Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

The moment they stepped out of the cave, they were blinded by the sun, its warmth unfamiliar, almost unreal after what felt like an eternity spent in the suffocating dark. The crisp scent of open land replaced the damp, blood-stained air of their prison, but the sense of liberation did not come with relief alone.

Screams echoed in the distance. The clash of metal, the desperate cries of dying men and women, the unmistakable scent of fire and blood filled the air. The Hidden Leaf Village, the place that in another lifetime was supposed to be their home, was drowning in chaos. Explosions rocked the very foundation of what once stood as an unshakable stronghold of power. 

Yet, for Guldrin, Shiro, and Ino, it was nothing more than background noise, as irrelevant as the wind rustling through the trees. 

Not even the giant Sand raccoon in the distance could stir emotions inside them.

The village, the so-called stronghold of peace, the number one village, had subjected them to horrors that no being should endure. Now, it burned. And none of them spared it a second glance.

Instead, their attention drifted to the titanic battle in the distance. A colossal snake twisted and coiled, striking at an equally enormous toad, oddly enough with a set of dual swords on its back. Atop the toad stood a man with wild white hair, his flamboyant movements almost theatrical, as if he were performing for an unseen audience. His actions, grand and exaggerated, might have seemed like a staged performance to someone who did not understand the stakes. But they knew better.

This was a war. One of many to come.

Though, this one had nothing to do with them.

"Is that Jiraiya? Wasn't he supposed to be out of the village when this happened?" Guldrin asked Shiro making Ino rather confused about what he meant, "Yes, I believe that is the toad sage, and no, while it might have been poorly shown, Jiraiya was in the village, he just didn't help the third due to some sentimental connection to Orochimaru." 

"Oh, at least he is busy right now… Otherwise, escape would be much harder."

Guldrin stretched, rolling his shoulders as though shaking off the last remnants of the chains that had bound him for so long. He turned his attention to Ino. "Alright," he said casually, as if discussing the weather. "Where's the least likely place Danzo would think to find us?"

Ino's face remained impassive, though her eyes held the weight of bitter truth. "There is no such place," she said flatly. "Root agents are trained to be the best. Tracking is second nature to us. As long as our feet touch the ground, we will be found. It's only a matter of time."

Guldrin pursed his lips, absorbing her words. It made sense. Danzo had bred the Root to be weapons, and weapons did not simply disappear. They were honed, sharpened, and wielded at will. And when they escaped? They were hunted…

But weapons could be broken. Tracking systems could be outmaneuvered. And Guldrin and Shiro, unlike the rest of Root, had options beyond conventional means.

"What if," he said slowly, a mischievous smirk creeping onto his face, "we don't touch the ground?" He flared his wings, the deep crimson lightning crackling, his gold and black wings catching the light as he gave them a test flap.

Ino's eyebrows lifted ever so slightly. "You're suggesting we fly. With those?" She points to his wings,

"I mean, I haven't exactly tested my flight capabilities," Guldrin admitted, rubbing his chin, "but I think I can carry both of you for at least a few miles. If we put enough distance between us and the village before we leave a trail, by the time Danzo realizes where we went, we'll be long gone."

Shiro, standing beside him, tilted her head. "That… Is certainly an idea," she murmured, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "You are certain you can carry us both?"

"Certain? Of course not," Guldrin admitted, grinning. "But isn't that half the fun? I mean, I do pride myself in my strength, why wouldn't I be able to carry you?"

Ino crossed her arms, skeptical. "If you drop me, I will be upset, my… Master~" She winked as, for the first time, she removed the porcelain mask that had nearly become a second skin to her and tossed it to the ground, shattering the identity of her past all in one fell swoop.

"Noted." Guldrin knelt slightly. "Alright, both of you, get on and hold on tight."

Shiro moved with practiced ease, her body light as she settled against his back as if second nature… It actually was, the amount of time Guldrin has carried Shiro lost to history. 

Ino, less accustomed to such unorthodox situations, hesitated for a moment before begrudgingly wrapping her arms around his torso. Guldrin couldn't see it, but Shiro had a front row seat to the massive blush over taking Ino's face as her face rested shyly on Guldrin's chest.

Guldrin took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling with the weight of what he was about to do. The wings on his back, still unfamiliar and strange, twitched in anticipation. He could feel every fiber of them, every muscle he hadn't even known he possessed, tense as he prepared for what was either about to be his greatest moment… or his most humiliating failure.

He glanced at the cliffside. The vast open sky stretched before him. Below, the chaos of the village raged on, fire, destruction, screams of battle, the scent of blood and burning wood filling the air. Yet, none of it mattered. Not to him. Not to them.

They weren't heroes swooping in to save the day. 

They weren't warriors fighting for honor or revenge. 

They were survivors of Hell. Escapees. And right now, they had only one goal, to get as far away from this wretched place as possible.

Guldrin giggled, part excitement, part nerves. With a sharp inhale, he flexed his wings, spread them wide, and jumped.

For a single, terrifying second, nothing happened.

'Well, this can go either two ways… I hope we don't crash and burn…'

The wind tore past them, howling in his ears, whipping against his face like a cruel slap. They plummeted, fast. Too fast. The earth below rushed up to greet them, its embrace promising nothing but pain and an untimely splatter of broken limbs.

Closing his eyes, Guldrin centered himself, his mind clearing, leaving nothing but his primal instincts raging.

Then his instincts took over.

His wings beat against the air, once, twice, each stroke powerful and demanding. A surge of strength rippled through him, his body suddenly understanding what his mind could not. The downward spiral slowed, then stopped. And then, they rose.

The moment they caught the air, everything changed. Gravity, which had once been an unforgiving force dragging them toward a brutal end, became an afterthought. The wind no longer felt like an enemy, but an ally, a companion that lifted them higher and higher.

