FOR THOSE WHO WERE ELIMINATED.

In the soft gloom of the living room of the modest apartment in Konoha, Hinoko was busy distributing food bowls to the children present. He would delicately place a bowl in front of each of them, making sure they had enough to satisfy his hunger.

The comforting aroma of home-cooked food permeated the space, but it could not dispel the oppressive silence that weighed on the room.

"Ramen again?" Eho complained aloud as she received her bowl. 

"We have to settle for ramen for a while. I beg you to accept it without protest." Hinoko replied, without reprimanding him directly. 

Eho, Yuina, and the other children nodded silently, grateful for the food. But Hinoko's attention rested on Himawari, who stood by the window, staring blankly at the rooftops of the village.

His eyes were expressionless, and the dark circles under them were evidence of the weight of an important promise he had fulfilled.

"Himawari-chan, here's your bowl."

However, Himawari did not react. She seemed to be absorbed in her own thoughts, as if she were waiting for some miracle in the twilight that loomed behind the window.

"Sumire-chan hasn't arrived yet." Hinoko reflected, casting a cautious glance toward the door. "What is that girl doing? Her presence is crucial for the mission... She is risking being discovered."

Carefully, Hinoko put down the bowl of food in front of Himawari, but the girl didn't react. She was completely immersed in her own melancholy.

Eho, Yuina, and the other girls exchanged worried glances, but no one dared to break the heavy silence. Sadness and uncertainty hung over them like a shadow, and no one knew how to ease the emotional burden they all shared.

Hinoko's eyes swept over each of the children. They paused for a moment at Himawari, who stared at the rooftops of the village as if she were elsewhere, oblivious to the routine around her.

Hinoko knew Himawari from a distance. He knew that the girl carried with her the weight of being the Hokage's daughter in this situation. Although she was barely a student at the Academy, sooner or later, the time would come when she would have to face her fate.

The promise of the seal, the one that had taken them all back in time, was a burden difficult for someone so young to comprehend. But Hinoko also knew that Himawari was stronger than he appeared. If that promise was broken, it wasn't just Himawari who would be forced to use a gun.

The blood covenant was a "Promise" that had been sealed by the villages and the scroll bearers. If either party broke the promise, the seal would work against them. And Hinoko already knew what the condition Konoha had proposed had been.

"We can't go back! It's the only option I have now!"

Not even a month had passed since these people had arrived in Konoha with the intention of staying. Hinoko had been one of the first to protest when Shikamaru personally called her to serve as a watchman.

I had never seen the old man so desperate before. He, who always remained serene, aloof and severe. Hinoko had been static at the scream, and had it not been for Anbu's mask, the advisor of the seventh Hokage would have witnessed her stupefaction.

She wasn't afraid of anything, and little things didn't scare her. But the fact that Shikamaru screamed was a truly unexpected surprise.

At the time, Hinoko didn't know that those people, so close to his hands, would be primarily responsible for the cataclysm. He didn't care if Konoha agreed or not, nor did he care to protect those who had harmed him.

She didn't jump right after them because those children's lives depended on that seal. At that point, she no longer cared if she was alive or not. However, he would not allow that scroll to be discovered.

I didn't want others to see what those children had witnessed. He knew that, if the scroll were activated again, the world would collapse.

(~~~)

The evening sun slowly crept under the vast sky, tinting the sandy landscape with golden hues. Mirai and Sara's every step kicked up small clouds of sand on the barren terrain as they went. A warm breeze caressed their faces as they ventured into the vast desert.

After leaving the inhabitants of Rouran behind, it had been a little more than half an hour, perhaps a little more, since they began their journey. The expanse of the desert seemed endless, and Mirai was beginning to tire of fighting the sand that accumulated on her boots.

Sara, with a mixture of excitement and determination, trotted in front of Mirai. His enthusiasm was evident as he searched for the cobblestone path hidden under the sand. When he saw the road, he quickened his pace, anticipating his arrival in the village.

The massive rock walls, almost like miniature mountains, rose before them as they left the sand behind. The pavement was mostly covered with dirt, suggesting constant use of that route.

"So, this is the entrance."

Mirai thought, as she struggled to appreciate every detail of the new surroundings. Plants were beginning to make their appearance, marking the change from the arid desert to something greener and more alive. 

As they approached the main entrance of the Bell Village, Sara offered her first explanations:

"We usually take carts or camels to get here." He commented. "This place is not well known and only those from certain regions of the Land of the Wind come here."

Mirai observed a group of men near the village gates. He noticed that they didn't seem particularly friendly and whispered to Sara:

"Those men don't seem to be very happy to see us." Mirai observed in a whisper, aware of the tension in the air. 

Sara, keeping her composure, answered calmly. Although he knew some of the truth about Mirai, he understood the importance of keeping a discreet profile in an unfamiliar place.

"My name is Sara, I come from Rouran." He introduced himself to the men as they approached the gates. "I usually come here to get weapons, and I recently placed an order."

