Chapter Twenty Six: Shadows of Ash and War part I
Yu No Kuni (Land of Hot Tea) - Shizuku no Miya (Sancutary of the Droplet)
An S-Rank shinobi is considered among the most powerful and skilled individuals in the ninja world. These figures possess abilities that set them apart from even high-level jonin, often capable of posing threats to entire villages or nations. It is estimated that there are around 40 active S-Rank shinobi scattered across the Elemental Nations—renowned or feared for their extraordinary deeds and achievements. Yet among them are a select few who have earned this classification not just for their power but for a unique ability honed over time. One such figure is the guardian of Yu no Kuni, The Suijin no Setsu, Keeper of the Droplet.
The Droplet is a mystical entity, believed by many to be nothing more than legend—an artifact capable of granting glimpses into the future to those who partake of its abundance. Its existence is safeguarded by an elite group of protectors dedicated to preserving its secrets and defending it from those who seek to exploit its power. These Guardians, as they are called, understand the truth of the Droplet's visions: they reveal possibilities, not certainties. With the ability to see comes the weight of guiding those who are blind to the future. But this sight comes at a price, for the Guardians themselves are blind to their own fate—a blindness that will eventually lead to their downfall. And yet, despite the inevitability of their destruction, they continue their sacred work. Among the Guardians, one stands above all others in power and renown: Shizuka Natsume, The Mist Seer of Yu no Kuni and its current guardian. Her beauty is ethereal, mesmerizing all who behold her. Her long, mist-like hair flows with an almost otherworldly grace, and her luminous green eyes reflect visions of the future like an endless, shimmering pool. Her attire, a blend of traditional shinobi garb and flowing fabrics in shades of blue and silver, mimics the appearance of water. A cape billows around her like morning mist, and in her hands, she carries a staff crowned with an orb that seems to radiate an otherworldly glow. Her very existence defies all logic.
Seated cross-legged, her piercing green eyes gazed into the unseen—a true nexus of the future. Generations of careful planning, controlled lineage, and centuries of devotion had led to this moment. In three days, everything would change. Yet her visions were clouded, the certainty of the future slipping further beyond her reach. Her sight was nearing its end. No new guardian had yet been chosen, for this was the moment when the successor would emerge—the one who would drink from the Droplet and see it all. They would guide the world where others had failed. Namikaze Minato was not the one. The Tenkyōsha, the Herald, had not been among them. But the time had come, and the Droplet had spoken of three others—three shinobi from the Village Hidden in the Leaves. They alone would shape the future. Each had a role to play: The Redeemer, The Destroyer, and The Balance. Each held the weight of the world in their hands. Shizuka's eyes fluttered shut as her breathing steadied. In a flash, a Yugakure shinobi appeared, kneeling at her side. "It's time," she murmured, her voice soft yet resolute. "Gather the gifts and the Droplets. My sight fades with every passing second. The Fourth Hokage will die in a weeks time."
The largest attack on Konohagakure no Sato in history spread throughout the Elemental Nations like wildfire. Remarkably, the conflict was seemingly resolved overnight, thanks to a single Chūnin squad. Officially, it was stated that Team Seven had infiltrated the enemy encampment, destroying their schemes before they could truly begin. However, the true actions of Epsilon Squad were known only to a select few within the Shinobi Council. On the same day, Squads Gamma, Theta, and Sigma conducted a joint mission to support Epsilon, but by the time they arrived, the battle was already over. The Flying Fortress, once housing 1,156 chakra signatures, now held only six—those of Epsilon. Reconstruction efforts after the assault were nearly complete, largely due to the efforts of Senju Akira. In the chambers of the council room, the key figures of the crisis management divisions, along with the council itself, convened for their final meeting. Itachi presided at the helm, meticulously taking notes, while Minato Namikaze sat across the table in the seat reserved for the Namikaze clan. The Fourth Hokage enjoyed his freedom from administrative duties, noting how effortlessly Itachi handled the burden. Perhaps, Minato thought, Itachi was ready sooner than anticipated. "Thank you all for your hard work," Itachi began, his voice calm but commanding. "We're projected to complete the reconstruction by the end of the week, so please continue your efforts. All facility managers and department heads, our fiscal meeting will resume next week where we left off. You are dismissed. Council members, please stay." As the room cleared, only the council remained. Itachi leaned forward, reviewing a file in front of him. "Let's circle back to a few weeks ago. Team Seven has been nominated for promotion by their Jōnin instructor, Uchiha Obito. Specifically, he has recommended: Nara Shikamaru, for his strategic thinking and interrogation skills; Aburame Shino, for his expertise in crowd control and restoration efforts; and Uchiha Sasuke, for a special Jōnin rank restoration, contingent upon his actions following the war. What are your thoughts?"
