Chapter 49 New Year
After parting ways with Ayane, Shiroshi returned to the Uchiha clan's territory along the same path. During the journey, he was contemplating the question Ayane had asked him - how to explain his impending departure from Konoha to Rui.
Although he wasn't certain about the exact timing, Shiroshi knew that no later than next year, the Hidden Sand Village would launch an attack on the Land of Fire. At that time, Konoha would be preoccupied, making it the best opportunity for him to leave. Missing this chance would mean there might never be such an excellent opportunity again.
Therefore, leaving Konoha when the war erupted was a path Shiroshi was determined to take. No one could deter him from this decision.
Rui was well aware of his activities. Whether it was establishing an organization or conducting secretive research on chakra and natural energy, she had never revealed any of it to Konoha's high-ranking officials. With a little thought, it was clear that she had no interest in Konoha's higher-ups or even Konoha itself.
Shiroshi didn't believe Rui couldn't see through this. When he researched the caged bird for Ayane, she must have been aware of the implications of such research. While it might be a family matter for the Hyuga clan, it had broader implications for Konoha. Involving strategic-level bloodline limits like the Byakugan would certainly draw strong intervention from Konoha's high-ranking officials.
Knowing this, Rui probably had anticipated his departure from Konoha for a long time. Shiroshi wondered what her perspective was regarding his departure. Was she waiting for him to confess voluntarily?
However, to be honest, Shiroshi didn't know how to openly discuss this matter with Rui. He thought about how, since they had been together, they had taken walks holding hands, explored every intimate aspect of their relationship at home except for sexual matters, and hugs and passionate kisses were a regular occurrence. Planning to get married and have children together was considered entirely normal by outsiders.
But there were still some things he couldn't confess, perhaps because he feared her response might not be what he expected. It was because Rui meant so much to him that he felt this hesitation.
As he contemplated these matters, a head suddenly emerged from the floor, interrupting Shiroshi's thoughts. Earth General had a knack for appearing unexpectedly, startling people.
This time, he brought scrolls with him. These scrolls varied in size, and there were over a dozen of them. What piqued Shiroshi's interest was that each scroll was covered in dust and bore marks of age, clearly indicating they were ancient relics.
After delivering these scrolls, Earth General glanced at Shiroshi and quietly burrowed back into the ground to amuse himself.
For him, the entire territory of the Uchiha clan and even the underground space of Konoha were playgrounds for his enjoyment.
Ignoring Earth General's childlike behavior, Shiroshi picked up one of the scrolls and opened it. The contents were related to sealing techniques and were essential ancient documents for the Uzumaki clan.
Among the survivors of the Uzumaki clan who had been transported back to the Land of Demons, there was one elderly member who had held a high position within the clan.
During the fall of the Uzumaki clan, although most of their members perished in battle, some managed to escape with crucial sealing technique documents amidst the chaos. This elder was one of them.
To safeguard these documents from being lost, the elder stored them in a secure location, leading the clan members into wandering to avoid capture.
He knew well that the Uzumaki clan's demise was due to the covetousness of foreign nations. For the Uzumaki clan, these records of various sealing techniques were more precious than their lives. They were not only the clan's pride but also a significant part of their history.
Forgetting the clan's history was equivalent to betraying the family.
Shiroshi quickly scanned through the scrolls, realizing that they contained research materials on sealing techniques of various kinds - soul, body, tailed beasts, chakra, and much more. They covered almost every imaginable aspect.
"Are these scrolls records of sealing techniques too?"
In the end, Shiroshi opened the largest scroll, which was several times the size of the others, almost the length of an arm.
Upon reading the contents of this massive scroll, he noticed that it was different from the others. It didn't contain research materials on sealing techniques but rather records of completed sealing techniques. Each sealing technique had the name of a Uzumaki clan member, brief details of their life, the time and place of developing the technique, and the reason behind its development.
One name appeared multiple times - Uzumaki Ruka.
Shiroshi found this name oddly familiar and quickly remembered who this person was. When he was studying the history of Konoha at the ninja academy, he had come across the name Uzumaki Ruka.
Ruka was the leader of the Uzumaki clan during the time of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. He was renowned as the most powerful sealing technique user in the shinobi world at the time. During their clan's alliance with Konoha, Ruka had passed down his lifetime knowledge of sealing techniques to Konoha's ninja.
This selfless act had deeply moved Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, who declared that the Uzumaki clan would forever be Konoha's friends. As a sign of their eternal friendship, the Uzumaki clan's emblem was engraved on the clothing of Konoha's high-ranking officials and elite ninja.