Mirai, determined to go unnoticed, looked warily at the men. One of them seemed more relaxed than the other, but both showed some tension. In an environment linked to clandestine affairs, he had expected a different reception.

"Do you have any receipts?" One of the men asked, examining the document presented by Sara. 

Mirai chose to remain silent, aware that her presence was unwelcome and preferring to avoid drawing attention to herself.

However, one of the men, raising an eyebrow curiously, turned his gaze to Mirai and asked:

"And who are you? Do they come together?"

The tension in the air became palpable as the guards at the entrance scrutinized Mirai with inquisitive looks. Every second stretched on like minutes, and the young ninja felt the pressure building around her.

The weight of responsibility for the safety of his friends, who were waiting for his return, rested on his shoulders.

His thoughts turned into a storm of anxiety as he imagined the possible repercussions of this interrogation. How could I explain his presence here without giving too much away? Could I trust the story Sara had devised for them? The palpable distrust in the guards' gazes made her feel increasingly cornered.

Just as Mirai began to feel that her nerves were about to betray her, Sara calmly but firmly intervened.

"This is Mirai-san, a subject of Rouran." He said, making a confident gesture and placing himself between Mirai and the guard. "I brought her with me to go ahead to the village."

Mirai inhaled deeply, feeling a moment of relief. However, the guard who had interrogated her did not seem entirely convinced and, with a frown, persisted in his suspicion.

Cold sweat beaded Mirai's forehead as she struggled to maintain her composure. His heartbeat echoed in his ears as he weighed the possible consequences of every word he could utter. Each answer could upset the fragile balance in which they found themselves.

But just as the tension seemed to be reaching its peak, the guard checking the receipt finally spoke.

"This receipt is from blacksmith Hayaki-san." He announced with a tone of recognition. "He's a veteran blacksmith who's been serving our village for years."

Mirai's gaze shifted from the guard who had interrogated her to the one who had identified the blacksmith. His heart was still pounding, but now for a different reason: relief. Sarah's explanation seemed to have had an effect, and the tension was beginning to dissipate.

With blacksmith Hayaki's receipt as their entrance pass, the guards stepped aside, allowing Mirai and Sara to enter the village. A sigh of relief escaped Mirai's lips, though she remained alert as they advanced.

The Bell Village unfolded before them, and Mirai couldn't help but notice its modest size. Unlike the majesty and spaciousness of Konoha, this village seemed small at first glance.

About fifty houses lined up in rows on either side of a central road, leaving only a narrow path to walk on. It was as if they had entered a forgotten corner of the Shinobi world.

Mirai looked curiously at the houses as they went. They were simple structures, some with gabled roofs and others with flat roofs. As they moved deeper into the village, he noticed that the houses were built between the rocks that surrounded the area, as if the village itself had emerged from the earth.

At the end of the road, stood an imposing structure that looked like a temple. To get there, they had to ascend a series of stairs that seemed endless. The view from above gave them a full view of the village, and Mirai could appreciate its modest beauty.

Sara noticed the curiosity in Mirai's gaze and began to explain.

"This village is home to blacksmiths who have dedicated generations to their craft." Sara reported as they advanced through the narrow streets. "They are known for their skill in blacksmithing and forging. But you should keep in mind, Mirai-san, that although there are very respectable blacksmiths here, the fact that this village is relatively unknown makes it a magnet for people with not-so-noble intentions."

The air seemed heavy with anticipation as they walked. Mirai watched people in the workshops and bars, wondering what secrets these places hid and what kind of individuals would have been attracted to a place like this.

Sara noticed the concern on Mirai's face and offered words of encouragement.

"Don't worry." He said calmly, radiating confidence. "We'll be fine. I know the person in charge of the 'Sunset'. We can enter without raising suspicion, but whether or not we do so when we ask to speak with him... it will be up to you, Mirai-san."

Mirai nodded, though with a slight hesitation in her eyes. She felt uncomfortable in this unfamiliar place, but she knew there was no other option to get information about the clandestine missions they so desperately needed.

"I understand." He replied with determination, accepting Sara's proposal. 

As they advanced, the sun slowly set on the horizon, casting longer and longer shadows on the narrow streets. The blacksmith village seemed almost deserted at this hour, and Mirai wondered if most of its inhabitants preferred to take refuge in their homes during the night.

Sara led Mirai to a corner of the village, stopping in front of a nightclub. The solid wood door opened, revealing a rough-looking man who was watching them with suspicious eyes. With a nod, Sara greeted him and he let them pass without asking any more questions.

The interior of the tavern was shrouded in a gloomy gloom. Most of the occupants were men who indulged in drinking or engaged in friendly fights in some dark corner. Others were talking to women at the counter, laughing and joking loudly.

Mirai felt out of place in that environment, as if she were a foreigner in a hostile land. Although she was a ninja, this kind of environment was different if she dared to enter as a civilian in the eyes of everyone.

Anyone who underestimated her and saw her as a child would not hesitate to attack her, forcing her to remain as low a profile as possible, especially considering that not only her life was at stake if her Ninja abilities were discovered.