Murmurs of agreement filled the room, though one voice stood apart—Uchiha Fugaku. "While I acknowledge the results, Sasuke is dangerous," he said, his tone measured. "I'll agree, but only under the condition that a capable squad leader is assigned to keep him in check until he proves his stability." Itachi nodded, making a note. With a signal to Boar, the door opened, and Team Seven entered, filing into the center of the chamber as all eyes turned to them. "Team Seven," Itachi began, addressing them directly, "I'd like to personally thank you for your efforts during the Assault on Konoha. Your tactics, as detailed in the reports, were exemplary. After unanimous agreement, we have decided to promote you all to full Jōnin of Konohagakure no Sato, with Uchiha Sasuke's special Jōnin rank restored, pending stipulations that will not be discussed at this time. Thank you all." Applause broke out among some of the council members. Jiraiya, standing nearby, tossed a modified flak jacket to his latest student with a small smile. "I have a question, Hokage-sama," Shikamaru said, breaking the moment. His sharp gaze turned to the Yondaime Hokage, whose expression softened into a curious smile. "Go ahead, Shikamaru-san." "During our mission, I engaged the leader of the Sora-nin. He mentioned someone reaching them before we arrived. Can I inquire about this?" The room fell silent. Itachi's face turned unreadable, though the ever-observant Nara had clearly struck a nerve. Minato leaned back, his smile not fading. "I'm afraid that's above your pay grade," Minato replied smoothly. "Perhaps in due time. Dismissed."
In the depths of the Hokage Monument, within the anbu Headquarters, life continued without pause. Breaks were a foreign concept to the elite operatives of the Black Ops, whose tireless work made them the most formidable intelligence agency in the Elemental Nations. Following the assault, Epsilon Squad had been debriefed by the Hokage and Dragon himself, then granted some rare time off. For some, this was a chance to recover; for others, it was time for training. Dragon's office was stark and simple, a reflection of its owner. Across from him stood Epsilon Squad at attention, flanked by Obito and Owl (Yūgao), the latter having recently returned from a classified mission. Dragon glanced up from the reports scattered across his desk, his steely gaze falling on the squad. "First, congratulations on a successful mission performed to textbook perfection," he began. "That said, I see there's more to this squad than meets the eye." Dragon interlocked his fingers, leaning forward slightly. "Epsilon is… different. Most anbu teams are formed with specific specialties in mind. Take Theta, for example—a specialized medical squad, some of the best in the village. Gamma was created for tactical expertise. But Epsilon… Epsilon is unique. I gave you the freedom to build your team, Kitsune, and never second-guessed your decisions, even when you brought in a clan heir. Now, looking at your reports, I can't help but wonder: what exactly are you planning?" The question lingered, sharp and precise. Naruto, under his mask, took a deep breath. "anbu has experienced a decline in effectiveness following the disbanding of Team Nightfall, which consisted of the greatest operatives in history. While we remain on top, there are critical vulnerabilities that could easily be exploited." "That doesn't answer the question," Dragon pressed. "What are you planning?" Naruto's voice was steady. "I plan to sit in that chair one day," he said, gesturing to Dragon's seat. The room fell silent. "And I plan to get there by creating a team that will surpass Nightfall—training operatives who will secure Konoha's future." Dragon's gaze shifted to the other members of Epsilon. "You're all aware of this?" They nodded in unison. For the first time in years, Dragon chuckled. "Minato's boy has guts," he said softly, though his eyes sparkled with approval. "Very well. Effective immediately, you are no longer the captain of Epsilon. That honor will be given to Falcon. Kitsune, you will serve in a newly approved role as Deputy Commander of anbu Black Ops. You'll succeed me in the near future.
