Road to Redemption - CH - 7 (Patreon)

As Sasuke reached the border of the Land of Fire, the atmosphere subtly shifted. The scent of the forest became more familiar, a mix of pine and earth that stirred memories of a place that once was home. Yet, this was not a moment for nostalgia. His senses were heightened, and the faintest rustling of leaves in the distance caught his attention. He could hear them—footsteps trying to be silent, breathing that was barely controlled, and the unmistakable clink of metal. He was not alone.

He slowed his pace, his walking stick tapping softly against the ground, as though he were just another weary traveler nearing his destination. But inwardly, Sasuke was already calculating. The bandits had made the mistake of underestimating him, mistaking his blindness and missing arm for weakness. They saw a vulnerable target—a blind beggar with nothing to offer but the thrill of an easy kill.

The bandits emerged from the trees, encircling him with practiced precision. Eight men, by the sound of their movements. He could hear the shuffle of their feet, the clinking of weapons, and the stifled snickers as they closed in.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" one of them sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "A blind man with a stick. Looks like we've hit the jackpot, boys."

Another bandit laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "A jackpot? This one doesn't look like he has two coins to rub together. Probably hasn't eaten in days, either."

"Doesn't matter," a third voice chimed in, this one colder, more calculating. "He saw us. If we let him go, he might talk."

One of the bandits stepped closer, his footsteps heavier than the rest. "Yeah, let's just end him. No one will miss a beggar."

Sasuke remained silent, his head bowed slightly, as though he were resigned to his fate. But inside, a flicker of anger ignited. These men had no idea who they were dealing with. They were predators, accustomed to preying on the weak, and they believed they had found easy prey in him.

How wrong they were.

As the bandits moved in for the kill, Sasuke's grip on his walking stick tightened. In one fluid motion, too fast for their untrained eyes to follow, he unsheathed the hidden blade from the stick. The soft whisper of metal against wood was the only warning they received before chaos erupted.

The first bandit barely had time to register the flash of the blade before his head was severed from his body. Blood sprayed into the air, and his lifeless form crumpled to the ground. The others, momentarily stunned by the sudden violence, hesitated. That hesitation was fatal.

Sasuke moved like a phantom, his blade a blur of deadly precision. Each stroke was clean, efficient, and final. The bandits barely had time to draw their weapons before they, too, fell to the ground, their lives extinguished in an instant. The sound of metal clattering against the earth mingled with the soft thuds of bodies hitting the ground.

The fight was over before it had truly begun.

Sasuke stood amidst the carnage, his breathing steady, his blade dripping with blood. He had not even broken a sweat. To an observer, it would have seemed like a scene from a nightmare—a lone, blind man standing victorious over a group of seasoned killers. But to Sasuke, it was just another reminder of what he was capable of, even in his current state.

As he sheathed his blade back into the walking stick, a thought crossed his mind. He had no illusions about his own morality. He was not a hero, not a savior. He had spent too many years on the edge of darkness to pretend otherwise. These bandits had chosen their path, and they had paid the price for their choices. There was no need for him to feel guilt or remorse.

But that didn't mean he couldn't make use of the situation. If these bandits had been preying on travelers, then they likely had a stash of valuables hidden somewhere nearby. Sasuke had no need for money, but it wouldn't hurt to see what they had left behind. Besides, he could always use more supplies for the road ahead.

It didn't take long to find the camp. It was a crude setup, little more than a few tents and a fire pit, but it was clear that the bandits had been living here for some time. The smell of smoke still lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of unwashed bodies and stale food. Sasuke wrinkled his nose at the stench but pressed on.

He searched the tents methodically, his hands moving over the rough fabric and wooden crates. He found a small stash of coins, some rations, and a few trinkets that might have been valuable to the right buyer. But the real prize was a chest hidden beneath one of the tents, locked but not well enough to deter someone like Sasuke.

With a quick application of chakra, he broke the lock and opened the chest. Inside, he found more coins, as well as several scrolls—likely containing stolen goods or money that the bandits had acquired over time. Sasuke took what he needed, careful to leave no trace of his presence. There was no need to draw attention to himself, especially not in the Land of Fire.

As he finished packing his spoils into his own storage scrolls, Sasuke paused for a moment. The bandits were dead, their camp looted, and their threat eliminated. But something about the whole encounter left a bitter taste in his mouth. It wasn't the killing—he had done far worse in his lifetime. It was the reminder that the world hadn't changed. Even in this new timeline, the strong preyed on the weak, and justice was a fleeting concept.

