"Whooo—"
Early morning.
The rising sun cast golden light over the village, driving away the darkness and bringing life back to Konoha.
"Another beautiful day…"
At the village gate, the guards—Izumo and Kotetsu—stretched lazily.
But soon, their expressions sharpened.
Two figures were approaching from outside.
A boy and a girl.
"You are… Akira Akira Ren?"
Kotetsu looked at the slightly taller, incredibly handsome boy and recognized him immediately.
Ever since Akira Ren became the disciple of one of the legendary Sannin, the "Princess of Konoha" Tsunade, he had become a well-known figure.
At just eight years old, his outstanding performance in Konoha Hospital earned him the title of "Little Medical Sage."
And two years ago, he had brought back a red-haired woman—an Uzumaki survivor—who had also passed through their inspection.
It was said Tsunade arranged for her to stay in the village.
"And her daughter was also taken in as a disciple…"
"Long time no see, you two,"
Akira Ren smiled, handing over his identification and Tsunade's letter.
He gestured toward the girl beside him—Karin, who looked both nervous and excited about seeing her mother.
"This is my junior sister, Tsunade's third disciple—Akira Karin."
"I see…"
The two guards nodded, surprised as they examined Karin.
Her bright red hair—undeniably a trait of the Uzumaki clan.
After confirming the documents, they didn't make things difficult.
"You can go in. Don't forget to register her at the Hokage building later."
"Got it."
"This… is Konoha?"
Walking beside Akira Ren, Karin looked around like a curious child.
The orderly streets, the bustling shops, the peaceful atmosphere—
Even more vibrant than large cities.
As time passed, the streets filled with people and vendors calling out.
It gradually became lively.
"Yes, this is Konoha…"
Akira Ren smiled.
"Your mother hasn't gone to work yet. Let's go see her first—you've been waiting for this, haven't you?"
He briefly sensed Akira Nono's chakra and confirmed she was still home.
Soon—
They arrived at the Chiya residence.
At that very moment—
Nono was just about to leave for work.
She froze when she saw the two figures.
"…Karin?"
Even after two years, she recognized her daughter instantly.
The red hair. The glasses. The familiar face.
"Mom—!!"
Karin's entire body trembled.
Her eyes turned red instantly.
She rushed forward—
And threw herself into her mother's arms.
"Karin… it really is you…"
Nono hugged her tightly, overwhelmed with emotion.
She looked at her daughter carefully, tears forming in her eyes.
"You've grown so much… and become even more beautiful."
"Have you been obedient under Lady Tsunade?"
"Waa… waa…"
Karin couldn't answer.
She just buried her face in her mother's chest, crying uncontrollably.
"You are… Akira Ren?"
Nono looked at the boy, now even more handsome than before.
"Nono, long time no see,"
Akira Ren smiled.
Seeing her healthy complexion, he could tell she had been living well.
"Karin really missed you, so Tsunade gave her time off and asked me to bring her back."
"I see… thank you so much, Akira Ren!"
Holding her daughter tightly, Nono was filled with gratitude.
"In that case,"
Akira Ren said, glancing at Karin who clearly didn't want to let go,
"You should stay home today. I'll go to the hospital and help you request leave."
He was very familiar with Konoha Hospital.
After all, his "Little Medical Sage" reputation wasn't for nothing.
Last time, he was even dragged into helping treat difficult patients.
Now—
He could just send a Wood Clone.
"Thank you,"
Nono nodded without hesitation.
After two years apart, she had countless things to say to her daughter.
"No problem."
Akira Ren formed a hand seal—
A Wood Clone appeared and headed toward the hospital.
"I won't disturb you two. I'll go visit some old friends."
He turned and left.
"Too bad… Kurenai isn't here."
He hadn't sensed her chakra.
Clearly, she wasn't in the village.
"Akira Ren, didn't you know?"
Nono called out with a smile.
"Kurenai has already become a jonin. She left on a mission yesterday."
"Oh?"
Akira Ren raised an eyebrow.
But he wasn't surprised.
With the illusion techniques and notes left behind by Senju Tōka, combined with her own talent—
Kurenai's rapid growth was only natural.
Becoming a jonin now—
Was simply expected.
After all, her peers—Kakashi, Asuma, and Guy—
Had long since reached that level.
If anything—
Her promotion was a bit late.
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