Naruto : Crimson wood

"You mean that chaotic hellhole, the City of Sin?" Haruki Tsukimura frowned.

Lan Fujimoto nodded. "That's right. If the Burning Fire Clan is still hiding, then the City of Sin might be our only lead."

"Where exactly is the City of Sin?" Renji Takahashi asked, curiosity piqued by their serious expressions.

Lan Fujimoto explained, "The City of Sin isn't under the Holy Empire's control. It's a place of complete chaos. There's no law, no restrictions. Humans, rebels, beasts — anyone can enter. Anything can be bought or sold. Power and wealth are the only rules there."

"Because it's not under Holy Empire jurisdiction, all sorts of outlaws and heretics expelled from society end up there. That's why it's the likeliest hideout for the Burning Clan."

"Then let's head there," Haruki said immediately.

With their destination set, Haruki Tsukimura led the group onto a wooden cart, and under Lan Fujimoto's guidance, they departed from Xiahai City.

The infamous City of Sin lay roughly fifty kilometers east of Xiahai City.

After arriving in the capital, it took them almost an hour's ride to reach the next destination. Renji Takahashi nearly passed out from the bumpy cart ride.

Outside the window, lush forests faded into barren desert, until finally, a sprawling city emerged from the sands.

Wooden carts streamed toward it from all directions.

"That's... the City of Sin?"

Renji and Yuna Hoshizaki were stunned at the sight before them.

It wasn't larger than Xiahai City, but the chaotic aura it radiated was overwhelming — their minds felt foggy, their spiritual energy scrambled.

Renji quickly gathered his focus and muttered, "What the hell... Just looking at the place messes with my spirit energy."

It was the first time he'd experienced such an unsettling sensation.

"The City of Sin distorts spiritual flow with its lawless energy," Haruki warned. "You two stay sharp."

Lan Fujimoto shot a glance at the younger students. "Are you sure it's safe to bring these two along?"

The City of Sin wasn't a playground. Every person there was ruthless, dangerous, or worse. Dropping Renji and Yuna into that environment was like throwing lambs into a wolf den.

But Haruki just smiled. "I believe in the students of Azure Dragon Academy. This is a trial they must face."

Lan shook his head. "This is how you train Double S-Class freshmen? If it were up to me, they'd be in a sealed fortress until graduation."

Renji and Yuna exchanged complicated looks. This mission was no joke — they were surrounded by criminals living on the edge, and they were the most obvious prey.

But Renji clenched his fists. I have a mission. No matter how dangerous... I won't back down!

Even the City of Sin had high walls around it, but the gates were open — anyone could enter or leave freely.

Haruki steered the cart inside and parked.

The difference was instantly obvious. The streets were chaotic. A slight bump between pedestrians could erupt into a full-on brawl. Eyes lingered in the shadows, watching, calculating.

"This place makes my skin crawl," Yuna muttered, pulling her combat coat tighter.

Though she had switched out of casual clothes for the mission, even the combat uniform couldn't dull her elegance. If anything, it made her look sharper, more imposing.

"Let's head to the 'Know-It-All' first," Lan Fujimoto said.

He seemed familiar with the city and led the group with ease.

Renji trailed behind, uneasy. A chill ran down his spine — the distinct feeling of being watched.

He spun around. Nothing.

"What's wrong?" Yuna asked.

Renji whispered, "I thought someone was watching us..."

"We stick out like sore thumbs here. That's probably all it is."

"Yeah… maybe."

Still tense, Renji moved forward.

Unbeknownst to them, less than 500 meters behind, a pair of glowing red eyes watched from the shadows.

"Hehehe... The prey walks in willingly. The heavens are on my side today."

The Know-It-All was an underground intelligence center in the city. In this place, everything could be bought — spiritual manuals, rare items, even people — as long as you had the coin.

The four entered a rundown shop with a rotting wood counter displaying rusty old weapons.

Behind it, a scruffy man in rags dozed off with a straw hat over his face.

Without a word, Lan Fujimoto tossed four low-grade spirit stones onto the table.

The scent of spiritual energy stirred the shopkeeper. He lifted his hat lazily and blinked. "Well, well, if it isn't Teacher Fujimoto. What info are you buying today?"

Lan spoke plainly. "We're investigating a group called the Burning Clan. We want their whereabouts."

Information like this was legal business in the City of Sin.

"The Burning Clan, huh? That info will cost double," the man said.

Lan calmly added four more spirit stones to the table.

The shopkeeper swept them up without argument. "Check out the 'Sin House' in the western district. That's your best bet."

"Got it. Let's go."

Lan didn't linger. They turned and left.

But just as Renji and Yuna stepped past the doorway—

A brilliant glow erupted beneath their feet.

"A formation?!" Renji gasped.

Before they could move, a massive space-type array activated beneath them.

Haruki and Lan reached for them, but it was too late — Renji and Yuna were swallowed into the swirling light, vanishing into thin air.

"Dammit… a space system trap!" Haruki snapped, eyes wide in horror.

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