For this reason, they all carried a small, easy-to-use pot—one per ninja team was enough.
Obito, however, somehow acquired a black pot, claiming it could block shuriken and be used for cooking.
"I saw a man yesterday doing the same, carrying a black pot… what was his name… Maru…"
"Kurogane Marusuke."
Kiyoshi said calmly.
"Yeah, that's him!"
Obito stared in surprise. He hadn't expected Kiyoshi to know that person.
"That's why I carry this pot!"
Obito shook the pot on his back, excited for his first long-distance mission.
Kakashi looked at him in silence, then took out a sealing scroll and some ingredients.
Kiyoshi watched as they busied themselves, sitting nearby and feeding a piece of raw meat to White Snake.
Before long, the sky darkened, and dinner was ready.
After everyone ate, they began setting up tents.
Minato and Yukitsuki went ahead to set traps and establish a perimeter.
This way, they could respond immediately to intruders or wild animals.
"Kakashi, don't overdo your training—take breaks occasionally."
Rin hesitated for a moment, then spoke to Kakashi, who was flipping through scrolls.
Kakashi glanced at Rin and replied,
"I know, Rin."
Then he continued studying the scroll, pondering his doubts.
Rin wanted to say more but, seeing Kakashi's focused expression, didn't interrupt and moved to another spot.
Kiyoshi scanned the surroundings; Kurenai was washing dishes while Asuma helped Minato and Yukitsuki with the traps.
Obito, on the other hand, was fast asleep, exhausted from the day's travel.
Kiyoshi sat beside Rin and said,
"To help Kakashi, you need to find a way to connect with him."
"But Kakashi is very resistant to others right now."
Rin shook her head slightly.
Kakashi had fallen out with many teammates, so they were grouped together. Initially, Rin had been excited, but Kakashi's demeanor had grown distant compared to their ninja academy days.
He focused more on mission completion.
"Then let's continue our previous training."
Kiyoshi gestured toward the tent. Training outside might draw Kurenai's attention and require explanations.
Kiyoshi's control over Lightning Release had improved greatly, allowing him to gradually refine his internal organs with the internal electric currents.
He carefully limited the intensity within the body's tolerance.
Even so, his physical training progressed at an astonishing pace, far surpassing traditional methods like running and weight training. One day of his regimen equaled several days of Maito Gai's training.
The advantage came from Lightning Release combined with precise chakra control.
Of the five basic chakra natures, only Lightning Release could best activate the body.
"…Okay."
Rin nodded. Though progress was slow, improvement was still progress. Perhaps one day she could help Kakashi develop his new technique.
"It's a bit cramped."
Rin commented. In the small tent, two people were inside, making it feel crowded.
It was her first time being so close to a male. Kiyoshi's warm breath brushed against her skin, sending goosebumps across her body.
But thinking of Kakashi, she suppressed these feelings.
She closed her eyes and extended her hand.
Kiyoshi held Rin's delicate hand, subtly channeling Lightning Release chakra.
He demonstrated how to convert non-elemental chakra into Lightning, enhancing the elemental property.
This method was entirely improvised, theoretical at best.
For Rin, desperate to get close to Kakashi and share his burdens, this was her last hope.
No matter how absurd, she convinced herself it could be useful—similar to how people fall for scams and continue believing in them.
After some time, Rin felt a tingling sensation in her hand.
She silently tried to convert her chakra into Lightning nature.
Minutes passed, yet she felt nothing significant.
Perhaps it was her sweat, or Kiyoshi's; their palms were now wet and slippery.
"Kiyoshi, I still don't feel anything."
Rin lowered her head, disappointed.
Kiyoshi smiled faintly and said,
"Maybe it's because the contact area is too small?"
"Too small?" Rin was confused.
"Yes, the palm alone is too little. If we expand the contact area to more of your skin, you should feel the chakra property."
Kiyoshi explained. Increasing the effective area increased efficiency.
"That makes sense."
Rin thought for a moment. The electric current was weak, causing only mild numbness.
"Then I'll extend it to your arm."
Kiyoshi nodded, gradually increasing the intensity of Lightning Release chakra.
A faint current flowed through Rin, making her body tingle pleasantly.
After a while, Minato, Yukitsuki, and Asuma's voices approached. Kiyoshi stopped channeling chakra and stepped outside.
"Let's stop here for today, Rin."
"Okay." Rin nodded.
Once Kiyoshi left, Rin drew the tent flap and prepared to sleep.
As she turned, she realized she was drenched in sweat.
Her black hair clung to her forehead, clothes sticking to her body, leaving marks.
Everything felt sticky.
"Strange…"
Rin wondered if it was just the heat.
She instinctively rubbed her legs.
...
Several days later, the group finally arrived in the Land of Demons.
Remote and secluded, its inhabitants dressed in old-fashioned, Sengoku-era attire.
Many guards patrolled in armor, carrying longbows, protecting the esteemed high priestess.
Seeing Kiyoshi's party, they questioned them. Upon learning they were traveling ninjas from Konoha, the guards allowed them passage and reported their arrival to the high priestess.
(End of Chapter)