Ino clung to him, her arms wrapped around his torso so tightly that if he had needed to breathe normally, she might have squeezed the life out of him. But her eyes, wide, filled with something that was neither fear nor panic, told a different story.

Awe.

She had never seen anything like this before. Never imagined this kind of freedom was possible. They were soaring. Like birds, no, like something even freer, something untouchable. All this covered up the fear she should have felt from being so high up, but it would catch up eventually.

Shiro, on the other hand, was having a completely different reaction. Her golden eyes gleamed with something close to jealousy, lips twisting into a pout as she watched Guldrin navigate the skies with a natural ease she could only dream of. 

Her own wings continued to refuse to manifest, no matter how much she coaxed them, no matter how much she demanded or pleaded. And yet, despite the frustration bubbling inside her, she couldn't deny that the sensation of being airborne, looking down at the world, at the battlefield that would have once been their entire existence, was exhilarating.

From up here, the village looked almost… insignificant.

The towering Hokage Monument, the colossal stadium surrounded by a four-sided purple barrier, the rooftop battles waged between Shinobi clashing in desperate skirmishes, it all seemed so small now. Like pieces on a board game. 

Distant and unimportant.

And then she spotted them, two figures locked in combat. Orochimaru and the Third Hokage, their battle raging atop the stadium rooftop. From this height, they could see the destruction unfolding with perfect clarity. The deadly dance of jutsu, the power radiating from their clash, this was the battle that would decide the fate of the village.

But it wasn't their fight. Not for Ino anymore. And certainly not Guldrin and Shiro's.

Guldrin let out a laugh, pure and wild. He could feel it now, something more than the wind beneath his wings. This was real freedom. Not an illusion, not a temporary moment of respite. This was true liberation.

As if all this should have been second nature, but also something deeper…

Below them, the remnants of Root were scrambling. He could see them, tiny figures darting around, pointing toward the sky, their movements frantic and desperate.

They had realized their prey had taken flight.

But it was too little, too late.

Danzo had trained them well. They were the best trackers, the best hunters. They were also Konoha's dark secret. But all their training, all their expertise, meant nothing against something they had never prepared for.

Never knew they would need to prepare for…

Flight.

Guldrin could feel the burn in his wings, muscles straining with every powerful beat as they cut through the open sky. The wind tore at his hair, whistling past his ears, the cool rush of air against his face exhilarating. His wings, they were an extension of him, a force that propelled him forward, faster, higher, untethered from the world below. He had never experienced anything like this before. This was freedom in its purest form. No walls, no constraints, no chains binding him to the earth. Just the vast expanse of sky, open and endless.

Shiro clung to him from behind, her arms wrapped securely around his torso. He could feel her heartbeat, steady and unbothered despite the altitude. Typical. She had always been fearless. If anything, she sounded almost bored.

"Faster," she whispered into his ear, the slightest amount of amusement laced in her tone.

He grinned, the challenge igniting something in him. "You got it."

Adjusting the angle of his wings, he found an updraft and used it to his advantage. With a powerful thrust, they shot forward like a missile, the world below becoming a blurred smear of green and brown. Trees were nothing more than smudges of color, rooftops reduced to dots in the distance. The sensation of acceleration sent an electric thrill through him. He had always been fast on the ground, or in a car, but this, this was something else entirely.

Beside him, Ino who had finally lost her surprise was suspended in the air with his support, as she clung on for dear life, her nails digging into his arm. She wasn't screaming, but he could feel the tension in her grip.

"Relax," he called over the rushing wind. "If you tighten up too much, you'll make it harder to stay a flight."

"Relax?!" Ino shot back, her voice rising an octave. "I am hundreds of feet in the air with no wings of my own! I swear, Master, if you drop me, I will haunt you from beyond the grave!"

Shiro chuckled, her voice carrying effortlessly. "I doubt he'd drop you on purpose. That would be too much effort. But if you annoy him enough, who knows?"

"Not helping, Subject XX… Sorry, Shiro!" Ino snapped and quickly corrected herself, old habits are hard to break in short times.

Guldrin laughed. The dynamic between them was something he felt he would never get tired of. Even in the most surreal of circumstances, they would found a way to make it feel almost… normal.

Then, something caught his eye below, a flicker of movement. His sharp gaze honed in on the commotion. The streets of the village were utter chaos, Shinobi clashing, explosions rippling through the air, smoke rising in thick, curling tendrils. But amidst the carnage, there was something, someone, that stood out.

Down below, a massive tanuki-like beast rampaged, sand swirling around it in an almost sentient manner, controlled and unrelenting. The opposing force? A figure in bright orange, moving with frantic, desperate energy, clashing against the beast with unwavering determination.

"Oh look, the sand raccoon is getting beaten by a blonde… Oh… wait…" Guldrin squinted, angling his head for a better look. "Is that… Naruto? Why does he look… feminine?"

"N-Naruto?" Ino echoed, her confusion evident. She followed his gaze, then let out a sound of realization. "Oh, you mean Naruko. She looks feminine because she is? I don't understand the question."

"Female Naruto…?" Guldrin felt his brain momentarily short-circuit. He missed a wing beat, causing them to dip for a split second before he corrected himself. That was going to take a moment to process. "You know what? No. Not my business."

Ino gave him an odd look but ultimately shrugged. "Well, I don't understand the issue, but she is… Pitiful..."

"No point in thinking too hard about it," Guldrin muttered, shaking his head as he refocused. "We've got bigger things to worry about."

And with that, he pumped his wings harder, pushing past the bizarre revelation and focusing on the escape.

Minutes passed. Then an hour. The village became nothing more than a distant blur on the horizon, the destruction and chaos left behind in a haze of smoke and battle cries. The thrill of flight remained, but exhaustion was creeping in. The constant effort to keep themselves airborne was taking its toll.