Afterward, Ruka was affectionately called the "Sealing Technique Patriarch of Konoha." Without Ruka, Konoha's sealing technique system would have been far from complete.
As far as Shiroshi knew, over ninety percent of Konoha's sealing techniques originated from the Uzumaki clan, thanks to Ruka's contributions. However, considering the current plight of the Uzumaki clan, Shiroshi couldn't help but feel sorrowful and reflect on the unpredictability of life.
If the Uzumaki clan's leader, Ruka, were to see what had befallen his clan, he might even rise from the grave in anger, especially since Konoha had not taken any action to assist when the Uzumaki clan fell. After all, the Land of Whirlpools, where the Uzumaki clan resided, was the neighboring nation closest to the Land of Fire, and the Uzumaki clan had met its demise right under Konoha's nose.
Perhaps there are some special reasons that I'm unaware of within this.
For the Uzumaki clan, this part of history isn't something positive, and Shiroshi isn't interested in exposing anyone's weaknesses. After all, the Uzumaki clan has become part of the organization now.
Shiroshi doesn't feel guilty about the Uzumaki clan elder contributing these sealing technique records. He has also made significant contributions by sheltering their clan, providing the younger members with a stable life and education, and giving them access to natural energy training methods.
"I need to accelerate my progress," Shiroshi muttered to himself as he collected the scrolls and headed towards his laboratory. He decided to set aside the matter of confessing his departure to Rui for now because he still had some time left in Konoha.
The Uzumaki clan's sealing technique records were currently his top priority. He needed to find what he was looking for within them as soon as possible. This was crucial for their safe and successful retreat from Konoha, and there could be no room for error.
…
Year 42 of Konoha, December, winter.
Time always seemed to pass quickly when you least expected it. Shiroshi suddenly realized that he had been in Konoha for almost twelve years. During this time, he had met many people, experienced many things, and grown stronger and more mature. He had gained a clearer and more thorough understanding of the entire shinobi world.
There hadn't been any action or movement from the Hidden Sand Village, but Shiroshi wasn't worried. Several months ago, the Hidden Sand Village had secretly been amassing resources and had placed a huge order with the Purple Orchid Company. Given the time they had spent accumulating resources, it should have been enough to mobilize for war. However, the war had not yet broken out.
While most people might feel anxious and want to find out if anything unexpected had happened in the Hidden Sand Village, Shiroshi didn't sense any urgency. The more cautious the Hidden Sand Village acted during this time, the more reassured Shiroshi felt.
This demonstrated that the Third Kazekage was a cautious strategist with grand ambitions, someone Shiroshi could trust as a "comrade."
This time, the impending shinobi world war initiated by Konoha would likely be even more significant than Shiroshi had anticipated.
In the afternoon, when he arrived at the ninja academy, he saw a girl of about twelve standing at the entrance. She was dressed in a thick ninja outfit with a scarf wrapped around her neck to keep warm.
"Senpai Shiroshi."
She jogged over, addressing Shiroshi respectfully. This young girl was Shizune.
Shiroshi remembered that she had some distant relation to Kato, who had sacrificed himself in Konoha. After Kato's death, Tsunade had taken her in and raised her as her own.
Although Shizune had already graduated from the academy, Shiroshi often saw her around the school.
Now, she held a position of some importance as Tsunade's assistant.
She had great talent in medical ninjutsu, and in the future, she would likely become one of the top members of Konoha's medical corps.
"What's up? Are you the only one here? Did Tsunade-sensei go drinking again or maybe to the casino?" Shiroshi asked with a wry smile.
The three Sannin were quite unique characters.
Shiroshi didn't know much about what Orochimaru was up to, but he often saw Jiraiya causing a ruckus at the public baths in Konoha. Despite being a powerful ninja, he was consistent in his perversion.
Tsunade, on the other hand, was a gambling addict who always lost. When she did win, it usually resulted in something bad happening. She also enjoyed drinking, often to the point of being completely drunk and unable to walk.
"It's not like that, Senpai Shiroshi. A messenger from the Anbu just came by and asked Lady Tsunade to go to the Hokage's office. It seems like the Third Hokage wants to discuss something with her."
Shizune shook her head in response.
"I see."
Shiroshi thought for a moment.
"Well, Lady Tsunade told me before she left to stand in for her in the classroom. She'll be back soon. This is the topic we need to cover in today's class."
Shizune handed over a notebook that Tsunade had prepared in advance.
Shiroshi glanced through it briefly. It didn't seem too difficult. With his level of expertise, he could easily handle it without drawing any attention.
