章節 86: 86.One Year Later

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A year has passed since the end of the Chunin Exams.

Many things happened during this year.

In the Chunin Exams, several new members of Konoha's younger generation successfully passed the exams and officially became Chunin.

During the exams, Konoha captured Ameyuri Rin and Chiki, who attempted to harm the new generation of Konoha's ninjas. Though the Third Hokage chose not to take action to preserve peace, there were changes in the deployment of ninjas in certain areas of the village.

Due to the Konoha's strategic location, neighboring countries began showing signs of aggression towards Konoha.

On the surface, the village remained peaceful, but at the borders between the Konoha and its neighbors, minor conflicts occurred frequently.

Inside the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep puff of his pipe.

"Hoo..."

He looked out through the smoke-filled window at the thriving village of Konoha.

There was a hint of worry on Hiruzen's face. In his prime years, he was now graced with a few strands of white hair to maintain the facade of peace.

As he gazed outside, his expression became complex.

Aren't they satisfied with this peace? If another war were to break out... I will not allow the flames of war to spread into the village again!

With determination in his eyes, he reaffirmed his stance.

Meanwhile, life within the village was still vibrant, with people living harmoniously. Occasionally, there were disputes, but they were quickly forgiven, and overall, the village thrived.

The major ninja clans were also joyful during this year because new members were born within their ranks!

This undoubtedly excited the entire clans.

The names likes children were Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Nara.

As friendly clans, the clan leaders personally went to request the Third Hokage to name the children, reflecting the importance the clans attached to these three.

Similarly, during this year, the Hyūga clan, previously close to Danzō, decided to align with the Third Hokage instead.

As a result, a pair of twin brothers born into the Hyūga clan were given names by Hiruzen.

The older brother was named Hiashi Hyūga, and the younger brother was named Hizashi Hyūga.

In a secluded corner of Konoha, a lovely baby girl was born quietly.

In response to this, the clan head Uchiha Mayo brought her youngest to visit.

Inside the room, a young and innocent Fugaku stared at the baby in the cradle, blinking his eyes, thinking to himself.

Is this cute child my younger sister from the clan? She's so pretty... Mikoto... a beautiful name...

Outside the room, the adults chatted.

"Speaking of the Hyūga clan's children, they are all extraordinary at such a young age. Fugaku might be exceptional as well in the future!" an Uchiha clan member said.

"Yes! Just look at Sakuya's growth in these years; it's truly astonishing!" someone else chimed in.

"Ah, but it's a shame that Shino is so stubborn and insists on opposing Sosuke..." Another person sighed, expressing regret.

Hearing this, another person who was closer to them gave him a meaningful glance and reprimanded, "How can you say such things? Sosuke's reputation is so high now! Don't say anything that might cause misunderstandings!"

"...I see." The person's expression changed slightly upon hearing his friend's words, realizing that he had spoken too much.

...without saying a word.

.....

At the compound of the Senju Clan.

Tsunade had just returned home after completing a mission, looking exhausted. After becoming a Chunin, her missions had significantly increased, and as disciples of the Third Hokage, they were expected to set an example to others.

Thinking about this, she couldn't help but think of that gentle figure and couldn't help but smile.

If it were him, he would probably just laugh off any burden. After all, the villagers secretly called him the "Child of the Leaves," didn't they?

At that moment!

A small figure crashed into Tsunade, interrupting her thoughts.

"Sister, you're back! I see you're secretly smiling again, thinking about Sosuke, right!?" A childish voice filled with joy asked Tsunade.

Tsunade looked down at the little figure tightly holding onto her leg, her eyes filled with affectionate amusement. However, she pretended to be angry and looked at him.

"Nawaki! Let go! And don't tease your sister about Sosuke!"

But the young Nawaki still wore a cheeky smile, blinking his big black eyes as he asked Tsunade.

Tsunade continued to look at him without speaking.

Feeling a bit scared, Nawaki let go of her, his smile fading away as he looked at his sister, feeling somewhat unfamiliar.

Tsunade remained silent, her face becoming colder as she stared at him.

Afraid, Nawaki timidly put his little hands behind his back, but seeing that Tsunade was still looking at him that way, he started to cry with a "wah."

Seeing this scene, Tsunade couldn't keep up the act any longer.

She burst into laughter. "Hahaha... Nawaki, you're so timid! Such a scaredy-cat! Nawaki is a scaredy-cat!"

Tsunade laughed so hard that she had to hold her stomach, pointing at her brother who had stopped crying but was still looking at her timidly.

Nawaki stopped crying, wiped his tears with the back of his hand, and glared at his sister with a puffed-up mouth. He said in a childish tone, "I don't like you anymore, Sister! I'm going to find Sosuke! I don't like a deceiving sister like you!"

After saying that, he stomped his little feet and ran quickly into the house.

Seeing this, Tsunade couldn't help but laugh again, and then her eyes softened with tender affection as she whispered.

"What an adorable child..."

Then she looked outside.

The sky was clear and blue, exceptionally clear.

Sosuke... It feels like it's been a long time since I last saw you... Where are you now...

.....

On a quiet forest path.

Three figures walked silently along the relatively gentle path.

"Pat, pat"... "Pat, pat"...

"Captain Aizen, we'll be arriving at the capital soon. Should I contact Miss Yuko in advance?" A pale-eyed young man looked at the lush trees ahead and asked the tall, straight figure at the center.

"No need. Let's consider it as a wedding gift for her. After all, this kind of day only comes once." The response came in a gentle and magnetic voice.

"I don't understand the meaning behind your actions. With your strength, there's no need to do this," a voice said coldly.

Hearing this, the pale-eyed young man looked at the speaker and said with a low voice, "Watch your tone, Toki. Otherwise, I won't mind taking care of you for Captain Aizen!"

In response, the black-haired young man looked back at him, his eyes suddenly turning blood-red, filled with malice, and stared at Hyuga Saki.

At that moment!

Sosuke, who was walking in the middle, smiled and spoke softly.

"I don't want any trouble before completing this task, so let's all be quiet."

Afterwards, he continued to walk forward, oblivious to the tension between the two behind him.

Meanwhile, the two behind him had their pupils contracted, sweat dripping down their bodies in fear...