The giant, ancient gates of Konoha stood solemn under the molten gold of the setting sun, like a silent monument.
At this moment, the eternal gatekeepers, Izumo and Kotetsu were nowhere to be seen. Only a few unnamed guards were on duty.
The exhaustion from days of forced marches seemed to vanish as the squad caught sight of the village's familiar silhouette, though faint tension still lingered in Tsunade's rigid posture.
Tsunade kept her gaze forward, walking even faster, as if trying to crush the lingering awkwardness beneath her feet.
Ryo followed a few steps behind, his expression calm, though his eyes occasionally flicked to the golden-haired figure ahead, a subtle glimmer flashing within.
Nawaki grumbled about his confiscated allowance, rubbing his sore legs. Mikoto walked quietly beside Ryo, her gentle gaze drifting over the growing crowd at the gates, lips curving softly.
Then—
A flash of red, like a spark igniting dry grass, suddenly burst from the front of the crowd.
"Ryo—!"
The voice rang out clearly, cutting through the clamor like a bolt of lightning.
Kushina's figure dashed forward, blazing like sunlight. She barreled through the crowd without hesitation, charging straight toward the front of the returning squad.
Her crimson hair streamed in the breeze, trailing behind her like fire. Her face overflowed with joy, her blue eyes shimmering like stars.
She moved so fast that Ryo barely had time to open his arms before she collided into him.
The impact made even his solid frame stagger slightly, though he remained standing. Two slender arms wrapped tightly around his neck, holding him as if she could melt into him.
Then came the kisses. Hot, hurried, one after another, landing on his face and neck like falling raindrops. Each one carried the joy and longing of reunion. The scent of sunlight and soap surrounded him completely.
"You're finally back. I missed you, every single day, every second." Kushina's voice was muffled against his shoulder, thick with emotion. Her arms tightened again, as if trying to recover all the lost time at once.
The calm in Ryo's eyes melted, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. One hand supported her back while the other gently stroked her soft red hair. His voice was low and soothing.
"Yeah, Kushina. I'm back."
His embrace answered her without words, enveloping her with silent warmth.
The villagers waiting for their loved ones were instantly stirred.
Cheers and applause rang out. Families ran forward, pulling their sons, husbands, and brothers into tight embraces. Others who scanned the crowd in vain, searching for faces that never appeared, turned pale. Their hope faded. Quiet sobs of grief pierced the joyous air like thorns.
Even in victory, the shadow of loss lingered.
Nawaki looked at Ryo being clung to by Kushina and couldn't help pouting. He straightened up, trying to appear more heroic.
He had earned his share of glory at the Ame frontlines. This was his moment. He waved to the crowd like a rising star, his face beaming.
Mikoto stood quietly nearby, as though the reunited couple existed in a peaceful world of their own.
She watched Kushina throw herself into Ryo's arms without hesitation. She saw the softness in his eyes that appeared only for Kushina. And in her heart, there was only calm clarity—no jealousy, no resentment.
She had been at Ryo's side on the battlefield for the past year. That time, that bond, had formed a dam inside her heart. Now, it was time to return that warmth to the girl who had waited an entire year in the village with unwavering hope. Mikoto's gaze was warm. Her smile was gentle.
But that glowing scene.
Was like a thorn in Tsunade's eyes.
She was busy arranging for medics to carry the wounded when she caught sight of Kushina clinging tightly to Ryo. A sudden wave of irritation welled up inside her.
She didn't even know who it was directed at. The red hair. The overly intimate embrace. It all just felt... annoying.
As the injured were carried away, Tsunade walked stiffly toward Kushina and Ryo.
Arms crossed, chin slightly raised, she tried to hide the strange frustration in her chest. But the words that came out were laced with unintended bitterness.
"Well, well. Look who it is. So the only one in your eyes now is Ryo, huh? What about me? I raised you, took care of you, and this is how you repay me? Hmph. Heartless girl."
Her tone was half-teasing, but there was something sharp underneath.
Then she turned her eyes to Ryo, her gaze cold.
