After digesting the information relayed by his shadow clone, Arima had Koharu bring over the latest documents.
From the mountain of papers, he pulled out the most recent academy performance reports.
Several students' outstanding results caught his attention, second-years Uzumaki Nagato, Yahiko, Killer B, and Sasori, as well as first-years Nan, Maki, and Hoshigaki Raito.
This year's entrance ceremony for new students was not something he planned to attend. Instead, Tsunade, as the wife of the Council Chairman, would preside in his place.
Originally, Arima had intended to remain in the shinobi world a few more years, but not long ago, Isshiki had sent a special message summoning him to the Otherworld.
That message shattered Arima's prior plans, forcing him to rush back to Konoha's capital. He hadn't even been able to spare the time to participate in the academy's ceremony.
In his heart, he felt an instinctive resistance toward Isshiki's sudden summons.
An uneasy premonition gnawed at him. He couldn't be sure if he could still conceal his true state from Isshiki.
Only by evening that day had Arima arranged all his contingencies.
Afterward, he returned home. First, he discussed the entrance ceremony with Tsunade, then told her about his imminent meeting with Isshiki.
Tsunade's worry was plain, unease heavy in her chest. She paced the room, biting at her fingernails before finally saying, "After so many years, Isshiki suddenly stirs. Arima… what is he planning?"
Arima shook his head. "Isshiki's mind has always been unfathomable. I can't guess his intentions. But I do have some suspicions."
"Is it about Isso?" Tsunade asked quickly.
Arima nodded. "That's one possibility. But I also suspect that both Isshiki and Uchiha Madara might abduct Kaito."
Tsunade frowned. "How does this involve Uchiha Madara?"
Arima thought for a moment before replying.
"You know Kaito is the only surviving bloodline of Kagami. I've been searching for him these past two years across the shinobi world, but there hasn't been a single trace.
I once suspected Madara, and in the Grasslands, I found evidence suggesting he had appeared, along with fragments of the Ten Tails' husk.
All signs point to Madara's revival. Kaito's Uchiha blood is far purer than that of others. If Madara took him, it may be to groom him as an executor of his plan."
"Then how does Isshiki fit into this?" Tsunade pressed.
"That's my other suspicion," Arima said.
"Isshiki may be searching for a new Vessel. Vessels can coexist, after all, the more qualified vessels he finds, the less risk he faces in his own awakening.
I'd wager he took Kaito for that very reason. Of course, we can't rule out Otsutsuki Isso either. I still haven't located his hiding place."
Tsunade slammed the table, then, after calming herself, whispered, "Arima, when will we ever truly have freedom and peace? I just want to wander the world with you forever, free from all this strife."
Arima stepped forward and embraced her tightly, soothing her. "The stronger the power, the greater the responsibility. Don't worry. Before long, I'll clear away every lingering threat."
That evening, their mother called them to dinner. Around the table, the children chattered noisily about their day, none noticing the faint shadow of worry on Tsunade's face.
That night, Tsunade was uncommonly tender, as though fearing it would be their last time together.
At dawn the next morning, Arima slipped carefully out of bed, not wanting to wake her.
But just as he opened the door, a gentle, hoarse voice came from behind him: "Arima… you're leaving, aren't you?"
He turned back, walked softly to the bed, leaned down, and held her tightly. "It's alright. I'll come back safe."
Resting against his shoulder, Tsunade wept uncontrollably, her voice trembling.
"Last night I dreamed… you kept walking ahead of me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't catch up. In the end, the mist swallowed me, and I could no longer see your back at all."
Arima felt her trembling, and pressed soft kisses to comfort her. Her tears only deepened his awareness of her grief, her anxiety, and her fear.
After a long silence, he sighed. "Tsunade, if I really don't return… I want you to succeed me as the Fourth Hokage."
Her tears streamed like rain, her beauty marred yet more poignant in sorrow, making Arima's heart ache.
He tried to keep his tone steady. "With your strength, you'll stand equal to the other Kage. You'll always have allies to consult."
But Tsunade shook her head violently, choking out, "And what about our children? Can you really abandon us so easily?"
At that, Arima suddenly realized, and quickly reassured her.
"Remember back when Arata and Yuna saw us in Roran? We were still alive and well in Konoha, weren't we?"
Her eyes widened in joy as she grasped the implication. "Then this means, you won't be in danger this time!"
Arima nodded firmly, almost to himself.
"Nothing will happen. But if I'm late returning, you must shoulder Konoha's burden for me. This village is our dream. My Tsunade would never let it down."
Looking at her tired face, knowing she might one day bear not only Konoha's weight but that of the whole alliance, Arima's heart ached again. He kissed her deeply.
They lingered together a long while. Finally, when the appointed time drew near, Arima rose to bid farewell quietly to the rest of his family.
Tsunade hurried from bed and followed him step for step.
By then, dawn was just breaking. Only their mother Naomi was awake; the children still slept soundly.
Even Natsuka, home after two years away, clung to the comfort of her family and slept late.
Arima stood silently before each door, saying his goodbyes in his heart.
Just as he was about to vanish with Kamui, Tsunade broke down and threw herself into his arms, speechless with sobs.
Naomi couldn't bear the sight. She lowered her head and secretly wiped her eyes.
She had always known of her son's burdens, yet could do nothing to help him, only hold back her grief so he would not worry.
At last, Tsunade calmed. From around her neck she removed the necklace and placed it around his.
Her eyes, brimming with sorrow, locked on him. "I hope Grandfather's necklace will bring you back safely."
Arima tucked the necklace close to his chest, then said simply. "I'm going."
His Mangekyo Sharingan spun to life, and in an instant, Kamui swallowed him from their sight.
After he was gone, Tsunade straightened her back, steeling herself. "Arima… I'll return Konoha to your hands, whole and unbroken."
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