But that was not his concern. His focus was on the path ahead, on the answers that awaited him in the Land of Fire. With a final glance around the camp, Sasuke turned and began to make his way back to the road. His walking stick tapped softly against the ground, and to any who saw him, he was just another traveler, a blind man on a journey.

But beneath that unassuming exterior lay a force to be reckoned with—a demon walking among men, ready to unleash hell if provoked. And as Sasuke continued his journey toward the Land of Fire, he couldn't help but wonder what awaited him there.

As Sasuke continued his journey through the dense forest towards the Land of Fire, the air grew warmer, and the familiar sounds of nature surrounded him. The rustling of leaves in the breeze, the chirping of birds high above in the canopy, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot created a soundscape that his heightened senses easily navigated. Each step was deliberate, each breath steady as he maintained his pace.

The battle with the bandits had done little to disrupt his focus, but it did serve as a reminder that danger lurked everywhere—even in the most unexpected places. Yet, he had dealt with it swiftly, ensuring that no one would be left to spread word of his presence. Now, with the threat behind him, Sasuke could focus on his next destination.

As he pressed on, Sasuke encountered a small village nestled along the forest's edge. The village was quiet, with only the sounds of children playing in the distance and the occasional clatter of pots and pans coming from the open windows of homes. Despite his blindfolded eyes, Sasuke could picture the layout of the village through the sounds and scents that filled the air.

He walked slowly, allowing the tapping of his walking stick to echo softly against the cobblestone streets. The village smelled of freshly baked bread and tilled earth, with a hint of wood smoke lingering from cooking fires. As he moved through the streets, he felt the curious gazes of villagers upon him—people wondering who this lone traveler was, wandering into their village blind and with only one hand. But no one approached him at first.

Finally, a voice called out to him. "You there! Stranger! Do you need help?"

Sasuke paused and turned toward the voice. It was an older man, his voice rough but kind. Sasuke could hear the shuffle of the man’s sandals on the cobblestones and the creak of his worn clothing as he approached.

"I’m fine," Sasuke replied calmly, his voice steady. "But perhaps you can help me with some information. I’m looking for directions to the Hidden Leaf Village ."

"Hidden Leaf Village, eh?" The old man scratched his head, his voice thoughtful. "That’s quite a ways from here. What business do you have in that direction, if you don’t mind me asking?"

"Just passing through," Sasuke said. He chose his words carefully, not revealing more than necessary. "But I need to find the fastest route."

The old man nodded slowly. "Well, if you follow the road that cuts through the forest, it’ll take you toward the border. But be careful—there have been reports of bandits in the area." He hesitated, then added, "Though, looking at you, you don’t seem too worried about that."

Sasuke smiled faintly, a ghost of an expression. "I can handle myself."

The old man chuckled. "I believe you. But just in case, there’s an inn at the edge of the village. You should rest up before continuing your journey. The road ahead is long."

Sasuke nodded in thanks, though he had no intention of staying. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to check the village for anything useful. "Thank you for the advice," he said, continuing down the road.

The village was small, but there were a few shops along the way—places where Sasuke could purchase supplies if needed. As he walked, he listened to the sounds around him: the clanging of metal in a blacksmith’s shop, the soft buzz of conversation from villagers going about their daily tasks, and the distant laughter of children playing near a stream.

Sasuke pressed on through the dense forest, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant wildlife accompanying him. He was close to his destination, but he knew he couldn't let his guard down. The closer he got to the Hidden Leaf Village, the more likely he was to encounter Konoha shinobi. With his heightened senses, he could hear the faintest movements in the forest and smell the subtle changes in the air. But it was more than just the sounds and smells that kept him alert; it was the knowledge that his presence could draw unwanted attention.

Though he had camps stored in his storage seals—well-equipped, comfortable shelters with seals etched into them to regulate temperature and atmosphere—Sasuke knew that using them would only make him a target. The camps were too pristine, too out of place for a wandering, one-handed, blind man. So he chose the simpler route, using the shabby camp he had taken from the dead bandits. It was ragged, worn, and perfect for blending in.

The old bandit camp had little in the way of luxury. The tent was made of rough, patchy material, barely enough to protect against the elements. The first night Sasuke set it up, the cold wind cut through the thin fabric, and the ground underneath was uneven and uncomfortable. But Sasuke didn't mind. It was exactly what he needed—something that would keep him hidden in plain sight.