They were kept somewhere in between hunger and slightly full, never allowed to fill their stomachs, and at this moment he felt the result of such treatment.

Finally, Guldrin spotted a clearing nestled between towering cliffs. It was secluded, untouched, surrounded by thick forestry that provided ample cover. A perfect place to land.

"Alright, time to touch down," he announced.

Ino tensed. "Are you sure about that? You do know how to land, right?"

"There's only one way to find out," he replied with a grin, angling downward.

The descent was faster than expected. The ground rushed up to meet them, the wind resistance shifting against his wings. He adjusted at the last second, slowing as much as he could, but momentum still carried them forward.

He landed first, his feet skidding against the dirt, his wings flaring to balance himself. Shiro stepped off him smoothly, barely fazed.

Ino, however, was another story.

The moment her feet touched the ground, she stumbled forward, arms flailing as she struggled to steady herself. "I am never doing that again," she muttered, brushing dirt off her clothes.

Guldrin smirked. "Aw, come on. You didn't die."

"That is the lowest possible standard of success," Ino snapped. "We nearly ate dirt at full speed!"

"Hey, I slowed down," he defended.

"Not enough!"

Shiro chuckled, stretching her arms lazily. "You'll get used to it."

"I will not," Ino declared with finality.

Despite her complaints, there was an unmistakable spark in her eyes. Something she wouldn't admit outright. Excitement. The thrill of experiencing something entirely new. Even if it terrified her, there was no denying it had been exhilarating.

Guldrin took a deep breath, letting his wings fold against his back. The ache was settling in, the exhaustion creeping into his bones now that the adrenaline was wearing off. But it was worth it.

They had done it. They had broken free, slipped through the cracks of the ever-watching eye that had haunted them for so long. Root had always been there, lurking in the shadows, pulling the strings, dictating their every move like a puppeteer with a cruel sense of control. Every breath they took had been under surveillance, every step measured and analyzed. But now, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, there were no eyes on them. No oppressive presence waiting to yank them back into the fold.

For the first time, they were out of reach.

For the first time, they were free.

This was the first time since their arrival that they could feel something other than a life-threatening sensation.

The open plains stretched before them, endless and untouched. Rolling hills gave way to rundown dirt paths, their winding trails leading to nowhere in particular. There was no one in sight, no signs of life beyond the occasional rustling of wind through the sparse trees. It was a perfect escape route. Nothing but open air, open road, and the promise of distance between them and their pursuers.

Guldrin let out a breath, his mind settling into the quiet, but only for a moment. He wasn't one to simply stand around and enjoy the scenery. They needed to keep moving.

With a grin tugging at his lips, he raised his hand and summoned his inventory. A shimmering, almost translucent menu appeared before him, displaying a catalog of items neatly stored away for occasions just like this. 

With a few practiced motions, he scrolled through the list and selected what he needed. In an instant, with a flash of light and a faint hum of energy, a rugged, old-style pickup truck materialized before them.

It was a steel beast of a machine, built like a warhorse that had seen better days but refused to die. The emblem on the front was long gone, leaving no indication of its make or model. Not that Guldrin particularly cared, he was a muscle car guy, not a truck guy. As far as he was concerned, it had an engine, four wheels, and a means to get them far away from here. That was all that mattered.

Ino, on the other hand, was left in absolute shock.

"What in the world…?" she started, staring at the vehicle as if it were some kind of mythical beast brought to life before her eyes.

Shiro, ever the chaos gremlin, merely laughed, leaned over, and planted a quick kiss on Guldrin's cheek before sauntering over to the truck with an amused smirk. "Come on, blondie," she said, throwing open the door and practically dragging Ino along with her. "Let me introduce you to the absolute awesomeness of motorized vehicles!"

Guldrin couldn't help but chuckle as he slid into the driver's seat, feeling the worn leather against his back. He adjusted his grip on the wheel, turning the key in the ignition.

The engine roared to life with a deep, rumbling growl, a low and steady thrum that vibrated through the metal frame. A thick plume of black smoke burst from the exhaust, filling the air behind them like the breath of a slumbering dragon awakening from its rest.

"Good thing I stocked up on diesel," he muttered, his fingers effortlessly shifting the truck into gear. "Should last long enough for me to either replicate more fuel or reconfigure the engine to run without it. Whichever comes first."

As soon as his foot hit the pedal, the truck lurched forward, tearing across the dirt road with a powerful surge of momentum.

Ino, completely unprepared for the sudden movement, let out a startled yelp before gripping the seat with white-knuckled hands. "This… this is incredible!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with exhilaration. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen! A massive metal cart moving at this speed, and yet it's so smooth! The suspension alone is an impressive experience! I don't even feel the road beneath us!"

Shiro, who had made herself comfortable in the passenger seat, rolled down the window with a satisfied sigh. "See? Told you," she said, sticking her arm out to let the rushing wind weave through her fingers. "Nothing beats the feeling of wind in your hair and an engine purring under you like a giant mechanical beast."

Ino looked completely mesmerized, watching the landscape blur past them. "No ninja could keep up with this kind of speed," she murmured in awe, shaking her head. "Even the fastest of our ranks wouldn't be able to close the distance in time. This is… this is absolute freedom."

And she was right.

With the truck barreling down the beaten path, the world outside turned into a smear of green and brown, the horizon stretching endlessly before them. No trees to slow them down. No buildings to box them in. Just the open road and the steady hum of the engine beneath them.

Guldrin couldn't help but smirk.

Freedom had never felt so good.

They drove for miles, leaving everything behind in a trail of dust. Ino, despite her initial shock, seemed to be fully embracing the experience now. She leaned forward, observing everything with the eager curiosity of someone witnessing a new era unfold before their eyes.

"So, how does it work?" she finally asked, glancing over at Guldrin. "What kind of chakra does it run on?"

That earned a laugh from both him and Shiro.

