Chapter Text
The late morning air at Konoha’s Outer Gate was warm and still. Light filtered through hidden clouds, casting muted gold across the stone walls.
At their post stationed as usual were Kotetsu Hagane leaned against a wooden post and Izumo Kamizuki crouched on a low crate, absently sharpening his kunai.
Nothing unusual had occurred for days, a few bells from merchants, the occasional wanderer, but no chaos. Both men had grown accustomed to uneventful gate duty.
Suddenly, Izumo straightened.
“Hey someone’s coming.”
Kotetsu tilted his head. In the distance two people can be seen heading towards the village. Slowly the two figures were recognisable. One tall, dignified woman wore a low-hanging cloak, beside her, a silent attendant.
As they drew closer, Kotetsu squinted. His eyes widened.
“By Fire…” he murmured quietly.
Izumo frowned. “Is that her?”
The hooded woman pulled back her cloak, revealing long blonde hair, confident stance and a face carved from iron. Tsunade Senju, had returned.
She moved with purpose, walking straight through the gate without pausing. Her boots clicked on stone, and Kotetsu felt involuntary respect mixed with shock.
“Lady Tsunade..” Kotetsu began, voice trembling with surprise.
She paused only a breath. “I’m not here for courtesy.” Her tone was cool, unwavering. She turned slightly, meeting their gaze, icy brown eyes under heavy lids.
Izumo stepped forward. “Lady Tsunade welcome back.”
Shizune, ever diligent, followed close behind. She bowed and held out a slim scroll.
“Our Documentation,” she said crisply. “We are in a hurry.” She followed behind her master with Tonton in hand.
Tsunade kept moving without a word. She acknowledged nothing else, then turned and strode deeper into Konoha, straight toward the Hokage Building.
Behind her, a wave of murmurs swept across the troops stationed nearby.
Inside, silence reigned at first until Kotetsu broke it.
“Izumo…” his voice shook. “What just happened?”
Izumo shook his head slowly. “All I know is she’s back and she’s furious.”
Tsunade moved down the main street, weaving past startled villagers, merchants, and academy kids returning from midday break. They parted like leaves before a storm, but none dared speak. In her wake, she left questions.
Every few paces, she clenched her coat tighter. Her mind replayed the last two months.
She’d been away, living her life away from the shadow of Konoha. Drinking, gambling, and just living.
But suddenly everything changed. Everywhere she turned, Konoha's Anbu or root to be specific followed her.
The message was always subtle, traps at every corner, silent figures in the night who waited to startle her. Not lethal, but enough that she never felt safe.
Her bones ached not from damage, but from insult. As a Senju and a medical-nin of unparalleled skill, how dare they treat her like this? Worse, how dare Hiruzen allow it?
She had ignored it at first. She had refused to bend down to the pressure but the nuisance had escalated. Even Shizune was worried.
Every time she went to drink, gamble or sleep, there was always an attack waiting for her. The attacks weren't meant to hurt her but just to make her feel uncomfortable and annoyed.
And the message was clear, return to Konoha.
Now she is back and she will show them. She would remind everyone why the Senju name was not to be trifled with.
Each step forward fueled her resolve. The hokage tower came into view.
Hokage's Office.
The door to the Hokage’s office slammed open.
“You better have a damn good reason for dragging me back here, old man.” Tsunade shouted as soon as she laid eyes on her sensei.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked older than she remembered. His eyes were sunken, the lines on his face deeper. He set down his pipe and folded his hands calmly, though a single tremble betrayed his stillness.
“I’m glad you both came.” he said while giving them a smile.
“Spare us the pleasantries. You sent the Root behind me." She was not happy to be back in this cursed village.
“I could've sent you a letter but you wouldn’t have come. I had no choice but to take matters seriously.” He replied calmly and took a puff out of his pipe.
There was silence for a moment. The tension between student and teacher felt thick enough to cut with a kunai.
“You’re damn right I wouldn’t. So why now?”
Hiruzen turned his head upwards and smiled. He was glad to see everyone back, “You can come out Jiraiya. This is not a hot spring.” He said while moving his eyes to again look at Tsunade.
A figure materialised in the office. Tsunade turned her head to see her teammate in his full glory. She was surprised that she didn't sense his presence.
