---
The Moment
After reporting back, Hiruzen dismissed everyone but me and Hana.
"You're doing well, Arashi," the Hokage said softly. "But… these missions are changing you."
"Maybe they have to," I replied.
When Hana and I stepped out into the quiet night, she finally spoke.
"He's right, you know," she said, walking alongside me. "You're colder now."
"Comes with the mask," I muttered.
She stopped, touching my hand lightly. "Don't lose the part of you that smiled at me the first day we met."
I looked at her, really looked, and for once… let the mask drop.
"I'll try," I whispered.
---
A Hint of Leadership
Later, on the Hokage monument, I sat alone until Hiruzen joined me.
"You remind me of Minato," he said with a nostalgic smile. "Strong, but with compassion. If you keep walking this path… the Hokage's chair might not be far from you."
I was silent, staring at the village lights below. Me, Hokage? The thought hadn't felt real—until now.
---
Cliffhanger
Hana walked up, holding two steaming cups of tea. She sat beside me, leaning slightly against my shoulder.
"Whatever comes next," she said softly, "we face it together."
For the first time in weeks, I smiled genuinely.
But deep inside, I knew—Kaien's shadow was only growing.