"No chakra involved," Guldrin explained, keeping his eyes on the road. "It runs on an internal combustion engine. Diesel fuel gets burned, which creates energy that powers the vehicle."

Ino frowned slightly, clearly trying to wrap her head around the concept. "So… no jutsu? No sealing arts? No elemental energy?"

"Nope."

Her brows furrowed. "But if there's no chakra, then how does it-"

"Magic," Shiro interjected with a deadpan expression, waving her hands in the air.

Ino shot her a glare. "It's not!"

Shiro grinned. "You don't know that."

Guldrin rolled his eyes. "It's science," he corrected before Shiro could start spouting more nonsense just to mess with Ino. "It's all physics, mechanics, and engineering. No chakra required. Just good ol' fashioned human ingenuity."

Ino shook her head, looking back out the window, the wind whipping at her hair. "Your world must be insane," she muttered under her breath.

This comment shocked Guldrin for a moment but remembering their bond, he figured this was some kind of memory sharing, or that she had actually perceived something when she mind-dived him before being converted to his follower.

"You have no idea," Guldrin replied with a knowing smirk.

The road stretched ahead of them, an unbroken ribbon of possibility winding through the vast, untamed land. The hum of the engine was a steady, reassuring presence, and the wind whipping through the open windows carried the scent of dust, grass, and fresh air. For the first time in what felt like forever, they weren't running from anything. They weren't caged, monitored, or hunted. They were simply moving forward, leaving the past behind.

For a while, no one spoke. They just basked in the moment, letting the rhythmic vibration of the truck lull them into a comfortable silence. The soft, mechanical growl of the engine, the occasional crunch of loose gravel beneath the tires, and the distant call of birds were the only sounds filling the space between them.

Shiro, nestled comfortably in the passenger seat, had her legs pulled up onto the seat, one arm resting lazily out the window as her long white hair fluttered in the wind. Every so often, she would glance at Guldrin with a soft, knowing smile, as if silently reminding him that this, this feeling of escape, of being together, was worth all the pain it had taken to get here.

Ino, meanwhile, was a mix of excitement and curiosity. She still wasn't entirely sure how she had ended up here, one moment, she had been drowning in a hollow emptiness, and the next, her world had exploded with sensation, emotion, and the sheer overwhelming realization that she could feel again. Now, she was leaning forward between the front seats, eyes alight as she watched the scenery rush past.

"This is unbelievable," she murmured, her voice carrying just a hint of reverence. "This metal beast moves like the wind, yet there is no struggle, no need for chakra… Just raw power, pushing us forward." She turned to Shiro, eyes shining. "And you say this is common where you are from?"

Shiro chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Ino's hair playfully. "Common? Oh, you have no idea. This is barely a fraction of what technology can do. Imagine machines that can fly, that can cross entire countries in hours, that can send messages through the air faster than any bird."

Ino's mouth fell open slightly, and for a moment, she looked like she was about to demand more details, but Guldrin interrupted her train of thought with a low chuckle.

"Don't blow her mind too fast," he said, a smirk tugging at his lips as he adjusted his grip on the wheel. "Let her process this one step at a time."

Ino huffed but crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "I'm not some clueless child," she muttered. "I can handle it."

"Sure, sure, just enjoy it, Flower Princess," Guldrin laughed when Ino pouted but clearly enjoyed his nickname for her.

The truck continued tearing across the open plains, the occasional bump jostling them slightly, but nothing too harsh. The suspension on the thing was surprisingly good for an old beater.

A few hours passed, the landscape gradually shifting from rolling fields into denser, greener terrain. The road narrowed, the trees growing taller and thicker, until finally, they found themselves approaching the edge of a forest. 

The transition was stark, one moment, they were in the open, and the next, they were surrounded by towering trees, their canopies forming a near-impenetrable wall of green overhead.

Guldrin slowed the truck, eyes scanning the surroundings before glancing toward Ino. "Alright, ninja-girl. Any idea where we are? Any villages nearby? Towns? A shack in the woods where some hermit might be hiding?"

Ino tilted her head, glancing out at the forest, as if seeing it through a different lens than they were. She remained silent for a few seconds, her brows furrowing slightly, before she answered. "If I'm not mistaken… this area is somewhere between the Land of Fire and the Land of Clouds. Most likely the land of Hot Water's forest area… No major villages are anywhere near here. On foot, it would take at least a full day of running at top speed just to find anything remotely resembling a human settlement."

Guldrin grinned. "Good."

Before either girl could ask what he meant, he floored the gas, the truck lurching forward as they surged toward the treeline. Shiro let out a delighted laugh, throwing her hands into the air as the wind rushed past her, while Ino let out a surprised yelp, gripping onto the back of the seat to steady herself.

The truck tore through the undergrowth, branches and leaves whipping against the windshield, before skidding to a stop just at the edge of the thickest part of the forest. The moment they halted, Guldrin threw the door open and hopped out, stretching his arms over his head. "Alright, everybody out. We're making camp somewhere around here."

Shiro slid out with practiced ease, while Ino took a moment longer, still processing how fast everything happened around these two.

Guldrin took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp scent of the forest. It was different from the artificial, metallic air of captivity. Here, everything smelled alive, earth, trees, the faint musk of damp leaves. It was refreshing.

"This will do," he said, nodding to himself before storing the truck back into his inventory with a flick of his wrist. The vehicle shimmered for a brief second before disappearing entirely.

Ino blinked. "That will never not be weird."

Shiro just smirked, nudging her with an elbow. "You'll get used to it."

"You keep saying that, but somehow, I don't think I will, and even if I did, I have a feeling you would pull some other crazy stunt that makes that nearly impossible."

