Like Sara, the citizens of Rōran were overjoyed when they heard they could relocate to the Land of Lightning.
Even with the Ryūmyaku Vein's power, Rōran was still a barren kingdom buried in desert sands, lacking resources and convenience. The prospect of moving somewhere fertile and safe thrilled everyone.
Sarai and Masako personally approached Yuzuru Uchiha to express their heartfelt gratitude.
Yuzuru, ever the dependable man, decided to see things through and personally escort the people of Rōran toward the Land of Lightning.
It wasn't that he particularly cared about them—but since Sara's bloodline carried the power to control the Ryūmyaku Vein, he didn't mind doing a little extra to strengthen her trust in him.
Their great migration naturally couldn't go unnoticed by the Hidden Sand Village.
When the scouts reported to the Third Kazekage that the one escorting Rōran's people was Yuzuru Uchiha, the Kazekage chose not to interfere and even sent a number of Sand shinobi to quietly watch over their journey.
No matter what, they couldn't allow anything to happen to those people while still within Wind Country's borders.
As they walked along the road, Masako smiled. "Lord Yuzuru, you saved Rōran. You're our benefactor. I think you and Queen Sara are truly a perfect match."
Sarai nodded quickly. "Indeed! Lord Yuzuru, would you be willing to become our king?"
Hearing that, Sara's face turned bright red, and she lowered her head, nervously fiddling with the hem of her dress.
Yuzuru chuckled. "Let's talk about that after you've all settled down."
He had already been honest with Sara about his circumstances. Although she had said she didn't mind, Yuzuru still intended to discuss it with Mikoto and Kushina before anything happened.
Along the way, while passing through the Land of Grass, Yuzuru made a short detour to Kusagakure. However, he found no sign of any members of the Uzumaki clan.
'Looks like it's still too early,' he thought. 'Karin's mother probably hasn't settled here yet.'
From the Land of Wind to the Land of Lightning, they traveled through the Lands of Birds, Rain, Grass, Waterfalls, Frost, and Rice Fields—taking nearly three months before they finally reached their destination.
At the border, an Anbu operative sent by the Third Raikage appeared. "Lord Yuzuru, the Third Raikage has already arranged housing for the people of Rōran. Please, allow me to guide them from here."
Yuzuru nodded and turned to Sara. "Sara, will you come to Kumogakure with me first, or go with your people to settle down?"
Sara thought for a moment. "I'll go with them first. Once everything's in order, I'll come find you in Kumogakure."
"Alright. Then this is where we part."
Yuzuru didn't press her. As queen, she couldn't just abandon her people and leave.
After giving the Anbu a few quiet instructions to ensure Sara's safety, Yuzuru departed with Kakashi, Shisui, and Obito, heading for Kumogakure.
On the way, Shisui diligently filled out the mission log, Kakashi kept his nose buried in a book, and Obito—restless as ever—looked over at Yuzuru curiously.
"Hey, Yuzuru-nii, about you and Queen Sara… should I help you hide it from Sister Kushina and Sister Mikoto?"
Yuzuru replied calmly, "No need. I've already said it before—if I take the lead, it's all for the sake of the Uchiha."
Hearing that, Obito raised his thumb in admiration.
'As expected of Yuzuru-nii! I still have a lot to learn!'
——
——
When they returned to the village, the group reported their mission.
After a brief round of questions, the clerk immediately handed them their payment.
The moment they received it, Obito, Kakashi, and Shisui's faces all lit up with excitement.
A full 500,000 ryō!
Obito asked nervously, "Yuzuru-nii, how are we splitting it?"
"I'll take 200,000. The rest, you three can divide evenly."
The trio nodded eagerly. "No problem!"
That left each of them with 100,000 ryō—a satisfying reward.
It wasn't about the money itself; earning it through their own mission made it feel different.
More importantly, their ninja records now officially included a completed A-rank mission.
Even some jōnin didn't have that kind of achievement!
Seeing their joy, Yuzuru grinned. "Come on, everyone. Let's go get some barbecue—my treat."
They might not be in Konoha anymore, but traditions were traditions. Some habits shouldn't be abandoned.
"Yeah!"
After months of dusty travel, they hadn't eaten proper grilled meat in ages. They ate until the restaurant closed for the night, leaving with full bellies and happy faces.
As they walked out, Yuzuru said, "Shisui, focus on your studies at the academy from now on, alright?"
The boy nodded obediently. "Yes, Clan Leader Yuzuru. I'll follow your orders."
Yuzuru smiled. Shisui's spirit was fragile—he could awaken his eyes at any moment. But doing so too early could strain his body, even lead to a bloodline illness like Itachi's. Better to let him mature naturally.
Obito groaned, "Aw, then that means Kakashi and I just lost a teammate."
"Hmm…" Yuzuru thought for a moment. "Then you can team up with Tekka."
"Tekka?" Obito made a face, remembering Uchiha Tekka's arrogant attitude. "Fine…"
After setting things in order, Yuzuru returned alone to his courtyard.
The lights in the room were still on.
When he opened the door, he found Kushina Uzumaki sitting inside, knitting gloves with a ball of red yarn.
"Kushina, it's still a long way till winter. Why start making gloves now?"
At the sound of his voice, Kushina leapt up and threw herself into his arms. "Yuzuru! You're finally back! I missed you so much."
Yuzuru brushed his chin affectionately against her hair. "Then tonight, don't go back to your room. Stay with me."
Kushina playfully smacked his shoulder. "No way! You'll just try to take advantage of me, you big pervert."
Yuzuru sighed in mock frustration. "Kushina, you really think so little of me?"
"Hehehe…" Kushina giggled and slipped out of his embrace, smiling mischievously. "Yuzuru, my birthday was two weeks ago."
Yuzuru blinked. "Oh? Then I owe you a gift."
She rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant."
He scratched his head. "Then what did you mean?"
"Idiot!" she huffed softly. "I just turned eighteen."
With that, she opened the door and ran off, her laughter echoing down the hall.
Yuzuru stood frozen, his heart pounding faster and faster.
Marriage.
They had to get married.