I’d been trudging through the Leaf Village for what felt like an eternity. My team had split up hours ago, each of us covering different sections of the village in search of Sasuke. I didn’t mind the separation; it was a chance to take a breather away from Jirōbō’s incessant whining and Kidōmaru’s irritating comments.

"About time." I found a quiet spot under a large tree, away from the main path. It was far enough from the village that I wouldn’t get noticed easily.