"I'm home."
Ai pushed open the door and stepped lightly into the house, followed closely by the energetic and bouncy kids, Genta and Ayumi.
Her gaze swept across the yard and finally landed on Roy, who was leisurely lounging in a rocking chair, soaking up the sun.
Sunlight spilled over him, gilding him with a soft, golden edge.
However, clashing with this tranquil and harmonious scene were the scattered teacups beside Roy, looking particularly messy.
Seeing this, Ai couldn't help but frown slightly and give a light roll of her eyes.
Despite her slight irritation, she quickly walked over, bent down, and patiently picked up the scattered cups one by one, placing them back on the table.
After tidying up, she took out a clean cup, deftly poured steaming hot tea, as if this were already second nature to her.
Ayumi, standing nearby, exclaimed in surprise, "Ai, you really give off such a housewife vibe!"
Conan also looked taken aback, used to seeing Ai's composed side.
Mitsuhiko, meanwhile, wore a complex expression, a mix of envy and jealousy.
The group played and frolicked in the spacious backyard.
Roy slowly woke up and stretched comfortably. He truly loved basking in the sun. Whenever the sunlight enveloped him, he felt his body surge with power.
The kids came and went quickly, and soon only Roy and Haibara Ai were left in the yard.
While tidying the tea tablecloth the children had messed up, Ai turned to look at Roy, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. "Roy, are you going back to the other world?"
Her voice was soft.
Roy nodded gently and walked over to Ai. "Yeah, there are some things in Uchiha Sasuke's world that need to be collected. But don't worry, I'll be back soon."
Ai sighed softly at his words. "It's really nice, being able to travel between different worlds."
Hearing this, Roy smiled and gently brushed his hand through Ai's hair. "I'll be back soon."
He wasn't lying either; if he spent half a month in another world, only a single day might pass in this one.
Ai looked at Roy, her eyes sparkling. "Mm, be safe."
But just then, Roy suddenly bent down, picked Ai up, and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
Ai froze for a moment, then a blush spread across her face. But she quickly recovered and bravely kissed Roy back on the lips.
Their hearts seemed to beat as one in that moment, all their reluctance and longing melting into that lingering embrace.
…
Meanwhile, back at Marine Headquarters, Sasuke was packing his belongings, preparing for his return journey.
The Chunin Exam was about to begin; it was time to go back.
"I've gained so much this time."
Sasuke was filled with emotion. He sighed softly, his eyes showing both reluctance and anticipation.
Then, with determination, he walked out of the camp. However, just as he was about to step through the gate, his gaze was caught by a familiar figure in the distance, and his feet involuntarily stopped.
"Teacher Zephyr!" Sasuke quickly halted and greeted respectfully.
Zephyr, a former Marine Admiral, was now watching him with a calm, profound gaze.
He gave a slight nod in return.
"I heard from Kizaru earlier. You're going back to your homeland for revenge."
This time, in order to better enhance his strength, Sasuke had exchanged a large number of points and spared no effort to seek Roy's help to come to this world for special training again.
The instructor Roy had chosen for Sasuke this time was none other than Zephyr. After all, letting Garp lead him around all the time was likely to lead him down the "wrong path."
Previously, Zephyr hadn't been available, but this time he was. When it came to teaching, Zephyr was the professional.
In this world, because of Roy's intervention, Zephyr's fate had undergone a tremendous change.
Zephyr had taken care of Roy during the training camp, and their relationship was good.
Roy had also found and dealt with Whitebeard II much earlier.
Although Zephyr's disappointment with the World Government hadn't dissipated, he had chosen to live in seclusion within Marine Headquarters, occasionally appearing as the Chief Instructor to continue nurturing new forces for the Marines.
"Remember, Sasuke," Zephyr said earnestly. "Don't let hatred consume you entirely. Hatred might give you the drive to move forward, but dwelling in it too much will only make you lose yourself."
"Your path is still long. You have the potential to become a Marine Admiral, or even achieve greater things in the future. Don't let fleeting emotions cloud your judgment."
Sasuke's heart was filled with gratitude and respect. Though he wasn't from this world, Zephyr's attitude moved him deeply.
Zephyr felt regretful. Although Sasuke had grown quite fond of the Marines under his subtle influence during this time, and had even become a special, unofficial member of the Marines through the joint recommendation of Roy, Garp, and himself, he knew Sasuke's mind was elsewhere.
If Sasuke were to agree, he could easily join Marine Headquarters.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku had also tacitly accepted this, as Sasuke's talent and character were evident. With proper nurturing, the next generation of Marines might very well gain another Admiral.
"By the way, take this with you," Zephyr said, suddenly producing a Marine coat and handing it to Sasuke.
"Justice…?" Sasuke murmured. He couldn't make long-term plans right now; he only wanted to deal with Itachi.
…
In Konoha Village, today was the day of the fourth round of the Chunin Exam, and many unfamiliar faces filled the streets.
Roy had enjoyed a delicious bowl of ramen and was now strolling through the village. In a little while, he could begin his own plan.
Meanwhile, inside the arena, Uchiha Sasuke had arrived early to observe. The moment he appeared, he drew the attention of many.
"That dropout, Naruto, actually managed to get this far."
Seeing that Naruto had managed to tenaciously defeat Neji Hyuga, Uchiha Sasuke was also somewhat surprised.
"No wonder he keeps pestering me for a fight."
Sasuke grinned lightly, but soon Naruto would realize that the gap between them would only grow wider.
Soon enough, it was Sasuke's turn to face Gaara.
"This guy is probably the strongest one here."
Sasuke assessed. For some reason, through his Observation Haki, he sensed that something inside Gaara's body seemed to be disintegrating.
"Well, whatever. I'll just show everyone the prowess of the Uchiha clan's genius."
At that moment, Sasuke was brimming with confidence. He wanted everyone to acknowledge his existence.
"Soru!"
As the match began, Sasuke moved swiftly, appearing in front of Gaara in an instant, evading countless sand spikes, and kicked Gaara flying with one blow.
---