Guldrin clapped his hands together, turning to face them both. "Alright, here's the plan. We're going to be staying here for a while. We need time to adjust, to figure out what we're working with now that we're out. But first things first…" He rubbed his stomach dramatically. "We hunt. Because I don't know about you two, but I haven't had a real meal in years, and I am not about to let our first night of freedom be spent on an empty stomach."

Shiro rolled her eyes affectionately. "You're always thinking with your stomach."

"Damn right," he shot back, grinning.

Ino, though, was already shifting into a more serious mode, assessing their situation. "If we're hunting, we need to be careful. I can help identify edible plants, and I can tell you which animals are safe to eat. Some creatures in this region are poisonous or have parts that shouldn't be consumed."

Guldrin nodded. "Perfect. Then let's get started."

With that, they moved into the forest, the thick underbrush rustling softly as they passed. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows between the trees, painting the world in hues of gold and deep green.

It wasn't long before they spotted their first sign of prey, hoofprints in the damp earth, leading deeper into the forest. Guldrin knelt, pressing his fingers against the tracks, assessing their depth and direction. "Looks like deer," he murmured. "Should be easy enough."

Shiro, however, had a different idea. She nudged his shoulder, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You know… I could just snap my fingers and have something fall over dead if you want."

Guldrin shot her a deadpan look. "We're hunting, not executing. Where's the fun in that? Plus, you would poison all the meat."

She pouted but relented, stepping back to let him do things the old-fashioned way.

It didn't take long. A little patience, and then a shot echoed through the forest, a sharp crack against the stillness of nature. The deer, unaware of its fate just moments before, collapsed instantly as the round from Guldrin's blue-and-black digital camo M24 found its mark. The rifle was still warm in his hands as he exhaled, watching through the scope as the animal lay still. A clean kill. No suffering. Just the way he liked it.

A satisfied smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he lowered the weapon. "Dinner is served."

Shiro rolled her eyes, though the small, proud smile on her face betrayed her amusement. "Show-off."

Ino, still adjusting to the rush of emotions flooding her senses, merely tilted her head with a thoughtful expression. "Efficient… That… Weapon is terrifying… I don't think I could dodge or counter that…" Her mind reeled to scenarios of brains being blown out for leagues away, no way to defend.

Within minutes, they had the deer dragged back to their makeshift camp. Guldrin made quick work of the butchering, hands steady and precise. His movements were practiced, methodical, and eerily calm, as though he had done this a thousand times before. 

He certainly had, just not in this life.

The scent of fresh blood mingled with the crisp forest air, a stark contrast to the acrid stench of captivity that still clung to their memories.

The fire roared to life soon after, crackling hungrily as it devoured the wood they had gathered. The scent of roasting meat filled the clearing, rich and savory, making their mouths water. It was an aroma they had nearly forgotten, real food, cooked over an open flame, untouched by preservatives, and ten thousand times better than the nutrient supplement they were fed in that pod.

Guldrin, crouched beside the fire, turned the skewered cuts of meat with an almost reverent expression. He had waited far too long for this moment. The past few years had been nothing but pain, hunger, and a constant battle for survival. But now, here they were, free. And freedom had never tasted so good.

Sitting around the fire, stomachs full for the first time in what felt like forever, the tension in their bodies began to ease. Muscles that had been locked in perpetual readiness finally relaxed, and the quiet that settled over them was not one born of fear, but of peace. It was an unfamiliar sensation.

Ino leaned back against a tree, light blue eyes reflecting the flickering flames as she gazed up at the sky. The stars stretched endlessly above them, unobstructed by artificial lights or towering walls. The sight was almost overwhelming. She couldn't remember the last time she just admired the sky unrestricted by the root seal.

"You know… I felt like I would never experience something like this again," she admitted softly, voice carrying the weight of years spent as a puppet, stripped of everything that had once made her feel human.

Shiro, who had been sitting close to Guldrin, shifted slightly and rested her head against his shoulder. "We're free now," she murmured. "And we're not going back."

A slow grin spread across Guldrin's face as he reached up to ruffle her snowy hair. "Damn right." His voice was steady, unwavering, a promise.

For the first time in what felt like eternity, they could simply exist, without chains, without orders barked at them, without the ever-present shadow of their captors looming over them. They had fought for this, bled for this, and now, they were finally tasting the fruits of their defiance.

Still, despite the momentary peace, a familiar restlessness tugged at the edges of Guldrin's mind. He wasn't one to sit idle for long. Survival had long since been ingrained in his very bones, and instinct told him that they needed more than just a single meal to sustain themselves.

Reaching into his inventory, he began pulling out various cooking utensils, a pan, a pot, a hot rock, even a few rotisseries. The small pile of supplies earned a raised brow from Shiro.

"Planning to open a restaurant in the middle of the forest?" she teased.

Guldrin smirked. "What? Just because we're on the run doesn't mean we have to eat like savages. Besides, one deer isn't going to last long. We're going to need more." He paused, 'Maybe a restaurant isn't a bad idea… Modern food could probably blow this world's culinary expertise sky-high…. It would probably be a hit…'

This line of thought would need to be revisited later, for now, he was still hungry… When was he not?

He turned to Ino, who was still watching the fire with an unreadable expression. "Ino, you know this land better than us. You said you can find us some edible plants? Maybe something to go with our meals?" He paused, then frowned. "Wait… do people even eat plants here? Or is that some unheard-of concept?"

Ino blinked, processing the question before shaking her head. "No, people do eat plants, though it depends on the region. Some rely heavily on meat, others have a balanced diet. However…" She pursed her lips, glancing at the roasted deer with mild interest. "Most people wouldn't be able to identify which plants are edible in the wild, so they either farm them or trade for them in villages. Daddy, and Mama taught me about flowers since I can remember, they didn't leave much out, so I should be able to…"

Guldrin nodded, running a hand through his hair as he mulled over the information. "Good to know. Looks like you just got promoted to our foraging expert."

