Chapter 73: Yusuke's Departure
Everyone's eyes were drawn to the scroll Yusuke had just handed over, curiosity gleaming in their expressions.
Kakashi excitedly unfurled the scroll. A moment later, he gently pulled out a katana—a beautiful samurai sword. The scabbard was engraved with floral patterns, and the tsuba resembled a three-petaled bloom. At first glance, it looked nearly identical to Enma, the blade Yusuke always carried by his side.
"This blade is... No, it's not Enma," Orochimaru murmured as he sharpened his senses. The aura was different. Enma radiated a dominating presence—one of massacre and destruction. But this sword... it was equally sharp, yet exuded a pure, piercing aura. It wasn't Enma, but it held just as much power.
"Big Brother, what's this sword called?" Kakashi asked, eyes shimmering as he gazed at the weapon, utterly captivated.
"This sword is called Totsuka no Tsurugi — Ten no Hanehane no Tachi. Or simply... Ame-no-Habakiri. Never let it be tainted," Yusuke replied solemnly.
"Habakiri…" Kakashi whispered, as if engraving the name into his soul.
"Is it... the counterpart to your own sword?" he asked again, clearly intrigued.
Yusuke nodded, glancing at the Enma sheathed at his waist. "Yes. They are a pair. Enma is known as The Blade That Can Shatter Hell Itself, while Ame-no-Habakiri is called The Sword That Can Sever the Very Heavens."
"The sword that severs the heavens…"
Everyone around them fell into stunned silence. Their breath caught in their throats, awe and reverence spreading across their faces.
— — —
"Yusuke-kun… is this sword the Kusanagi no Tsurugi?" Orochimaru asked in surprise. After all, the Totsuka Blade was often referred to as Habakiri too.
"No. The Totsuka Blade is merely a spiritual weapon—it has no physical form," Yusuke replied briefly.
"Oh?" Orochimaru's interest was clearly piqued. "It seems you know quite a bit about the Totsuka Blade, Yusuke-kun."
"Haha, Snake-ojisan, don't tease me. I've only heard some rumors," Yusuke replied with a faint smile. Orochimaru smirked subtly but chose not to press the matter further.
"With this sword, Kakashi's strength will rise dramatically," said Tsunade, who had grown quite close to Yusuke. She understood how terrifying Enma was—therefore, she could easily imagine the might of Habakiri.
"Of course. Ame-no-Habakiri is just as powerful as Enma," Yusuke said confidently. "But it suits Kakashi more. Enma's aura is far too steeped in carnage. It belongs with me."
"Well then, the gift has been given. Let's eat," Yusuke added with a soft smile, ending the conversation there.
That night, they shared a long dinner together—full of laughter and warmth.
— — —
"Yusuke, would you walk me home?" Kurenai asked gently, her eyes meeting his.
"Sure," Yusuke nodded lightly.
"You may not," Tsunade cut in abruptly.
Her sudden objection drew puzzled looks from everyone nearby. Their stares made Tsunade a little flustered.
"I have something important to discuss with him," she said, trying to maintain her composure.
"It's alright," Yusuke replied with a smile. "I'll walk Kurenai home first, then come see you."
With that, he raised his hand and opened a shimmering door in mid-air—his Door-Door Fruit ability activating effortlessly.
"Let's go, Kurenai," he said calmly.
She nodded without a word. Truthfully, she had wanted to walk alongside him under the moonlight, but she wasn't about to refuse.
"Get home safe, Kurenai. Don't make Uncle Shinku worry. Things have been unstable in the shinobi world lately—don't go anywhere alone if you can help it," Yusuke said softly.
"I know," Kurenai replied with a smile blooming across her face.
"By the way, Yusuke… you and Tsunade-sama…"
"Tsunade? What about her?" Yusuke asked, genuinely puzzled.
"You two are really close, aren't you?" Kurenai murmured, lowering her gaze. In Konoha, very few dared refer to Tsunade by name directly. Even high-ranking officials usually called her Princess Tsunade.
