left to watch you."

Sakura refused in disguise.

And girls with wide foreheads... Sakura really felt that her hands were itching.

"Are you disobeying my order? I'm thirsty now!"

Shion looked over with a glare.

"..."

Sakura was slightly speechless, feeling that the other person might roll around on the street and act coquettishly next moment.

Illusion.

"Hurry up and buy me something to drink! Otherwise I will tell you what your future will be like when you die!"

Shion used this sentence to scare Sakura.

As a miko, she can see what happens when people die.

Sakura also knew about such rumors.

And it is said to be 100% effective, and there have been no errors so far.

Even Sakura couldn't help but feel nervous.

Even if she is a willful child, this guy is still a willful child with a terrible weapon in his hand. He must not look at her like an ordinary person.

Just when Sakura was at a loss, Hanami Haruka walked out of the dessert shop and came over with a bag of desserts and a hot drink. Shion then withdrew the fierce look at Sakura and accepted Hanami's offer with peace of mind. A free gift from Haruka.

"As expected, you are still obedient, unlike this rude and unfeminine girl with a broad forehead."

Shion commented.

Hanami Haruka smiled awkwardly, completely unaware of what happened between the two of them.

Sakura glared at Shion with blazing eyes. This person was really talkative.

"I'm sorry, Sakura. Your Highness, she was just a little willful, but there was no harm in it."

Hanami Haruka came over and continued to steady Sakura.

"I know."

Sakura took a deep breath and calmed down.

She was naturally able to detect that there was no malice on Ziyuan's part, it was just his lack of common sense in getting along with ordinary people that made him appear rude and rude.

Based on the other party's identity, he must have grown up in luxury and luxury, with countless servants taking care of him. In addition, the other party's 'adopted father' is also the military leader of the Kingdom of Ghosts... even in name only. , she is also the most noble person in the Kingdom of Ghosts.

In fact, Sakura couldn't even feel basic kindness from her.

It's like a different kind of "nothingness" and "emptiness".

Is this a miko? Sakura looked at Shion who was happily drinking hot drinks and tasting desserts, and felt an indescribable strangeness.

It seemed that although the girl in front of her was wearing a human skin, she really lacked the aura of humanity.

In her eyes, she was probably just a ball of 'air' that could be seen everywhere.

"Be patient a little longer, I just sent a message, and people will be coming from the shrine soon."

Hanami Haruka continued to speak softly.

It is not good for anyone to get too involved with this 'His Highness'.

Because of being seen by this 'His Highness', his future 'death state' has already been determined.

And no matter who it is, as long as a serious topic like death is discussed, it is impossible to stay by the other person's side without changing their expressions.

Moreover, to be honest, in Hanami Haruka's view, Shion, who had seen the tragic death of countless people, could still remain such a willful and arrogant child.

I don’t want to have anything to do with such people.

…

"I really caused trouble to you tonight. All the money His Highness Ziyuan spent tonight will be returned in full later."

The old miko said to Hanami Haruka and Sakura in a slightly apologetic tone.

At the same time, I feel a headache for my own miko-sama.

Fortunately, he didn't leave Ziyuan City, otherwise, it would be troublesome to find him.

"It's nothing. We spent a pleasant evening with His Highness."

Hanami Haruka responded with a smile, as if he was really honored.

Sakura was very surprised. She didn't expect that the girl next to her who could be regarded as a friend had the ability to tell lies without changing her expression.

Ziyuan over there snorted softly. Surrounded by many witches, it was obvious that there was no way to escape.

However, she had long known that her whereabouts would be leaked, so she was not surprised by such a scene.

I was just thinking about how to escape from the guards of these witches next time.

"Then, goodbye."

The old miko called the miko who was guarding Shion and led him back to the shrine along the long way.

Watching Shion's leaving figure, Sakura suddenly sighed: "It seems that she is not very good at being a miko."

It was obvious that Shion didn't particularly like being looked after.

"No matter how much you like the 'human world', a miko who is the main lineage cannot stay for a long time... Those who follow the miko are actually being lenient and have not completely put an end to this kind of sneaking away. However, this is what the miko should manage This matter has nothing to do with us ninjas."

Hanami Haruka said this.