Ino tilted her head. "Is that a title of importance?"

Shiro smirked. "It means you get to keep us from poisoning ourselves."

"I see. Then I accept."

-

–

—

Ino didn't waste time, and neither did Guldrin nor Shiro. The moment they finished clearing a small area for their camp, they set out in different directions, each with their own method of gathering food. The thrill of the hunt was something they all shared, though their approaches differed.

Ino ventured deep into the forest, her movements swift and silent, barely disturbing the undergrowth. She was a predator here, completely at home in the wilderness. No animal within the trees could even remotely threaten her. She had spent years honing her skills, and tonight, she would put them to good use. Her sharp eyes scanned the forest floor, seeking out tracks, her ears tuned to every rustle, every distant cry of prey. She was efficient, and she would return with plenty.

Shiro, on the other hand, had a very particular target in mind. She had always wanted to try snake. Guldrin had spoken about it so many times in the past, often comparing its taste to chicken, that her curiosity had finally won out. 

Tonight was the night she'd see for herself if he had been exaggerating. She moved carefully, eyes locked onto the ground as she searched for any signs of slithering movement.

As for Guldrin, he wandered absentmindedly through the forest, his thoughts drifting far away. Unlike the others, he wasn't particularly focused on any single prey. 

Instead, he moved with an easy pace, occasionally reaching out to leave behind small mana-sealed traps. 

These sigils shimmered faintly before disappearing into the earth, waiting to ensnare small game or alert him if anyone, anything, other than Ino or Shiro passed through the area. He had long since learned to layer security wherever he went. Old habits died hard… And now that he has learned sealing, his repertoire had been expanded, and he would put it to use.

About thirty minutes into his walk, he stumbled upon a clearing. It was stunning, practically untouched by the world. A crystal-clear pond rested at its center, fed by a narrow river that cut through the landscape like a silver ribbon. Sunlight danced off the surface of the water, creating a mesmerizing display of shifting blues and greens. The air was fresher here, carrying the faint, sweet scent of damp earth and wildflowers. A perfect, peaceful spot.

A slow grin spread across his face as an idea took root. Without hesitation, he reached into his inventory and pulled out a fishing rod. It was a simple but well-made piece, something he had stashed away long ago despite everyone questioning why he bothered carrying it.

"And they questioned why I keep a rod in my inventory… Hehe," he muttered to himself, feeling oddly triumphant as he extended the collapsible rod. His grip tightened slightly in excitement. "This will be the first time I've actually fished… Years of having my fishing skill collect dust, and now I finally get to put it to use. This pond is filled with fish... this is perfect."

The line whizzed as he cast it into the water, watching as the hook disappeared beneath the surface. He let out a content sigh, settling himself down comfortably by the bank, imagining himself reeling in one fat fish after another. Surely, this would be easy.

Ten minutes passed.

Nothing happened.

Not even a nibble.

[Fishing: 1%]

Guldrin frowned seeing the system percentage not raising, shifting his grip on the rod, he stared at the still water as if he could will the fish into biting. Then, realization struck him like a slap to the forehead. He groaned.

"Bait… I needed bait," he muttered, rolling his eyes at his own stupidity. "Why would they bite a silver hook? What, am I expecting gourmet fish that appreciate fine craftsmanship?"

Shaking his head, he stood up and began digging around in the soft earth near the tree roots. His fingers sifted through the damp soil until he uncovered a few plump worms, wriggling blindly against the light. He smirked, collecting them into his palm.

"Alright, little guys, time to make yourselves useful. Survival of the fittest…"

With his bait secured, he hooked a worm onto the line and cast his rod once more, this time feeling a little more confident. He settled back down, watching the ripples in the pond as he waited.

A few minutes passed before the line jerked suddenly.

Guldrin's muscles tensed, eyes widening.

"Gotcha!" he exclaimed, instinct kicking in as he set the hook and began reeling.

The rod bent under the weight, the fish thrashing violently beneath the water's surface, sending ripples across the pond. He gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip to maintain control, the adrenaline of the fight setting in. It wasn't an enormous catch, but it put up a decent struggle. The excitement of the battle had him grinning like a fool.

The fish broke the surface, shimmering in the sunlight as it flailed, droplets of water scattering in all directions. With one final tug, he pulled it onto the shore.

A well sized trout.

[Fishing: 2%]

'Finally, progress!' 

He let out a breath of satisfaction, holding it up to inspect.

"Not bad for my first catch," he muttered, amused at the sheer ridiculousness of how proud he felt. He had faced down terrifying monsters, battled against impossible odds, and yet somehow, catching a single fish gave him a sense of victory.

Feeling encouraged, he repeated the process, growing more confident with each catch. Time passed quickly as he reeled in fish after fish, his skill gradually improving. The thrill of it was unexpectedly satisfying, and by the time he finally decided to stop, he had collected a respectable pile, his skill experience reaching five percent, filling his mind with more fishing knowledge.

His stomach rumbled.

"Alright," he said, picking up his haul. "Let's see if the others had as much luck."

By the time he made it back to camp, Shiro had already returned, looking smug as she held up two large, freshly caught snakes.

"I found them near the river," she announced proudly. "And before you say anything, yes, I made sure they weren't poisonous."

Guldrin raised an eyebrow, impressed.

"Well, well, looks like someone's getting her wish," he said, setting his fish down near the fire. "Hope you're ready for some 'tastes like chicken, but ain't chicken?'"

Shiro grinned. "You better not have been lying about that."

As the sun began its slow descent, casting long golden rays through the thick canopy of the forest, a rustling in the trees signaled Ino's return. The sound was steady and deliberate, not the frantic skittering of a startled animal nor the erratic shifting of the wind through the leaves. 

And sure enough, when she emerged from the undergrowth, she wasn't empty-handed.

No, she was far from empty-handed.

