Naruto: Transmigrating With Yuta's Template-Chapter 214: Pleasure District?

Haruki, Nagato, and Aoki's figures had already turned into three blurry specks in the distance, finally disappearing completely into the shadows of the canyon.

A stifling silence once again enveloped the blood-stained wooden bridge. It was as if thick ink seeped from the wood's grain.

Shadows slowly gathered, stretched, and finally coalesced into a seemingly insubstantial human form.

Black Zetsu's yellow pupils gleamed with an inhuman light. He "stood" silently in the center of the bridge. His gaze swept over the bodies on the bridge.

He looked in the direction where Haruki and the others had disappeared.

"I heard all of your conversation." Black Zetsu's lips curved upwards slightly.

"This chess piece Madara planted is trying very hard to guide things."

"What a pity."

"Haruki, you refused."

"You actually refused the shortcut to true peace?"

"Because of that ridiculous 'kindness' that refuses to deprive others of their will?" Black Zetsu let out a mocking chuckle.

"Do you think that with your immature power, plus a Rinnegan kid who hasn't grown up yet, you can change this world?"

"The darkness of this world is far deeper than what you have seen."

"The chains of hatred have long bound everyone's fate tightly."

Black Zetsu muttered to himself, "The companionship you cherish is precisely the best breakthrough point to exploit."

"When your kindness and your principle of not depriving others of their will are placed on the scales against the lives of those you want to protect most..."

"How will you choose then?"

"I look forward to it."

Black Zetsu's figure slowly began to sink, re-merging into the shadows of the bridge.

"It seems it's time to tell Madara this news. The contingency plan should also be activated."

Black Zetsu's voice vanished.

On the bridge, it was as if nothing had happened. Black Zetsu disappeared completely, as if he had never appeared.

The wind still blew, its wails echoing through the empty canyon, lingering for a long time. The endless wilderness was swallowed by a deep blue-gray.

On the horizon not far away, a hazy, warm yellow glow finally appeared.

"We've arrived." Aoki was the first to speak.

The closer Haruki and the others got, the clearer the town's outline became. The town was not built on open ground, but rather nestled against a slightly higher hill, with even a crude wooden fence and watchtowers around its perimeter.

Although no guards could be seen on the towers, the town's size was clearly much larger than the one they had stayed in before.

The houses, primarily constructed of wood and earth, were not exquisite but appeared orderly and sturdy.

Upon entering the town, the interior contrasted sharply with the desolate wilderness outside.

The streets were packed dirt roads, fairly even, lined with houses of varying sizes, many windows emanating warm light.

Even though it was night, there were still pedestrians on the streets. Not many, just a few, some hurrying with baskets, others strolling leisurely, occasionally hearing scattered laughter and conversations.

Most of the shops along the streets were still open, selling simple grains, coarse cloth, pottery, and herbs, with an occasional blacksmith's shop emitting the clang of hammering.

"This place seems a bit different." Nagato whispered to Haruki, his Rinnegan, hidden beneath his red hair, curiously surveying his surroundings.

This place was different from the previous town. The atmosphere of war was not as intense, and the war's impact here was not very significant.

Haruki nodded.

This place was indeed different from the last town. In this seemingly ordinary town, he saw two or three ninjas. They deliberately wore casual clothes, blending into the crowd, their eyes sharp.

"This is considered an intelligence exchange point and supply station within the Land of Grass." Aoki said in a low voice.

"During wartime, places like this, which are ungoverned yet have some order, attract all sorts of people. Be careful not to expose our identities. This place is much more dangerous than the last town."

Haruki and Nagato nodded silently.

The further they walked into the town, the livelier it became.

A clamor emanated from the town's central area. The lights were dense and bright, and the human voices were boisterous.

The air began to mix with the scent of cosmetics, the greasy smell of food, and the aroma of alcohol.

Haruki saw a street that was distinctly different from the rustic style of the outskirts.

On both sides of the street were relatively tall, two-story wooden buildings, each adorned with festive decorations, hung with red lanterns and colorful banners, illuminating the entire street with a dazzling glow.

Upstairs, leaning on carved railings, stood women with exquisite makeup.

They wore brightly colored kimonos, holding folding fans or smoking pipes, smiling charmingly, their eyes darting about as they softly beckoned to pedestrians passing below.

Haruki: "..."

"This is the pleasure district. In times of war, people like to escape reality here, living a life of debauchery. Of course, a lot of intelligence can be gathered here." Aoki explained.

Haruki and Nagato stopped almost simultaneously.

Nagato stared blankly at this brightly lit street.

Haruki was also seeing it for the first time, his eyes full of curiosity.

Aoki, understanding Haruki and Nagato's reactions, cleared his throat softly. "Don't stare. Many rogue ninjas, rebellious ninjas, and even intelligence agents from various countries mingle here. Let's find a secluded inn to stay in and get a good night's rest first."

Haruki, who had been staring, averted his gaze.