Yuzuru moved quickly. After briefly explaining his plan to Fugaku, he followed Shinno and Amaru toward the Sky Country.
Along the way, Shinno kept probing, asking indirect questions about the Tailed Beasts.
Yuzuru didn't hide anything and openly revealed that four Tailed Beasts were sealed inside him.
After hearing this, the trace of joy in Shinno's eyes couldn't be concealed.
If he could obtain the Tailed Beasts within Yuzuru, he would have the confidence to bring about the great revival of the Sky Country.
Although everyone said Yuzuru was strong, he wasn't weak either.
And with the Zero-Tails capable of absorbing chakra…
No matter how he looked at it, the advantage was his.
Meanwhile, Amaru would occasionally sneak glances at Yuzuru.
Before meeting him, she had secretly harbored feelings for her teacher, Shinno.
But now she realized that Yuzuru's speech, temperament, and appearance… were simply on a completely different level from her teacher.
Especially his passionate resolve—to overthrow Hiruzen's tyranny and allow everyone in the shinobi world to live happy lives…
It was simply too captivating.
The three of them took a train all the way to the border of the Land of Waterfalls, and from there, they could only continue on foot.
After entering the territory of the Sky Country, the three of them felt as if they had stepped into another world.
Compared to the nations they had passed through before, the Sky Country was like an undeveloped, primitive forest.
On a small river, the three sat in a wooden boat. Amaru spoke up, "Thank you for your hard work, Yuzuru-sama. Once we cross this river, we'll reach our village soon."
Yuzuru smiled. "It's no trouble at all. The Sky Country doesn't even have a government anymore. When I send people here in the future, we'll develop it to be just like the Land of Fire."
Hearing this, Amaru's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Over the past few days, she had witnessed the prosperity of the Land of Fire.
If the Sky Country could truly become like that, everyone would surely be happy.
Thinking of this, Amaru looked at Yuzuru respectfully. "Yuzuru-sama, you're truly a good person."
"Let's not talk about that."
Seeing the two chatting so happily, Shinno let out a soft snort.
Wasn't the Sky Country reduced to this state because of Konoha?
Once he revived the Sky Country, the first thing he would do was destroy Konoha!
Time slowly passed. As evening approached, Amaru said a little awkwardly, "Yuzuru-sama, Shinno-sensei… we might have to spend the night on the boat."
Shinno closed his eyes and replied calmly, "It can't be helped."
Amaru added, "It's fine for Shinno-sensei. I'm just worried Yuzuru-sama might not be used to sleeping on a boat for the first time."
Hearing this, Shinno suddenly opened his eyes.
Wait…
Why did it feel like his disciple had changed a bit these past few days?
Yuzuru, however, smiled. "Amaru, hold onto the boat tightly. I have a way to speed things up."
Amaru froze for a moment and lifted the oar from the water. "Yuzuru-sama, are you going to row?"
Yuzuru shook his head. "I don't need an oar. I rely on the waves."
"Huh? Waves? What do you mean?"
Seeing her confusion, Yuzuru didn't explain. He simply walked to the stern and formed a Rasengan in his palm.
"Let's go!"
He placed the Rasengan into the water, and in the next instant, the wooden boat shot forward like it had a propeller attached.
Amaru was startled, and the wind blew her hood straight off.
"Ah!"
"Yuzuru-sama, so—so fast!"
Yuzuru laughed. "You call this fast? Take another look."
As he spoke, he increased the power of the Rasengan.
The fierce wind battered her face, making it hard for Amaru to even breathe. She cried out, "I—I can't take it, Yuzuru-sama, slow down!"
"Hahaha!"
Yuzuru ignored her and pushed the boat to full speed.
In less than half an hour, the three of them arrived at their destination.
As soon as she stepped off the boat, Amaru's legs went weak, and she nearly collapsed.
A flush spread across her face, her heart still pounding wildly.
That just now…
Was too thrilling!
Yuzuru looked at her disheveled hair in surprise. "Amaru, you're a girl?"
Following his gaze, Amaru finally realized her hood had disappeared at some point.
Flustered, she covered her head, blushing. "Yuzuru-sama, I—I forgot to mention it."
Yuzuru reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Amaru, be more confident. You're actually quite pretty."
"Really?"
"Alright, it's getting late. Let's set up camp first."
Shinno interrupted their conversation.
He could already sense that Amaru's affection for Yuzuru was growing. If this continued, it might interfere with his plans.
With that in mind, Shinno decided to fake his death tonight and slip away.
Deep into the night.
Between the three tents, the sound of igniting detonators suddenly rang out, followed by a massive explosion that tore through their camp.
Amaru, still half-asleep, felt her body suddenly lifted.
When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in Yuzuru's arms.
"Yuzuru-sama, what's going on?!"
She asked in panic.
Yuzuru's expression was grave. "We were attacked. If I hadn't reacted in time, you would've died in that explosion."
Looking at the massive crater and the raging flames, Amaru's voice trembled. "Shinno-sensei…?"
Yuzuru didn't answer. Instead, he formed hand seals and used a Water Release jutsu.
After extinguishing the flames, Amaru rushed straight to where Shinno's tent had been.
The next moment, a heart-wrenching cry echoed out.
Amaru knelt on the ground, clutching Shinno's body, her eyes filled with grief.
"Who did this?"
"Who did this?!"
Her heart was filled with hatred.
She couldn't understand what her village had done to deserve such slaughter.
Even Shinno-sensei, who had come to help treat the villagers, had been killed…
She hated it!
But while Amaru was drowning in sorrow, Yuzuru was calmly observing Shinno's body with interest.
At first glance, Shinno truly looked lifeless—no different from a corpse.
If he hadn't already known Shinno's plan, he might have been fooled as well.