Chapter-31

"We are part of the Yata clan, and our father was the clan's leader back then," Yuei began, her tone carrying a bitter undertone. "When our village was attacked, he defended it along with my mother and everyone who could fight. Unfortunately, we were no match for the army of thousands of soldiers from the Fire Nation."

Naruto listened intently, his brow furrowed in concern. "And the Earth Kingdom didn't help you?" He was aware of the war that spanned the entire continent, with the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom as the primary contenders. The water tribes had largely stayed out of the conflict, except for a few tribes that had joined forces with the Earth Kingdom. According to what the old man had told him, if the Earth Kingdom and the water tribes had united after the genocide of the air nomads, the war might have ended much earlier.

"The Earth Kingdom only focuses on protecting its main capitals. Towns like these aren't relevant to them," Yuei replied simply, her voice tinged with frustration. The idea that resources weren't allocated to save small border towns like theirs disgusted her.

Naruto fell into a contemplative silence. How could a town like this not be relevant? And what about its people? He couldn't comprehend how a leader could leave their own people exposed to the enemy.

"How do you think the Fire Nation got this far?" Yui's smile turned cold, and an unpleasant sensation settled in her chest. "The Earth Kingdom's government focuses solely on protecting its nobility. The rest of us don't matter. The Fire Lord knew that well. There will always be more poor than rich, and the poor, like us, lack protection. In just a few decades, the Fire Nation had already seized control of 70% of the Earth Kingdom."

"That's wrong."

"That's life." Yui shrugged, frustration evident in her tone. If it were up to her, she would have already confronted the Earth Kingdom's king. He had allowed his kingdom to be invaded and devastated, all while he enjoyed his wine and banquets in his castle. It was infuriating. "Politics is a mess," she sighed, trying to calm herself.

"Our people held off the first waves, but as days passed, we couldn't continue. Many perished..." With a somber expression, the older twin approached a rock, knelt down, and removed the moss covering the carving. "But they fought with honor until the end."

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as he saw hundreds of names carved into the rock. As he looked more closely, he noticed Yuei gently caressing one of the names. "Yukki Yata," he read softly.

"She was our mother," Yui replied, maintaining her composure. "She came from an island of Kyoshi warriors but stayed here when she met our father."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Naruto offered, not knowing what else to say.

"Yes..." Yui approached her student and tightly grasped his shoulders. "Fifteen years ago, our people were conquered by the Fire Nation, and several of our own were captured and taken to the Bǎolěi fortress... I want you to listen. You offered your help, and we've trained you to be prepared for what comes next. I entrust this mission to you."

....

"It looks like good merchandise." A Fire Nation soldier eyed the offering with curiosity.

"We captured him in a forest; he's a savage," Yui and Yuei were dressed and painted to resemble Kyoshi warriors. Before them, a pre-adolescent boy, no older than 14, stood chained and gagged. "I assure you, he'll be useful for the toughest jobs. Plus, I know you enjoy working with brats who mock the great Fire Nation," she added provocatively.

"So?" The soldier wasted no time, producing several silver coins and tossing them toward the twins. "I know just where to send you to put him to work. Bring him up!" Following their captain's orders, several soldiers took their new acquisition and pushed him into a metal carriage.

The two sisters watched in silence as the cart rolled away, but not before they saw the 'prisoner' they had sold smile from a small window. "Now, it all depends on you... Naruto," Yui whispered before turning away and leaving. The first step of the plan had already begun.

~End of flashback~

Smiling from beneath his henge disguise, Naruto slowly rose from the ground. He wiped the blood from his mouth and surveyed his surroundings. "Now, where can I find... Tai Yata?" He had to assist the girls in continuing their journey to find a way back home.