Tsuchi no Kuni (Land of Earth) - Iwagakure no Sato - Tsuchikage Tower - Office
Kuro Taniguchi was many things: one of Iwagakure's strongest shinobi, a renowned sage—but a fool, he was not. Yet, the man standing before the desk of the Tsuchikage wasn't the same man Kuro had fought all those years ago. There was a subtle, dangerous air about him now. Tsuchikage Jiro glanced down at the parchment placed before him, his expression unreadable. "Are you certain?" he asked. Yukito, the Storm King, nodded with a smirk. "Yes. Namikaze Minato, accompanied by Uchiha Itachi and a platoon of ANBU, will leave the safety of Konoha to inspect the fortress constructed by Sora no Kuni. Raikage-sama sees this as the perfect moment to strike, and my little birds tell me you've been hiding something that might prove useful in this situation." The room fell into silence. Yukito's words carried weight and an edge that pierced through pleasantries. He clearly knew far more than he should. Jiro's brow furrowed slightly, but his voice remained steady. "It seems you live up to your reputation, Storm King. Very well. Taniguchi, Han, and I will join you. I assume you'll be accompanied by the Raikage and his brother?" Yukito's smile widened, nodding. "Of course. Some might consider it overkill, but we're not dealing with ordinary shinobi. The Yellow Flash of the Leaf is not someone to underestimate—nor is anyone from that den of monsters." "True enough," Jiro replied, leaning back in his chair. "And what of Hiruzen Sarutobi? Even in his old age, I doubt his skills have dulled." Yukito's smirk grew sharper. "The old monkey god? Don't concern yourself with him. I believe those so-called disciples of his have something special in the works. He won't be an issue." With a short bow, Yukito turned to leave, his hand reaching for the doorknob before Kuro's voice halted him. "Do you remember when we fought?" Yukito paused, glancing back over his shoulder. His smile never faltered. "Of course. I gave you that scar, didn't I?" And then he was gone, the faint echo of his footsteps fading into the distance. Kuro's eyes narrowed, his hand unconsciously brushing the faint scar that ran along his jawline. "There's something off about him, Tsuchikage-sama. He's not the same man I fought back then." Jiro nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on the doorway. "I know. But for now, we have no choice but to work together." He shifted his attention to Kuro. "Summon Han. Begin preparations to mobilize the array. It's time I upheld my promise."
Takigakure no Sato (Village hidden by Waterfall) - Village Head's Residence
He thoroughly enjoyed his vacation in the lands of Uzushiogakure. The calming waves soothed his mind as he finalized the preparations for the next phase of his plan. Now, stepping into the office flanked by Mizuki Harada, an S-Rank Amegakure nuke-nin, and Kira Itou, an S-Rank Kirigakure nuke-nin, the room's atmosphere shifted immediately. The guards tensed, their hands hovering near their weapons. Even if the trio's notoriety from the Chūnin Exams Massacre five years ago wasn't enough to elicit fear, their recent exploits certainly were. This was a group that had nearly annihilated every sitting Kage and pushed the Great Five Nations to the brink of war. "Thank you for meeting with me, Suien-sama." Takigakure had seen a sudden shift in leadership following the mysterious downfall of its ruling family, leaving Suien in power. No one knew the specifics of his rise, but his rule was absolute. "The pleasure is all mine," Suien replied, his tone measured. "You've done great things exposing the imbalance in the current system. What can I do for you?" Kaito took a seat, crossing his legs with a calm, calculating demeanor. "What if I told you I'm working to create an alliance of minor villages—those that have suffered the most under the oppressive system of the Five Great Nations? What if I told you that everything that's happened up to this point has been according to my plan?"
Suien raised an eyebrow, skepticism flashing across his face. "As much as I admire you, that seems far too ambitious to believe." Kaito's smirk widened. "Sora no Kuni was never meant to succeed. Their leader was nothing more than a madman consumed by power and revenge. But I put them in a position to show the world what those outside the Five Great Nations are capable of. They launched the first successful assault on one of the Great Five—the strongest, no less. "Now imagine what we could accomplish together. A coalition of the overlooked and the oppressed, starting with the weakest of them all."Later, standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking Takigakure's hidden beauty, Kaito exhaled deeply, savoring the fresh mountain air. The plan had unfolded flawlessly—Suien, another madman like Shinno, was now Takigakure's ruler. But, unlike Shinno, Suien had just enough sense to be controlled. "This truly is a hidden village," Kaito remarked, his voice calm. "A system of genjutsu, trapped pathways, and countless defenses protecting such a beautiful place." He glanced at Kira, who approached him with a grim expression. "What did you find?" She crouched next to him, her tone grave. "Everyone was dead. Whoever did it was quick and precise. But Sandra's body is unaccounted for." Kaito sighed, rubbing his temples. "That idiot. Driven by revenge. Whoever injured her likely captured her. If she's been brought before Fumiko Yamanaka, everything about us will be revealed in time." Rising to his feet, he slid his hands into his pockets and turned to Mizuki with a small, knowing smile. "It's time to begin Operation: Mistfall."
