At that moment, a surge of chakra erupted violently from Uchiha Hikaru's body, so intense that even Saya and Konan, who were still asleep nearby, were instantly jolted awake.
Saya immediately released her own chakra, forming a protective barrier around herself and Konan.
"What's happening to Brother Mask?" she asked, alert and tense.
Konan stared at Uchiha Hikaru. The corners of his mouth were slightly raised, and a black chakra aura surged visibly around him, thick and oppressive. Her pupils trembled as she took in the sight.
"Is Brother Mask's chakra always this powerful…?"
Saya couldn't help but smile.
"His injuries have finally healed…"
Konan's face lit up in joy at first—but then her expression shifted. Her gaze lowered, glancing at the rocky walls around them, her eyes suddenly evasive.
"Then that means…"
"…You're leaving, aren't you?"
Saya was silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. Then, recalling what Uchiha Hikaru often did, she gently reached out and placed a hand on Konan's head, ruffling her hair softly.
"Mhm."
"We came here to find a quiet place so your Brother Mask could recover from his injuries."
"Now that he's healed, it's time to move on."
The powerful chakra that had burst from Uchiha Hikaru's body slowly receded, condensing back into his core.
Saya stood and walked to his side.
"Are we leaving now?" she asked quietly.
Uchiha Hikaru shook his head and looked toward Konan, who was kneeling on a blanket nearby.
"Konan, today is the day I review your training results from the past two and a half months."
"This is something you must master if you want to survive in the Land of Rain."
Konan wiped away the tears forming in her eyes with her sleeve and got up from the blanket.
"Brother Mask, Sister Saya… don't worry. I'm not the same person I was two and a half months ago."
"I'll prove to you that I can take care of myself!"
With that, she hurried to the campfire, picked up some dry branches from the ground, drizzled oil on them, and started to light a fire using friction.
Then, following Uchiha Hikaru's methods, she prepared a pot of fish porridge.
"Brother Mask, Sister Saya, try the porridge I made."
Uchiha Hikaru and Saya sat beside her as usual, carefully tasting the porridge she had made for the first time.
Though Konan had never cooked before, the flavor was nearly identical to Hikaru's—only the rice had been overcooked slightly, making it a bit softer than his version.
Still, considering it was her first time, Hikaru felt it deserved a 99 out of 100.
"Not bad. Ninety-nine points," he said calmly. "The last point—I'll save it for when you surpass me one day."
He set the bowl down and shifted his tone.
"Now then—question time."
"What is chakra?"
Konan straightened her back and began reciting from memory, her tone steady.
"Chakra is the energy formed by combining the physical energy from every cell in the body with the spiritual energy gained from experience and training."
"And what are the properties of Water, Earth, and Yin chakra?"
"Water is formless, yet it can take form. It nourishes all things with its softness, but can break through stone with its force. Whether it's a large-scale Water Style jutsu or a highly concentrated one, the destructive power is immense. It can even become mist to obscure vision…"
"Earth can become a mire to trap enemies, or hardened into stone as tough as steel…"
"Yin Release is the manifestation of spiritual energy—of one's mental strength. It can be used for genjutsu, or, with certain secret techniques, can even give form to thoughts…"
Hikaru continued with question after question—covering ninjutsu, world history, medicinal herbs, and shinobi tactics.
"Last question."
"After we leave, you'll be on your own. What's the first rule—before doing anything?"
Konan hesitated.
It was something Hikaru had never explicitly told her.
"…"
Uchiha Hikaru raised his right hand and gently tapped her on the forehead.
"You must protect yourself."
"No matter what happens, you need to survive. Never forget that."
"I don't want to return one day and find that you're gone, Konan."
Konan's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded firmly.
"Okay!"
"Brother Mask, I'll protect myself—no matter what!"
Saya stepped behind Konan and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"Don't just think about your brother—I'm worried too."
"What I want to tell you is a little different than what he said."
"Even if the days ahead are hard, even if the world is cruel, you must hold on to your heart."
"Don't live just listening to what others say. Don't blindly follow."
"If someone uses our names to deceive you—don't trust it so easily. Be cautious. Think carefully. Judge with your own eyes and heart."
Konan looked up at the half-covered face of Saya, and saw a trace of sorrow in her expression.
"Don't worry, Sister. Even if you stand in front of me again, I'll recognize you—again and again!"
Uchiha Hikaru glanced toward Saya, then back at Konan. Hearing her words, he couldn't help but think of Saya's past—and what kind of future Konan might face.
"Konan, one more thing."
"In the future, when we're not around… you'll meet many people. Some will be companions. You'll form your own ideals."
"It's okay to support your trusted allies. But you must never lose your own will. Don't become someone who just goes with the flow. Always keep your own judgment."
Konan nodded, even if she didn't fully understand.
And yet—it was this moment, this conversation, that stayed with her for the rest of her life.
From that day on, Konan never told anyone about Hikaru and Saya—not even Nagato or Yahiko.
Even though she trusted them completely, this was a secret she had to keep.
Because they were the ones who had saved her from that abyss of loneliness.
They were the first light in her darkness—the voices that told her to survive.
The advice Hikaru left her with before walking away.
After those final words, Hikaru and Saya stood and led Konan out of the cave, toward a nearby clearing.
Though the rain had long since washed away the traces of Konan's training, the results were still within her—etched into her body and chakra.
Uchiha Hikaru stepped forward, facing Konan from across the clearing.
His eyes sharpened, and a faint killing intent began to seep from his body.
"Konan," he said, his voice cold and steady. "Show me the results of your training over the past two and a half months."
"Try to defeat me."
"Attack with the will to kill."
Konan's gaze turned fierce.
"Brother Mask… Sister Saya…"
"Watch closely."
"This is everything I've learned—everything I've become!"
…
…
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