As the sun sank toward the horizon, Kyūsei watched Uchiha Naoki limp off into the distance. Only then did he sling his bag over his shoulder and prepare to head home.
Ninja efficiency was no joke—his house had been fully repaired in a single day.
Kyūsei instinctively glanced up at a nearby tree. Through the gaps in the leaves and the unmistakable ANBU animal mask, he met a pair of pure white eyes staring down at him with clear annoyance.
Grinning broadly, Kyūsei waved at Nightingale.
There was a reason he'd asked Sarutobi if Nightingale could stay.
Sure, part of it was boredom—she wasn't like Seiran, who spent all day standing around like a piece of wood.
But more importantly, Hyūga Hinata's sudden appearance had genuinely piqued his interest.
Was Hinata drawn here because of him, or because of Nightingale?
It wasn't narcissism.
The fact that he himself had crossed worlds in the blink of an eye was already bizarre enough.
Tch… damn brat…
Perched on the tree branch, Nightingale watched the red-haired boy waving at her and clicked her tongue inwardly.
Still, she wasn't surprised that Kyūsei had noticed her.
Based on intelligence division analysis of all his behaviors, the conclusion was becoming increasingly clear:
Uzumaki Kyūsei had most likely awakened the Uzumaki clan's unique kekkei genkai—
Kagura's Mind's Eye.
The strongest sensory-type bloodline limit in the ninja world.
Its detection range spanned dozens of kilometers, far surpassing even the Byakugan.
The previous Nine-Tails jinchūriki, Uzumaki Mito, had possessed this ability as well.
In fact, Mito had once combined Kagura's Mind's Eye with the Nine-Tails' ability to sense malice, and—on Senju Tobirama's suggestion—had carried out a massive purge of spies throughout Konoha.
That was something Nightingale had only recently learned herself.
So Kyūsei detecting her presence wasn't strange at all.
But—
Her gaze lifted slightly.
At the classroom window, a blonde girl stood watching Kyūsei.
As if sensing Nightingale's eyes on her, Kaoru returned a gentle, friendly smile.
"…What is wrong with kids these days?"
Nightingale couldn't help muttering to herself.
Kyūsei noticing her was one thing—but why could Kaoru sense her as well?
Was her stealth really that bad?
Before she could think any further, Nightingale had already leapt down and silently followed Kyūsei.
From the window, Kaoru watched the three figures depart and let out a quiet sigh.
I'm so jealous…
So jealous of those two, who could stay by Kyūsei's side all the time.
After graduating from the Academy… should she apply to ANBU too?
If she took a protection assignment and stayed with Kyūsei forever…
But then again, would Jiraiya-sensei be angry?
Thinking of her teacher, Kaoru smiled wryly.
He'd been gone for a year now.
The letters he sent back talked about taking on three new students in the Land of Rain…
Did he forget he still had a student waiting for him in Konoha?
Shaking off her thoughts, Kaoru turned back to clean the classroom.
It was her turn on duty today.
"Hey hey, Kaoru, let me help."
As always, Shinnosuke appeared right on cue.
"No need, Shinnosuke," she said softly.
"I can handle it myself."
Kaoru wasn't oblivious to his feelings.
But she truly couldn't bring herself to reciprocate—regardless of the fact that he was the Hokage's son.
Still, she didn't want to hurt him outright.
"Oh, come on, it's fine!" Shinnosuke said cheerfully.
"Classmates should help each other—this is nothing!"
Before she could stop him, he grabbed the broom from her hands and started sweeping with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Watching him bustle around, Kaoru's eyes dimmed slightly.
"Shinnosuke…"
She knew she had to say it.
If she let this continue, he'd only sink more time and effort into her—mistaking her lack of rejection for tacit acceptance.
That wouldn't be fair to either of them.
Dragging things out would only hurt him more.
It was better to be clear.
To let him understand that she saw him only as a friend—and that his constant attention was troubling her.
"Hmm? What is it, Kaoru?"
Shinnosuke immediately dropped the broom and hurried over, wearing a hopeful, almost doting smile.
Kaoru looked at him quietly.
Her sky-blue eyes were calm as she spoke.
"I think…"
—
Shinnosuke didn't know how he made it home.
He walked like a ghost, utterly drained.
Her words echoed in his mind, over and over, each one twisting his chest tighter.
Shinnosuke, please don't keep following me like this anymore.
It's not good for me… or for you.
I only see you as a friend. I don't have any other feelings.
You're the Hokage's son. You should strive to become a role model for everyone—so you don't disgrace him.
Shinnosuke… you're a good person.
A good person.
That phrase burned the most.
He pushed open the front door in a daze.
"Back already?"
A dignified voice sounded from the living room.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat on the sofa, newspaper in hand, calmly taking a sip of tea.
"Yeah… Dad…"
Shinnosuke replied weakly.
"I heard you like a girl in your class—Wave Kaoru, was it?"
Shinnosuke glanced at his father, said nothing, and turned toward his room.
"Don't bother her anymore," Hiruzen continued evenly.
"She's different from the others."
"She's a good child—but you two aren't suitable."
"Why?"
The question slipped out before Shinnosuke could stop himself.
"You don't need to know the reason," Hiruzen said, his tone firm.
"Just remember this—don't pursue her anymore."
Years of being Hokage bled unconsciously into his voice—authority, absolute and unquestioned.
"…Is it because of Kyūsei?"
Shinnosuke clenched his teeth and looked back at his father.
Hiruzen met his gaze.
"Since you already understand, that makes things easier. Saves me from—"
Bang!
The bedroom door slammed shut.
Hiruzen frowned slightly as he stared at the closed door.
"Wasn't that a bit harsh?" Biwako asked softly as she set dinner on the table.
"Shouldn't you explain things to him?"
"There's no need," Hiruzen replied calmly.
"A ninja has to bear all kinds of pressure."
"He's my son."
"He'll endure it."
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