"No. I'm not interested," Kakashi replied briefly, without lifting his gaze.
Rin, sitting next to Obito, tried to ease the tension.
"Guys, please, don't fight. We're here to have fun, right?" Rin said in her usual gentle tone that often calmed them down.
But this time, it seemed Rin's words had little effect.
Suddenly, Asuma, who was sitting at the end of the table, threw out a question that shifted the conversation.
"Hey, by the way, how's Aoki doing lately?" Asuma asked casually while chewing.
The conversation at the table fell silent.
Rin lowered her head, and Kurenai, who was pouring tea into her cup, halted her movement.
Kurenai's face suddenly turned serious, although she didn't respond immediately.
"Aoki...?" Kurenai finally murmured, her voice soft, almost as if she were speaking to herself.
"I don't know," Kakashi answered calmly, setting down his chopsticks. "So far, there has been no news from Aoki."
Obito tilted his head. "Isn't your father Aoki's teacher? He must know something, right?"
Kakashi shook his head slightly, his eyes showing no emotion. "Yes, my father is Aoki's teacher. But since Aoki left the village, he has never sent news or letters. My father has never mentioned Aoki's name either."
Silence enveloped the table once more.
Even Guy, who was usually loud, stared at his food with a more serious expression.
"Aoki... what really happened to him?" Obito murmured softly, almost as if asking the wind.
Outside, the sounds of the bustling village could still be heard, as if reminding them that the world beyond this small table continued to move on.
Yet, for them, for a moment, the conversation left a lingering curiosity—and perhaps, a bit of sadness.
...
...
...
In a quiet and secluded valley, Aoki soaked in a natural hot spring.
Warm steam rose into the air, enveloping the place in a thin mist that created a mysterious and calming atmosphere.
Simple wooden walls surrounded the bath, providing privacy amidst the isolation of Hell Valley—a name that was ironic for a place that was slowly beginning to feel like home for some.
Hot water flowed gently between the black rocks, creating a soothing sound that calmed the mind.
Several days had passed since Aoki received an unusual task—to protect, care for, and look after more than two hundred women who had previously come from a Brothel.
This task was not just about providing shelter, but also about rebuilding hope.
In a short time, Aoki had led the construction of simple wooden houses made from timber taken from the surrounding forest.
More than one hundred fifty women now had a place worthy of being called home, although there was still much to be done.
Several groups worked hard every day—cutting down trees, leveling the ground, and processing logs into sturdy beams.
Aoki, who was initially seen as an outsider with little trust, had now earned the respect and trust of those women.
Many of them began to see Aoki as a true leader and protector, someone who genuinely cared about their fate.
However, behind the harmonious atmosphere that was beginning to form, there were temptations and tests.
Some women tried to flirt with Aoki, sometimes in overt ways.
Playful smiles and subtle remarks often slipped into the daily hustle.
Despite this, Aoki maintained his professionalism, focusing more on the task at hand than allowing himself to be distracted.
Hell Valley had now changed.
Although hot and dry, with sparse vegetation and no visible wildlife, the atmosphere in the place felt more alive than ever.
The available resources, such as the hot springs, were well-utilized.
They built bathing pools to rest and relieve fatigue after a long day of work.
------------------------------
[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
Marvel: The Sorcerer in America
Lance White is not an ordinary human. His body is a manifestation of the power of a Super Saiyan, while his soul is an unexpected combination of a Shinigami and a mutated Arrancar, granting him unparalleled spiritual strength. With Poseidon Scale Armor protecting Lance's body and The God Killer Sword and Trident of Neptune in his hands, Lance fulfills his destiny as a hunter of darkness.
In a world filled with heroes and supernatural threats, Lance hunts the most sinful villains on earth—creatures too evil to be forgiven—and navigates the realms of hell to defeat the unimaginable terrifying monsters.]
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