"Then, please guide me, Senpai Shiroshi. I'll assist you in Lady Tsunade's stead until she returns," Shizune said with a smile, bowing respectfully to Shiroshi.
"Whereas, I should be the one saying that. Your talent in medical ninjutsu far surpasses mine."
Shiroshi scratched his head. His praise wasn't insincere but rather a recognition of Shizune's genuine talent in the field of medical ninjutsu. Plus, she had received personal training from Tsunade, one of the top medical ninja.
"Lady Tsunade once said that your foundation is very solid, even better than hers."
Shizune looked at Shiroshi with respect.
She knew that with Tsunade's level of medical ninjutsu, she didn't need any assistance. Tsunade had likely asked Shiroshi to stand in for her because she genuinely believed in his exceptional abilities.
"I just happen to have some insights into memory-related topics."
Shiroshi modestly replied.
…
After the experimental class ended, Shiroshi, along with Shizune, returned to the office and found Tsunade already sitting there.
Seeing the two of them enter, Tsunade put down her teacup and smiled, "You both did well today."
Shiroshi was the first to ask, "Tsunade-sensei, when did you come back? Did something important come up in the Hokage's office?"
Shizune also looked curious, eager to know why the Third Hokage had summoned Tsunade.
Tsunade sighed in resignation, seeing their curious expressions, and explained, "It's nothing too serious. It's about the Land of Demons."
"The Land of Demons?"
Shizune's expression turned surprised.
Shiroshi also raised an eyebrow, his natural curiosity showing.
"Purple Orchid Medical Company is willing to share a portion of their medical research data with Konoha. In exchange, they want to send some of their young people here to learn medical ninjutsu."
"So that's what it's about? I don't find it particularly unusual," Shizune commented, tilting her head.
As a native medical ninja of Konoha, Shizune was well aware that Konoha had developed a relatively comprehensive framework for supporting medical ninja in recent years, making it one of the leading villages in this aspect.
For a neutral nation like the Land of Demons to offer their people to study advanced and comprehensive medical ninjutsu in exchange for medical data was a seemingly normal business collaboration.
"It's not unusual indeed. If it were any other country or village making such a request, I would hesitate to agree. However, the Land of Demons is a neutral nation that has never participated in major shinobi wars. Additionally, based on the feedback from the civilian sector, the medical research capabilities of the Purple Orchid Medical Company are quite remarkable."
Tsunade glanced at a file on the table, which contained only a portion of the medical data provided by the Purple Orchid Company. This part alone indicated that the company had highly skilled medical ninja and exceptional talent in pharmaceutical research.
The value of this precious medical data was immeasurable, as it held the key to saving countless lives.
With this data, they could develop new medicines that would significantly alleviate the medical burdens on Konoha.
Sharing such valuable medical data with Konoha, in exchange for training a batch of medical ninja, seemed like a straightforward business deal.
"Indeed, there's nothing unusual about it. If it were any other country or village, I might have refused without hesitation. However, the Land of Ghosts is a neutral nation that has never participated in major shinobi wars, and based on my research into the Purple Orchid Company's medical capabilities, they have some extraordinary talents in pharmaceutical development."
Tsunade explained.
"Has Lady Tsunade agreed to it?" Shiroshi, sensing that Tsunade was inclined to accept, probed further.
In this field, Tsunade was the most authoritative figure in Konoha. Even the Third Hokage had to give in to her when it came to matters involving medical ninjutsu.
Once Tsunade agreed, everything would fall into place. Only fellow professionals could truly understand the value of the medical data provided by the Purple Orchid Company.
"I couldn't find a reason to refuse. Here's the plan: since the school year is nearly over, we'll have the Land of Ghosts' representatives come to Konoha to learn medical ninjutsu starting next April. So, I'm planning to start another medical ninja training class at the academy before then. Shiroshi, you'll be the instructor for that class, teaching the students from the Land of Demons."
Tsunade expressed her trust in Shiroshi wholeheartedly.
"..."
Shiroshi was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Why? Is there a problem?" Tsunade asked.
"No, it's just that I didn't expect you to have so much confidence in me," Shiroshi replied, feeling somewhat unworthy of the trust Tsunade was placing in him.
"Don't be nervous. With your abilities, I believe you can do your best and won't disappoint me."
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, reassuring him with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Tsunade-sensei, but in this matter, I might end up disappointing you," Shiroshi sighed inwardly.
This was because Shiroshi wasn't certain whether he would still be in Konoha next April. War could break out at any moment, possibly tomorrow or the day after. Every minute and every second counted, and the Hidden Sand Village might have already mobilized a large number of shinobi toward the Fire Country.