She looked around as she followed Sara, noticing that the gazes of those present occasionally fell on them. He wondered what they would think of two teenage outsiders who had entered his sanctuary of men.

Sara led her through the crowd, dodging bodies and tables as they made their way toward a door guarded by two women with an appearance that suggested they were waitresses, but their gaze had a hint of bad fame. These women looked at them with sharp eyes as they approached.

"Are you coming for the manager?" One of the women asked, her voice harsh and defiant. 

Sara nodded confidently.

"Yes, we're here to talk to him." He answered. "It is important."

The women shared a look before opening the door and allowing them access. Mirai followed Sara through the door, feeling the tension in the air increase as they moved deeper into the unknown.

The narrow corridor stretched out before them, the wood creaked beneath their feet, and a pungent smell of damp earth and alcohol filled the air. Mirai followed Sara with quick steps, watching as shadows danced on the walls as they moved down the dark corridor.

When they reached the end of the corridor, they found themselves in front of a half-open door that led to a small room barely lit by an oil lamp in the corner.

Inside, a group of men sat around a worn-out wooden table, immersed in a game of cards.

However, what caught Mirai's attention the most was Chakra's overwhelming presence in the room. It was palpable, almost oppressive, and there was no doubt that these men were ninjas, framing a contrast to the civilian inhabitants of the village.

Mirai fervently wished for her own Chakra to blend with that of men, undetected by anyone.

Sara turned her gaze to the man standing by the table. He was a rough-and-experienced looking individual, with brown hair pulled back in a high ponytail and an unkempt beard that surrounded his weathered face.

A patch covered her right eye, and a scar marked her upper lip. Despite his intimidating appearance, his manner of movement radiated a serene confidence. He lit a cigarette before approaching the new arrivals.

The men's attention was focused on Mirai and Sara, and although the atmosphere was still tense, the voice of the man, the supposed boss, ordered calm in the room. And then his raspy voice hit them.

"My dear Sara-chan, may I know who the new visitor is?"

The voice of the rough and experienced man echoed through the room, commanding calm, despite the tension that lingered in the air. His eyes fell on Sara, but soon drifted to Mirai. The young Kunoichi stood her ground, her eyes hidden behind her mask, but her posture betrayed her nervousness.

"I have come to ask for your cooperation." Sara announced, introducing Mirai to the village chief. "She's Mirai-san, and she's interested in joining your staff."

"Jo?" Mirai felt her body tense up even more, a mixture of anxiety and determination invaded her. "I don't think I understand you, Sara-chan... When you say "Personal," do you mean "my" personal, or "the" personal?"

The cigarette was extinguished when its owner rested it on the edge of the table, very close to the cards that were in use. But no one seemed to have noticed. All eyes were fixed on the conversation, even if the players' hands continued to move in the card game.

"We both know what we mean." Sara counterattacked, her soft voice hardening. "You don't hire just anyone for your staff."

The man showed how the corner of his mouth rose.

Sara puffed out her chest, trying to appear to be a solid defense.

"Mirai-san is a ninja... who is interested in missions... Clandestine."

The conversation between Sara and the boss began, and Mirai could feel the heaviness in every word spoken.

"A ninja?" The chief turned his attention to the Sarutobi. Mirai felt a chill run down her spine before her gaze. "What is a ninja like you doing in these directions?"

The way in which his words were enunciated had a mocking rather than interrogative tone.

Mirai struggled to maintain her composure in the midst of that situation. Uncertainty and confusion washed over her, and she found herself caught in a dilemma about how to interpret that comment. I didn't know whether to take it as a direct offense or as a simple curiosity disguised as sarcasm.

"She's very talented!" Sara defended with conviction, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "It saved me and your business."

The boss, although apparently interested, did not fail to show a tired expression. His piercing gaze locked on Sara as she sighed slowly.

"So they found you?"

His words resounded with a hint of surprise. He watched as Sara swallowed, but decided to ignore her reaction. He lit another cigarette calmly, smoke snaking around his face.

"I warned you. Making deals with me doesn't benefit you at all." He said in a calm tone as he pointed at Sara with his lighter. "To all this, how is it that you protected my business? If she's just a brat."

Mirai remained calm, not showing any signs of offense, though she frowned slightly in response to the boss's words.

"Hitmen came for me, looking for information." Sara stepped forward to defend Mirai with determination. "If it weren't for Mirai-san, they would have come to you sooner or later. She has exceptional abilities, sir. He is trustworthy and could be a valuable addition to your team."

Sara spoke sincerely, trying to persuade the boss, while Mirai kept her gaze fixed on the man, anxiously waiting for his answer.

The boss, cigarette smoke wafting around him, took a moment to think. The tension in the room was palpable as everyone waited for his answer.

Finally, he broke the silence with a sigh and an expressionless gaze towards Mirai.

"I'm sorry to say it, but it's not possible." He declined firmly, his voice lacking emotion. Mirai felt a knot in her stomach as hopes faded. 

Sarah, noticeably offended by the boss's refusal, quickly intervened.