Hi no Kuni - Konohagakure no Sato - Hokage Tower - Hokage Office
"Do you understand that by accepting this role, you are placing Konohagakure above all personal interests, devoting your life entirely to her protection and her interests, against all threats both foreign and domestic? Do you swear to remain loyal, guard her secrets, take responsibility for your actions, and hold yourself accountable? Will you make the right decisions, accept the morality of this position, and sacrifice yourself if the need arises?" Naruto nodded solemnly, his expression steeled with resolve. "Now, say your vows." He took a deep breath, the weight of his words settling over him. "I, Uzumaki Naruto, do hereby solemnly swear to uphold the honor, secrecy, and sanctity of the ANBU. I pledge my unwavering loyalty to Konohagakure, to its Hokage, and to its people. I vow to shield the shadows, bear the burdens others cannot, and guide those entrusted to me with wisdom and strength. "I shall carry out my duties without question, with unyielding integrity, and without fear or favor, even at the cost of my own life. I accept that my existence will forever be bound to the darkness, for the light of the village depends upon it. I will remain silent where silence is demanded, decisive where hesitation is fatal, and just where power tempts corruption. By my word and my blood, I swear to honor this oath until my final breath." Minato smiled faintly, pride evident in his gaze as he reached for something behind him. He retrieved a new uniform—an elevated version of standard ANBU attire. The cloak was longer than the standard but shorter than the commander's, marked with the kanji for "command" prominently on the back. His Konoha forehead protector no longer bore the village's symbol but instead the same command kanji, signifying his new station. His mask, though still recognizable as standard ANBU, had been subtly enhanced with intricate engravings and accents, distinguishing it as unique. Minato held the uniform out to his son. "Your official on-duty attire is still in production, Kitsune. But as of now, you are officially the Deputy Commander of the ANBU Black Ops. Your administrative rotation will begin tomorrow morning bright and early, and Konoha thanks you for the sacrifices you've made so far."
In a swirl Boar appeared in the office of the Hokage kneeling before the two now three most powerful people in the village, "Dragon-sama, Kitsune-sama, there's a matter that requires your attention urgently." Naruto's eyes panned upward to his newly mentor, Dragon's looked towards Boar giving him a nod before nodding to Naruto and in a shunshin they were all gone. "I guess it starts sooner." Itachi was laid out on the couch exhausted from all of the provisional meetings falling the attack, he wanted a break and Minato saw it. "Itachi go home for the day, you've been working pretty hard these past few days; A leader needs to know their limits." Uchiha slowly sat up on the couch before getting up. "Thank you for the opportunity." Minato gave him a small smile, "No, thank you for defending our village. You're going to make an amazing hokage in the near future." Itachi rubbed the back of his head with a small smile of his own, "I'm afraid I still have a lot to learn." Minato allowed the matter to drop, he didn't correct the Uchiha at all.
In the depths of ANBU's most secure facilities—so far below ground that Naruto hadn't even known they existed—security measures and specialized operatives were abundant, designed to maximize operational efficiency. Despite his curiosity and the endless questions forming in his mind as they traversed the long tunnels, he was afforded no time to process everything he was seeing. Their mission took precedence. They arrived at a heavy, reinforced door where Boar weaved a sequence of hand seals before the lock disengaged. Beyond the door was a dimly lit briefing room, furnished with a single table. Seated across it were two familiar faces Naruto hadn't seen in years: Rock Lee and Hyūga Neji, both clad in full ANBU attire. Dragon entered first, Naruto—now adorned with his new Kitsune mask—following closely behind. The ANBU Commander took a seat at the table, his posture rigid and authoritative, while Naruto positioned himself just behind Dragon's chair. "Begin debrief," Dragon ordered curtly. Without warning, the room's atmosphere shifted as a foreign sensation washed over Naruto, his tenketsu reacting to an invasive but harmless stimulus. He quickly realized it was a specialized genjutsu—a briefing tool designed to securely transmit sensitive information to designated individuals. The projection began, and Neji stepped forward, his Byakugan activated, as he unfurled a map of the Elemental Nations for the briefing. His voice was clear and professional as he began his report:
"According to our mission parameters, our initial search began in Ta no Kuni (Land of Rice Fields). However, we quickly discovered that Otogakure is not confined to a single village but is, in fact, a network of bases spread across all the Elemental Nations. This discovery significantly complicated our efforts to locate key figures or critical infrastructure. "Our breakthrough came through an off-the-books contact known as Hound, who provided us with an operational schedule that directed us to a facility on an island in Umi no Kuni (Land of the Sea). Upon infiltrating the laboratory, we recovered a series of files, which are currently undergoing decryption. However, our presence was detected, and shortly thereafter, we encountered two high-priority individuals: Danzo Shimura, appearing significantly younger than known records suggest, and Sasori of the Red Sands, identified by his distinctive puppet techniques." Neji's expression darkened slightly as he continued.
