The Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags was likely the easiest of all forbidden techniques to learn. Although several Anbu members had lost their combat abilities and were nearing the end of their lives, mastering this technique was remarkably simple—as long as they weren't afraid of death. One of them even laughed loudly and said, "Captain, this jutsu isn't bad at all. Before we go, we can still take a few enemies with us. Not a bad deal."
Anya shut her eyes tight and released them all with a soft sigh, whispering, "Farewell."
After speaking, Anya could not bear to witness their final moments. She maneuvered the eagle puppet into a high ascent. When she opened her eyes again, her Sharingan—originally containing two commas—had gained a third. Somewhere along the way, it had completed its transformation, evolving into the Three-Comma Sharingan.
In the distance, a violent explosion erupted, painfully loud. Faintly, several indistinct voices drifted over: "Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the flame of fire burns eternal."
From then on, the Anbu squad operated behind enemy lines for more than half a month, successfully destroying many supply strongholds belonging to Iwagakure. Only Anya had survived.
Upon receiving the news, Tsuchikage hurriedly flew to the supply depot. Seeing the devastated scene below, he could no longer hold back—he unleashed several Dust Release techniques at the Five-Tails' jinchūriki.
Stunned by the attacks, the Five-Tails' jinchūriki reverted to his human form. He transformed back into a tall man wearing a red mask and red armor. At this moment, he clearly recalled everything that had just happened, filled with confusion.
Looking at him like this, Tsuchikage couldn't help but erupt in rage, hurling every kind of harsh word imaginable, as if he wished nothing more than to cut him down in a single stroke.
High in the sky, flying alone, Anya felt hollow inside, uncertain where she should go next. By rights, this mission should be considered an unexpected success. The war between Konoha and Iwagakure was drawing to an end; all that remained now was to resolve the battlefront against Sunagakure. The Second Great Ninja War was about to conclude. However, Anya didn't feel the slightest bit of joy.
She had begun to understand why some people would sacrifice their lives for the village. Even someone as composed as herself could feel the emotional impact—how much more so for those who had lived their entire lives within the village.
Eventually, Anya set foot upon the path back home. She wanted to inform the Third Hokage first before returning to her mentor, White Fang. Right now, she carried many uncertainties in her heart.
Once back in the village, Anya recounted every detail of the past two weeks' battles to the Third Hokage without omission. Calm and collected, she narrated without adding any emotional coloring, as if narrating something entirely unrelated to her, missing not a single combat detail.
Yet from this, the Third Hokage perceived something different. After a long pause, he sighed regretfully, "I'm sorry—we adults are at fault for allowing children like you to step onto the battlefield, bearing pains no one your age should ever suffer. Please forgive me."
Anya replied calmly, "It is the weight of this world—not yours alone, Hokage-sama."
"Yes," the Third Hokage responded gently. "The conflicts of this world have never ceased. All we can do is rise up in resistance, protecting our own home."
"Anya," said the Third Hokage with great expectations, "I see the future of Konoha in you. I believe that you will grow into a towering tree supporting our village."
The Third Hokage's words stunned Anya into silence. Truthfully, he had never imagined spending his entire life in Konoha. From the very beginning, his plan had been to use Konoha as a platform to quickly cultivate his strength, then establish his own faction and take better control of his destiny. He wouldn't foolishly bind his fate to the village's survival. Yet at this moment, his heart wavered.
The Third seemed to sense Anya's inner turmoil. Smiling slightly, he said, "Tired? Go home and rest well."
"No," Anya declined, "I want to go to the battlefield in Sunagakure and fight together with my teacher."
The Third Hokage expressed confusion, "You've just experienced a brutal battle. Are you pushing yourself too hard by rushing to another battlefield so soon?"
Anya honestly replied, "Fighting alongside my teacher brings peace to my heart."
"It seems the bond between you and your teacher is truly deep. Alright then, I agree, but not today," the Third Hokage decisively commanded. "Rest well in Konoha for three days. You may set out after that."
Anya respectfully responded, "Yes, thank you, Hokage-sama."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Anya removed his mask. Feeling aimless, he wandered slowly down the street, utterly disconnected from the lively bustle around him. Looking at the clusters of houses with a complicated expression, he inwardly sighed—Would Konoha truly be where he belongs?
Just then, an astonished voice came from behind, "An... Anya?"
Turning around, Anya saw a Little Girl whose appearance immediately stirred the urge to wrap her in one's arms and protect her tenderly. Delicate pink lips, red eyes as clear and sparkling as crystals, and a tiny, delicate nose came together to form an adorable and innocent face.
The sight brought a ray of sunlight into Anya's bitter heart. Habitually, he showed a smiling face and said, "Kurenai-sensei, it's been a long time."
It's really been a while. When Kurenai Yuhi first saw that familiar back, she hesitated to believe it. It wasn't until this smiling face overlapped with the image in her memory that she finally stepped forward. Unconsciously, she reached out her hand to gently touch Anya's face.
Anya, who had grown rapidly due to prolonged battlefield experience, was already quite tall. He sensibly crouched down to make it easier for Kurenai to reach him.
Anya gave a teasing smirk, "So, Kurenai-sensei, how's the touch? Real enough for you?"
"Eep..." Kurenai realized what she had done and instantly blushed. The redness on her face wouldn't fade, adding even more charm.
Her hand quickly tried to retreat, but before it could, Anya grabbed her small hand first. As Kurenai cried out in surprise, he smoothly lifted it up and, with a graceful turn, skillfully positioned her onto his back.
"Kurenai-sensei, do you still remember your student's back?"
The familiar sensation of being carried on his back rendered Kurenai speechless. Her head instinctively leaned closer.
Thus, the two were soon laughing and chatting cheerfully. Kurenai Yuhi occasionally recounted amusing stories from the school to Anya, while Anya shared anecdotes from her intelligence work. For a while, it seemed like they had so much to talk about, and the initial awkwardness melted away as if the ice between them had been broken.
They continued playing until nightfall, when Anya finally sent the reluctant Kurenai Yuhi to her doorstep.
Just then, Red happened to be at the door. Spotting Anya, he extended an invitation: "Since you're already here, why don't you come in and have dinner together?"
Hearing this, Kurenai Yuhi also looked at Anya with expectation.
Faced with her gaze, Anya couldn't say no and could only reply, "Then... I'll trouble you."
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