"What? Are you rejecting Mirai-san after what she has done?" He asked indignantly. "She could be a great addition to your team!"

The boss shot Sara an icy look, his piercing eyes judging every word.

"Sara-chan, don't forget your place here." The boss warned in an authoritarian tone. "You and I have a business relationship, and you don't need to involve strangers in this matter."

Sara seemed to back away, but her gaze remained defiant as she faced the boss.

"Are you going to reject it just because you didn't see it yourself?" He asked sarcastically. "In addition, she helped me and your business. Don't forget what you owe my mother, boss!"

The mention of Sara's mother seemed to affect the boss significantly. He looked down for a moment before answering.

"I don't forget, Sara-chan. But that doesn't change the fact that that girl is a stranger. Plus, having her around would backfire, especially considering your own status in the underworld bingo book." He shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "You've helped him a lot, but I can't put my business or your safety at risk for someone I don't know. If she's really a ninja, that brat will soon stab you in the back."

"Huh?!"

The expression on Mirai's face was a mixture of despair and defeat as she listened to the conversation. He knew his opportunity was fading fast, and he had no idea what to do next.

Mirai watched Sara intently as the boss rejected her request. The expression on her companion's face went from indignation to disappointment, and Mirai could see how deeply offended she was by the refusal.

However, before Mirai could fully process the situation, Sara turned to her with a sympathetic look in her eyes.

"Mirai-san, please don't take this personally." Sara said in a soft voice, trying to console her. "I know we haven't known each other for a long time, but I can tell you that you're not the kind of person the boss thinks you are."

Mirai was comforted by Sara's words, despite the sadness that still weighed on her heart. She appreciated her new friend's vote of confidence and the way she stood up for her at the time.

"Thank you, Sara-san." Mirai replied sincerely. "I really appreciate your support."

Sara smiled kindly at him, but before he could answer, the boss spoke passively from his corner.

"You'd better get her out of here, Sara." The boss said in a cold voice that cut the air. "You've brought a complete stranger into the lion's den, and that could cost you dearly."

The tension in the room became palpable, and Mirai felt the air become even denser. Despite the chief's words, Sara kept her gaze on Mirai with determination, as if she was ready to defend her against all odds.

"You won't get me out of here." Sara replied defiantly, puffing out her chest and standing in front of the imposing man who surpassed her in almost half a lifetime in height. "Not until you hear what Mirai-san has to say, I owe her my life."

"Your homework is not my problem." The man replied coldly. "Now get out of my bar, before I have to get you out myself."

The discussion dragged on, with Sara insisting on Mirai's collaboration and the boss resisting listening. Mirai was silent, aware that her future depended on what was decided in that room. Tension grew as the boss was reluctant to budge, while Sara continued to argue with determination.

Every word echoed through the room like thunder, as if Mirai's fate was being subjected to intense scrutiny. His heart pounded with a mixture of despair and hope, as his gaze clung to the boss, looking for any hint of his reaction.

The boss's words echoed in his mind, reminding him of his insecurities. But in the midst of their internal struggle, memories of their journey with Kakashi-san and Guy-san emerged.

His teachings, which at first seemed trivial, now took on a new meaning. They were the tools I needed to face situations like this, to survive in an unknown world.

The promise he had made to Shikamaru also stood in his mind like a beacon of determination. He clung to that promise tooth and nail, feeling the pressure of his own expectations and those of others on his shoulders.

Mirai knew this was her chance to prove herself, to transcend the boss's doubts and gain his trust. Every second that passed was a test, and his mind was working at full speed, searching for the right words to convince him.

Finally, the chief pronounced his verdict, refusing to trust Mirai. Disappointment and frustration were intertwined in his chest, but he also felt something else. An inner drive, an unwavering determination that was unleashed in the midst of adversity.

As she watched Sara, Mirai noticed how her expression of despair transformed into something deeper. As if Sara's passion had ignited a spark inside him. A glimpse of something that had been dormant, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

In that trance, he felt the gazes of the other men in the room, like scattered lights in the darkness. He remembered the youngest ninjas he had ever met, those who fought with all their might to keep going. She felt connected to them in some way, as if they shared a similar determination.

The echo of the voices in the room mingled with his thoughts, creating a chaotic symphony in his mind. But amid that chaos, he clung to a powerful feeling. The will to prove one's worth, to transcend doubts and uncertainties.

Mirai felt as if something inside her had awakened, as if she was undergoing a transformation in real time.

The pressure and anticipation were overwhelming, but in the midst of that emotional storm, something had been triggered. An unwavering determination that drove her to overcome any obstacle that stood in her way.

He did not know where that force had come from; No, if he knew, only that he refused to prostrate his reaction on the top.

The strength that emerged in Mirai at that moment seemed to emerge from some deep corner of her being. It was as if an energy that had been dormant had finally manifested, but she refused to allow it to completely take over her reaction.

The cataclysm he had lived through had taught him two fundamental lessons: humility and distrust. Humility, as a constant reminder that I had to keep going despite the difficulties. Distrust, as a protective armor against both external and internal threats.