"Hmph. Some people may seem decent, but don't be fooled. Just because someone looks good on the outside doesn't mean they don't have a closet full of skeletons."
"Exactly!" Nawaki chimed in at once. The poor guy was single, broke, and bitter. This was his moment.
He pointed at Kushina like he was presenting evidence.
"Kushina! You're too much! I've been standing here for so long and all you care about is Ryo! What about me? Your dear brother Nawaki? I shared my snacks with you! And now you're just ignoring me? That's cold!"
He shouted dramatically, masking his desire for affection.
With both her surrogate sister and brother ganging up on her, Kushina's face turned bright red. Tsunade's comments made her heart skip a beat. She quickly let go of Ryo and sprang toward Tsunade like a startled rabbit.
"Tsunade-nee! Don't say weird stuff! It's not like I only care about him!" she mumbled, burying her face in Tsunade's chest, voice soft and muffled. "I missed all of you too. Especially you. Nawaki is the worst!"
She protested weakly, clinging to Tsunade's back like it was her only safe haven.
Tsunade stiffened. But feeling the girl's trembling and warmth, and hearing her childish muttering, the frustration in her heart oddly faded.
Almost without thinking, she raised her hand and gently patted Kushina's back, sighing with faint exasperation.
"There, there. Already so grown-up, yet still such a baby. Aren't you ashamed?"
Her tone softened. The sting in her heart had dulled.
Ryo watched as Kushina snuggled into Tsunade's embrace like a little chick returning to its nest. A faint smile passed through his eyes.
He said calmly, "Kushina, spend some time with Mikoto. It's been a while. You two must have a lot to talk about."
Then he looked at Tsunade. Though her attitude had eased slightly, he added, "Tsuna and I need to report to the Hokage about the front lines."
Mikoto immediately caught on. "Yes, go on. Duty comes first."
She stepped forward and gently took Kushina's hand, her voice soft and kind.
"Kushina, let's go find a place to sit? You can tell me everything about the village this past year. There's a new dango shop I think you'll love."
Kushina raised her flushed face, looked at Mikoto, then glanced back at Ryo and Tsunade. She hesitated for a second, then nodded.
"O-okay..."
She let Mikoto take her hand. Mikoto nodded to Ryo and Tsunade, then led her away. Red and black hair intertwined as they disappeared into the crowd, lit by the glow of sunset.
Tsunade watched them leave.
She quickly turned her gaze away and let her usual composure return, pretending that moment of softness hadn't happened.
She glanced at Ryo sharply. Her tone was crisp and a little impatient.
"What are you standing there for? Let's go. The old man doesn't have time to waste."
Without waiting, she turned and strode toward the Hokage Tower, her steps long and fast. Almost like she was fleeing.
Ryo nodded to Nawaki and followed her.
Nawaki opened his mouth. What about me? But the words never came out. He just stood there, watching Tsunade and Ryo walk away side by side. Once again, he'd been completely forgotten.
He sighed deeply.
All around, people were reuniting with loved ones. Hugging. Laughing. But his own hands were empty, and his wallet was lighter than ever. His allowance had long been "requisitioned" by his sister.
Sigh... Always the extra, huh? Guess I'll go pick up Kaori from the academy.
Dragging his feet, he headed toward the Senju compound as the sun stretched a long, lonely shadow behind him.
The silhouette of the Hokage Tower stood tall in the fading light. Tsunade walked quickly, as if trying to outrun her emotions.
Ryo followed half a step behind, eyes locked on her upright back. The wind tugged at her golden hair, revealing a subtle tension.
The noise of the village gates faded. Ahead, the Hokage's office doors stood shut, like a boundary between two different worlds.
Tsunade reached for the cold metal handle and paused. The chill under her fingers brought a rare clarity.
The wrinkled face of Hiruzen behind that door. The symbol of Konoha's power. Of the old ways.
Could she convince him? Could she end this never-ending war?
She drew a deep breath. Her irritation and jealousy were buried beneath something heavier.
Duty.
She was the Princess of Konoha.
That was the burden she had to carry.
Her eyes sharpened. The noise in her heart faded.
Only determination remained.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)