"But I remember that there are also witches joining the military."

Sakura thought for a moment and said.

"They are an outlier in the practice of 'entering the world'. This type of witches will not have their strength decline because they are contaminated by the aura of the mortal world. On the contrary, they are the mainline witches, the necessary armed group used to govern the 'human world'."

Hanami Haruka explained.

"What are the characteristics?"

"The characteristic is that they will form a contract with monsters. The more 'distractions' they are contaminated with, the stronger they will become."

Thinking of this, perhaps recalling something, Hanajian Haruka's fair face turned rosy.

Not sure if it was an illusion, but Sakura felt that Hanami Haruka's legs began to tremble uneasily.

◎

The window seat in the family dining room.

The three of them sat down around a dining table. Asuka took off the monocle from his eyes and said to the two people at the dining table: "Speaking of which, it seems that the three of us haven't gone out to eat together for a long time. Today is a good opportunity. It’s rare, so as the elder brother, let me treat you.”

"There's nothing we can do about it. After all, we all have our own things to do. This is the only time we can come out and have a good get-together."

Cai, who was sitting opposite, nodded slightly while looking at the menu and ordering.

"So, Cai, how is life on the border? Although I keep getting letters, I still want to hear it myself."

Asuka asked with interest.

At the age of eighteen or nineteen, he can be said to be a complete adult.

His voice is richer and his appearance is more masculine, giving him the impression of a calm and reliable adult.

"Um..." Cai thought about it for a moment, exhaled and said, "It's not a wonderful experience. Although there are conflicts with Iwagakure ninjas from time to time on the eastern border, bloodshed is still very rare. Most of the time, it is still the same as before, in the name of squad leader, leading the team members to patrol everywhere and spend time peacefully."

Cai is not a fanatic who is keen on war. On the contrary, he prefers this kind of daily life with a little challenge in peace.

If you are too peaceful, you will feel bored, but if you keep fighting, you will also feel bored.

In the past two years, his team has been staying on the eastern border, and will only return to the Kingdom of Ghosts during festivals or Chinese New Year.

And this is also the most common state on the eastern border.

"Other than that, I'm still studying and practicing."

At the end, Cai added this sentence.

It is impossible to spend all the time on patrol, Cai will use his free time to study and practice to improve himself as much as possible.

"What about this year's goals?"

"Pass the Jonin test in April this year, preferably in one go!"

Cai responded decisively to Asuka with a determined attitude.

"Cai, you are really full of energy."

Shocked by Cai's momentum, Asuka said blankly.

Then, he looked at Yi Ji who was playing with her hair on the other side. Compared to two years ago, she looked more beautiful between mature and immature.

Judging from his face alone, he is definitely the type to attract bees and butterflies, but his temperament is so cold that he seems to be breathing out cold air, and the words "no strangers should be allowed in" are written directly on his face. Strange men who want to chat with her will definitely freeze to death.

It gave Asuka the illusion of meeting his mother Liuli.

"Yiji, how are you doing outside?"

"What else can I do? I am often ordered around by the old man. Thanks to him, I now have to travel tens of thousands of miles every year. It is rare for me to have some leisure time now. I don't know what will happen this year."

Yi Ji let go of her hair and raised her brows with a hint of displeasure in her tone.

"I feel the same way about Yiji's experience. Sometimes dad really likes to do things for others."

Asuka wiped the non-existent sweat on his face and nodded deeply.

I remembered that I was often ordered around by my father, Shiraishi, and worked overtime for countless days and nights. During those days, I was so busy that I was filled with the word 'work'.

"I'm thinking about going to his study in a few days and stealing the wolfberries he put there, as well as the copies of "Intimate Love in Heaven."

Yiji used a calm tone and said extremely terrifying words.

Judging from her overly serious attitude, she really planned to do this.

"Those things are my father's precious possessions. They can't be discovered easily."

Asuka did not stop, but thought that the success rate of doing so would not be very high.

"No, I will know where to put it by looking at it with my white eyes."

Cai interjected.

Asuka and Kazuki looked at each other and picked up the cups in their hands, while Aya also raised the cup.

The cups touched each other in the air and made a crisp sound.

"Then, cheers to our next victory!"