Chapter 121: Hey Hey, We're All Sisters
Sasuko and Naruko strolled along a forest path.
She hadn't expected even registering as a Genin to be so difficult. Could it be that without Yu, she truly couldn't accomplish anything?
She couldn't help sighing softly.
She still remembered at six years old laughing at Yu for being dead-last, confidently declaring she'd protect him when grown up.
But looking back now, she'd only selfishly enjoyed his protection and love from beginning to end, even wanting to possess him entirely, not letting anyone approach.
Did she really deserve him? A deep sense of defeat surged in Sasuko's heart.
Naruko also noticed her friend's poor mood, saying softly: "They must think Sasuko is too outstanding, so they need more thorough arrangements."
Sasuko remained downcast, taking Naruko's words as mere comfort.
Naruko sighed lightly. Though she didn't understand why Yu never mentioned his deeds to Sasuko, she didn't want to watch Sasuko continue sinking like this—that unconfident appearance resembled her former self too much.
She grasped Sasuko's hand, stopping.
Sasuko looked up at her: "What is it?"
"I want to tell you some things about Yu." Naruko said seriously.
This sentence immediately captured Sasuko's interest.
Anything related to Yu always earned her special attention.
"Tell me."
Naruko released her hand, slowly beginning: "Sasuko, do you know why everyone in Konoha, especially the leadership, treats you with special favor?"
"I asked Yu. He said it was because he did something very important for Konoha."
Naruko contemplated briefly: "Mm... yes and no."
She continued explaining, "Back then, Yu was thirteen. Under siege by dozens of Jonin, he severely injured the Third Hokage with one punch, killed Danzo, and before everyone's eyes expelled their entire families from Konoha."
Sasuko's eyes widened, suddenly realizing something: "Then where we live now..."
"That's right," Naruko nodded. "It's very likely the former territory of the Sarutobi or Shimura clans."
Only now did Sasuko understand why their entire street had no neighbors all these years.
"But if it were only that, they wouldn't be so ingratiating..." Sasuko still felt puzzled.
In Konoha that constantly emphasized "Will of Fire," such attitudes were truly abnormal.
Naruko continued: "Remember when we'd just started the Academy and were suddenly sent to shelters? That was because the Cloud Hidden army attacked. At fourteen, Yu single-handedly blocked the entire Cloud Hidden forces, even splitting the desert with one strike. The fissure left by that battle still spans a hundred miles. Since then, all surrounding nations no longer dared offend the Land of Fire. Shortly after, the major shinobi villages sent peace treaties."
After becoming a ninja, Naruko had been quietly collecting information about Yu.
She wanted to understand him, but the deeper she investigated, the more shocked she became—those exaggerated achievements formed tremendous contrast with the gentle image Yu displayed before them.
This was practically divine might.
So even having become the strongest of the young generation, Naruko before Yu still felt like a firefly gazing at the bright moon. This gulf made her never dare easily reveal her feelings.
Hearing all this, Sasuko felt somewhat dazed.
That Yu who always smiled gently and personally cooked and washed for her had long stood at such unreachable heights.
In her current understanding, her strongest Lightning Release at most could level a small hilltop, but one strike altering continental geography... this completely exceeded her imagination.
Sasuko suddenly recalled Yu always saying jutsu scrolls were gifts from others. They'd probably been obtained through similar methods. Back then he'd even lied, claiming they were compensation from Tsunade for curing the Third Hokage.
So all along, he'd only treated her as a child needing protection, not wanting her to know these bloody matters and his sacrifices.
Seeing Sasuko's downcast expression, Naruko gently clarified: "So they don't dare easily agree, mostly concerned about Yu standing behind you."
Sasuko froze in place. Forest breezes gently brushed her hair, yet couldn't dispel the turmoil in her heart.
Naruko's words constantly echoed in her mind—those respectful gazes, cautious treatment all stemmed from awe of Yu.
And she'd naively thought this was simply because Yu had made some contributions to the village.
Sasuko felt inexplicably sad.
She'd always been by his side, yet knew so little about him. She could only see the gentle side he displayed. Even Naruko understood more than her.
"It seems... I've never truly understood him." Sasuko's voice carried a trace of bitterness.
Naruko gently grasped her hand, tone firm: "But starting to understand now isn't too late." She showed a warm smile. "Besides, Yu is always so gentle to you. Doesn't that prove you're very special in his heart?"
Sasuko nodded lightly.
But she wanted more than just being special. She yearned to possess all of Yu, understand everything about him.
She looked up at Naruko, reaching to pinch her soft cheeks: "Naruko, you clearly also like Yu. Why are you still willing to help me like this?"
Naruko showed a sincere smile: "Because I also like you. You're my important friend."
Sasuko released her hand, turning her face away and saying quietly: "Idiot."
Seeing Sasuko's attitude soften, Naruko playfully added: "But if Sasuko agrees to let me be with Yu and lets me become your sister-in-law, I'll like you even more."
The faint warmth just rising in Sasuko's heart instantly evaporated.
Her expression darkened: "Every time I want to properly thank you, you say something like this..."
Speaking, Sasuko reached again to pinch Naruko's face.
Naruko dodged sideways with a laugh: "Just joking!"
"This joke isn't funny at all." Sasuko still kept a straight face.
Naruko waved her hands: "Alright, alright, just said it casually. Don't be so petty. Can't I even talk about it?"
Sasuko stopped her motion, tone easing somewhat: "Regardless, thank you this time."
Naruko laughed cheerfully: "Hey hey, we're all sisters. Why mention this?"
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