NARUTO: The Saga of Crimson Monarch

The tension from the previous night still lingered as Kenji stood at the edge of the camp, his sword resting against his shoulder. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, his thoughts a swirling storm of guilt and uncertainty.

The refugees sat huddled together near the fire, their eyes wary as they watched the escorts. The boy, Suki, clung to his mother, his small frame trembling every time a guard shifted position. Ares—or Yachi, as they knew him—was kneeling by the fire, quietly preparing food for the refugees, his face calm and focused.

Kenji stepped forward, his voice low and gruff. "...I need to say something."

The refugees stiffened. The mother clutching her son pulled him closer, her body instinctively shielding him.

Kenji stepped closer, his jaw tight. "Last night, I acted out of line. I didn't think. I killed one of your companion without understanding, without reason. I was wrong." He lowered his head slightly, his voice laced with guilt. "I'm sorry."

The tension in the air eased slightly, though the refugees remained wary. Yui hesitated before replying, her voice trembling. "You were only doing what you thought was right. We—" She swallowed hard, tears welling in her eyes. "We attacked you. We were desperate."

Another refugee, an older man with a frail frame, nodded. "Desperation makes people do things they regret. But when you've gone days without food, when you've watched people you love die one by one..." His voice cracked, and he looked away, unable to continue.

Kenji clenched his fists, his own guilt mirrored in his expression. "You shouldn't have had to go through that."

Ryogi, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. His normally jovial face was solemn. "What happened to you all? Why are you out here, starving in the wilderness? Surely you had a village or somewhere to go."

The hands tightened around her son as she began to speak, her voice shaking with the weight of her memories. "We did... We had a village. It wasn't much, but it was home. Until the rebellion came."

The camp fell silent as everyone listened intently.

"The noble who ruled our land was kind," she continued. "But his son... he killed him. Stabbed him in the back and claimed the title for himself. That's when it all began. Soldiers, rebels, they came in droves. They burned our homes, stole what little food we had, and killed anyone who resisted."

Her voice faltered, and Suki clung to her tighter.

"They didn't stop there," said another refugee, his voice filled with bitterness. "They took the men and boys to fight in their war. Forced them to kill each other. Those who refused... were slaughtered on the spot." He looked down at his trembling hands. "My brother... he wouldn't fight. They cut him down like he was nothing."

Suki spoke up suddenly, his small voice breaking through the heavy silence. "They took my papa too." His lip quivered, but he held back his tears. "Okasan and I ran, but... we didn't know where to go."

Yui shoulders shook as she finally broke down, tears streaming down her face. "We lost everything. Our home, our family... everything. And now... we're just trying to survive."

Ryogi's face was pale, his hands trembling slightly. "I... I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine..."

Kenji, who had remained stoic, finally spoke, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "I've fought in wars. I've seen things I'd rather forget. But hearing this... it's different. It's wrong." He turned to Ryogi, his expression grim. "We shouldn't go to the Land of Samurai. It's chaos. It's not worth the risk."

Ryogi nodded, though his face was conflicted. "Maybe you're right. But we have a job to do. If we don't deliver these supplies..."

"Supplies won't matter if we don't make it out alive," Sato muttered darkly.

Suddenly, Ares stood, his calm voice cutting through the growing tension. "They can go back to their village."

Everyone turned to him, startled.

Ryogi frowned. "What are you talking about, Yachi? Did you not hear what they just said? That place is a battlefield."

Sato narrowed his eyes. "Don't be reckless Yachi. You can't just walk into a war zone and expect to fix things."

Ares smirked faintly, his confidence unshaken. "Why not?"

Yuuto scoffed. "Why not? Because there are thousands of soldiers and rebels tearing that place apart, that's why not!"

Ryogi shook his head in disbelief. "Yachi, you can't be serious. You're just one man."

"One man is enough," Ares replied, his voice steady. "If he has the power to make a difference."

The refugees stared at him, their eyes wide with a mixture of hope and disbelief.

Suki, still clinging to his mother, looked up at Ares. "Aniki... why are you helping us? We attacked you. We tried to steal from you. Why would you be nice to us?"

Yui gasped, pulling Suki back. "Suki, don't—"

But Ares crouched down, meeting the boy's eyes with a small smile. "Because I can. That's all the reason I need."

Suki frowned, confused. "But... we're not your friends. Why would you help people who hurt you?"

Ares reached out and gently ruffled Suki's messy hair. "Because you needed help. And when someone has the power to help, they should." He paused, his smile softening. "What's your name, little one?"

The boy hesitated, then whispered, "Suki."

"Well, Suki," Ares said, standing up. "I promise you this—I'll help your village. You'll go home again. That's a promise."

Suki's eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, his small hands clutching his mother's sleeve. "Thank you, Aniki. I believe you. I really do."

As the camp prepared to part ways, Ares helped the refugees build a simple shelter in a nearby cave, leaving behind food and supplies from his seemingly endless inventory.

When the refugees arrived they all stunned silence, tears of gratitude streaming down their faces.

Suki clung to his mother Yui, his voice trembling with hope. "He'll come back, Okasan. I know Aniki will."

Yui hugged him tightly, her voice soft but resolute. "Yes, my boy. He will."