Setting aside the fact that the organization was sending members to Konoha to learn medical ninjutsu was just a minor incident. Since Tsunade had given her approval, it meant that the matter was settled, and there was no need to worry further.
As he approached his residence, he suddenly noticed an elderly man standing at the door, dressed in casual black kimono, slightly hunched. Beside him was a mature man, easily recognizable as his bodyguard. Both of them had the Uchiha clan fan symbol on them.
Shiroshi approached calmly and was about to ask a question when the elderly man turned around, revealing a face that was wrinkled with age yet filled with a friendly smile.
"You're Rui's boyfriend, right?"
He spoke with certainty.
"Yes. May I ask who you are?"
Shiroshi responded cautiously.
"I am Uchiha Zane. I used to teach Rui some ninja techniques, so you can call me Elder Zane. No need to be formal."
"Alright, Elder Zane. Would you like to come in and have a cup of tea before you leave?"
Shiroshi replied carefully.
The slightly warm and approving gaze made Shiroshi feel somewhat uncomfortable. He couldn't help but wonder if it was because of his relationship with Rui, as in "love me, love my dog."
"That would be great."
Uchiha Shikata's face was full of wrinkles, but his smile remained kind and amiable.
…
After the maid prepared tea and left, only Shiroshi, Uchiha Zane, and three Uchiha elite guards remained in the living room.
After Uchiha Zane finished his tea, he looked around the living room and said, "There doesn't seem to be much change here compared to the past. Since she was a child, Rui has always been a rather special child. How is it, dealing with her can be quite challenging at times, can't it?"
He smiled warmly.
"I haven't found it particularly difficult to get along with her," Shiroshi replied, observing Uchiha Zane discreetly.
Uchiha Zane, with his finely crafted but outdated black kimono, a head of white hair, visible wrinkles, and a thin face with a beard below his chin, had a slightly hunched posture. His body was on the smaller side, and although he had some signs of aging, his presence exuded a sense of dignity rather than frailty.
In his younger days, he must have been a battle-hardened shinobi. Even in retirement, his aura, typical of elite shinobi, had only become more profound with age.
"Have you two considered marriage?" Uchiha Zane suddenly asked, continuing the casual conversation as before.
"Ah?" Shiroshi was momentarily taken aback. It wasn't the question itself that surprised him, but the suddenness of it.
"Young people nowadays have become overly cautious. In our time, if both parties liked each other, they would usually get married within the first or second year," Uchiha Zane complained.
Shiroshi chuckled awkwardly. "Well, we'll give it some serious thought after we turn eighteen next year."
Uchiha Zane seemed satisfied with this response and continued sipping his tea.
"Alright, it's about time for me to leave."
"So soon? How about staying for dinner?" Shiroshi suggested, standing up and inviting him to have dinner.
"No need for the trouble. I just wanted to take a walk and see the village today. As one gets older, they become nostalgic for the past."
Shiroshi could only nod. In front of Uchiha Zane, who had to be addressed as a senior even by the Third Hokage, Shiroshi, as a new-generation shinobi, had no choice but to show respect.
However, Shiroshi remembered what Rui had told him about Uchiha Zane. He was the leader of the Uchiha extremists, and his status within the Uchiha clan surpassed even that of the clan head. He was once a follower of Uchiha Madara and had been a formidable shinobi in his youth. Although he had retired, his ambitions and determination from his youth had not completely faded. It seemed that Uchiha Zane was more politically active than his appearance suggested.
In response to Uchiha Zane's casual questions, Shiroshi answered politely. He knew better than to offend someone of Uchiha Zane's stature.
"Have you really thought about it, Zane?"
Uchiha's senior guard couldn't help but ask as they continued walking.
"It's our only way forward for the Uchiha clan," Uchiha Zane replied, his warm smile replaced by a deep, distant expression.
"If Rui were to find out, you would die. You know what kind of person she is better than I do."
"In order to rejuvenate the Uchiha flames and secure the clan's future, even at my age, I still have a role to play. Shouldn't I consider it a blessing?"
Uchiha's senior guard, Uchiha Fugate, sighed.
Uchiha Zane's words reminded him of the conflicts between the Root and Rui a few years ago and many earlier incidents. While every Hokage sought to maintain a balance, there were certain matters related to the village's principles that couldn't be tolerated, requiring a delicate balance.
As Uchiha Zane had said, they could trust the Hokage's loyalty to Konoha and his love for the entire village, but they couldn't trust his governing abilities. Root had emerged under his leniency and hesitation.