Over her shoulder, slung as if it weighed nothing more than a sack of rice, was the carcass of a large wild boar. Its thick hide was marred only by a single clean wound, In its neck, a single kunai embedded in the spine, the efficiency with which Ino had taken it down clearly evident. But that wasn't all. In her other hand, gripped tightly yet effortlessly, was a bundle of small game, rabbits, birds, even a few lizards, their limp bodies swinging slightly as she walked.

Her expression remained as unreadable as ever, her face a mask of calm indifference. But the slight tilt of her head, the barely-there quirk at the corner of her lips, suggested amusement as she took in the sight before her.

There was Guldrin, holding up a small but respectable string of fish, their scales glistening under the fading sunlight. Shiro, on the other hand, was crouched beside a makeshift fire pit, carefully inspecting a couple of freshly caught snakes, their limp forms arranged neatly beside her as if she were a butcher preparing tonight's special.

"You two seemed to have had fun," Ino remarked, her voice smooth but laced with subtle amusement.

Guldrin smirked, stretching slightly as he displayed his catch. "What can I say? Turns out I'm a natural-born fisherman." He gestured toward the direction of where he had spent the last while honing his long-neglected skill. "But… wasn't your original mission to, you know, gather edible plants?"

At his words, Ino visibly stiffened.

For a fleeting moment, there was silence.

Then, as if a delayed reaction, a deep shade of crimson spread across her face. It started at her cheeks and crawled up to the tips of her ears, turning her usually cool demeanor into something downright embarrassed.

"I…" She faltered, her grip on the boar tightening just slightly. "I forgot."

Guldrin blinked before throwing his head back in laughter. It wasn't the polite chuckle of someone trying to hide their amusement, it was full-bodied, loud, and unrestrained. "Bahahahaha! You forgot?!" He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, struggling to catch his breath. "Let me get this straight. You went out to collect plants, completely forgot about it, and instead brought back enough meat to feed a small army? Great, great job, Flower Princess."

Ino, still flushed red, narrowed her eyes at him. "Shut up."

But Guldrin wasn't the only one entertained. Even Shiro, who usually remained more reserved in her expressions, was chuckling under her breath. "To be fair, it's an impressive haul," she admitted, poking one of the rabbits with a finger. "And honestly? I'd rather eat meat than plants any day."

"That's fair," Guldrin agreed, grinning. "Still, this whole thing is too good. You completely forgot your objective and just went full hunter mode." He shook his head in amusement. "But hey, since we're already well-stocked, I was thinking… What if we moved camp? I found this really nice spot while I was fishing, beautiful clearing, good visibility, and a fresh water source. It's honestly perfect."

Ino, happy to change the subject from her embarrassing lapse in memory, immediately perked up. "Water in the forest?" She glanced toward him with newfound interest. "That means there should be plenty of edible plants nearby. I vote we move."

"Of course, now you remember the plants," Guldrin teased, earning a glare from Ino.

Shiro, meanwhile, was already securing their things. With a small sigh, she stretched her arms before dusting off her hands. "I don't really care where we camp, but if we're moving, you're cooking my snake when we get there." She shot Guldrin a look that left no room for argument.

Guldrin raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. You get your snake."

With that settled, the group wasted no time packing up. Shiro, ever efficient, began storing their supplies into her inventory. Guldrin, now in a considerably better mood after the unexpected entertainment, made quick work of securing his fishing gear. And Ino, still somewhat flustered but outwardly composed once more, adjusted the boar over her shoulder and prepared to follow.

The journey to the clearing wasn't long, but it was eventful.

At one point, Guldrin's foot snagged on a particularly stubborn root, sending him stumbling forward with all the grace of a drunk. Guldrin having been locked in that cave for years, felt like he was regaining his senses and coordination… He barely managed to catch himself before face-planting into the dirt, and while Shiro merely raised an eyebrow at his lack of coordination, Ino, still feeling the sting of his earlier teasing, smirked just a little too smugly for his liking.

"Careful," she said, her voice dry but amused. "Wouldn't want our natural-born fisherman to get taken out by a tree root."

Guldrin muttered something under his breath, but wisely chose not to respond. He knew with women, it was best to retreat, counterattacks were meant for when you were certain of victory, or at least, when it was worth the blowback.

As they neared the clearing, the sound of running water became more distinct. The crisp, refreshing scent of the pond mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest, and when they finally emerged into the open space, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking.

The pond was larger than it first appeared, its surface smooth and reflective, mirroring the sky above. Tall trees surrounded the area, their leaves rustling softly in the evening breeze. A small waterfall fed into the pond from the far end, the sound of trickling water adding a peaceful ambiance to the space. The ground was soft but firm, with patches of moss and grass making for a comfortable campsite.

Shiro immediately set to work, rolling her shoulders as she began unpacking the supplies. Ino, after depositing her bounty near the new position of the fire pit, took a moment to scan the area, making sure there were no immediate threats. Satisfied, she let out a quiet sigh. "Not bad," she admitted. "This spot is actually pretty nice."

Guldrin grinned, setting down his fish with a triumphant smirk. "Told you."

—

–

-

The fire crackled to life, casting a flickering amber glow over the makeshift campsite as the sun dipped below the treetops, painting the sky in streaks of orange, red, and deepening purple. The scent of cooking meat mingled with the crisp, earthy aroma of the forest, filling the air with a mouthwatering promise of a feast. Even Ino, normally the picture of restraint, couldn't quite suppress the faint growl of her stomach as she eyed the spread of fresh game laid out before them.

Shiro, comfortably seated on a fallen log, absently twirled a lock of her pale hair between her fingers, watching as Guldrin worked with practiced efficiency, his knife gliding through the meat with precision. "So," she mused, tilting her head. "Does snake really taste like chicken?"

Guldrin smirked, skewering thick slices of snake meat onto sharpened sticks before placing them over the open flames. "Only one way to find out."