It didn't matter what last word the man had uttered; Mirai had her priorities clear, and Sara was at the center of her attention.

He did not wish to jeopardize the relationship he had forged with Sarah or to disturb her in any way. He knew that what he was about to do was necessary for the sake of his friends, but he also feared the consequences of Sara, a person from the past, becoming too attached to his current version.

The men watching the scene hurriedly pushed the table aside when Mirai jumped towards the tavern boss. As her hand plunged into her cloak in search of something, Mirai stood in front of the boss, her adolescent face reflecting pure desperation.

"The Ebon Shadow!" He shouted with all his might, his voice echoing in the room. "I've come to recommend The Ebony Shadow!"

The tavern boss was petrified at hearing those words. The name "The Ebony Shadow" echoed in his mind like an echo of the past, triggering a surge of memories and emotions that left him speechless. His eyes widened, and his weary expression turned into a mixture of surprise and fear.

Sara, seeing the boss's reaction, felt a pang of doubt. Mirai had mentioned that name to him before, but she didn't know that the boss had any knowledge related to him. An inquisitive glance crossed between them, while the boss remained silent, processing the information.

The other men in the room also stood motionless, their actions suspended in the air. The chief had raised a hand in arrest, instructing them not to take any rash action. The atmosphere was charged with tension, as if the mere mention of that name had frozen time in the tavern.

Mirai, with a mixture of desperation and bravery, pulled something from her cloak. His hands trembled slightly as he revealed a ninja headband.

The shiny metal and black rubber of the headband seemed carefully maintained, despite the obvious scratches that marked its surface. In the center of the diadem, the symbol of Konoha shone with pride.

Konoha's symbol engraved on the metal plate was clearly visible, and made Mirai's provenance clear. The young Kunoichi had a look of despair on her face, struggling to maintain her composure as her voice echoed through the room.

"I'm a Konoha Ninja!" He exclaimed in a trembling voice. "A Chunin!"

Sara was dumbfounded by Mirai's words. His surprise was reflected in his eyes, his eyes wide open as he quietly repeated Mirai's words.

He had no idea that the young woman next to him was a ninja from a hidden village. She had been deceived by the story Mirai had told her.

There was no village near the land of the fire; Nor had it been destroyed or torn to pieces. None of that was true.

Sara was the Queen of a place that only existed in memories. But she did not live oblivious to the world around her.

She knew more or less the history of the Ninjas, thanks to the writings of her mother and grandmother, as well as because she had the fortune to deal with Ninjas moderately closely when she was younger.

Therefore, he knew about the Renegade Ninjas.

And he knew well that this type of mission was not allowed if the Ninja in question came from a hidden village that supported his identity. Sara had facilitated a renegade to commit something illegal.

The chief's attention was focused on the diadem and Mirai. His eyes widened as he stared at the emblem of Konoha, a village he surely knew well.

As Sara wondered aloud about the authenticity of Mirai's words, the chief seemed to notice something in the young woman's clothing. A flash of recognition crossed his gaze, and an unspeakable gesture formed on his face.

The chief, without saying a word, waved his hand and motioned his men out of the room.

The men obeyed without question, leaving Mirai, Sara, and the chief in a tense silence. The chief remained in place, staring at Mirai, as if trying to figure out something in her. The atmosphere was fraught with uncertainty, as if Mirai's fate was being decided at that moment.

The tension in the room was palpable.

Mirai stood in the midst of an overwhelming silence, caught between Sara's stunned gaze and the scrutiny of the chief, whose eyes were still fixed on Konoha's diadem. The atmosphere seemed to be in suspense, as if Mirai's fate depended on the next words she spoke.

"I'm not a brat." Mirai's words came from her lips, her voice trembling slightly from the tension that flooded the room. "You need a real ninja, right? I have experience!"

As she spoke, Mirai moved with determination, trying to show the boss that she was a professional in her field. Every gesture, every look, was charged with the urgency of the situation.

The boss, for his part, put out his cigarette in an ashtray and walked slowly to his desk on the other side of the small room. His movements were deliberate, as if he was seriously considering Mirai's words.

"I'm not doing it for myself!" Mirai hurriedly continued when she noticed the surprised expression on Sara's face. However, she avoided eye contact with her new friend and turned her attention back to the boss. "There are children involved! They're ninjas too, and we're being sought out by dangerous people. We have no intention of relating further to Konoha. You have my word... that nothing I saw or heard today will ever come out!"

The room suddenly seemed smaller, as if the walls were closing in on them. Mirai felt the weight of her promise weigh on her shoulders, but she was willing to do anything to ensure the safety of the young ninjas she had encountered on her way.

The decision was in the boss's hands, and uncertainty filled the air as they waited for his response.

Mirai was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation. Every beat of his heart echoed in his ears like an insistent drum, marking the accelerated rhythm of his emotions. The room, once so small, seemed to narrow even more around her, as if the walls were closing in on her, increasing the pressure on her chest.