“How long have you known?” Jiraiya asked really curiously. He has greatly improved the camouflage jutsu and yet his sensei knew he was there.
“Long enough.” Hiruzen dismissed the question.
“Are you also scheming with him?” Tsunade turned her anger towards Jiraiya.
The toad sage looked at her. Just as beautiful as he remembered. Nothing has changed. Suddenly he noticed the killing intent and knew he was in danger.
“I just arrived a day ago. I swear I had nothing to do with it.” He raised his hands in the air m, surrendering.
Tsunade turned her attention back towards the hokage, “well, I am here. Why did you feel the need to drag me back to this place.” She said with as much as venom she could muster.
Hiruzen didn't say anything, he opened the drawer of his desk and pulled out a medical file, sliding it across the polished surface toward Tsunade.
Her eyes narrowed.Tsunade stepped forward and picked it up. She opened it and began reading, her expression quickly shifting from confusion to horror.
“What are you trying to pull?” she accused Hiruzen, not believing the file.
A degenerative condition, Internal deterioration, Immune collapse and Chronic pain.
The symptoms were clear. There was no known cure. The disease was poisoning his chakra. It is killing him, only slower.
“Nothing.” Hiruzen said and closed his eyes. “My body is failing. And I only have so much time left. I wanted to see my students one more time before I depart.” He gave them a sad smile.
He coughed violently into his hand. A small splatter of blood hit his palm. Shizune rushed forward immediately with a cloth and some chakra, trying to ease his pain.
“Hold still, Lord Hokage” Shizune said.
Hiruzen gently moved her hand away “It’s alright, Shizune. I’ve made peace with it.”
“What is happening here? What is in this file Tsunade?” Jiraiya demanded, his goofy nature completely invisible.
Something very bad is happening to his sensei and he has no idea.
Tsunade stood frozen. Her eyes burned with a mixture of fury and helplessness.
“You dragged me back here to watch you die?” her words shook Jiraiya. He thought Tsunade was still angry but he saw the bitterness in her eyes and knew she would never say something like that.
He looked at Hiruzen and saw the resigned look. He instantly collapsed on the window. His sensei was dying and he was busy chasing after girls. He looked at his hands, once again he was late.
“You don't have to blame yourself Jiraiya, it is not your fault.” Hiruzen gave him an encouraging smile.
“No. I asked Danzo to bring you back because as I said I wanted to see my students one last time. Before the end and because the village needs you.”
The anger returned, “This village always needs something from me. Always bleeding people dry and calling it ‘duty.’ Nawaki, Dan and now you. I think I have given enough.” her voice broke.
“Tsunade…” Jiraiya said but was interrupted.
“Don’t. Don’t you dare.” She looked at him with fury and he went quiet again. She turned her eyes towards her sensei, “what the hell is wrong with you. You should be in a hospital not in this office let alone running this village.”
“The village needs me, Tsuna.” He used the nickname he hasn't used for her in years. Now tears came easily and so did the anger.
“Only until you are of any use.” She said bitterly.
Hiruzen didn't see a grown woman arguing, instead he saw the girl who joined his team throwing a tantrum. He laughed a little but even that was difficult due to the pain in his heart
“You are right to be angry.” He got up and reached the window behind him. “But Tsunde, I am a leader and Konoha is my family. I will serve this place until I have even one breath left in me.”
She looked at him, fire still in her eyes, but something in her posture softened. Pain replaced rage. What is wrong with these people? How can they so easily sacrifice themselves? Don't they think about people who love them?
“For us the whole village is our loved ones.” Hiruzen said as if reading her mind. “I can easily sacrifice myself because I know there are people who will take care of my people and my home. If I took a coward’s way then how will I ever face those who came before me and after me.” He looked at the portraits of the Hokage.
“How can I look in the eyes of my sensei who sacrificed himself so that I could survive and serve this village. How will I tell Minato that I choose to abandon everything when he sacrificed his life and trusted me with his home.”
There was so much that he had seen. A man who was like a father died and he couldn't do anything. A boy who was like a son sacrificed himself and again he couldn't do anything. His own son and daughter-in-law died in battle and he couldn't do anything.
“Tell me Tsunade how will I ever face Nawaki and Dan if I choose to hide.” He is indebted to everyone who sacrificed themselves for this village. People like Itachi lost everything just because they wanted Konoha to smile. Hiruzen couldn't betray them.
