Chapter 354: What Kind of Place Is That?

Li An looked at the letter, his heart filled with doubt. "Academy City? What kind of place is that?"

Just then, Guo Yao walked in. Seeing the letter in Li An's hand, she asked curiously, "What's that, Li An?"

Li An handed the letter to Guo Yao: "An invitation from Academy City. I've never even heard of the place."

After Guo Yao finished reading the letter, a worried look crossed her face: "You… you're not actually thinking of going, are you?"

Li An gently took Guo Yao's hand: "I'll admit, this invitation really tugs at my heart. It might be a good chance to grow stronger, but I'm also worried about your safety after I leave."

Guo Yao leaned into Li An's embrace: "I don't want you to go. I'm afraid you'll run into danger."

Li An gently stroked Guo Yao's hair: "I know. I can't bear to part with you either. But if I want to get stronger—to protect you, to protect Konoha Village—maybe I need to face this unknown challenge."

The two held each other for a long while, and Li An's heart was filled with turmoil. He had no idea what awaited him, but his spirit of adventure had been thoroughly roused.

At last, Li An raised his head, a flash of resolve in his eyes: "I've decided. I'm going to Academy City."

Guo Yao looked at Li An, her eyes full of reluctance, but she still nodded: "Then you must be careful. I'll be right here waiting for you to come back."

Li An held Guo Yao tightly: "Don't worry. I'll definitely come back safe."

On the day he left Konoha Village, the sky was overcast, as if it too felt sorrow at Li An's departure. Villagers came one after another to see him off. Naruto clapped Li An on the shoulder: "Li An, you have to come back, you hear me? We're still waiting to run missions with you!"

Sasuke said nothing, but a trace of reluctance showed in his eyes as well. Teacher Iruka smiled and said: "Take care on the road, Li An. We believe in you."

Haruno Sakura looked at Li An, seeming to want to say something, but in the end said nothing at all.

Li An said his goodbyes to each of them, then turned and set foot on the road to Academy City. His back looked somewhat lonely beneath the gloomy sky, but his steps were utterly resolute.

Li An stood at the entrance to Academy City, sunlight spilling across his still-young yet resolute face. A gentle breeze brushed past, stirring his hair. He drew a deep breath; the air was filled with Academy City's unique mingling scent of technology and mystery. Stepping onto this unfamiliar yet opportunity-filled land, his heart was both uneasy and excited, and his hands unconsciously tightened around the straps of his backpack—inside lay his longing for knowledge of esper abilities, and his deep concern for Guo Yao.

"Academy City, I've finally arrived." Li An murmured softly, a steadfast gleam in his eyes. "Guo Yao, you must stay safe." He 563 silently repeated the words in his heart as he stepped forward, his pace quick yet carrying a measure of caution. On either side of the street, buildings of varied styles rose in pleasing disorder; pedestrians hurried along, each face bearing either a longing for the future or a search for the unknown.

Li An's eyes kept sweeping his surroundings, searching for a place where he could obtain knowledge of esper abilities. He passed a bookstore and, through the display window, saw it filled with books on the theory and practice of esper abilities. His eyes lit up, and he was just about to step inside when he suddenly stopped short. He warily looked around, a vague feeling in his heart that, in this seemingly calm Academy City, a pair—several pairs—of eyes seemed to be watching him from the shadows..