"The Uchiha clan's future can only be secured by self-preservation. We can't pin our hopes on outsiders. Uchiha men and women can only die in battle, even if it means death. Let's go, Fugate."
Uchiha Zane, a man in his twilight years, walked along a path illuminated by the solemn night, a path shrouded in uncertainty.
"But the Third Hokage is working hard to repair our relationship with the village," Fugate added, his expression conflicted.
At Uchiha Zane's age, he should be enjoying his retirement, not continuing to fight in the political arena and sacrificing his life to illuminate the path for the clan.
"We are in the same boat. Hiruzen Sarutobi, whether he's trying to figure things out or actually solving problems, we can never get a definite answer from him. Sooner or later, the Uchiha will fall due to his 'trying to figure things out' indecisiveness. His leadership, as a Hokage who hesitates and lacks decisiveness, falls far short of Hashirama Senju."
Uchiha Zane snorted.
Fugate fell silent.
…
Evening, 7:10 PM.
"Are you back? You must be tired from your mission outside. Come over and have dinner. It'll get cold if you don't eat soon."
At the dining table, Shiroshi had already set the table with bowls and chopsticks, waiting for Rui to join him for dinner.
Rui didn't say much; she just sat down as usual and began eating dinner with Shiroshi.
"How was the mission today?"
"Just a typical C-rank mission. Next year, I'll be taking those three brats to participate in the Chunin Exams. Once they pass, we can start doing A-rank missions. C-rank missions aren't worth getting excited about."
Upon hearing Rui's remarks, Shiroshi couldn't help but feel sorry for the three genin in Rui's team.
C-rank and D-rank missions didn't involve combat between ninjas, but starting from B-rank missions, the difficulty level increased significantly, and they could encounter ninja battles. A-rank missions could involve fights against jounin-level enemies, and any slight mistake could lead to failure and even casualties.
Becoming a chuunin did grant eligibility to take on B and A-rank missions. Typically, a newly promoted chuunin and their team leader would choose B-rank missions initially to gain experience before moving on to A-rank missions.
However, considering Rui's temperament, Shiroshi suspected that she might choose to accumulate experience directly from A-rank missions once her team's genin became chuunin. Rui always preferred to find excitement for herself.
Indeed, A-rank missions were much more interesting than B and C-rank missions, though for newly promoted chuunin, they could be life-threatening.
Even the weakest jounin could overpower a chuunin. The gap between ninja ranks was substantial.
"By the way, Elder Zane came to see you today. You weren't home, so he just had a cup of tea and left."
Shiroshi mentioned that Elder Zane had visited their home in the evening.
"Elder Zane?"
Rui's eating slowed, and her eyebrows furrowed.
"Why? Upset? I remember he taught you various ninja combat techniques. You must respect him, right?"
"He's just a decaying old man."
Rui snorted.
"That's a bit disrespectful."
"He didn't say anything rude to you when he was here, did he?"
Rui's displeasure was evident.
Currently, all the Uchiha clan's prominent positions were held by members of the extremist faction, and Zane was the leader of the Uchiha extremists.
In her eyes, these extremist faction members had something wrong with their heads. They were overly zealous about the clan's power, believing that becoming Hokage was the only way to save the Uchiha clan. They were obsessed with past glory, excelled in brawn but lacked brains, making them a bunch of fools.
Although Rui hadn't drawn a clear line between herself and the extremists, she knew she couldn't fit into their atmosphere. Her mindset and approach were different.
Even when it came to Zane, she hadn't met him for a long time. Even though he held the knowledge of how to unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan, she didn't want to meet someone who made her feel uncomfortable, not to mention that dealing with the Hokage was strictly business. She avoided unnecessary contact and made her reluctance clear.
Moreover, after mastering the Sage Mode, she didn't attach as much importance to the legendary doujutsu, the Mangekyou Sharingan.
Most importantly, after practicing Sage Jutsu, Rui found that she could keep her emotions calm most of the time, enabling her to think rationally. Of course, there were still moments when she couldn't stay calm.
Thinking about this, Rui glared at Shiroshi with an unhappy look and ate two mouthfuls of rice.
Shiroshi, bewildered, wondered what had angered her again. Was it because he had kissed her for thirty seconds less than usual a couple of days ago?
Could he make up for it tonight?
"How could he? He just came to see you, and I found him quite friendly."
Shiroshi replied honestly.
According to Ayame, the elders of the Hyuga clan were usually strict and stern, always emphasizing rules and etiquette, which made her feel annoyed. However, compared to that, Shiroshi felt that Elder Zane, despite holding an important position in the Uchiha clan, had a good personality and didn't object to their relationship. In fact, he seemed quite supportive.
