In the end, Yahiko chose to stay behind and fight for his ideals. Konan, her eyes red and swollen, bid him farewell.
After saying goodbye, Yahiko found Yoru.
"Konan isn't like me. A girl like her… she doesn't belong in war. Please take good care of her."
Yoru smiled faintly. "Don't worry. She's the greatest gift fate has given me. And I wish you success in achieving your dream."
Yahiko bowed deeply to Yoru. To him, Yoru had given him a new life—given him the chance to pursue his ambition.
Afterward, Yoru brought Konan back to the Konoha frontline camp.
Once he finished reporting to Senju Senra, he planned to return to Konoha with Konan the next day. Under Senra's teasing gaze, he led Konan to a private tent that had been arranged for them.
The little girl was still feeling down, and Yoru could only comfort her patiently.
"Yoru… do you think Sister Kushina and Sister Mikoto will accept me?" Konan asked nervously, her small hands fidgeting as she traced circles unconsciously.
Yoru smiled gently and patted her head. "Don't worry. They'll definitely accept you."
Konan nodded obediently. "Mm."
The next day, Yoru secretly returned to Konoha with Konan.
"So that's Konoha Village?" the blue-purple-haired girl asked with a bright smile, looking at the handsome boy beside her. Her most captivating feature was her eyes—pure and spotless.
Hearing Konan's cheerful voice, Yoru smiled. "Yes. That's Konoha… and it'll be your home from now on."
Ever since entering the Land of Fire, Konan had become much more lively.
Just as Yoru had said, the Land of Rain, being a battleground for major nations, was constantly engulfed in war. But here… even while Konoha's shinobi fought on the frontlines, civilians could still live in peace.
Konan had never imagined such a beautiful, peaceful place could exist.
She shook her head softly and looked at Yoru. "For me… wherever you are is home."
"Yoru, welcome back."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly as he looked at Yoru. Then his gaze shifted to Konan. "And this is?"
"My little girlfriend," Yoru said directly and domineeringly.
Konan shrank timidly behind him.
"Ahem! Ahem!" Hiruzen nearly choked on his pipe smoke.
This kid really knows how to shock people…
Yoru smiled slightly at Hiruzen's reaction. "Grandpa Hiruzen, help arrange an identity for Konan. She's also a ninja."
Hiruzen paused. "Also a ninja?"
Yoru nodded. "I trained her. In less than half a year, she's already at Genin level."
Oh?
A glint flashed in Hiruzen's eyes. Another genius?
He immediately agreed and called over a shinobi to handle Konan's registration.
After everything was arranged, Hiruzen looked at Yoru with a smile. "Your achievements this time are outstanding. After discussion, the village has decided to promote you to Special Jonin."
What he didn't mention was the fierce argument behind this decision—proposed by a Senju elder and strongly opposed by Danzo Shimura and the council. In the end, Hiruzen made the final call, ignoring Danzo's dark expression.
Yoru smiled modestly. "It's only right to contribute to the village."
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. Yoru's loyalty made him even more pleased. The boy's speech from his graduation still echoed in his mind.
After a few more words of encouragement, Yoru left with Konan.
Kushina Uzumaki sat idly, staring at the sky.
Ever since Yoru left, she had developed this habit—watching the clouds, imagining his face in them. Her eyes held both worry and deep longing.
Hm?
She blinked in confusion.
Why does this cloud… look so real?
"I'm back, Kushina."
The smiling face suddenly spoke.
"Ah!" Kushina jumped up. "X-X-Yoru! When did you get back?!"
Before she could finish, Yoru pulled her tightly into his arms.
He buried his face in her red hair, taking a deep breath, then whispered softly by her ear:
"Did you miss me?"
The usually tsundere Kushina seemed to lose all her strength. She leaned into his embrace, breathing in that familiar scent that brought her peace.
"…Mm."
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