The sound of paper crunched in the air as the boss stirred something on his desk. The man's every move was followed by Mirai with intense attention, as if the fate of all involved depended on what was about to emerge from that desk.

The lingering aroma of the extinguished cigarette mixed with his own heartbeat, creating a feeling of suffocation in the room.

Mirai knew that this was a turning point in her life, a crossroads that could change everything. She was determined to do whatever it took to protect the children and keep her past safe, but uncertainty enveloped her like a heavy blanket.

"Sara, you shouldn't..."

Mirai began to say, but her words were cut short by the boss's interruption. His eyes fell on the man who led the place, a look full of doubt and concern. I didn't know how to handle the situation or how to present myself to him consistently.

"Who is it?" The chief's voice resounded with an authority that made her shudder. 

Mirai felt the pressure increase, as if the very atmosphere of the room became dense. His grip on the headband tightened against his chest, as if this simple gesture could give him a little more security.

The boss moved some papers around on his desk, looking for something specific. Then, he took out an envelope and threw it with a sudden movement.

The envelope landed at Mirai's feet, and she watched as the photographs unfolded in front of her eyes. Each image was like a direct blow to her heart, filling her with a mixture of fear and anxiety.

With hesitant steps, Mirai bent down to pick up the envelope, feeling her heart pounding in her chest. With trembling hands, he opened the envelope and looked at the contents.

Photographs, documents, and IDs of different ninjas jumped out at him. Each image was accompanied by detailed descriptions: techniques, ages, villages of origin. And what struck Mirai the most was the similarity between those ninjas and herself.

They were young, just like her. Several of them were wearing the Chunin vest, exactly like the one she had under her cloak. Varying merely in the shades of colors and headbands.

Recognition took over his mind like lightning. Mirai knew exactly why those vests were so familiar, why they disturbed her so much. They were the same ones who had accompanied her childhood, the same ones who had forged her determination and her promise.

Mirai slowly raised her gaze, finding the boss's eyes riveted on her. There was no doubt that he had noticed the connection as well.

Mirai felt trapped in a cage of overwhelming emotions. Fear, confusion, shame. How could he know? How could he have discovered his deepest secret?

The chief was watching her intensely, and Mirai felt as if she was being scrutinized in her entirety. It was as if he had seen through its protective cloak, as if he had penetrated his soul and unearthed his darkest memories. Her hands pressed the diadem to her chest, as if this simple act could protect her from the boss's gaze.

A shiver ran down his spine as silence filled the room. No one else could understand the meaning behind those Chunin vests. No one, except Mirai. And now, it seemed that the boss had also come to a similar conclusion.

Fear invaded her, a fear that went beyond the possibility of being discovered as a ninja of a Konoha of the future. It was the fear that someone had finally found the connection between her past and her present, and that left her vulnerable and exposed in a way she thought she wasn't prepared to face.

"What's that?" Sara asked, her voice filled with despair and confusion. Her eyes went from Mirai to the boss, searching for answers that seemed to constantly evade her. 

The situation was slipping out of his hands, and the uncertainty weighed on him like a stone on his chest.

The boss slowly approached Mirai as he spoke, his words echoing in the small room. Every step he took around the young woman echoed in the tense atmosphere.

Mirai was stunned, holding the papers in her trembling hand, her gaze lost in infinity. The intensity of the situation had left her paralyzed, and cold sweat beaded her forehead as she struggled to control her breathing.

"I've been getting lots of applications in two days."

The boss continued, his voice firm as he moved closer to Mirai.

"The other headquarters, our allies, keep sending me information about ninjas who declare themselves renegade or simply refuse to give their exact location. None offers any further explanations. We are not a nursery, we are not interested in what happens to them as long as they fulfill their missions. But here's the interesting part..."

The boss leaned slightly towards Mirai, his face now inches away from hers.

"It is the customers who offer large sums of money as a reward, and we take a significant percentage of that reward when the mission is accomplished. Imagine my surprise to realize that many of the children on that list are also listed as targets to be eliminated by an unknown client."

Mirai struggled to stand her ground, feeling her world reeling around her. His thoughts turned into chaos as he processed the gravity of the situation. Those young ninjas, like her, had been marked for kill, and the very existence of the list was an indication that something much darker was at play.

But before she could fully comprehend the magnitude of the situation, the threatening-looking man turned to her again. This time, emphasizing more of his vision in the direction of his red eyes.

Mirai wouldn't please him. He was focusing more on not sweating so as to look back at him. He could even feel Sara's piercing his forehead, but he didn't deserve to look her in the eye.

Not when his lie had already been brought to light.

The chief uttered the words "The Ebon Shadow" in a low voice, almost as if he spit them out carefully so that only Sara could hear him clearly. Mirai felt a lump in her throat as she watched how the man reacted to that name.

Her eyes briefly met the boss's, and although Mirai tried to maintain her steadfastness, anxiety was reflected in her gaze.

The boss noticed the uneasiness in Mirai's eyes, but he didn't change his expression. After sighing and looking to the side for a moment, he continued to speak.