Tsunade hardened herself. Maybe it was easy for him to do something like this but she couldn't see one more person from her life dying while she is unable to do anything.
“Let's go to Shizune, we are leaving.” She ordered and looked Hiruzen in the eyes, and you, if you send anyone after me anymore, they won't return.” She turned around to leave.
“But Princess” Jiraiya called from behind but she ignored him.
Hiruzen moved his hand and a couple of Anbu came and stopped Shizune from moving. Tsunade turned back to see the commotion.
“What do you think you two are doing?” She threatened them.
“I am afraid you cannot leave Tsunade.” Hiruzen said in an authoritative manner.
“What the hell do you mean?” Anger rose in waves inside her.
“I have allowed people to do what they wanted for far too long but that stops now. You will not leave this village even if I have to stop you myself.” He ordered.
Tsunade looked at him to see if he was joking but only saw conviction, “you are serious.” She was surprised to see this.
“Yes I am. I was at fault for letting you leave in the first place instead of helping you. I thought it would help you but I can see that I was wrong. From now on Shizune will stay here and help with the hospital while you are free to do anything you want but you won't leave this village.” He sat back in his chair.
“O so you don't want me running the hospital.” Tsunade asked sarcastically.
“No, I won't ask you to do anything you don't wanna do. I will not lie to you, I really wanted to see you but more than that this village needs you. We have lost so much in the past and times are changing.” He lit his pipe and motioned for Tsunade to sit. When she didn't he continued.
“Soon there will be a great change in the elemental nations and I want Konoha to be ready for that. As you know I won't be here forever and so I want to do as much as I can for my village.”
And what do you want from me?” She was not happy with the turn of events. She can take on anyone in this village but she knew she wouldn't be able to beat her sensei if he decided to go all out and Jiraiya was also here.
“I need a successor before I die. I thought Kakashi would be a fine choice but he doesn't think he is capable of this chair and so I dropped the topic. You don't want a self-doubting person in this position.” He said.
“No way in hell I am going to take this position.” She immediately answered, seeing where Hiruzen was going.
“I was going to give it to you.” He countered Tsunade again. “You seem to have forgotten but people haven't. Since you left many people have died who could have lived if you were here and their families blame you.
While families sacrificed themselves under my command I let you roam around the world without any consequences. I will be happy if you want to become hokage but for that to happen you need to prove both to me and to the village that you are worthy of this hat.”
This is not what Hiruzen Tsunade remembers. Something has changed her sensei. It was true that she abandoned her village but she had no choice. If she stayed then she would surely have lost everything that was left of her.
“So you decided to use your disease to manipulate me.” She was accused but even she knew it was not true.
“I am sad to see that you will accuse me of this. Have I not proved my love for you enough.” He looked her in the eyes and she turned her eyes away, unable to look in his eyes.
“What do you want from me?” She finally asked vulnerably.
Hiruzen once again saw the girl who had lost everything. “I am not asking you to forget what happened. I am asking you to give this village, your village some of your time. Nothing more.”
He once again opened his drawer and produced a file and placed it in front of Tsunade.
“What’s this?” she narrowed her eyes.
“This is the plan I have made for this village’s medical program. You always wanted Konoha to have one and so this is your opportunity. Take this file with you, spend some time in the village and if you think that we are worth it then come with ideas as to how we can create a world class health program.
I will make you the head of this program and you'll only be answerable to the hokage.This will not only give you an opportunity to prove yourself to the village but most importantly if you succeed it will save lives.”
Tsunade took the file. She had always wanted to do something like this and now she had the opportunity to do so but does she still love Konoha enough to do this.
“I'll think about it.” She finally said.
“There’s something else.” Hiruzen said, grabbing her attention. “I want you to meet someone.” He gave her a scroll.
Tsunade took the scroll and looked back at him, one eyebrow raised.
“Who?”
“Naruto Uzumaki” Hiruzen said and Jiraiya, who has been silent so far, gasped but still didn't say anything.
That name hung in the air like a whisper of fate.
“Kushina’s child.” Tsunade guessed. “I'll also assume he is also a jinchuriki.” She is familiar with how Kage thinks. Minato would have surely sealed the biju in his child.