Their night was just beginning, filled with the steady hiss of sizzling meat, the rhythmic crackle of the fire, and the occasional rustling of leaves as the nocturnal creatures of the forest stirred. The warmth of the flames danced across their faces, casting long shadows against the trees as the trio settled in for what promised to be a feast worthy of their efforts.

Guldrin, ever the perfectionist when it came to food, wasted no time. With a flick of his wrist, he effortlessly skinned and butchered the last snake, the boar, and the assortment of small game Ino had dragged in from her hunt. His hands moved with confidence, years of watching Letty and Dom work a grill showing in the way he handled each cut with an almost reverent care.

Finding a few sturdy branches, he rigged up a makeshift spit using trees and rope, stringing the boar up high. With precise, almost surgical cuts, he sliced down its belly, removing the guts, organs, and anything that wasn't going to be on the menu. He worked with the efficiency of someone who had done this more times than he could count, gutting and cleaning with the kind of ease that made even Ino, who had seen plenty of blood in her time, nod in approval.

Then came the real magic.

From his inventory, Guldrin pulled out his prized cooking arsenal: a small but well-stocked collection of spices, rubs, and, most importantly, several bottles of Corona. Because in the Toretto household, there was only one acceptable beer. And when it came to cooking, it was an ingredient that couldn't be forgotten.

Slicing thick, even pieces from the boar's belly, he set his sights on turning it into a rich, flavorful pork belly roast. First came the seasoning, coarse salt, cracked black pepper, and a medley of spices that had been tucked away in his pack for occasions just like this. Next, he scored the meat, cutting deep lines into the fat to ensure maximum crispiness. 

Then, with the practiced ease of someone who had done this a hundred times over, he uncapped a bottle of Corona with a satisfying hiss, pouring a generous amount over the pork, letting the beer soak into the meat.

Shiro leaned in slightly, sniffing the air. "Huh. That smells… good?"

Guldrin scoffed, tossing the now-empty bottle aside. "Obviously. Who do you think I am?"

With the meat properly prepped, he wrapped it in layers of tinfoil, because if there was one thing he had learned from Dom and the rest, it was that sometimes, simplicity was key. The fire would do the rest of the work, slow-roasting it until the flavors melded together into something worthy of the effort they had put into catching it.

As he worked, his gaze flickered to the pile of additional ingredients Ino had collected. To his mild surprise, she had managed to bring back more than just meat. Mushrooms, edible grasses, even some wild fruits, small, dark berries with a tart aroma that made his mouth water.

A stew was forming in his mind, something rich and hearty to go alongside the meat. It might not have been the most conventional recipe, but then again, most of the best meals started out as something unexpected.

He got to work, chopping the mushrooms into thin slices, the wild grasses into manageable pieces, and tossing them into a metal pot along with some of the smaller cuts of boar. With another generous splash of Corona, because why not, he set the pot over the fire, letting the mixture simmer.

The campsite was alive with the sounds of cooking, the sizzle of meat, the bubbling of the stew, the occasional crackle of the fire sending sparks into the air. It was… peaceful, in its own way.

Shiro stretched, her gaze drifting up toward the dark canopy above them. "You know, this isn't so bad," she admitted. "Almost makes me forget we're in the middle of nowhere."

Guldrin smirked. "See? Told you camping wasn't so bad."

"I never said it was bad." She waved a hand lazily. "I just said it was unnecessary. And right now, it is necessary."

Ino, meanwhile, was already carving into one of the roasted birds she had caught earlier, plucking the meat from the bone with methodical efficiency. "I'll admit," she said between bites, "this is better than I expected. I can't believe you have spices… Usually, you wouldn't find this kind of stuff outside of the Daimyo's kitchen… You even have salt, do you have any idea how much that shaker is worth?" 

Guldrin just smiled, his mind racing, 'If spices are valuable, I could start a farm, and I think I know how to make salt, or at least, I know for sure I can make sea salt…'

The smell of slow-cooked pork was becoming almost unbearable, in the best way possible. The juices dripped onto the fire, sending up plumes of fragrant smoke that made all their stomachs rumble in unison.

None of this would have been a choice if they hadn't been certain no Root could follow them. He didn't know why today would be the day his wings would work, but he was thankful nonetheless.

After what felt like an eternity, but in reality, was just long enough for perfection, Guldrin finally deemed the pork belly ready. Carefully unwrapping the tinfoil, he revealed the glistening, golden-brown meat beneath, the fat rendered down to a perfect crisp while the inside remained tender and juicy.

Without hesitation, he sliced off a thick piece, popping it into his mouth.

And immediately, his eyes fluttered shut.

"Oh, hell yes."

Ino and Shiro didn't hesitate either. The moment they took their first bites, there was a brief, blissful silence before Shiro let out an appreciative hum and Ino, ever composed, nodded approvingly, which, from her, was practically the equivalent of high praise.

"Not bad," Ino admitted, taking another bite.

Guldrin huffed a laugh. "Not bad? This is perfection."

The stew, too, had transformed into something rich and aromatic, the mushrooms adding an earthy depth while the wild fruit balanced it with just the right amount of tartness. It was an odd combination, sure, but somehow, it worked, and he felt it might be a huge hit.

With full stomachs and the fire still crackling warmly, the night stretched on in comfortable ease. The forest around them was alive with the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures, but for once, there was no urgency, no danger pressing down on them.

Just good food, good company, and the simple pleasure of a well-earned meal.

As Guldrin leaned back, hands behind his head, he smirked at the contentment on his companions' faces…

"Told you," he said again, this time with even more smug satisfaction.

Shiro rolled her eyes, but she didn't argue. Because, for once, he was absolutely right.

(Give me your POWER, Please, and Thank You! Leave reviews and comments, they motivate me to continue.)