"I don't know how you know the Ebony Shadow, but if you really come from him... something dark is at play. Strange things usually happen when that person is around, but this..." The boss left the sentence unfinished, letting the tension in the room speak for itself. 

Mirai swallowed hard, her eyes still fixed on the boss's. Although his gaze calmed down a little, anxiety was still present in his features.

"They were asking me for permission to finish them off." The boss continued, and Mirai jumped involuntarily at those words. "It is not our problem who lives and who dies. Anyone can join under the contractor's conditions, and that's in the hands of the staff and the Bingo Book."

Paleness took over Mirai's face as she processed the last part of the conversation. He knew what the Bingo Book was, but he did not know in what context it was now in the hands of the underground community.

"Book... Bingo?" Mirai asked in a barely audible voice. 

The boss nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the young ninja.

"The conditions to be part of the staff is that you understand that it is not our problem if you appear in the Bingo Book." The boss explained calmly. 

Fear gripped Mirai as she understood the implications of those words. She knew that clandestinity had its own rules, but in her case, it would not only affect her, but also her friends and companions from the future who had arrived along with her.

It was a bond they shared, and now they were stuck in a dangerous situation together.

Mirai closed her eyes for a moment, remembering the faces of the young ninjas who had come from the same future as her. They were all going through the same thing, they had all resorted to the same idea of joining the underground community to survive in this unknown world.

By chance, his gaze fell on one of the identifications on the papers that was on the boss's desk.

A young man's face was crossed out with a marker and the word "REDACTED" was written in large letters. A chill ran down Mirai's spine, and a wave of nausea and dread came over her.

Despite her fear, Mirai refused to hide. She didn't feel like a hero, but rather like someone who was struggling to fulfill a promise made in another time. Although her heart was pounding anxiously, she was determined to keep going, even if it meant facing the consequences of going underground.

However, making that decision only left one possibility open in his mind.

"The boys." She whispered to herself, letting the faces of the Genin and the young Chunin, along with the image of the great Old Woman, occupy her thoughts. "If I join this cause... I must face the possibility that whoever is putting prices on our heads, is also putting prices on mine. About that of all of us."

The words echoed in his mind, the same words he had heard from one of his attackers. "They are an Anomaly!" they had exclaimed as Sarada was taken hostage and then rescued by the Great Elder's followers.

Mirai opened her eyes suddenly, concentrating on that possibility that she had previously overlooked.

"They knew what our uniforms were like, Chunin," he recalled in his head, moving his lips without saying anything, as if by doing so, he could analyze it better. "And at that time, we hadn't even spent two days in this place."

Memories rained down on her like a waterfall, threatening to overwhelm her. He remembered how he had counterattacked those ninjas, but before that, the details became blurry.

She didn't remember what had happened moments before the cataclysm, she only remembered how it had ended up in the hiding place and how Tanaka-san had appeared to warn her about "The Cult Members", or as she called them; 'The Parchment Family'.

Those words fluttered in his mind like a butterfly, and with them, he came a conclusion. One that seemed to fit all the pieces of this puzzling puzzle.

"There's no doubt..." Mirai murmured to herself, a spark of understanding lighting up her eyes. "The person who is offering these rewards, they are also exiles from time. They know too much, they know where we come from and our identities. It's no coincidence that they knew about the uniforms and positions of the Chunin... They know more than they should."

The idea took hold in his mind as an unshakable truth. It could not be a simple coincidence. Someone, or perhaps a group, who had also been dragged in from their time, was behind all this. The implications were vast and terrifying, but Mirai knew she couldn't run away from them.

Tanaka-san had spoken to him of Persons; People who saw themselves capable of betraying the Hokage, and that other villages were involved with allowing such people to relate to their Ninjas.

"Now everything is clearer..."

The rough-looking man, with his imposing height and marked muscles, watched intently as Mirai seemed to lose herself in her own thoughts. His face formed a slight grimace, an expression of bewilderment at the young woman's behavior.

Not knowing exactly why Mirai was behaving that way, she raised a hand in arrest as Sara was about to approach her, silencing any attempt to intervene.

After a moment of reflection, the man finally broke the silence, reaching into his jacket before speaking. His voice, harsh and filled with darkness, turned to Mirai, who was slowly returning to reality.

"I won't ask any more questions, just out of respect for the Ebony Shadow." He said in a serious tone. He then continued, offering details about the task he had for Mirai. "Here's a recent order. It's pretty straightforward. If you are able to complete it, take the requested items to the meeting point indicated in the note."

Mirai nodded, taking the paper he offered her carefully, struggling not to knock down the other documents the man had given her minutes ago. The man frowned at her apparent clumsiness and, in a harsh tone, added:

"I'll repeat this one more time: just out of respect. Soon your name will appear on the staff list, allowing you to carry out future deliveries, but you will also assume your own risks. Now, out of my sight."

The man's words rang in Mirai's ears, and she felt a mixture of anxiety and dread. He knew he was entering a dangerous and unknown world, but he also understood that he had no choice. Reluctantly, he left the tavern.