Hiruzen nodded, “He’s more than that. He’s the last of the Uzumaki clan in Konoha. A boy who grew up alone. He carried a burden no one should and was hated for it. He was ostracised, isolated and ignored by the village and there so no one to help him”
He paused.
“He reminds me of your granduncle.” Naruto sometimes has the same intense look that Tobirama used to have.
Tsunade eyes flickered. “What do you want me to do?”
“I’m asking you, as your teacher, to spend some time with him. Get to know him better. He is related to you. You could say he is your last blood relation. I just want him to know that he has someone he can call family.”
“And then what? He also dies and I bury him like so many others?”
Hiruzen smiled weakly “I don't think that will happen. Naruto is different, you will see.”
Tsunade didn’t respond. She turned, pushing past Shizune and heading toward the door.
“L-Lady Tsunade” Shizune followed behind.
Tsunade stopped just before leaving. Her hand on the door handle.
“If he dies because of my curse, I’ll bring you back just to kill you again.” And then she was gone.
The door shut behind them.
Silence lingered.
“It isn't like you to be so silent.” Hiruzen addressed his other student.
“You already had so much on your plate.” Jiraiya replied as he moved to sit in front of Hiruzen.
“Did you do what I asked you to?” Hiruzen said. He sent Jiraiya a message months ago to do some investigations.
Jiraiya nodded but didn't say anything for a moment. “I know what you are trying to do sensei.”
Hiruzen smiled. Jiraiya has truly become wise. He would make a fine hokage if chosen. He was his only student who never fully abandoned the leaf.
“I am sorry.” Hiruzen said with emotions. He feels disgusted to think about what he is doing with people around him but that is the game he has to play. All for the sake of this village.
Jiraiya shook his head, “No need to apologise to me. I understand your position but be careful not to hurt people when you think you are trying to help them.”
Hiruzen closed his eyes. It was too late for that kind of thinking. He has made his decisions and only the future will tell what will be the result of his choices.
“What did you find?” He asked, changing the topic.
Jiraiya sighed, “as you told me I looked into the sound and I found……”
The sun was already low on the horizon by the time Team 7 walked through the towering gates of Konohagakure. The mission to escort a diplomat from the Capital back to the Fire Daimyo had been successful, though long and uneventful.
Naruto yawned exaggeratedly, his hands behind as he walked beside Sakura and Sasuke, while Kakashi trailed slightly behind, nose still buried in his ever-faithful copy of Icha Icha Paradise.
"I hate missions like this. There was no excitement.” Sasuke said as he walked towards Konoha.
"Not everything is about fighting, Sasuke," Sakura replied, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear. "Sometimes, successfully completing a mission without trouble is the best kind of mission."
Sasuke remained quiet, as usual, but gave a nod of understanding.
“Sakura is right. As a shinobi your objective should always be to avoid as much fighting as you can.” Kakashi contributed his own two cents while Naruto remained silent.
They entered the Hokage Tower and climbed the familiar steps to the top floor where Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, awaited their debrief.
"Ah, Team 7," Hiruzen said, setting aside a stack of papers. "I received word from the Fire Capital that the mission was a success. Well done."
"Thank You Lord Hokage.” Team 7 bowed their heads.
After giving a short and formal debrief, Kakashi added, "No complications, Lord Hokage. Everything went smoothly."
"Very good," Hiruzen nodded. "You’re all dismissed. Get some rest."
As Team 7 exited the office, they made their way down the long corridor, only to come face to face with two familiar figures heading up the stairs, Inoichi Yamanaka and Choza Akimichi.
"Hey, Naruto," Inoichi called out with a warm smile. "I've been meaning to talk to you."
Naruto blinked, slightly taken aback. “hi, Inoichi-san. What can I do for you?" He knew what the man wanted.
Choza gave a kind nod as well. "You just returned from a mission?"
"Yeah," Kakashi nodded. "From the capital. It was a small mission."
Inoichi chuckled before leaning in slightly, his expression growing a touch more serious. "You’ve been avoiding having dinner with my family. My wife Akemi and I have invited you a few times through Ino and she always returns with that you are too busy."
Naruto scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I didn’t mean to be rude, I've just been training and stuff." Naruto said, trying to get out of this situation.
