Chapter 192

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Originally, he didn't need to make it this complicated.

He could have simply used a genjutsu to control both Shukaku and Gaara simultaneously, then extracted Shukaku's chakra directly from the boy's body. Before acquiring the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Scroll, he hadn't been able to extract chakra from jinchuriki without damaging the seals. However, studying the scroll's sealing techniques had taught him valuable insights.

Now, he could extract a portion of the Tailed Beast's chakra without breaking the seal. But as he looked at the heavy dark circles under Gaara's eyes, Toshiro couldn't help but recall the sleepless nights of his past life.

With a small pang of empathy, he decided to give the boy a little extra help.

"Alright then," Toshiro said.

Gaara, hearing his words, didn't ask for details. He simply nodded and closed his eyes, trusting him.

He had already come to understand that there was nothing inside him worth the other party's interest, except for the monster residing within.

Frankly, he didn't care what Toshiro did to that beast—it would be best if he could get it out of his body entirely.

'What an obedient child,' Toshiro mused. Suffering to such a degree had made the boy strong, but it was a strength born from cruelty, something far too harsh for someone so young.

"Well, none of that concerns me."

As the distant sun sank lower, leaving a golden glow in its wake, Toshiro, now possessing a portion of Shukaku's chakra, set out to find an inn for the night. The streets were lined with low, scattered houses, their roofs draped in palm-like fronds typical of the desert region. The entire scene exuded a strong desert atmosphere, with the air thick with the scent of sand and dust.

He noticed a small shop tucked away in the corner, simple yet pristine. Inside, a few low tables and cushions were arranged neatly, with handmade goods and decorations hanging on the walls, adding a personal touch.

The shopkeeper was a striking woman with deep, expressive eyes and skin kissed by the desert sun. Slender and graceful, she appeared like a rare flower blooming in this arid landscape. She wore a light-colored dress adorned with golden tassels along the hem, bringing a vibrant splash of color to the desert surroundings. Her long, carefully braided hair hung down to her waist, and her delicate fingers suggested she was skilled in playing various instruments.

Though her face was partially concealed by a veil, her elegance was unmistakable.

The woman's gaze met Toshiro's, and with a warm smile, she greeted him, "Welcome, traveler from afar! Here, you can taste the finest barbecue in the Land of Wind and indulge in a sand bath, a unique desert experience."

"Oh! Barbecue from the Land of Wind and a sand bath!"

Toshiro's interest piqued. This was definitely worth trying. His attire—perfectly matching that of a traveling merchant from the Land of Wind—had raised no suspicion from the shopkeeper.

"Thank you for your hospitality. I'm looking forward to tasting your food," he replied with a polite nod.

Without hesitation, Toshiro stepped into the cozy little shop. The decor was rich with desert motifs—gold-fringed curtains, hand-painted desert landscapes, clay pots, and tapestries of various designs. The ambiance combined the ruggedness of the desert with a sense of cleanliness and charm.

He casually accepted the menu from the shopkeeper and ordered a signature roast lamb from the Land of Wind, along with a roast chicken. Then he settled in, waiting patiently.

"You certainly have a hearty appetite!" the shopkeeper remarked with a smile.

"This can't be helped. With such a beautiful atmosphere here, my appetite naturally grows!" Toshiro teased with a playful grin. "In fact, it's entirely your fault, madame! You'll have to compensate me with an extra treat when the time comes!"

He flashed a bright smile, lightheartedly shifting the blame.

The shopkeeper chuckled softly, not taking his joke to heart. She turned to prepare his meal, skillfully handling the fresh vegetables, lamb, and chicken. The ingredients were expertly skewered on iron rods and placed over glowing charcoal to cook.

As time passed, two beautifully arranged platters—a large one and a smaller one—were served before Toshiro. The rich aroma of the grilled meat filled the air, making his mouth water.

The roast lamb, a signature dish of the Land of Wind, was especially inviting. The lamb, plump and tender, had been carefully prepared by removing the head and feet, hollowing out the insides, and stuffing it with a mix of rice, raisins, almonds, olives, pine nuts, and an array of spices. It was then slow-roasted to perfection over a high flame.

The roasted whole lamb was tender and succulent, with the rice and dried fruits adding layers of richness and complexity to its flavor. Equally enticing was the roasted sand chicken, a beloved dish in the Land of Wind. The chicken had been meticulously cleaned, coated with a special blend of spices unique to the region, and then slow-cooked over a charcoal flame, with seasonings applied as it grilled. The result was a dish that was juicy and full of flavor.

"Oh, this is incredible!" Toshiro exclaimed between bites. "Madame's cooking skills are truly top-notch!"

"Even the chefs employed by noble families can't compare to this!" he added, sitting comfortably on the cushion, thoroughly enjoying the meal.

As soon as he finished savoring a mouthful of the tender lamb, Toshiro eagerly grabbed a juicy chicken wing, wasting no time in indulging further.

"I just wonder who will be lucky enough in the future to enjoy Madame's cooking every day. It's a shame not to!" Toshiro remarked with a hint of humor.

In this world, food is free from artificial additives or fruits grown with chemical fertilizers. What made it even better was that these ingredients, enriched by natural energy, always gave him a unique and refreshing taste.

"You are too kind!" The hostess smiled modestly. "I think it's just because you haven't had a proper meal in a long time that it tastes so special."

She was genuinely pleased that the dishes she had put so much care into preparing were appreciated.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it!" she continued warmly. "Please take your time with the meal. I'll go ahead and prepare your accommodations and arrange the sand bath for you."

After dinner, Toshiro leaned back on the soft sofa cushions, admiring the serene desert scenery. The distant sand dunes glowed golden in the fading sunlight, and the warm, dry breeze provided a different kind of soothing experience.

A figure approached quietly and poured him a cup of hot tea. "This is our special desert tea. Please try it and see if it suits your taste."

Toshiro took the cup, breathing in the rich aroma that wafted up to him. He took a sip, the flavor deep and lingering on his palate. He couldn't help but compliment, "This desert tea is truly one of a kind!"

"I'm glad you like it," the proprietress replied with a warm smile. "In the desert, we learn to cherish and appreciate what little we have."

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