Once outside, she walked with her head down, hurried, and disappointed with herself.

Sara followed her, worried about the young ninja, but Mirai seemed to be immersed in her thoughts and worries, not looking up from the ground as she made her way through the shadowy streets of the mysterious village of bells.

Mirai walked with her head down and hurried, her hands clenching tightly the paper she was holding.

The sun had given way to the shadows of the night, and the torches of the village were lit, casting a flickering, ominous light on the streets. In her attempt to stop her, Sara called her name agitatedly:

"Mirai-san, wait!"

Sara struggled to catch up with her, exhausted, until she finally managed to stop her when Mirai stopped. The young ninja turned to Sara, but her face remained expressionless, as if she was in a state of superficial calm.

With obvious tiredness, Sara spoke between gasps:

"Mirai-san, you...!" He tried to understand what had happened. "What was all that?! How can you be a Renegade Ninja?!"

A palpable tension filled the air, though Mirai's face showed no emotion. Sara was thirsty for explanations, but Mirai seemed reluctant to offer them.

"What did you do?!" Sarah exclaimed, her voice full of despair. But Mirai's expressionlessness left her speechless. 

In the midst of that tense moment, Mirai looked at Sara and saw her own reflection in her, remembering herself just a few days ago.

When the cataclysm had rocked her world, she had turned to Tanaka-san for answers, only to be left with more questions. She remembered the feeling of abandonment when Tanaka-san had chosen to keep her in the dark for her own sake, and now she understood why.

Closing her eyes for an instant, Mirai spoke in an expressionless voice:

"I am deeply grateful for your help, Sara-sama. It has been an honor to be able to rescue her and share her company." He bowed formally, but there was a cold detachment in his attitude. "I am sorry that my deception has caused disturbance."

Sara was stunned by the excessive formality and lack of emotion in Mirai's words.

"Mirai-sa...?" Sara tried to protest, but Mirai interrupted her, her tone imperturbable. 

"Anyway. Rising from the bow." Mirai noticed how the sparkle in her eyes, the same sparkle she had shown when they first met, began to fade. "I assure you that my intentions are not malicious. I will be there to protect you if any threat looms over you. However, I think that we will most likely treat each other as strangers from now on."

Sara exclaimed a "Wait!" as she tried to take Mirai by the arm, but the young woman leapt nimbly from roof to roof, quickly moving away. Sara was left on the ground, she sat up with melancholy emotional pain. As he looked at the empty sky, he wondered:

"Who are you really... Mirai?

(~~~)

Mirai ran through the night desert with the agility of an experienced ninja. Every step was quick and precise, and despite the fatigue that began to invade his legs, he did not allow himself to stop.

Each stride was like an attempt to let off steam, a release from the emotions that had flooded her in the tavern.

His gaze was fixed on the ground, as if trying to find answers in the fading sand beneath his feet. The desert was bathed in the silvery moonlight, its flashes creating elongated shadows that danced around him as he ran.

Between the rushing beats of his heart, memories emerged like ghosts in his mind:

"You will never stop being his daughter. You and your father have a special connection, I know." Shikamaru-sensei's voice rang out, taking her back to her father's grave in Konoha. 

"You always have a place to return to in Konoha." Her mother's comforting words enveloped her when she had found her lost in the forest. 

"You ascend to Chunin, what a thrill!" TenTen's face, full of pride and happiness, as he handed him a full set of Shurikens to celebrate his rise. 

These memories, so vivid and warm, tormented her as she continued to run. Mirai began to slow down, her steps slower as the weight of her emotions caught up with her.

Finally, he knelt in the sand, his breathing heavy as he pulled out the paper with the note of the mission he had to accomplish.

Tears began to flow from his eyes, and his chest tightened with a deep, melancholy pain. The images of Sara and her words resonated in his mind:

"What did you do?!" Sara had asked desperately, her voice echoing like an echo of her own insecurity. 

Mirai found herself paralyzed by the parallels to the conversations she used to have with her cousin. He recalled how they discussed the renegade ninjas, how they considered them cowards who used the skills and techniques of their villages for their own benefit. Now, he wondered if he wasn't doing the same.

While eating together with the Ino-Shika-Chou and their families, or preparing dinners with his mother, even on his days off, he never stopped thinking about it. All because his father had been eliminated by a ninja who was dedicated to using inhumane techniques for his benefit.

To show his diadem to a man who was engaged in the Shinobi underground... Wasn't it lowering his village to that level? Was it right to do so, even when the Grand Elder had strongly advised him not to reveal where he came from?

Anger and helplessness had completely consumed her, and she hadn't thought about the consequences.

As he gasped, the image of the Seventh Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto, appeared like a light in his head.

The scene where he handed her the Chunin vest with a bright smile echoed in her mind like a hopeful echo.

"I look forward to your support throughout your career, Tebayo!"

Mirai finally fell to her knees in the sand, her elbows resting on it as she took breaths of air between sobs. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as her emotions found their escape.

"It will be a pleasure, Hokage-sama..."