Inside his ragged clothes, Sasuke carried a bundle of tattered garments he had taken from the bandit camp. He had wrapped them carefully, and among them were additional outfits he could change into if necessary. These clothes, too, were old and worn, perfect for maintaining his disguise. Sasuke knew that the more inconspicuous he looked, the less likely anyone would suspect he was carrying valuable items—especially his storage scrolls, which held far more than just tents and clothes.

The storage scrolls remained hidden, their existence a closely guarded secret. Sasuke was careful not to let anyone see them, even during his brief interactions with others. His storage seals held weapons, supplies, and various other tools he might need, but he couldn't afford to be careless. One slip-up could attract attention from Konoha shinobi, or worse, from those who knew exactly what kind of power he still possessed.

As Sasuke traveled, he often found himself camping in remote areas, far from the main roads and villages. The sound of crackling leaves beneath his feet and the distant calls of nocturnal animals served as his constant companions. Occasionally, he would encounter other travelers—merchants, farmers, or even the occasional wanderer like himself. But Sasuke kept his distance, making sure not to stand out or draw too much attention.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the forest grew darker, Sasuke found a small clearing near a stream. The water trickled softly over the rocks, providing a soothing background noise as he set up his ragged camp. The air was cool, and the smell of damp earth and pine needles filled his senses. He crouched down, feeling the ground with his fingers to ensure it was suitable for resting.

He carefully unpacked his bandit tent, setting it up with practiced efficiency. The tent's worn fabric rustled in the evening breeze, but it provided just enough cover to keep him hidden from prying eyes. After making sure the camp was secure, Sasuke sat down by the edge of the stream, listening to the water and letting his thoughts wander.

He remembered the comfort of the camps stored in his seals—how easy it would be to set up a proper shelter with controlled conditions. But that was a luxury he couldn’t afford right now. The worn bandit camp kept him grounded, reminding him of the necessity of his disguise. He couldn’t let anyone know who he was or what he was capable of. Not yet.

The night air grew colder, and Sasuke wrapped himself in one of the tattered cloaks he had taken from the bandit camp. The cloak smelled faintly of smoke and sweat, a reminder of its previous owner. It was far from the pristine robes he had once worn, but it served its purpose.

As he lay down on the uneven ground inside his tent, Sasuke listened intently to the sounds of the night. The forest was alive with activity—owls hooting in the distance, the rustle of leaves as small creatures moved through the underbrush, and the occasional snap of a twig as something larger passed by. His senses were sharp, even in his current state, and he remained on high alert, ready to defend himself if necessary.

Morning came with the first light of dawn, and Sasuke quickly packed up his camp, ensuring no trace of his presence was left behind. He slipped the tattered tent back into his bag, along with the rest of the worn clothes. As he resumed his journey, he kept his walking stick close, the hidden blade within it ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.

He knew the Hidden Leaf Village was close, and with each step, the tension in the air grew thicker. Sasuke was no stranger to danger, but the knowledge that Konoha shinobi could be lurking nearby put him on edge. He couldn’t afford to be caught or recognized. His only option was to keep moving, staying out of sight and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

As he traveled deeper into the forest, Sasuke occasionally encountered small villages or travelers on the road. He made sure to keep his head down, his movements careful and deliberate. Whenever he stopped to ask for directions or buy supplies, he kept his interactions brief, never lingering long enough for anyone to take too much notice of him.

Despite his ragged appearance, Sasuke had gold and valuable items hidden in his storage seals. But he never flaunted them, always appearing as a poor, blind traveler with little more than a few scraps of clothing and a worn walking stick. The disguise worked, and most people paid him little attention, assuming he was just another wandering beggar.

However, Sasuke was always prepared. If anyone got too close, if anyone suspected too much, he was ready to act. His chakra weapons were hidden away, but he could draw them in an instant. The bandits he had encountered before had learned that the hard way, and Sasuke knew there would be others who would make the same mistake.

As the days passed, Sasuke drew ever closer to his destination. Konoha was just beyond the next ridge, and with it, the possibility of finding the answers he sought. But he knew that the journey was far from over. The real challenge lay ahead, and Sasuke would need to stay vigilant if he was to succeed in his mission.

For now, he would continue to walk the path of a blind, one-handed traveler—an ordinary man in the eyes of the world. But beneath the surface, he remained a force to be reckoned with, ready to unleash his true power if necessary. And as he neared the Hidden Leaf Village, Sasuke could feel the weight of his past bearing down on him, reminding him of the battles yet to come.