Chapter Twelve: Kanano in Agony

... After leaving the hot spring, Chino returned to Bamboo Village with a heavy heart.

Were the villagers of Bamboo Village truly worthy of their dedication?

She kept pondering this question.

Her companions were gathered inside, chatting and joking.

"The Four Great Ninja Villages are preparing to strike at the Sound Ninja Village."

"I never expected Orochimaru alone could destroy the Leaf Village—that was the greatest ninja village in the world!"

"Who do you think will win, Orochimaru or the Four Great Ninja Villages?"

"Isn't it obvious? Of course, the Four Great Ninja Villages. They're joining forces, after all."

...

The door creaked open, and Chino stepped partway inside. Fengxin, who had been engrossed in conversation, looked up to see her friend.

"Chino, come here! Who do you think is stronger, Orochimaru or the Four Great Ninja Villages?" Fengxin called out warmly.

Chino had no mind for such debates. After a moment of silence, she said, "Could you come out for a moment? I have something to talk to you about."

Fengxin was taken aback. "Sure," she replied.

The two of them stepped outside and stopped at the corner of the house.

"What is it?" Fengxin scratched her head, unsure what was troubling her friend.

Chino was silent for a while before saying, "Do you think Bamboo Village is really worth our devotion?"

"Huh? Of course," Fengxin replied, puzzled. "Chino, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Chino shook her head. "I just think, as ninja, whether it's Bamboo Village or Flower Village, they'd all treat us warmly. How can we be certain they're really worth our dedication?"

Fengxin reached out to feel Chino's forehead, muttering, "No fever..."

Chino brushed Fengxin's hand away. "I'm fine, it just crossed my mind."

Fengxin smiled, suddenly serious. "Then let's put it to the test."

That night, Fengxin secretly gathered the members of the Thunderlight Squad.

"Boss, what's up? Is there a mission?"

"Hehehe, our ninja team is already famous around here. Many want to join us. If we keep this up for a few more years, we might become renowned throughout the ninja world!"

"Not only that, maybe we'll even get invited to join the official ninja village of the Land of Hot Water, hahaha!"

Fengxin shook her head. "Stop dreaming. Let's get to the point. Have you ever wondered if Bamboo Village is really worth our dedication?"

The members of Thunderlight Squad were stunned. They had never considered this question.

Fengxin continued, "I want to know if they truly deserve our sacrifices. After all, we barely escaped with our lives from Yuyucheng Flame. We can't keep risking ourselves foolishly for anyone. From now on, everything we do should be for ourselves."

"Alright! But how do we know if Bamboo Village is worth it?" one member asked.

"Heh, let's put on a show," Fengxin said.

...

The mayor of Bamboo Village closed his door, shutting out the darkness of night.

"Heh, a bunch of foolish, gullible ninja," the mayor muttered, shaking his head.

His wife emerged from within, helping him out of his clothes. "Indeed. With these foolish ninja around, our village is safer and much richer."

"Hehehe, that's how it should be. We feed them, house them, and smile at them daily. If they were of no use, why would we bother?" The mayor stroked his chin. "In this dog-eat-dog world, there's no such thing as friendship—only using and being used. That's how I became mayor."

"That's what I like about you," his wife replied.

"Even in old age, I'm still strong... Hehehe..."

As the mayor finished undressing, it was his wife's turn.

Outside, Chino and Fengxin crouched beneath the window, catching every word.

"They..."

Fury welled up in Chino. She hadn't listened to the whole conversation, but just the beginning was enough—she'd heard the words "foolish ninja."

Fengxin took a long breath, her expression unchanged. She even managed a smile. "You were right; we're far too trusting."

With their skills, they could have easily eavesdropped on the mayor and his wife before, but out of trust, they never had.

And what had it gotten them?

They risked life and limb for a village of strangers, only to find out they were nothing more than tools, never once appreciated.

The truth was too cruel.

"Chino, let’s begin the plan," Fengxin said.

Chino nodded.

...

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Suddenly, a violent pounding on the door startled the mayor, who was drenched in sweat. His body went limp.

"What's wrong?" his wife asked, pushing him aside. He collapsed, gasping for breath before mustering the strength to rise.

His wife hastily dressed herself and helped him into some clothes as well.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The knocking continued.

After catching his breath, the mayor called out, "Who is it?" His voice was hoarse.

Outside, Fengxin carried Chino on her back, both covered in blood as if they'd survived a fierce battle. Chino had fainted.

The other members of Thunderlight Squad were in similar states.

"It's me, Fengxin! We've been attacked by Mist Ninja Village. Please, let us in! We need a place to hide!"

Her voice was rushed and urgent.

The mayor, shocked, made his way to the door with his wife's support, but didn't open it. Instead, he peered through the crack at the group outside.

"Ah, covered in blood... This is serious," a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. "You must leave! If you've been hunted by the Mist Ninja, why come back here? Do you want to endanger the village? Leave now!"

Out in the dark, the Thunderlight Squad stood frozen, clenching their fists.

Even Chino and Fengxin, who had prepared themselves, felt bitter.

Fengxin tried once more. "Please, open the door! We've done so much for Bamboo Village, and we can guarantee Mist Ninja Village doesn't know we're here!"

The mayor's cold, unfamiliar voice came from within. "Indeed, you've done much, but we've also fed and sheltered you. Bamboo Village owes you nothing! Leave now and don't drag us down with you! Have some conscience!"

No sooner had the mayor finished speaking than Fengxin kicked the door open, glaring furiously at the startled mayor and his wife.

The enraged Thunderlight Squad burst inside and gave the mayor and his wife a thorough beating.

Chino, her face streaked with tears, slid off Fengxin's back and took her hand. "Let's leave this place. Let's go to Hell Valley."

She sobbed like a child.

"Alright," Fengxin replied, crouching to gently wipe her tears.

...

Meanwhile, in the forest, Orochimaru and Kimimaro lit a campfire.

Skewered game roasted above the flames.

Suddenly, Orochimaru looked up into the distance.

"What's wrong, Lord Orochimaru?" Kimimaro asked.

Orochimaru shook his head. "It's nothing. The wind has changed."

"Hmm...?" Kimimaro was baffled, but continued roasting meat. Orochimaru was always so mysterious, impossible to read.

For some reason, Kimimaro's face turned red.