What an open-minded elder.
"Don't be fooled by his friendly appearance. In politics, his cunning surpasses even the Third Hokage. Even now, I can't figure out what he's thinking and what he's plotting. Just be careful."
Rui's expression turned serious.
"He can't be that frightening, can he?"
"He's the type who can chat and laugh with you one second and dispose of you with a smile the next. He's an unfeeling old man who's cold-blooded to the core. In his mind, there's already a clear distinction between what's useful and useless within the clan."
Upon hearing Rui's evaluation of the seemingly friendly Elder Zane, Shiroshi was somewhat surprised.
"Many Uchiha clan members opposed him becoming the leader of the extremist faction in his early years. However, within a few years, there was only his voice left in the Uchiha clan. Those who voiced their opposition to him either died during missions or mysteriously disappeared. In the Uchiha clan, he's the guy whom the Third Hokage fears the most."
"Is that so?"
Knowing that Rui wouldn't exaggerate, it seemed that Elder Zane was indeed an extraordinary person.
They say old age is the thief of one's vigor... or something like that. After all, even with his advanced age, he had survived through the Warring States era, the founding of Konoha, outlived the First and Second Hokage, and continued to be active even during the Third Hokage's rule. He could be considered a witness to history.
But... what did that have to do with him?
No matter what, they wouldn't shift their focus to him, right?
With this in mind, Shiroshi felt more at ease.
…
"December quickly passed, and now it's January.
With the arrival of the New Year festival, the atmosphere in Konoha village started to become lively.
Ninja missions were put on hold, except for those in special roles who were still working overtime.
Even the Konoha ninja defending the village's borders had many returning to the village to celebrate the New Year.
However, in Sunagakure, there was still no sign of preparations for war.
If it weren't for the large orders from Sunagakure for medical supplies at the Purple Orchid Company, including not only medicines but also medical gauze, cotton, bandages, and more, Shiroshi would have doubted if Sunagakure had abandoned the idea of attacking the Land of Fire.
Could it be that even Sunagakure wanted to have a joyful New Year celebration and then possibly start a conflict afterward?
Thinking this way, the Third Kazekage seemed quite humane.
Perhaps they didn't want bloodshed during the New Year, as it would be an ill omen.
On the night of Konoha's New Year festival.
"How do I look?"
Rui, who had changed into a kimono, twirled gently to show her exquisite figure to Shiroshi.
Her black hair, as lustrous as satin, flowed in the air. Her light blue kimono was fresh and elegant, adorned with beautiful and vibrant patterns. A silver sash was tied in a butterfly knot at her waist, adding a touch of grace. She appeared much gentler than usual, with her eyes softened.
"Very beautiful," Shiroshi replied, feeling a bit dazzled.
It seemed like a good idea to stay in Konoha after the New Year. However, he was now troubled by how and when to explain things to Rui.
Despite not being someone who usually hesitated, why was he faltering at this crucial moment?
Hand in hand with Rui, he walked out of the Uchiha clan's area.
When they reached the commercial street in the village, they were met with a bustling crowd.
In terms of size, Shiroshi preferred to describe Konoha as a town rather than a village.
They bought some barbecue from a stall and ate while walking. They even playfully fed each other in public, which felt a bit embarrassing and awkward. But seeing Rui's blushing face and happiness, Shiroshi didn't mind.
"Cough..."
He choked a bit because he was eating too fast.
"You idiot, you're eating too quickly."
"Sorry, it's just too delicious."
"What's so delicious?"
Rui looked up at Shiroshi, her long black hair cascading down to her waist, like a gentle moonlight. Her eyes sparkled.
"Well..."
This question was unexpectedly philosophical. What's more delicious, the food or an unmarried girl?
Just as Shiroshi was about to answer, a familiar voice interrupted them with a teasing tone:
"You two little rascals, is it fun to set off flashbangs in a place like this?"
Tsunade was wearing a blue kimono with light yellow floral patterns. She had an air of a refined lady, and her ample bosom could make even the bravest warriors flinch.
Beside her was Shizune, also in a kimono, looking curiously at Shiroshi and Rui.
Who would have thought that the seemingly ordinary Shiroshi had such a beautiful girlfriend? They had underestimated him.
That was what Shizune thought.
"Tsunade-sensei, and Shizune, you two are here too?"
"It's such a lively festival; wouldn't it be a waste not to come out and have a good drink?"
Tsunade's hearty voice shattered her ladylike image.
"Is that so?"
Did they really need to get so drunk at such a joyful festival?
Shiroshi could see that Shizune would have a tough time tonight, taking care of Tsunade after she got drunk.