"An engagement ensued. Initially, Hound engaged the targets directly to allow us the opportunity to extract the files and retreat. The situation escalated when we detected the arrival of another threat: Nii Yugito, jinchūriki of the Two-Tails. She exhibited a refined and immense chakra pool, unlike anything I have previously observed. With coordinated effort, we successfully subdued her; however, before we could secure her, another individual descended from above and extracted her from the battlefield." He paused briefly, his voice steady but tense as he reached the final moments of the report. "Then, it happened. We felt an immense surge of lightning chakra—a refined energy so concentrated it caused physical discomfort. It was followed by a thunderclap that shook the entire region. In the moments that followed, the entire island… was obliterated. The exact mechanism remains unclear, but the resulting destruction erased all trace of the facility and rendered further investigation impossible." Neji stepped back, his eyes scanning the room, as Rock Lee nodded silently in affirmation of the account. The genjutsu projection dissipated, leaving the room in tense silence. Dragon leaned forward slightly, steepling his fingers as he absorbed the report. "Mission success is conditional on the full decryption of the files retrieved," Neji concluded. "However, the elimination of the island and the confirmed involvement of both Akatsuki and Danzo Shimura necessitate immediate strategic recalibration." Dragon nodded once. "Acknowledged. We'll assess the data once it's deciphered. Kitsune, you will assist in planning the next phase." Neji's eye panned up, the uniform was unknown but the kanji spoke volumes, a successor had been chosen, their time in the shadows were drawing to a close anyways. "You're dismissed with a months leave, you'll be reporting to Kitsune upon arrival."
With a short bow, Team Gai exited the room. The door closed behind them, leaving Dragon in a moment of contemplative silence. His thoughts churned, strategy forming as he finally stood. His movements were deliberate, his voice calm but authoritative. "Your first task," Dragon began, turning to Naruto, "is the recovery of Hound. Assemble a squad you trust to be effective for this mission." Naruto nodded, his expression steady beneath his mask, and watched as Dragon walked out of the room and down the corridor. Once the commander was out of sight, Naruto allowed himself a moment to take in his surroundings. This facility… it was nothing like the ANBU environments he had known. The technological advancements, the influx of unfamiliar faces, the precision with which the operations were conducted—it was entirely foreign to him. "This is where we stay ahead of the curve," Dragon's voice interrupted his musings, drawing Naruto's attention as they continued walking. "To protect effectively, we must be steps ahead. This facility is where a significant portion of our funding is directed. The secrecy here is absolute."
Dragon paused for a moment, his voice lowering slightly. "In some ways, I admired Danzo Shimura. The fewer people who know about an operation, the better the secret is kept. And this…" he gestured around them, "this is the greatest hidden secret of Hi no Kuni. A specialized branch of ANBU. Sleeper agents embedded across the Elemental Nations. Weapons capable of destruction beyond anything the world has seen—including the tailed beast bomb." As they turned a corner, the hum of machinery and the clang of metal being forged filled the air. Flames roared, only to vanish moments later as if commanded to obey. Naruto's gaze shifted to a young man standing amidst the activity. Clad in ANBU uniform, his presence exuded calm authority. His magenta eyes glinted with an unusual brilliance, framed by his long, pale-green hair that swayed slightly with his movements. Dragon gestured toward him. "This is Yukimaru, the jinchūriki of the Three Tails. His control over his tailed beast is unparalleled." Naruto studied the figure before him, curiosity piqued, though he kept his thoughts to himself. There was much he didn't understand yet, but one thing was certain—he was entering a world far deeper and more intricate than he had ever anticipated.
"We did it!"
"Congratulations, Hinata—or should I say Captain?"
