"Hikari-chan, do you really not remember where you lived? Even a tiny bit of information would help!"
On the main road, Ren Kurogane walked ahead, asking casually. Having never played the specific games she originated from, he had no idea who the girl standing before him truly was.
Hikari followed behind him, fidgeting with her new clothes, her eyes full of novelty. These were new clothes Ren had bought for her when they passed through a small town—a set of sleek, black martial arts attire.
Hearing Ren's question, Hikari's tone remained cold. "I don't remember. Not a single memory."
Ren's eyes flickered toward her imperceptibly. Her eyes were void of emotion, almost like a feelingless machine.
Probably a war machine created by some clan. How tragic, Ren thought. Shinobi clans almost always had some dirty laundry; Kimimaro was a prime example. Ren surmised that Hikari was like Kimimaro—brainwashed from a young age to be a biological weapon. He just didn't know why she had appeared here.
"Well, forget it. You'll just stick with me from now on."
After some thought, Ren decided not to abandon her. The girl was pitiful, and since they had met, there was no harm in helping. Who else was going to do it if not "Good Samaritan" Ren?
Hikari's body stiffened slightly. A flash of emotion crossed her normally stagnant face, though it vanished in an instant.
"Mm."
Because he had an extra person with him, Ren's traveling speed slowed down. However, between daily phone calls with Konan and having a perfect listener by his side, life was much more interesting than before.
One day, while walking, they encountered a convoy. The leader wore a Konoha forehead protector and clothes bearing the Uchiha crest. They looked grim and alert, scanning their surroundings. Upon seeing Ren and Hikari, the group immediately shifted into a combat stance.
Looks like they're on a mission, Ren thought.
Under their wary gazes, Ren took Hikari's small hand. Feeling her body go rigid, he whispered with a light smile, "Rest assured, nothing will happen."
The two moved to the side of the road. Only after the Konoha shinobi had passed did Ren lead Hikari forward again.
However, after seeing those Uchiha ninja, Hikari's mood underwent a subtle change. Though she hid it well, Ren sensed it—a bone-chilling killing intent. He couldn't tell yet if it was directed at the Uchiha specifically or Konoha ninja in general. If it were the latter, Ren knew he might eventually have to put her down.
Not long after, they encountered another squad. This time, the group ignored Ren entirely. As they brushed past, Ren could sense their heightened vigilance. It made him curious: what exactly were they transporting?
That direction should lead to the Land of Earth front. The war is still ongoing; why are people transporting goods back to the village?
Furthermore, he noticed that when they encountered these Konoha ninja, Hikari didn't show any killing intent. Was she just hiding it better, or was it targeted solely at the Uchiha? That remained to be seen.
In the forests near Kannabi Bridge
Ren had been lingering here for several days. He had confirmed that Hikari harbored no general ill will toward shinobi; she hadn't reacted at all upon learning he was a Konoha ninja. After spending time together and enduring Ren's constant chatter, Hikari had begun to open up her heart. At the very least, her face wasn't a permanent block of ice anymore.
Watching Ren search tirelessly, Hikari finally succumbed to the curiosity that had been piqued over the last few days. "What exactly are you looking for?"
Through their time together, Hikari had developed a baseline of trust in Ren. Although their conversations usually revolved around trivial daily life, she found herself deeply enjoying it. They had scoured every inch of the surrounding land; Hikari remembered every detail, and she didn't believe Ren hadn't recorded them too.
Hearing her question, Ren laughed. "This is a big matter concerning world peace! If I find it, my strength will rapidly reach a whole new level!"
"All for strength, then..."
Sensing the disappointment in her voice, Ren stopped what he was doing and turned around with a gentle smile. "Yes. In this chaotic world, only great strength can protect those who are important to you!"
"Protecting... important people?" Hikari asked. "Who do you want to protect, Ren? Is it that girl you're always on the phone with?"
"You mean Konan? Of course!" Ren laughed, reaching out to rub Hikari's head. "And now, there's you too, Hikari! I'll become stronger than anyone else to protect you both!"
Feeling the warmth on her head, Hikari's eyes widened. Her slender frame trembled slightly, and her fair cheeks turned pink at a visible rate! She scrambled back several steps, one hand covering her face while the other pointed shakily at Ren, her voice stuttering.
"Who... who asked for your protection! I'm very strong, you know!"
Seeing the girl's cute reaction, Ren broke into a happy grin. "Hahaha! Hikari, you're so cute when you're like this! It makes me really want to tease you!"
"Don't say such misleading things, you idiot! Moron!"
Hikari's face was now completely crimson. Having lived her whole life as a tool, she had never been teased like this. Not knowing how to handle it, she could only spout what she thought were stern insults, unaware of what a beautiful sight she was.
Watching Hikari flee into the trees, Ren called out, "Don't run too far! It's not safe around here!"
"I know! You're so annoying!"
Ren shook his head and continued his search for Old Man Madara. He had split parts of his body into worm-like organisms to search deep underground, but it had been nearly two weeks without a trace. He had, however, killed nearly a hundred Hidden Stone scouts. If he kept this up, he expected Ohnoki to come down and check the situation personally.
I'll look for one more week. If I still can't find it, I'm heading back to Konoha, Ren decided. He had mapped every detail within a ten-kilometer radius and explored up to three hundred meters underground. He hadn't found the cave, but he had found two underground rivers and several nests of snakes.
Did Old Man Madara end up taking over a snake pit later?
Grumbling inwardly, Ren was beginning to suspect that Madara simply wasn't here yet. Or perhaps the old man had never been stationed here permanently; Obito's encounter with him was likely a meticulously planned setup.
"Sigh..."
Just as Ren sighed, Hikari approached him. She had spotted something.
"Is it more of those Hidden Stone ninja?" Hikari saw the forehead protectors in the distance. She thought about it and decided not to attack, instead returning to Ren's side. She whispered, "Someone's coming!"
"Rest assured," Ren said. "I'll handle it."