C78 Northwest Border

On the northwestern frontier of the Grass Country, three figures dashed forward at breakneck speed. Yang Ming, Kawabata Nozomu, and Karin covered dozens of miles in no time.

To hasten their travel, Yang Ming shared with Karin the method for refining Chakra. True to her nature as an Immortal Body, Karin quickly grasped the concept of Chakra, almost instantly sensing and extracting it. Her strength was formidable, the kind that one is born with.

Upon witnessing her potential, Yang Ming imparted the technique of Strange Strength. Initially, Karin struggled to master it, but as they continued their journey, she began to get the hang of it. Her occasional bursts of Strange Strength left Kawabata Nozomu inwardly astonished.

Yet, Karin's youth meant her Chakra reserves were limited, leaving her drained after a single use. They paused for a day to allow her recovery before pressing on.

With newfound experience, Karin refined her Chakra while on the move, simultaneously honing her control over the Strange Strength.

For three days, the trio pushed on, drinking water when thirsty and stopping at inns when hungry. They traversed thousands of miles, departing the Fire Country and drawing ever closer to the valley where Kawabata Nozomu once spotted the Flame Warm Herb.

"Mr. Gekka," Kawabata Nozomu began, "our Grass Country shares its southwest border with the Earth Country, one of the five great nations, and is backed by the Waterfall Country. The valley lies at a unique juncture between the three nations. While the Waterfall Country is manageable, the Earth Country is a cause for concern."

"Ryōtenbin no Ohnoki, the chief of the Rock Ninja, is a seasoned and formidable ninja. Under his command, the Earth Country stands tall among the five great nations, commanding respect even from Konoha. The Rock Ninja's power is not to be underestimated. With so many years gone by, I fear the valley may have already been discovered."

As they drew nearer to their destination, Kawabata Nozomu couldn't help but express his concern.

"Don't fret. Nobody will stand in my way," Yang Ming reassured him with a dismissive wave of his hand.

He was resolute in his quest for the Flame Warm Herb; no one would deter him.

The Rock Ninja were formidable, but Yang Ming held little regard for anyone other than the Tsuchikage and those with the Sacrifice Force.

"Understood."

Kawabata Nozomu nodded at Yang Ming's words, though a flicker of worry crossed his face before he shook it off.

"The valley is quite hidden. I stumbled upon it by chance. It's unlikely the Rock Ninja have found it. Perhaps I'm overthinking it."

With that, he pushed his concerns aside.

By afternoon, the trio reached the border. Guided by Kawabata Nozomu's memory, they made their way to a secluded mountain village, encircled by craggy stones that seemed to envelop it—a common sight near the Rock Country, a land of towering mountains and stone.

Night had fallen, and the snow-clogged roads forced them to seek shelter with a local farming family.

They would spend the night and proceed into the mountains once the weather cleared and the snow melted the following day.

"Mr. Kawabata, you've returned! We've missed you dearly since you left. If not for you, our village would have perished at the hands of those marauding bandits. Are you here to search for that same item, just like the others?" an elderly man recognized Kawabata Nozomu as they entered the village, greeting him like an old friend.

"The others? Old Man Kazuma, are you saying there are more people looking for that item besides us?" Kawabata Nozomu asked, his brow furrowing with concern at the implication.

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