A complete family was a luxury for most Ninjas.
Just like Sora's parents, who died early in the war. And Haku's father, Sora's uncle, also died at the beginning of the Third Great Ninja War.
War…
Was just that cruel.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have driven the original Konoha's protagonist group to become neurotics, one after another.
After a sumptuous dinner, the maid cleared the dishes. Sora, Haruko, and Haku sat on the tatami, chatting about everyday things.
After refilling Sora's teacup, Haruko said with a worried expression, "In one month, Haku has to report to the Ninja Academy. To be honest..."
"I'm a bit worried."
Haruko glanced at Sora's eyes before continuing, "I heard the village's situation on the front lines is very difficult, with a large number of casualties. They're in great need of manpower now. The last batch of students who entered the Ninja Academy were pulled to the front lines to fight after only six months of study. This makes me very worried about Haku."
Hearing this, Sora took a sip of hot tea, put down the cup, and said with a serious expression, "The war situation is indeed more complex than imagined, but it's foreseeable that changes favorable to the village might occur in the short term."
"As for Haku..."
Sora smiled and said, "As his brother, even if I have to stake my life, I won't let Haku be harmed."
"Of course I believe you, Sora. You're the genius of our Yuki Clan!"
Haruko felt slightly reassured. "The head of the clan has always valued you highly. While you were out on missions, Haku and I received a lot of care from many people in the clan. I know it's all because of you."
In fact, Haruko wasn't stupid. Her deceased husband, and Sora's sacrificed parents, were all the most ordinary Genin, with no special talent and average strength. To put it bluntly, Genin of that age were used as cannon fodder on the battlefield.
If it weren't for Sora, she and Haku wouldn't be living in such a large residence. They'd be lucky to have a small single-room apartment, let alone receive the favor and help of clansmen.
"Haruko-nee..."
Sora held Haruko's fair hand and said seriously, "After our parents left, you and Haku became my closest family. Please don't say such distant words anymore."
"Mmm."
"I understand."
Haruko pursed her lips, feeling Sora's sincere care and warmth. She said softly, "But I also worry about you. As an Anbu, you carry out the most dangerous missions, right? Every time I think about it, I feel so ashamed..."
"Mom, don't be sad!"
Just as Haruko was feeling somewhat downcast, Haku, who had been nearby, threw down his stuffed toy and ran over to them. "When I go to school, I'll definitely become a strong ninja! Then I can help Sora-nii!"
"You kid..."
Sora smiled and pinched Haku's soft cheek. "You should think about how to graduate from the Ninja Academy first!"
"If you can't even learn the Three Basic Jutsu by then, your mom and I will laugh at you!"
"I won't!"
Haku glared angrily, his appearance both pretty and adorable.
It had to be said, although the Ninja hereditary talent might not be great, the Yuki Clan's appearance genes were probably quite explosive throughout the entire Ninja World.
Both Haku and Haruko deserved the word 'beautiful'. They were completely different from the ferocious-looking Kirigakure's Ninjas like Fuguki and Juzo… they weren't even in the same artistic style.
…
Night fell.
The bustling village fell into silence.
After lulling Haku to sleep, Sora slowly left the residence.
At the door, a masked Anbu was already waiting there.
"Sora-sama!"
The Anbu knelt on one knee respectfully. "Mizukage-sama requests your presence."
"Alright."
Sora nodded. "Have you been waiting long? You've worked hard."
"Not at all, not at all."
The Anbu stood up, subtly shaking his slightly numb calf. "I only just arrived a moment ago, Sora-sama."
In fact, this Anbu had been waiting outside for three hours.
However, having witnessed Sora's fearsome combat power, he didn't have the guts to knock on the door and urge him. Every part of his body rejected the idea.
As an Anbu directly under Mizukage, returning late would at most earn him a few scoldings from the Mizukage. But if he annoyed Sora, his head might be separated from his body.
"Mizukage wants to see me?"
Sora wasn't surprised by the Third Mizukage's summons. After all, the Three-Tails' Jinchuriki raid mission had failed. Regardless of who took the blame, he, as the supreme commander, had to go and explain.
He even somewhat suspected whether the person wanting to see him now was truly Kirigakure's Third Mizukage, or that mastermind behind the scenes hiding in the darkness… Uchiha Madara!
…
Kirigakure.
Mizukage Building.
It's the most imposing structure in all of Kirigakure.
Next to the building were the compounds of the Hozuki and Kaguya Clans, as well as the No. 1 and No. 3 Jonin Training Bases.
The area was garrisoned by Ninjas with a stern and murderous atmosphere, forming a sharp contrast with the Hokage Building located in the bustling commercial district.
This was probably the character of the Village of the Bloody Mist… every detail exuded a cold, murderous intent.
As the Captain of the Anbu's Second Division, Sora naturally had privileges. He only underwent two sensing checks along the way and arrived unimpeded at the door of the Mizukage's office on the top floor of the building.
Pushing the door open and entering, the office was lit only by small candles, the lighting very dim.
As soon as he entered, Sora saw the Third Mizukage, with his long black hair, standing by the window, one hand behind his back, gazing at the color of the sky, leaving only his back to Sora.
After Sora entered the office, the Third Mizukage even remained with one hand behind his back, gazing out the window with an air of deep mystery.
'Is he sick?'
'Are the Mizukage of Kirigakure all not quite right in the head?'
Sora couldn't help but complain inwardly. He didn't bother playing along with the Third Mizukage's pose either, casually pulling out a chair and sitting down in front of the desk.
A quarter of an hour later, the deep and mysterious Third Mizukage finally spoke abruptly, saying coldly, "You've come."
"I have."
Sora nodded.
"You shouldn't have come."
The Third Mizukage slowly turned around, his gaze aggressive as he looked at Sora.
"?????"
Sora showed an utterly speechless expression. He felt like he had encountered a larger version of Kurumi… a Kirigakure's Ninja with an inexplicable style.
"I can also leave."
Sora said with a straight face.
At that moment, the indifference on the Third Mizukage's face suddenly dissipated. He smiled inexplicably kindly and said, "Your aura is good. It seems the intelligence is true. Then..."
"Tell me."
"That mysterious Ninja with the Mangekyo and Wood Release, he..."
"Just who exactly is he!"