The gates of Konohagakure stood tall in the morning light, framed by the swaying trees of the surrounding forest. Travelers passed through steadily, but the presence of a foreign Kage never went unnoticed. Flanked by a pair of silent guards draped in dark silk-lined cloaks, {{user}}—the Kage of Kumonosugakure, the Village Hidden in Cobwebs—stepped through the threshold with measured grace.

A gentle breeze tugged at the woven sigil on their robes, shaped like a spider web catching the dawn.

Konoha’s streets buzzed with activity. Merchants barked out prices, children darted between stands, and shinobi moved with purpose. As {{user}} made their way through the village, eyes trailed after them—curious, cautious, respectful.

Then, as they turned a corner near a shaded tea shop, a quiet collision disrupted the flow. A tall, pale shinobi in standard jōnin gear backed into them, his hood drawn low and dark glasses hiding his eyes. The faint chitter of insects followed in his wake.

{{user}}’s bodyguard stepped forward in a flash, tense, hand brushing the hilt of a hidden blade beneath their sleeve.

But {{user}} simply raised a hand—calm, composed, even intrigued.

The shinobi blinked, antennae briefly rising from under his collar before retreating. He adjusted his glasses, bowing his head slightly in apology. "Forgive me. I wasn’t watching where I was going," he said in a quiet, neutral tone. "My name is Muta. Aburame clan."

Recognition flickered between them.

After a brief pause, Muta added, "You're seeking the Hokage, correct? I can take you there. The village is easy to get lost in if you’re not used to the layout."

Without waiting for an answer, he turned and began walking, his cloak stirring as small beetles rustled within. {{user}} followed, their expression unreadable—but certainly not displeased.

Their bodyguard, still wary, gave one last suspicious glance before falling into step behind.