"Oh, Tsunade, you're here."
Another voice chimed in.
It was Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin. He had shed his ninja attire and was dressed casually, exuding a mature charm despite his laid-back demeanor. However, his eyes kept stealing glances at Tsunade's ample bosom.
A pervert.
By his side was a man with pale skin, giving off a cold-blooded, snake-like vibe.
Orochimaru, another of the Legendary Sannin.
Was tonight a gathering of the Legendary Sannin? Shiroshi wondered.
But with these two around, he didn't need to worry. After Tsunade got drunk, Shizune would have the arduous task of getting her home.
"It's you, Jiraiya. Didn't you say you'd spend this festival with Minato?" Tsunade asked.
"Forget it; young people nowadays are all so talented. Minato is with Kushina, and I'd just be a third wheel," Jiraiya replied nonchalantly.
"Do you even consider other people's feelings, you idiot?" Tsunade scolded him.
"Anyway, how about going for a drink tonight? Orochimaru is joining us too. It's been a while since we had a drink together, right?"
"Jiraiya didn't pay much attention to Tsunade's sarcastic attitude but instead invited Tsunade to join them for a drink.
"Don't drag me into this," Orochimaru said, his brows furrowing in annoyance. Whenever these two got together, they would drink without consideration for others, pushing it to the point where they couldn't even walk straight.
Bad manners and worse drinking habits.
"What's the harm? If you hang out with Tsunade, you've been getting colder toward me lately. Now is the time to rekindle our friendship," Jiraiya said, slinging his arm around Orochimaru's shoulder and laughing mischievously.
"You fool," Orochimaru snorted, turning his face away.
"One person or three, it doesn't matter... Oh, right, Shiroshi, can I ask you for a favor?" Tsunade looked at Shiroshi.
"A favor? What kind of favor?"
"We three are going for a drink, so I'm entrusting you with taking care of Shizune," Tsunade said, pushing the bewildered Shizune forward.
Just as Shiroshi was about to respond, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were already walking away down the street, with Tsunade waving her hand in a gesture of asking him to accept.
"Well then, I'll leave it to you."
No room for him to refuse.
Shiroshi scratched his head in frustration.
Darn it, now he wouldn't be able to do anything intimate with Rui.
Tsunade-sensei, you devil! You're not a medical ninja who helps others; you're just a troublemaker!
"Um, Shiroshi-senpai, Rui-senpai, I'll be in your care. Don't worry, I won't be a bother," Shizune approached them, bowing politely.
"How could you say that it's a bother? In fact, I think it's livelier with more people," Shiroshi continued to scratch his head, smiling.
"Hypocrite," Rui chimed in suddenly, and walked towards a clothing store.
Shiroshi turned to Shizune and said, "Shizune, how about you enjoy yourself for a bit? We'll come to pick you up later after Rui and I finish shopping."
After a moment of consideration, Shizune realized that tagging along with Shiroshi and Rui would just make her a third wheel and make everyone uncomfortable. So, she nodded and said, "Sure, I'll just eat something over there."
She pointed to the barbecue shop where Shiroshi and Rui had just been.
"Alright, it's a deal. Leave it to me. When Rui and I finish shopping, we'll come to get you," Shiroshi said, handing her some money from his wallet, encouraging her to have a good meal.
…
Darn it! Darn it!
It's the last festival in Konoha, but I can't spend it with Shiroshi-kun, and we won't be able to do any lovey-dovey stuff!
This was what was going through Ayaane's mind.
Despite wearing the kimono that Shiroshi had given her, it couldn't fill the emptiness in her heart.
In front of her were piles of food, including takoyaki, grilled skewers, and fried noodles. She stuffed them into her mouth one by one, using eating as a way to vent her frustration.
"Boss, give me fifty more takoyaki skewers and ten large bowls of char siu ramen! Hurry!"
"Okay, okay, please wait a moment."
Despite being an adorable girl, why could she eat so much? The shopkeeper looked at the girl eating voraciously in his shop with a mixture of fear and anxiety. At this rate, he felt that his small eatery would go bankrupt.
After all, it was he himself who had put up a sign at the shop entrance saying, "Eat for free if you can eat continuously for three hours," as a way to attract customers.
Now, he had attracted a bona fide eating champion.
She had already been eating for an hour and a half non-stop, and her food disappeared at a visible speed.
"Even though Lord Hiashi said we could enjoy ourselves, you don't have to eat like this," Winter, a Jonin from the Hyuga branch family, said as he watched the mountains of food disappearing in front of Ayane.
