A bonfire made from dry, fallen branches crackled loudly, its flames flickering brightly in the quiet wilderness. The scent of roasting meat filled the air.
Aoki Yoru sat calmly on a stone beside the fire, turning a long skewer over the flames with steady hands. A whole lamb had been mounted on the spit, its surface sizzling as fat dripped onto the coals below, producing a rich, mouthwatering aroma.
Sizzle—
He watched the meat carefully, adjusting the angle from time to time to ensure it cooked evenly.
Suddenly, the rhythmic calm of the moment was broken by heavy footsteps approaching through the forest.
Aoki Yoru glanced up.
Kenta emerged from the trees, carrying an enormous black bear over his shoulder. The beast was massive—at least five meters tall when standing upright—its thick fur matted with blood.
Aoki Yoru raised an eyebrow.
"Why did you hunt a black bear?" he asked casually. "The meat is tough, greasy, and smells awful if not handled properly. It's practically inedible."
He still remembered his own first attempt at cooking bear meat after arriving in this world. He had once been excited to try bear paw, one of the so-called delicacies, but the result had nearly made him throw up. It was not something an ordinary person could prepare properly.
Kenta dropped the carcass with a heavy thud and shrugged.
"It charged at me the moment it saw me. I didn't have a choice," he replied. "Besides, the hide is valuable. We can sell it for a good price."
Aoki Yoru nodded slightly.
This region lay on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass, far removed from Konoha's bustling center. Ever since the incident involving Root kidnapping children, Kakashi had decisively applied for a long-term border patrol mission.
More than half a year had passed since then.
Their daily routine was simple: patrol once, then spend the rest of the time training independently.
Thanks to Aoki Yoru's wide sensory range, any potential intruder would be detected long before reaching them. This allowed the team to enjoy a rare period of stability and growth.
In truth, Aoki Yoru was deeply grateful for Kakashi's decision. As a Jonin, Kakashi had been appointed commander of the patrol unit, which gave them considerable freedom.
With no major conflicts in the region, they had ample time to strengthen themselves.
The Third Shinobi World War had already ended. The Land of Earth was still recovering from its losses, leaving it with no capacity to send forces through the Land of Grass into the Land of Fire.
The border was unusually peaceful.
Occasionally, smugglers crossed the area, but Aoki Yoru had no interest in stopping them. The profits involved were too high, and such operations were usually backed by powerful nobles.
Interfering would only bring unnecessary trouble.
"Huh…?"
Aoki Yoru suddenly froze.
His sensory ability had just picked up something unusual—a massive presence moving rapidly through the air.
It passed through the Land of Grass at incredible speed, disappearing from his range in an instant.
A slow smile spread across his face.
Creatures capable of sustained flight were extremely rare in the Ninja World.
And he had been wanting one for a long time.
Not for combat—but for escape.
A reliable aerial summoning could mean the difference between life and death in critical moments.
"You two go ahead and eat," he said, standing up abruptly. "Tell Yui I'll be back at camp later."
Before Kenta could respond, Aoki Yoru vanished.
Inside the command tent, Kakashi was reviewing documents when Aoki Yoru rushed in.
"A blank summoning scroll?" Kakashi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Aoki Yoru quickly explained what he had sensed and his plan to locate the creature.
After listening, Kakashi sighed softly and tossed him a scroll.
"Don't force it," he said. "Flying summoning beasts usually inhabit high-altitude regions. They're extremely difficult to track."
Aoki Yoru nodded and left immediately.
For the next half month, he searched relentlessly.
He traversed nearly the entire Land of Grass, climbing mountains, crossing forests, and exploring remote regions alone.
He barely rested.
When hungry, he consumed soldier pills.
When exhausted, he leaned against a tree for brief naps.
His clothes became worn and covered in dust, leaves clinging to his hair and body.
But despite his efforts—he found nothing.
Standing atop a ridge, Aoki Yoru pulled out a map and studied it carefully.
"If it's not here… then it must be elsewhere."
The Land of Earth was unlikely—Ōnoki would never overlook such a strategic asset.
The Land of Rain was even worse.
That was the territory of the Akatsuki, controlled by Pain.
Entering there recklessly would be suicide.
His gaze shifted to another location.
The Land of Birds.
He clenched his fist.
"One last try."
Black Feather Mountain.
The tallest peak in the Land of Birds.
Its steep cliffs rose into the clouds, shrouded in mist year-round. Few humans dared to venture there.
If a flying creature existed nearby—this was the most likely place.
Aoki Yoru infused Chakra into his feet and ran vertically along the cliff face.
As he neared the summit, his expression suddenly changed.
He had found something.
A nest.
Huge.
Inside were five chicks, huddled together, chirping weakly.
Aoki Yoru's eyes lit up.
"Yatagarasu…"
The legendary three-legged crow.
A summoning creature he recognized from his previous life.
Though this one lacked the black receivers and Rinnegan, he had no doubt—it was the same species.
Before he could approach further—
"CAW—!!"
A piercing cry echoed through the sky.
A massive bird descended from above, its gray feathers rough and wild, its hooked beak gleaming dangerously.
Its fierce eyes locked onto Aoki Yoru.
Without hesitation, it attacked.
Aoki Yoru leaped into the air, dodging the incoming claws.
The bird turned sharply and dove again.
"So no negotiation…" he muttered.
Not all summoning beasts possessed intelligence like Kakashi's dogs.
This one clearly did not.
Which meant—
Force was the only option.
Using Geppo, Aoki Yoru stepped on the air repeatedly and launched himself upward, landing firmly on the bird's back.
The Yatagarasu screeched in fury.
It twisted, rolled, and dove violently, trying to throw him off.
But Aoki Yoru anchored himself with Chakra.
The struggle continued for nearly an hour.
Gradually, the bird's movements slowed.
Exhaustion set in.
Seizing the moment, Aoki Yoru released Lightning Chakra through his feet.
Electric currents surged across the bird's body.
"CAAAAW—!!"
The Yatagarasu convulsed violently and lost control, plummeting toward the ground.
It crashed heavily, sending dust flying.
This time, when it looked at him—
The hostility was gone.
In its place was submission.
Aoki Yoru nodded.
"Taming through strength… still works."
He placed his hand on its forehead.
His Chakra extended inward, forming a contract seal deep within its consciousness.
The bond was established.
The Yatagarasu let out a low cry and gently nudged him.
Over the next few days, Aoki Yoru accompanied the bird as it hunted.
The chicks required massive amounts of food, and nearby wildlife had already been depleted.
They traveled across smaller nations to find prey.
However, Aoki Yoru imposed strict rules:
No entering the Five Great Nations
Absolutely avoid the Land of Rain
The Yatagarasu didn't understand why—but under the contract's influence, it obeyed.
Watching the massive bird soar across the sky, Aoki Yoru smiled faintly.
He had finally gained what he wanted.
A reliable escape route.
And in this dangerous world—
That was more valuable than any weapon.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)