Inoichi arched an eyebrow. "What about tonight? Are you busy?"
Before Naruto could respond, Kakashi chimed in with a suspiciously amused tone, "No, he's free."
Naruto turned and glared at his sensei. "Kakashi-sensei!"
"You should go, Naruto," Kakashi said calmly, eyes still on his book. "A shinobi’s strength comes not just from jutsu, but from the bonds they build."
Inoichi chuckled again and placed a hand on Naruto’s shoulder. "Then it’s settled. If you don’t show up, I’ll personally come to drag you there. Got it?"
Naruto sighed in defeat. "Alright, I’ll come." He said while still glaring at Kakashi for his unwanted interval.
That evening, just as the sky transitioned from orange to deep violet, Naruto stood outside the Yamanaka household.
It was a traditional home with well-tended flower beds in the front. He hesitated a moment, straightening his clothes.
He has been here before while he visited the flower shop but he never went inside their home. Come to think of it, this is the first time he is going inside the home of any Konoha citizen.
The thought alone sucked the energy out of Naruto. Naruto walked forward and knocked on the door.
It was Akemi Yamanaka who answered, a tall, graceful woman with long blonde hair similar to Ino’s. Her warm smile immediately eased Naruto’s nerves.
"Naruto-kun, welcome! Please come in."
"Uh, thank you, Akemi-san," Naruto said, stepping inside. The women always gave him a smile whenever he came to buy flowers.
Even as a kid she never did anything bad to him and he knew her smile was genuine. A smile came onto Naruto's face when he thought about Akemi's behaviour.
He entered the Yamanaka Household.
The interior was cozy, the faint scent of fresh flowers and cooked food wafting in the air. Inoichi appeared from the sitting room and clapped a hand on Naruto’s back. "There’s the hero himself!"
"H-Hero?" He was flustered by the words. He knew why he was being invited and what they meant. He knows that their feelings are genuine and that makes it even more embarrassing for him.
"Nonsense," Inoichi said. "Sit down, dinner's almost ready."
Ino entered next, wearing a soft lavender yukata that made Naruto’s eyes widen slightly. Not too much but just enough that Ino noticed it.
She offered him a small smile. "Hey. Glad you could come."
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, um... thanks for inviting me." The heat reached his cheeks and he quickly tried to bury it.
They all sat around the table soon after. Akemi served dishes: grilled fish, steamed rice, miso soup, and sautéed vegetables. Naruto looked down at the spread with appreciation.
"this all looks amazing." He said sincerely.
"Dig in," Akemi encouraged.
Dinner began, and conversation flowed easily between the Yamanakas. Naruto mostly listened, answering when asked questions.
It was all so foreign to him, the laughter, the teasing, the warmth. He never got to experience such a thing.
Devi was a soul and Kurama, well Kurama was Kurama and so while he had people who loved him, it was still not the same as having a family.
Midway through dinner, Inoichi set his chopsticks down and looked directly at Naruto. "Ino told us what happened on the Wave mission. How you protected her and helped her throughout the mission."
Naruto swallowed a mouthful of rice awkwardly. "It wasn’t a big deal. I just did what anyone would do."
"No," Akemi said softly. "It was a big deal. She was terrified after what happened. She thought she wouldn’t make it but you stepped in and saved her."
Naruto shifted uncomfortably. "I-I just did what I was supposed to. She's my comrade."
Ino was happy to have Naruto here with them but she was also sad that Naruto didn't refer to her as his friend.
Inoichi’s expression turned more serious. "You did more than that, Naruto. I want you to know, from a father’s heart, we’re grateful. You protected our daughter and we will always remember your kindness."
Naruto’s heart thumped strangely in his chest. He wasn’t used to being thanked. Not sincerely. Not with such emotion. His own ability told him that whatever is happening is genuine and true. It filled him with warmth.
"It’s really okay. I don’t need thanks. I’m just glad she’s alright." He looked at Ino and smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes.
It made something in Ino's heart tighten and she liked the feeling as a red hue graced her own cheeks.
Inochi smiled again. "We will never be able to repay you but if you ever need anything, Naruto, you can always come to us. Always."
Naruto nodded stiffly, unsure how to handle the lump in his throat.
