Chapter 40: A Fateful Encounter

After a long journey through the forest, Gojo and Tsunade finally arrived at the Grass Village.

The vibrant colors of market stalls burst like painted firecrackers, and the ambient sounds of life welcomed them like an orchestra of renewal.

Compared to the solemn gravity of Konoha, this place felt like a festival of freedom.

Gojo inhaled deeply, a rush of excitement blooming inside him.

It was as if the air itself whispered adventure.

As they strolled through the bustling village, a familiar figure approached—the merchant they had protected on the road.

Gratitude gleamed in his eyes like sunlight breaking through clouds.

"Thank you for your help! I'd like to offer you something for your troubles—anything you might need while you're here."

Tsunade gave him a gracious smile.

"That sounds wonderful, thank you. We'll be sure to take you up on that."

Once the conversation ended, Gojo's eyes sparkled with sudden resolve.

"Tsunade, I'm going to pick up some ingredients for dinner. You know how much I love to cook!"

His enthusiasm was stirred by memories of his past life—moments steeped in warmth, laughter, and simmering pots.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her lips curving in amusement.

"Just be careful, alright? And not too spicy!" she added with playful warning.

Gojo gave her a quick salute.

"Of course!" he grinned and dashed off like a leaf on the wind, eager to embrace the comfort of his passion.

Cooking had become more than a skill to him—it was a ritual, a language of care he shared with Tsunade, who had grown fond of his meals.

As he wandered the lively marketplace, a carnival of scents and colors surrounded him.

Spices danced in the air, vegetables gleamed like emeralds and rubies, and laughter echoed through narrow alleys.

He paused at a few stalls, gathering what he needed, until something curious pulled his attention.

A cluster of Grass Village ninjas stood nearby, laughing and talking among themselves.

Intrigued, Gojo approached, curiosity twinkling in his gaze.

"Hi there! What's so funny?" he asked, his voice light and friendly.

One of the ninjas glanced down at him, amused.

"You're quite a brave little guy to approach us. We were just discussing our last mission. Nothing too interesting, but sounds fun enough!"

Gojo chuckled, joining their banter like a spark slipping into a flame.

He chatted with them for a few minutes, enjoying the rare camaraderie.

Then his tone shifted, subtle yet intent.

"I'm actually looking for someone. I heard there's a healer, someone who can help if you bite her. Do you know who I'm talking about?"

Their smiles dimmed, and confusion clouded their faces.

"That information isn't common knowledge," one said, clearly cautious.

Gojo didn't waver. Instead, he pulled out a small pouch of money, letting the coins jingle like temptation in the wind.

"What if I were to offer something for that information?"

Their eyes lit up with greed.

"Well, in that case... that is confidential information," one murmured, voice low.

They leaned in closer.

"We can arrange for you to meet her, but it needs to be discreet."

Without delay, they guided Gojo through twisting streets and alleyways, deeper into the village's shadows.

Eventually, they stopped at a shabby, dimly lit dwelling that sagged like a forgotten memory.

Inside, a woman with tangled red hair sat slumped on the floor.

Her clothes were torn, her eyes dull with exhaustion.

"This is the healer," one of the ninjas said indifferently.

"You can bite her, and she'll heal you. Hurry, we've things to do."

Gojo stepped inside cautiously, his senses tingling with unease.

Everything about the place felt wrong.

A chill crawled up his spine, and his instincts screamed in protest.

Then, from behind the woman, a small figure emerged—a girl with striking red hair and glasses.

Her eyes, wide with fear, locked onto Gojo's.

His heart stopped.

Karin.

The realization hit like a thunderclap in a quiet sky.

"Stop!" Gojo barked, his voice cutting the air like a blade.

He drew a kunai in one swift motion.

The ninjas froze, caught off guard by the sudden shift.

"Are you crazy?" one of them shouted.

But Gojo was already moving.

He lunged like lightning, striking the first ninja with precise force.

His Sharingan flared, casting a crimson glow that mirrored his fury.

With fluid grace, he dismantled them one by one—every step guided by instinct and battle-hardened clarity.

"Shouldn't have underestimated me!" he declared, standing tall as the final foe crumpled.

He turned toward the trembling woman and the frightened child.

The woman looked at him in shock, her voice barely a whisper.

"Why did you…?"

Gojo didn't answer right away.

The little girl stepped forward, her voice breaking the silence.

"Please, help my mother!" she cried, desperation clinging to every syllable.

Gojo knelt beside the woman, his expression softening.

"You don't have to thank me. I want to help," he said gently.

"But I need you to trust me."

The woman extended a shaking hand.

"You can bite me instead of her—please. Just help my child."

Gojo felt the weight of that love.

A mother's sacrifice—raw and selfless.

He took her hand, nodding slowly.

"This will hurt, but it's for the best."

He bit down, and a surge of warmth spread from his body into hers.

Energy flowed like a tide reversing its course.

The woman gasped, eyes wide as vitality surged back into her limbs.

Her pale skin regained color.

Her breath deepened.

And her tangled hair shimmered like a flame reborn.

"What is… happening?" she whispered.

Gojo focused, channeling his energy like a river breaking through a dam.

The glow around her brightened, and the years of suffering melted away like morning mist.

"I… I feel so much better!" she exclaimed, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Thank you! I don't know how to repay you."

Gojo gave a soft smile.

Seeing her restored was reward enough.

Just then, Karin approached cautiously, her eyes wide with awe.

"Who are you?" she whispered.

"I'm Senju Gojo," he said proudly.

"You don't need to worry anymore. I'll take care of both of you."

The woman embraced her daughter tightly, sobbing with relief.

"Look, sweetie! I'm all better!"

Karin blinked, then smiled brightly.

"Mom, you're healed!"

"I want to help you too!" Karin said with fiery resolve.

"What can we do?"

The woman turned to Gojo, her eyes shining with devotion.

"You saved my life. I'll do anything to repay you. Just tell me what you need!"

"You don't have to repay me. Just being together is enough," Gojo replied softly.

But she shook her head, voice trembling.

"Our lives have been filled with suffering. You've given us hope again."

Her words struck a chord deep in Gojo's chest.

"I'll take care of you," he promised, his heart now tethered to theirs.

Karin looked up at him, her expression glowing.

"You're amazing! Can we go with you?"

Gojo blinked.

"You want to come with me?"

"Yes!" she said firmly.

"I want to be strong, just like you!"

A bond formed in that instant—unseen yet unbreakable.

"Alright," Gojo said.

"But you both need to be ready for what lies ahead. We have to leave this place quickly."

The woman nodded.

"I won't let my daughter be in danger again. We'll follow you."

Gojo glanced at the unconscious ninjas.

"Then we need to move. They might have friends nearby."

Karin gripped her mother's hand.

"We're with you!" she declared, her spirit blazing.

Together, they stepped outside into the golden afternoon.

The Grass Village pulsed with life, unaware of the storm that had passed in silence.

Gojo led them through the streets, his presence steady, his eyes scanning for danger.

"Stay close to me," he instructed, calm but firm.

"We'll reach a safe spot soon."

Karin beamed up at him.

Her mother remained silent but grateful, her aura filled with newfound peace.

Gojo couldn't help but smile.

A thread of fate had brought them together.

Now, it was up to him to protect it.

As they walked on, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of amber and crimson.

And though the day was ending, a new chapter of their lives had just begun.

Chapter 40 Ends.

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