If he hadn't confirmed Ayaane's identity, he would have thought she was a spy from the Akimichi clan infiltrating the Hyuga clan.
Well, even among the Akimichi clan, few could eat like this.
"Anyway, since there are others protecting Lady Hinata, why don't you join us and have a meal?" Winter suggested.
"No need. My mission is to protect Lord Hiashi."
"Oh."
It was just a courtesy on his part, and Ayane also had the self-awareness not to invite him to sit and eat with her.
But when she thought about not being able to spend tonight's last festival in Konoha with Shiroshi, unable to do intimate things with him, like hugging, kissing, and then...
Ayane once again filled herself with food, channeling her frustration into devouring everything in sight.
Tremble, all the restaurants in Konoha that are holding a big eater's free tasting event tonight!
Witness the power of the Hyuga clan's Byakugan!
…
Humans are truly noisy creatures.
That was the only thought in the mind of General Tsuchi.
He may not have the ability to speak, but he was not intellectually challenged.
Buried in the earth, he could feel the hustle and bustle of Konoha at this moment.
Because of this noise, he lost the motivation to freely swim through the earth.
Despite the noisy world above, he could have gone deeper into the underground where no sound could reach. But why did he long for such noise?
A glint appeared in his pitch-black eyes, and he sat still in a dim corner, silently watching Konoha's festival.
If one day he could openly participate in such an event...
A child ran past him, and as an afterthought, stepped on his head.
"... "
Konoha's brats were so annoying.
He thought that maybe someday he should stuff a few exploding tags at his location to enjoy some peace and quiet."
However, today there were no missions, and the time felt unusually idle.
Accustomed to running errands, General Tsuchi suddenly found himself with nothing to do. He didn't know what to do with his newfound leisure.
His younger sister, Ameyu, and his younger brother, Raimei, were working in the Land of Demons. His younger sister, Shadow Dancer, always acted like a child who never grew up, sticking to their father and mother, seeking their affection.
Even though he was only three years old, their father had told him that he was no longer a child, but a mature adult.
So, he couldn't be clingy or act as childishly as his siblings.
A man who loved his work was a mature man.
Even during the festival, he remained vigilant, never letting his guard down.
General Tsuchi worked diligently.
…
The festival was halfway through when Shiroshi and Rui decided to return early. Despite being away from the bustling atmosphere of the village, the festivities were still ongoing and would likely continue until midnight.
Explosions resonated in the night sky, with brilliant fireworks bursting into colorful patterns.
"It's so beautiful," Shiroshi remarked.
"Yes," Rui agreed.
Even though individual sparks were fleeting, when they all came together, it created a sense of awe-inspiring beauty.
Just like humans, one person's light might be limited, but when everyone's efforts combined, it created a radiant display, much like the beauty in the night sky.
Shiroshi saw not just fireworks but also the love and determination of the people for life, sharing in their joy and excitement despite being away from the crowd.
Unable to contain his emotions, Shiroshi pulled Rui into his arms. She leaned against his shoulder, blushing, and they savored the happiness that was uniquely theirs.
Gently, Shiroshi ran his fingers through Rui's silky hair.
Gradually, the surrounding sounds seemed to fade away, and even though fireworks continued to burst, the noise disappeared, leaving only the scattered glimmers.
All they could hear clearly was each other's heartbeat.
Rui initiated a kiss, and Shiroshi reciprocated passionately.
Their smooth skin, tender bodies, and the backdrop of the night and fireworks made everything feel like a warm flame.
And then, the positions suddenly reversed.
"Huh?" Shiroshi looked bewildered as the girl was now straddling him, her face flushed.
By this point, there was no need to question anything, nor was there a need for further understanding. It was time to act. Soft whispers reached his ears.
Shiroshi, understanding everything, untied the obi of Rui's kimono.
In the embrace of the night and the fireworks, the girl's alluring figure became even more tempting.
Together, let's surrender to this moment.
…
As the festival neared its end, the liveliness and noise gradually faded away.
"Excuse me, miss. Our shop is closing now. Aren't you going home?" The owner of the barbecue restaurant called out to the silent girl sitting outside in the cold wind.
However, Ayane seemed not to hear the restaurant owner's words. She sat there, motionless, gazing ahead.
Why...
Why...
Why hasn't Shiroshi senpai come to pick me up yet?
Didn't we agree that he would come to get me after buying things with Rui senpai?
Shiroshi senpai, you big liar!
I'll tell Lady Tsunade about this, Shiroshi senpai! You'd better be prepared to face her wrath!
Ayane's heart was filled with resentment and anger.
(Chapter End)