"Of course. Tsunade is someone I must protect… one of the main reasons I've chosen to stay in Konoha," Yusuke said with a gentle smile.
Hearing that, Kurenai's heart ached. Tears almost welled up. After all, she had known Yusuke longer than Tsunade had.
"Then what about me…?" she whispered, her large eyes shimmering.
"You too, you silly girl," Yusuke replied warmly, locking eyes with her. "I won't let anyone hurt you."
"Really…?" she asked softly, hope shining through her voice.
"Really," he answered firmly.
"It's getting late. Go home now, Kurenai," he said, gently patting her head.
"Alright… see you tomorrow, Yusuke." She turned with a bright smile and skipped away happily.
Yusuke simply smiled and said nothing.
"I wonder what Tsunade wants to talk about…" he murmured before stepping through a spatial door and vanishing.
— — —
Yusuke reappeared inside Tsunade's home. He casually opened the door and walked in, only to find the place empty. She wasn't back yet. He figured it had only taken him seven minutes to get here after dropping Kurenai off, so he sat down and waited.
Ten minutes passed before footsteps echoed at the entrance. Tsunade had returned.
"You're back," Yusuke said.
"Hmph. Had enough time with your little girlfriend?" Tsunade huffed, glaring at him coldly.
"What's with you, Tsunade?" Yusuke asked, confused. Her sudden mood swing didn't make sense.
"Hmph." She simply snorted, clearly upset.
"Don't tell me… Jiraiya-nii ticked you off again?" Yusuke guessed aloud, nodding to himself as if the answer was obvious.
"Shut up!" Tsunade snapped, irritated by his clueless expression.
"Take me to the casino," she finally demanded.
"Alright, alright." Seeing she was still sulking, Yusuke gave in.
At the casino, Yusuke, as always, won every round, while Tsunade suffered loss after loss. By the time they left, she was deep in the red, while Yusuke had racked up winnings—only to hand them all over to her. As long as she was smiling, he didn't care.
"From now on, come to the casino with me every day," Tsunade said, hopeful.
"That… won't be possible. I'll be leaving the village soon," Yusuke replied quietly.
"Oh? That old man assigned you again? Is it dangerous?" she asked, concern replacing annoyance.
"It's not from the Hokage. I chose it myself. I accepted five A-rank missions and several B-ranks."
"Why? Are you short on money?" she asked, surprised.
"It's not about money. It's training. War is coming. I need to grow stronger—strong enough to protect all of you," he said calmly, but with undeniable conviction.
Hearing that, Tsunade blushed slightly. A twinge of emotion tightened in her chest. He was still so young… he shouldn't be carrying a burden like that.
"But you're already so strong," she murmured.
"Not strong enough," Yusuke replied, unshaken.
"Fine… but promise me you'll be careful."
"Don't worry. Once I've decided to go, nothing and no one will stop me."
— — —
Back home, Yusuke found his father.
"Dad."
"Yeah?"
"I'm leaving Konoha for a while."
"I understand," Sakumo replied simply. He didn't ask why. His son always had his reasons. All he could do was support him.
"When do you think you'll return?" Sakumo asked quietly.
"Maybe… when the Third Great Ninja War begins."
"The Third Ninja War?" Sakumo's eyes widened. He knew things were tense, but he didn't expect it to go that far.
"Are you sure?"
"I have a feeling it's coming. Anyway, I'd like to rest for now. Please take care of yourself while I'm gone."
"I'll be fine. But you be careful. No matter what happens out there—remember, Kakashi and I will always be on your side," Sakumo said firmly.
"I know." Yusuke's voice was calm, but his eyes had already begun to water. He didn't know how long it would be before he could return.
That night, he stepped into Kakashi's room. His little brother was fast asleep, clutching Ame-no-Habakiri tightly. Yusuke smiled softly, his gaze filled with affection.
No matter what the future holds… your big brother will always protect you, he thought to himself.
Then, without a sound, he turned, stepped out of the room, and disappeared into the night.
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