Konoha Village—morning sunlight spread across the land.
After the war, the once-bustling village had regained its vitality, and every passerby wore a smile.
In a modest apartment—
Nakamura Hino had just woken up and was preparing breakfast.
While frying eggs, he couldn't help but recall yesterday's grand scene welcoming the returning army.
"That brat… really became someone big."
A proud smile appeared on his usually stern face.
Not bad… for my student.
Knock! Knock!
"Coming, just a second!"
He hurriedly put down the spatula and rushed to open the door.
The moment it opened—
"…X-Yoru?!"
He froze.
Clearly, he hadn't expected to see that familiar face.
"Teacher Nakamura, aren't you going to invite me in?"
Yoru stood there smiling, carrying two bags of daily supplies.
"Ah—come in, come in!"
Only then did Nakamura react, quickly letting him inside.
Yoru handed over the bags and casually sat on the sofa, glancing around the room.
Hmm… classic single-man apartment, he thought.
"X-Yoru… what would you like to drink?"
Nakamura stood awkwardly in front of him, a bit nervous.
Even though he had always been proud of this student—
Yoru was now a renowned powerhouse across the ninja world.
Some things… inevitably changed.
"Teacher, you're too polite."
Yoru smiled warmly.
"I just came to visit you."
"And honestly… I still remember those rabbits you used to catch for me. That meat was amazing. I haven't eaten anything that good since."
Nakamura's heart warmed instantly.
Yoru hadn't changed.
No matter how famous he became—
In front of him, he was still that same student.
"I'll… I'll go cook some meat!"
His eyes reddened slightly.
"Haha, I'm looking forward to it!"
Yoru laughed, then teased:
"By the way, Teacher… when are you going to find a wife?"
Nakamura's face darkened instantly.
"You brat! Is that your business?!"
But then—
The two looked at each other.
And burst into laughter.
…
Later—
Yoru sat at the table, stuffing food into his mouth.
"Seriously, Teacher… you should hurry up and get married. But make sure she can cook well."
He spoke with a mouth full of food.
"Otherwise, I won't even want to come eat anymore. Your cooking isn't that great."
Nakamura's face twitched.
You little brat…
You're eating all my food and still insulting my cooking?!
I haven't even had a bite!!
Yet—
Looking at Yoru like this…
His eyes grew slightly red again.
"I never thought… you'd come visit me."
He said softly.
"Haha! Of course."
"I'm someone who values relationships."
"I came first thing this morning, didn't I?"
Yoru grinned.
"…I really didn't expect it."
Nakamura smiled.
"I always knew you were talented… but I never imagined you'd reach this level at such a young age."
"Ah, that's because you taught me well, Teacher."
Yoru waved it off casually.
"Make sure you brag about it properly to others."
Nakamura's face darkened again.
This brat really has no respect for teachers!
…
After eating and chatting for a while—
Yoru once again commented that the food wasn't that good.
And was promptly kicked out.
Standing at the door, Nakamura watched his departing figure.
"…What an incredible kid."
Not just his achievements—
But even after achieving so much…
He was still the same.
So approachable.
So real.
He smiled and closed the door.
Having a student like him… my life was worth it.
…
By the riverside—
Yoru walked slowly, enjoying the rare peace.
War had made him stronger—
But also exhausted him.
Thinking back to last night—
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
The three girls had missed him so much…
That he had "reluctantly" stayed overnight at Kushina's place.
One by one—
He had "comforted" them.
Though…
Handling three at once was still a bit difficult.
If Tsunade joined too…
Yoru shook his head.
"…Kushina was way too enthusiastic."
He touched his lips wryly.
Almost got bitten raw…
Maybe he should look for some kind of body-enhancing technique…
One specifically for lips.
"…Yoru, is it?"
A cold voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
Yoru looked up.
Three Konoha shinobi wearing animal masks stood before him.
"Come with us."
"Our superior wants to see you."
The leader spoke in a commanding tone.
"Hurry up."
"That person is waiting."
Another added impatiently.
Silence.
Then—
Puchi!
The man froze.
A crimson blade had pierced straight through his chest.
Yoru calmly pulled out the sword—
Blood dripping from the blade.
His voice turned cold.
"Know your place."
"Who do you think you're talking to?"
"In Konoha…"
"There's no one who can summon me like that."
"If someone wants to see me—"
"They can come themselves."
The remaining two trembled.
They were furious—
But didn't dare move.
An overwhelming killing intent locked onto them.
One wrong move—
And they would die.
"Get lost."
"Annoying trash."
They quickly grabbed their companion's corpse—
And vanished in a panic.
Yoru watched them leave, a cold smile on his face.
"Root…"
He muttered with disdain.
Even without seeing the symbol—
He already knew.
And to him—
They were nothing more than
Shadows hiding in the dark.
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