Hinata blushed lightly, her pale lavender eyes flickering with modest pride. Across from her, Kazuki finished his drink, nodding appreciatively as Sai refilled his cup. A faint pink tint colored his cheeks, though his usual stoic demeanor remained intact. Ayame placed another tray of finger foods on the counter before vaulting over it with practiced ease, landing neatly in a seat beside them. They were gathered at the ramen stand, celebrating their victory—a culmination of their efforts to create change in a system that had stagnated for so long. It was a shared dream, one imparted to them by a man whose vision had guided their steps. Kazuki stared into his cup, a shadow flickering across his face. "Man…"
Flashes of memory tore through his mind: the lives he had taken, the villages he had burned, the children he had poisoned—all in the pursuit of recognition. Did any of it matter now? Was the cost worth it? "ANBU truly isn't for the weak," he murmured. Ayame slid closer, wrapping her arms around the burly man and resting her head against his. "Aww, someone's taking a trip down memory lane. How cute!" she teased, planting a quick kiss on his forehead.
Kazuki flinched and shook his head, his voice gruff. "I'm not Sakura, Ayame. That won't work on me." The pink-haired medic slammed her drink down with such force it was a wonder the glass didn't shatter. "HEY! Leave me out of that!" Ayame appeared behind her in an instant, arms wrapped tightly around her. "You go first, oh great medic of ours," she teased, her mischievous grin unwavering.
Sakura's cheeks flushed faintly as she relented. "Fine, fine." She paused, reflecting on her journey. "It was right after my training with Tsunade-sama. The shinobi life was… dull. Protection details, bandit raids—it all felt like a waste. Then one night, he came to me, clad in his mask. He sat me down and told me everything—his plans, his vision, his dream of changing the system. It was bloody, yes, but to save a village? To end the war?" Her voice trailed off, the gravity of her words hanging in the air. The group fell silent in acknowledgment, each lost in their own thoughts. After a moment, Sakura looked up at Ayame. "And you? From ramen maker to Genjutsu specialist—how'd that happen?"
For once, Ayame blushed. She pressed her head against Sakura's, as though borrowing her composure. "It was during a quiet shift. He came in, sat down, and for some reason, I decided to join him. He talked about my potential—potential I didn't even know I had. He asked for my help, and I listened. It was the longest I'd ever heard him speak, and before I realized it, I was in basic training, getting lessons from Itachi-sama whenever I could." Their conversation was cut short as a familiar burning sensation flared across their tattoos. A new announcement: Kitsune was officially named the deputy commander of the ANBU Black Ops. The sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment. The Team Ten duo slid into the booth, settling in quietly.
Neji was the first to speak, his voice calm but warm. "Congratulations, Epsilon." A rare smile touched his lips, and the celebration continued. At some point, Kazuki and Lee began arm wrestling, their boisterous match cracking the wooden counter. Ayame put a swift end to it with a glare, pointing at her father's handiwork as the cause of her outrage. Eventually, the group began to drift apart, each heading their own way as the night wore on.
The buzzing of the streetlamps was the only sound Sakura could hear as she walked. The quiet was welcome after the chaos of the past few weeks. Her movements were fluid, her steps deliberate. She activated her fuinjutsu, and an elongated black blade materialized in her hand, humming faintly with power.
A clash broke the silence.
She turned to see Sasuke standing there, his tanto drawn. The tension hung heavy between them before finally easing as his blade lowered to the ground. "I'd advise against doing that again—for your safety," she said flatly, though a small smile tugged at her lips. Sasuke smirked, sheathing his blade. "Noted. You've gotten pretty strong over the years."
She chuckled. "That's not even the half of it."
They began walking together at a leisurely pace, the quiet calm settling around them once more. "How was life outside the village?" Sakura asked. Sasuke took a moment to consider. "It was… an adventure. The cultures, the experiences—there's so much out there. And I've probably only seen half of it." Her laughter bubbled up again, light and genuine. Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't press her. "What about the ANBU?" he asked after a pause. "You've taken an interesting path." Her expression turned unreadable as memories surfaced—blood, horror, sabotage. "Classified," she replied, her tone serious before winking playfully. "But it's been an experience. The work might be dark, but I've found a home with my squad."
"And Naruto?"
His question caught her off guard. She mulled it over, choosing her words carefully. Naruto's new position meant speaking of his identity was a risk she couldn't take lightly. "We don't work with him that often," she said finally. "But when we do, he definitely lives up to his title. That said…" Her smile turned sly. "Don't think I haven't heard a thing or two about you, oh great Toad Sage. I wonder who'd win."
Chapter END