The newborn sun had just torn through the cicada-wing-thin mist above Konoha, casting a cool light upon the path that had just witnessed a silent farewell.
In the air, it seemed as if last night's cool dew and a certain oppressive heaviness still lingered.
Ryo stood at the edge of the hidden forest behind the Senju old residence, his shadow stretched long.
The morning's silence was widened by a few intermittent bird calls in the distance, yet it could not drown out the echo of that brief scene from a few hours ago in his mind.
Tsunade had efficiently dealt with the last bit of trouble from Nawaki's broken leg, her movements crisp and clean as always.
She did not even wait for the anesthetic to wear off before slinging that familiar giant scroll onto her back.
The assembled team at the village gate had already departed. There was no grand send-off, only an urgent and somber departure.
"Hey."
Just before Tsunade was about to join Orochimaru and Jiraiya's team, Ryo's voice rang out, neither a plea to stay nor softened by any extra address.
Tsunade's steps paused.
"Do not die."
Kushina, standing nearby, bit her lower lip, her light blue eyes filled with unconcealed worry, her gaze glued to Tsunade's straight back.
Tsunade did not look back.
She just waved her hand forcefully and casually, her back to them.
That figure, representing Konoha's Princess, the Battlefield's Miracle Healer, and the last glory of the Senju, finally stopped lingering and strode forward to join Orochimaru and Jiraiya, embarking on the dusty road toward Ame.
Her silhouette gradually shrank and blurred amidst the thin mist and trees.
Until the last bit of her outline disappeared, like a distant mountain swallowed by thick fog.
…
The next sun rose over Konoha, its rays slipping through the lingering morning haze and casting a cool light.
Ryo stood at the edge of the hidden forest behind the Senju old residence, his shadow stretched long.
The morning air carried the crisp scent of damp earth and grassy dew, so quiet that only a few intermittent bird calls could be heard.
His gaze swept over the somewhat disheveled training ground, still smelling of freshly turned earth, the place where Nawaki had received an unforgettable lesson yesterday. Ryo frowned.
The thought was fleeting. Nawaki's leg was now resting under Tsunade's healing jutsu at Konoha Hospital, a decent outcome for everyone.
Just then, hurried and slightly stumbling footsteps came from behind, carrying an undisguised dominance that broke the morning's tranquility.
"Ryo!" A crisp shout pierced the thin forest mist, like a small cannonball flying at him.
Ryo instinctively turned.
Kushina ran toward him like a ball of fire leaping and burning in the morning light.
Mito's decision yesterday, "Kushina is entrusted to you for a few months," had ignited everything inside the little firecracker. She was almost the first to rush to the training ground, treading on the dew.
Her dazzling red hair was casually gathered into a vibrant ponytail, swinging with her strides. Tiny beads of sweat dotted her temples.
She was not wearing the neat academy uniform, probably finding it cumbersome. Instead, she wore a slightly faded but thick dark green short-sleeved training top, paired with form-fitting black capri training pants, revealing a section of energetic, smoothly contoured calves.
On her feet were simple canvas gaiter boots, their soles stained with damp earth.
Ryo's gaze swept over her battle-ready attire without much ripple.
"Too late."
Kushina had just reached two meters in front of him. Before she could catch her breath, she was choked by those ice-cold words. The excited flush on her face seemed to deepen, probably from anger.
She quickly took a deep breath, suppressing that spark of anger. Looking up, her voice was clear and self-righteous. "I was too excited last night. Could not sleep. Is that not allowed?"
She boldly took a step closer, instantly shortening the distance, almost close enough to feel the warm, girlish scent from her.
The sudden closeness did not shake Ryo in the slightest, but his gaze inadvertently swept over her chest, which rose and fell rapidly from running. Even the thick fabric could not completely conceal the soft curve.
"Talk nonsense again, and go back to the academy to sleep." His voice was clipped, carrying a trace of warning.
Kushina immediately plastered on a big, somewhat stiff smile, even showing two rows of small white teeth. Her voice jumped eight octaves and dragged out, "I—KNOW—RYO—SEN—SEI. What awesome thing are we learning today?"
Her deliberate fawning was like a small animal wagging its tail.
The two words "sensei" drilled into his ears, but Ryo's face didn't pay it any mind. He gave her no extra glance, only turned and strode toward the flattest open space at the center of the field.
"Keep up." Two words tossed over his shoulder.
Kushina looked at his back and pouted hard, silently making a face. Tch. Dead wood.
The complaints in her mind crackled like firecrackers, but her steps did not slow. She followed closely, her ponytail swinging in reluctant arcs behind her.
(To be continued.)
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