The Yamanaka family once again thanked him and continued the dinner. They talked about their teams and training, about the chunin exams and many more things.
Naruto didn't regret coming here.
After dinner, Ino walked Naruto to the door. The air outside was cooler now, the breeze gentle.
"Sorry about my parents," she said, arms crossed but she was smiling warmly.
"No, they were really nice," Naruto replied. "I’m not used to that kind of stuff but I really liked the experience.”
"You mean being treated like family?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah." He found no need to hide her feelings.
There was a brief silence between them. Then, Ino took a step closer.
"You really scared me, back in Wave. When that guy knocked you down…I thought.."
Naruto looked at her, surprised at the emotion in her voice.
"But you got up. You always get up," she whispered.
And before Naruto could say anything, Ino leaned in and quickly kissed him on the cheek.
"Goodnight, Naruto," she said quickly, turning red as a tomato and rushing back inside.
Naruto stood there, hand touching his cheek.
His face slowly turned red as the wind blew through his hair. Then he started walking.
And it wasn’t until he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, that he realized he’d been smiling the entire time since Ino kissed him.
And for once he didn’t hate the feeling at all.
The morning sun filtered through the quiet streets of Konoha as Naruto Uzumaki, clad in his dark training uniform, exited the gates of the Uzumaki Compound.
His red hair caught the sunlight like a blazing ember, tousled slightly by the breeze. He adjusted the straps of his pouch and began walking toward the training grounds, his steps calm, measured, and deliberate.
As he turned onto the main road, a figure appeared in front of him, standing still and cloaked in the uniform of the ANBU Black Ops. A porcelain mask covered the individual’s face, bearing the markings of a fox.
"Naruto Uzumaki," the ANBU spoke. "The Hokage has summoned you. Now."
Naruto raised a brow, his blue eyes steady. "Very well. Lead the way."
The doors of the Hokage Tower loomed open, and Naruto followed the ANBU silently up the winding staircase to the Hokage's office.
The soft echo of their steps was the only sound that accompanied them until they reached the doors. The ANBU knocked twice, then opened them with a nod.
Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood by the window with his hands clasped behind his back, the Third Hokage robe draped over his shoulders. At his side stood a woman Naruto recognized instantly, despite never having met her in person.
Tsunade Senju. Granddaughter of Mito Uzumaki.
She stood tall, arms crossed, golden blonde hair tied into two ponytails, her green jacket open over a low-cut grey blouse. Her gaze was fierce but curious.
"Naruto," Hiruzen greeted with a smile. "Come in. There's someone I want you to meet."
Naruto walked in without hesitation and bowed respectfully before the two.
"It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Tsunade," he said calmly. "Your reputation precedes you."
Tsunade tilted her head slightly, curious about the composed boy in front of her. She read the scroll Hiruzen gave her. It mentioned some details about the boy but she knew it didn't contain everything.
When she really looked at the boy, she realised something immediately. He was the son of Minato and Kushina and yet he was different from them.
She spent a lot of time with Kushina and knew Minato well and so she could tell that there is something different about Naruto. You could still see both of his parents in him and yet she felt something more in him.
She doesn't know what it is but there is suddenly this feeling in her that makes her want to really see Naruto Uzumaki.
"So you're Kushina’s son," she said, her voice a bit softer now.
Naruto nodded.
Hiruzen cleared his throat. "Tsunade will be staying in Konoha from now on. However, her old home, the Senju Compound, has long been in disrepair. The renovations will take some time."
Tsunade huffed. "And you want to stick me in some random inn while you fix it. No thanks."
"Actually," Hiruzen smiled, eyes crinkling with amusement, "I was thinking she could stay at the Uzumaki Compound. That's why I called you here Naruto. It will only happen if you are okay with it."
Tsunade turned sharply to him. "You want me to live in a house with a teenage boy?"
Naruto raised his hand calmly. "If I may, Lady Tsunade, it would be an honor for me to host you. As I am sure you already know. The compound your grandmother built is large, and the guest house is entirely separate."
Her eyes narrowed. She'd expected resistance, maybe awkwardness or discomfort. But this boy was calm, respectful, and offered no complaint.
"Are you sure about that?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. She had no problem staying in the compound. She had spent enough time there to see it as a second home and it is right next to the Senju compound.
