Chapter 7: Chapter 6 - Resting
"We should reach the village tomorrow evening, we should rest here for the night."
Aito suggested as they were in a rocky area that covered them. It would be hard for anyone to find them without going through one of the two entrances to get here. As long as someone was guarding the entrance, they wouldn't be surprised.
Ernie looked around and analyzed their surroundings. He didn't really care where they settled in for the night, but he definitely did not want to die.
He could tell Aito had a strong guard up against him, but Ernie was the same. He'd rather travel alone, but he was traveling with two of them. He may be able to flee and escape, but he didn't want to take that chance for now.
Completing this mission would be the first step into gaining fame.
Ernie's large plan was simple, become a mercenary for hire and help various clans in their wars. Gaining both fame and infamy, while starting connections with clans he was interested in.
Eventually once he gained enough power he planned on settling down and building up a town. His goal at that stage would be to start a refugee camp for anyone who wanted to leave their clan or get away from the constant war that went on.
Sooner or later, he'd meet his wife and have kids, spread his bloodline around.
That was as far as Ernie's plan went, but it was a start.
Ernie left the area and went to gather wood, which would help keep them warm at night. When he returned, he put the wood down and took out some leaves he put into his pouch.
Using the technique he learned, he was about to start a fire.
"What are you doing?"
Yui asked curiously as she squatted down neck to Ernie.
Ernie stopped his movements and glanced at Yui.
"Making a fire."
Yui tilted her head to the side.
"Wouldn't it be easier to just use a jutsu to start a flame? I've never seen anyone make a fire that way."
Ernie sighed.
"If I could use any sort of fire jutsu, you think i'd be sitting here rubbing these sticks together? Don't you have something better to do kid?"
Ernie was a bit annoyed and embarrassed at the same time.
Yui's cheeks turned red when she heard him calling her a kid.
"Kid? I'm much older than you are."
"Pft, not by much."
'Besides, I have an immortal soul it seems. If she knew my soul's age, she'd fall flat on her face. Too bad, I still have the mindset of a youngster.'
Ernie thought to himself.
"Leave him alone Yui."
Aito said as he laid down on his back with his hands behind his head.
"Oh shush, i'm just trying to make conversation. You know, lighten the mood and all."
"If he doesn't want to be bothered, don't bother him. We aren't babysitters."
Ernie's left eye started to twitch.
Babysitter? What do you mean babysitter? He didn't need one of those!
"Bah! Let me help you out!"
Yui ignored Aito and made a few hand signs before she blew a small flame onto the firewood.
"Thanks…"
Ernie did not need help, but since she gave it to him, he thanked her for her assistance.
"No problem! If you need help with anything else, let me know. I can be pretty useful."
"Well, since you said something… what's the general situation here? Like, why are you guys at war?"
"This… is a bit hard to explain."
Ernie looked around and spread out his hands.
"Look around, we've got nothing but time."
Yui looked over at Aito and saw that he had his eyes closed. She thought about it and shook her head.
"Let's just say it's a fued that's been going on for decades now."
She did not want to go into detail about her family's situation, especially to an outsider like Ernie. Granted, the reason wasn't anything too special but she just did not feel comfortable talking about it.
"It's fine, sorry I asked."
Yui grinned and gave Ernie a loving smile.
"No! It's not that, it's just family problems is all. But, the general situation huh? It's about the same everywhere, war, war, and more war. If you're not fighting over the rights to land, then you're fighting to avenge the death of a fallen comrade. The only other time you fight is if you're in it for the love of fighting."
"Sounds like a rough life."
Ernie could sympathize with her.
Imagine being born into this world, only to be used as a tool for your clan. To help fuel their ambition. You're nothing but another chess piece on a chess board, just waiting to be used. Then when you have no use anymore, you're tossed to the side.
Everyone knows they are bound to die here during this time, it's just a matter of when.
Ernie doubted many of the people here believed they'd live till 30.
"It's not a bad life, you get to enjoy every moment. Besides, I have siblings to talk to, and a family that loves me."
"I see…"
"What about you?"
"Me? Oh, well… you know, a little bit of this, a tad bit of that."
"What?"
As Ernie talked to Yui, they both exchanged stories. Ernie made up some things as he did not want to divulge too much information to Yui. He figured best keep most things to himself, but he did tell her a bit about himself.
Just that, a bit.
He mostly said he came from far away, and that he was skilled ice techniques.
She tried to pry more information out of him, but he came up with some false stories. Eventually, telling her about his family he had in One Piece, as well as some members of his crew.
It wasn't really a lie, but it wasn't true either. None of those people existed now, but they still lived on in his heart.
The two of them talked the night away, neither one going to sleep. When dawn broke, Ernie was a bit sluggish and Yui was constantly yawning. The only one that seemed refreshed was Aito, who also happened to be the only one to get any sleep.
Although it was a tiring night, Ernie felt a bit closer to Yui.
"I'll go get us breakfast, after we eat we can move."
Aito said before his body flickered.
He was gone for about five minutes, but when he returned both Yui and Ernie were out cold.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
FishThatsBlue
FishThatsBlue Timeline wise, this is before the creation of Konohagakure and the 5 great nations. Also, before the 1st great shinobi war happened. There is not much info about this era.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone