8-Road to Navori

Sasuke advanced swiftly, his steps echoing in the dark corridors of the prison. Ahri, true to herself, followed closely behind him, a mischievous smile on her lips.

"You know, you could at least pretend to enjoy my company," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Sasuke sighed, his irritation palpable. "I would prefer the company of a rattlesnake," he retorted coldly, not even sparing her a glance.

He didn't even know why he had told her to follow him, perhaps out of habit.

Ahri chuckled softly, undeterred. "Oh, but I'm much more entertaining than a snake, don't you think?"

Sasuke ignored her remark, focused on his mission. He needed to get to Navori, and every second spent with that fox was a second too much.

Navori is the main region of Ionia, also the location of the capital. He planned to head there naturally to gather information. He knew no one who could help, he only knew the city's location from this woman's memories.

As they exited the prison, the cool night air greeted them. This time, there had been no problem since the explosion had attracted all the attention. Most of the guards were already out of commission, surely thanks to the Vastayas.

Sasuke quickened his pace, determined to put distance between himself and the city of Puboe.

"Wait for me!" Ahri exclaimed, her nine tails waving behind her as she rushed to catch up.

Sasuke didn't respond, his mind already focused on the challenges awaiting him in Navori. Hopefully, he would find the answers he sought there. It was the only clue he had.

The moon shone high in Ionia's night sky, illuminating the winding path Sasuke traversed. Ahri, with her graceful stride and floating tails, followed, a mischievous smile on her lips.

"You know, handsome, the night is still young," Ahri began, her melodious voice breaking the silence. "And there's so much to explore together."

Sasuke didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He knew she was trying to get his attention, but he had neither the time nor the desire to indulge in her games.

"I could show you the wonders of Ionia," Ahri insisted, drawing closer to him. "The hidden secrets, the forbidden pleasures…"

"I don't need a guide," Sasuke replied curtly, cutting off her advances, "why do you keep following me?"

Ahri chuckled, amused by his reluctance. "Oh, but I bet you wouldn't resist a little company," she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Sasuke abruptly stopped, turning to her with a frosty glare. "I walk alone," he said, his voice as sharp as his katana. "And it suits me just fine."

Ahri rolled her eyes, feigning exasperation. "Fine, Mr. Loner," she said, pretending to walk away. "But if you ever change your mind…" She left her sentence hanging, letting the invitation linger in the air between them.

Sasuke said nothing, choosing to resume his walk. Ahri watched him go, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She knew he would never openly ask for her help, but that wouldn't stop her from staying by his side.

'He seems more approachable than before, it seems my charms aren't lost on him, hehehe~! ' For Ahri, it would be very strange for her to pursue a man. She mostly just hunted, but now she finds herself in the company of a man. It's quite special for her.

As they continued their journey through the moonlit night, Ahri couldn't resist the urge to break the silence once again.

"Such a cold reception," she teased, her voice light and playful. "I thought you might appreciate some company on your lonely stroll."

Sasuke sighed, his patience wearing thin. "I told you, I walk alone," he replied tersely, his tone leaving no room for argument.

'Even maintaining a fast pace, she manages to keep up with me, I rather underestimated her' .

Ahri laughed, her tails swaying behind her in amusement. "Oh, come on now, where's the harm in a little companionship?" she cajoled, fluttering her eyelashes in a mock display of innocence.

Sasuke shot her a withering glance, unimpressed by her antics. "Companionship implies mutual consent," he retorted, his tone laced with annoyance. "You're just following me around like a stray puppy."

Ahri's eyes twinkled with mischief as she sidled up to him, her smile sly. "Well, I do have a habit of chasing after things that catch my interest," she said, her voice dripping with suggestive undertones.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, refusing to rise to her bait. "And what exactly about me caught your interest beside my essence?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Ahri grinned, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, the brooding loner routine? It's positively irresistible," she replied, her tone teasing. "Besides, a little mystery adds spice to life, don't you think?"

Sasuke shook his head in exasperation, wondering how he had gotten himself into this situation. "You're impossible," he muttered under his breath, unable to suppress a small smirk.

He didn't know how to deal with this woman, even Sakura didn't go to the extreme of chasing him outside the village.

Ahri laughed, delighted by his reaction. "Guilty as charged," she said, her grin widening. "But admit it, you're starting to enjoy the chase."

Sasuke's smirk faltered, his expression turning serious. "I have more important things to worry about than your games," he said, his voice firm.

Ahri's playful demeanor softened, her eyes holding a hint of understanding. "I know," she said quietly, her tone sincere. "But that doesn't mean you have to face them alone."

"I'm doing just fine on my own," Sasuke looked at the woman behind her out of the corner of his eye, "are you just going to keep following me?"

Ahri nodded, her gaze steady. "Call it curiosity, call it fate," she replied cryptically. "But I have a feeling our paths are intertwined for a reason."

Sasuke sighed, knowing he couldn't shake her off so easily. "Do what you want," he said finally, his tone resigned. "Just don't expect me to hold your hand along the way." He had no choice but to accept that this woman followed him. He could always defend himself if she decided to act.

Ahri smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief once more. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," she said, her voice teasing. "But who knows? Maybe you'll find my company isn't so unbearable after all."

´Dreams are not always true...' Even if Sasuke is not comfortable, he thinks that she might be useful in Navori.

Besides, he hadn't paid attention but he understands the language and speaks like these people. But he didn't understand the written part at all. Very strange...

Meanwhile, Ahri thought about the man she was following. Technically, she didn't know anything about him. What was he doing in the forest? Why are his eyes unique? Why did he break into the prison? Why is he insensitive to her charm?

She had too many questions in mind, it frustrated her not being able to know the answers. She looked at the man with a pout, this guy was too closed off. Even a stone remains less hard.

To be honest, she still didn't know his name.

´No matter, he tolerates me, that's already enough I guess' She sighed mentally, she thought she had understood all the human facets but it seems that this one is still a mystery...