Chapter 51

The morning air was cold as Souta arrived at the tea shop. The streets of Konoha were quiet, with only a few people moving around.

Daichi stood behind the counter, holding a small, sealed package. His grip was tight, and his expression was tense. Souta noticed the way his fingers curled slightly, like he was hesitating to let go.

Daichi cleared his throat. "Here," he said, handing over the package, but his eyes flickered toward the entrance. "Take this to the supplier in the next town."

Souta took the package, feeling its weight. It was lighter than expected. Whatever was inside, it wasn't just tea leaves. He glanced at Daichi, but the old man avoided his gaze. That told him everything he needed to know.

Stepping outside, Souta looked around.

Souta turned toward the village gates, walking at a steady pace. He knew Pakura was nearby, hidden.

 ...

The morning air was cold as a lone figure stepped into the quiet streets of Konoha. Wrapped in a light cloak, she moved with practiced grace, her sharp eyes taking in the village as it slowly stirred to life.

Pushing open the door of a small tea shop, the warm scent of tea leaves wrapped around her like a gentle welcome. But something felt off.

Daichi, the shop's owner, immediately straightened at her presence, stepping around the counter with a respectful bow. "Lady Hyūga," he greeted, his tone polite yet tinged with unease. "I didn't expect you."

She gave a slight nod. "I was in the area." Her eyes flickered past him. "Where's your worker? Souta, wasn't it?"

Daichi hesitated, just for a breath. "He left early this morning. Had to make a delivery outside the village."

Her brows lifted slightly. "A delivery? Outside the village?" That seemed unusual for a simple tea shop. "Is that normal for him?"

Daichi's fingers drummed lightly against the counter before he stilled them. "Not really, but it was an important request."

Hana caught the slight shift in his stance—the way his shoulders were held just a bit too tight, how his gaze flickered toward the entrance as if expecting someone to walk in. There was something off about this entire situation.

"...Well, he invited me to visit the tea shop, but it seems my timing is very wrong," she said, watching his reaction carefully.

Daichi let out a quick, forced chuckle. "Ah, bad luck, I suppose. He left not too long ago."

Hana tilted her head slightly. "How long ago?"

He blinked. "About an hour."

An hour.

She let the silence stretch, watching Daichi shift uncomfortably. If Souta had left an hour ago, why did Daichi look like he was still expecting trouble?

"This delivery," she said slowly, "where exactly was it?"

Daichi hesitated again. "I, uh... he didn't say. Just that he had to head out quickly."

A lie.

Hana held back the urge to press him further. If she pushed too hard, he might become even more guarded. Instead, she gave a polite nod. "I see. Well then, I'll take my leave."

Daichi exhaled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

Hana stepped outside, but instead of walking away, she moved quietly to the side of the shop. Leaning against the wooden wall, she took a moment to think.

Something wasn't right.

She tapped her fingers lightly against her sleeve, debating with herself. "Should I look into this?" she muttered.

Ordinarily, she wouldn't concern herself with trivial matters. She had her own responsibilities—she wasn't some wandering shinobi who chased after every suspicious occurrence. But something about this situation lingered in her mind.

That man, Souta. His presence had already caught her attention before, but what truly unsettled her was his eyes. There was something unusual about them, something that didn't quite fit with an ordinary tea shop worker.

Hana exhaled softly. "Well… it won't hurt. I'm free after all."

With that, she made her decision. If there was nothing to it, she'd simply walk away. But if something was truly off about this "delivery," she'd find out soon enough.

 ...

Outside Konoha

The morning air was crisp as Souta walked along the dirt path outside Konoha, his hands tucked into his sleeves. The forest around him was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves.

"You're being followed," her voice murmured in his ear. It was her ninjutsu at work, allowing them to communicate without revealing her position.

Souta's expression didn't change. "How many?"

"Three. One ahead, two trailing. They aren't moving aggressively yet."

He sighed. "Danzo's men?"

"Likely. I'll take care of them before they get too close."

"No," Souta said quietly. "Not yet. Let's see what they do first."

A beat of silence passed before she answered, "Fine. But if they make a move, I'm handling it."

Souta smirked slightly. He didn't doubt her. Pakura was lethal when she wanted to be. That was part of why he trusted her so much.

He continued walking at a steady pace, keeping his breathing even. If Root operatives were tracking him, it was only a matter of time before they tried something.

 ...

Back in Konoha, Hana Hyūga made her way toward the village gates. Her movements were casual, but her mind was focused. She had decided to investigate Souta's so-called delivery. Something about the whole situation didn't sit right with her, and she trusted her instincts.

As she approached the gates, she spotted a few familiar shinobi stationed there. Offering a polite nod in greeting, she moved past them with ease, stepping onto the path leading out of the village. It wouldn't take long to catch up—Souta had only an hour's head start.

 ...

"Pakura?" he murmured.