Chapter 28: Earth and Continent

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Rukongai, Hotel

"According to the intelligence, Asuma should gradually make his way to the capital of the Land of Fire along this route. He's expected to stay here for a while," said Kaitan confidently, pointing at a map of the Land of Fire.

On the map, a winding line stretched from Rukongai to the capital, clearly marking the possible path Asuma would take.

The three Irukas—Rin, Dingzu, and Xaasu—examined the map carefully. As expected of their captain, Kaitan had already deduced Asuma's final destination based on the limited clues they had!

Xaasu, who was more perceptive than the other two, furrowed his brow. "Captain, how did you conclude that Asuma-senpai is heading to the capital of the Land of Fire?"

Everyone had the same information. If Kaitan could deduce Asuma's route, there was a lot they could learn from his methods.

Kaitan had been waiting for this question. Smiling, he explained, "First, no matter the kind of intelligent life, its actions always have a purpose."

The three nodded in agreement.

"Second," Kaitan continued, "Lord Yamanako mentioned that Asuma is searching for the 'jade in his heart.' Let me explain this. The jade in everyone's heart is different. For instance, my jade is my village, my father, my fiancée, and my companions.

"Asuma is still searching for his jade. You're likely still searching for yours, too. It's not necessarily your village or your parents. It's a feeling—something that gives you clarity when you find it. Until then, you'll remain confused."

The three nodded again, their expressions thoughtful.

"Third," Kaitan said, his tone growing sharper, "based on human psychology and the known information, we can narrow down Asuma's movements within the Land of Fire. When someone feels lost, they tend to gravitate toward crowded areas and away from familiar places. Asuma had a fight with Lord Yamanako and ran away from home, so he would instinctively move away from Konoha."

"So, when someone runs away from home after a fight, they subconsciously avoid places that remind them of family?" Xaasu asked.

"Exactly," Kaitan replied, nodding in approval.

"According to mathematical probability, Asuma has an 85.6% chance of taking this route," Kaitan concluded, tapping the map.

"Why not 100%? And why exactly 85.6%?" Rin blurted out, confused.

Kaitan smirked. "It's the most likely route. When the target's movements aren't certain, we must analyze the available information and head in the most probable direction. That's how you solve such mysteries."

The three Irukas were in awe. The way Kaitan used psychology and mathematics to predict movements was nothing short of genius.

"All right, the analysis ends here. When we get back, I want you all to practice. Next time, I won't do the analysis for you."

The three nodded furiously, determined to learn. Mathematics and psychology suddenly seemed much more useful! Kaitan's profound knowledge had left them deeply impressed.

Later that evening, in their rooms, the three reviewed Kaitan's words over and over, wanting to absorb every detail.

"Captain is incredible," Rin said with admiration as he lay on his bed. "I want to be just like him someday."

Rukongai Gate

The group set out again the next morning, enjoying the journey and learning along the way.

With a clear purpose, their mission felt more structured. In every town they visited, Kaitan tasked the Irukas with gathering intelligence to validate his predictions.

After each investigation, Kaitan guided them on analyzing the information they had gathered, teaching them step by step.

With each passing day, more clues confirmed Kaitan's hypothesis—Asuma was indeed following the route he had deduced. This boosted the team's confidence, and their respect for Kaitan grew immensely.

Watching their rapid improvement, Kaitan smiled to himself.

"These three might all become Jōnin in the future," he thought.

While the primary mission was to locate Asuma, Kaitan's real goal was to develop the abilities of his teammates. Whether it was intelligence analysis or chakra control, he wanted to build a solid foundation for their growth.

As for Asuma, Kaitan wasn't worried. He was certain Lord Yamanako had also sent Anbu to search for him. And from what he knew of the future, Asuma would return safely, learning the secret techniques of the Fire Temple.

For now, Kaitan's focus was on his team. The stronger they became, the safer Konoha—and by extension, his loved ones—would be.

An Izakaya in Tongzi City

"Jade… what is my jade?"

Asuma sat alone in a corner of the izakaya, a cigarette dangling from his lips. He took a puff and choked, coughing as he stared blankly ahead.

A group of men in white suits noticed him. They exchanged malicious glances and approached his table.

"Hey, kid, drinking alone? How about treating us to some drinks?" the leader sneered.

"Get lost," Asuma growled, slamming his cigarette into the ashtray.

The men pulled out watermelon knives, iron rods, and hammers from behind their backs.

"Disrespectful brat," the leader hissed. "Buy us drinks, or we'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget."

Asuma calmly pulled out a finger knife, ready for a fight.

Before the confrontation could escalate, a young monk approached.

"Kind sirs," the monk said gently, "would you do this poor monk a favor and let the young man go?"

The gangsters froze. One of them raised a stick but hesitated upon noticing the monk's robes. The leader whispered something to his men, and they quickly retreated.

"You're lucky today," the leader spat at Asuma before leaving the izakaya.

Asuma sighed and put away his weapon. "Thanks," he muttered.

"No need to thank me," the monk replied with a warm smile. "It seemed like you could've handled them yourself."

"My name is Chiriku. What's yours?"

"Asuma."

"You seem troubled, Asuma," Chiriku observed.

"Yeah," Asuma admitted. "Let me ask you something. What is jade?"

Chiriku's expression grew thoughtful. "I don't know. But I do know that if you do nothing, you'll never find it. My master once said, 'If you are confused, push forward. You'll find clarity eventually.'"

Asuma's eyes widened. Chiriku's words struck a chord with him.

Perhaps the Fire Temple held the answers he sought.

"Can you give me a recommendation to the Fire Temple?" Asuma asked suddenly.

Chiriku smiled. "You're a ninja, aren't you? I'm heading to the capital to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja. If you're interested, come along. The temple will investigate you, of course, but I can vouch for you."

Asuma hesitated for a moment before nodding. The path forward seemed a little clearer now.

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