"Absolutely." Naruto nodded, happy to offer his assistance.
There was a long silence before Tsunade clicked her tongue. "Fine. But don't blame me if I drink all your sake."
Naruto bowed again. "Understood."
Hiruzen chuckled. "Very well then. Naruto, please take her there. Shizune and Tonton will join her shortly."
Shizune met them outside, Tonton trotting dutifully beside her. The petite medic-nin smiled brightly at Naruto after the red head introduced himself.
"Hello, Naruto. My name's Shizune and this is Tonton. It's nice to meet you.”
"Likewise, Shizune-san," he nodded.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Alright, lead the way, redhead."
They began walking through the streets of Konoha. Tsunade noticed almost immediately the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. Whispers. Glances. Cold shoulders from vendors and townspeople as they passed.
Naruto, for his part, ignored all of it. His expression never changed.
Tsunade frowned. "You walk these streets like this every day?"
"Yes." Was his simple reply.
"And they look at you like that every day?" She asked again.
"Yes." Naruto turned around a corner.
"Have you ever thought of doing something about it?" She genuinely asked.
He looked at her sideways, expression unreadable. "Doing something implies that their perception is my responsibility. I do what I can to serve this village. Whether they accept me or not is not my concern."
Tsunade blinked. For a moment, she had no words. Shizune looked saddened, but Naruto's calm acceptance made it hard to offer pity.
"You're mature for your age," Tsunade muttered.
"I've had no other choice." Naruto led the way.
They reached the gates of the Uzumaki Compound shortly after. Nestled near the outskirts of Konoha, the compound was surprisingly large walled in, well-kept, with stone pathways and flowering gardens.
Tsunade paused at the gates. She hadn't seen this place in a decade. Not since she left Konoha. Last time she was here, Kushina was still a teenager.
Naruto channeled his chakra and undid the barriers. The interior was clean and peaceful. A small koi pond reflected the sun near the courtyard, and ornamental lanterns lined the gravel paths.
"I didn't expect this place to still be standing," Tsunade muttered.
"I’ve kept it maintained," Naruto said. "It is the only memory I have of my parents."
No one said a word. He led them toward a smaller building near the main house. They soon reached the guest house.
"This is yours for as long as you need. There's fresh linen, water, and stocked supplies. If you need anything else, let me know." He created 5 clones and sent them to make sure everything is ready for Lady Tsunade and her companions.
While the clones did their work Naruto led both Tsunade and Shizune towards the shrine built inside the Compound. On a specific stone outside the stone, he channeled his chakra and a sealing mark appeared on it.
“This is the key to the compound. Channel your chakra so that the key recognises you. Whenever I am not here, you'll be able to freely access the compound.” He explained and both Tsunade and Shizune did as told.
He again channeled his chakra and the key to the barriers disappeared.
Tsunade looked around, impressed despite herself. "Thanks, kid."
Naruto nodded once. "If you'll excuse me, I have to meet my team for training."
"Who is your sensei?"
He shook his head. "Kakashi-sensei leads us.."
With that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps soft on the stone path.
Shizune looked after him. "He's very different from what I expected."
"He’s not your average child. He has seen much in his short life," Tsunade muttered.
She stood in the center of the courtyard, her arms crossed. Her gaze drifted to the old Uzumaki symbol carved on the compound gate.
"Mito built this place to last. She said the Uzumaki would always have a home in Konoha."
Shizune placed a hand on her shoulder. "And now her legacy lives on through him."
Tsunade said nothing.
Instead, she walked slowly toward the porch of the guest house and sat down. Her fingers grazed the wooden panels of the frame.
She could still remember Kushina playing around this yard. Laughing, shouting. That wild red hair flying behind her.
Tsunade closed her eyes and took a breath.
She didn't say it aloud.
But somehow, in that moment, she felt a flicker of something she hadn't felt in a long time.
Hope.
Training Ground 10
The sun shone bright over Konohagakure, casting a golden hue across the expansive landscape of Training Ground 10.
A mild breeze danced through the air, rustling the trees that surrounded the open field, where an unusual gathering of Konoha's rising stars stood in silence.
Team 7, Team 8, and Team 10 had assembled for their final joint training session before the upcoming Chūnin Exams. The air was filled with both excitement and tension.
In just two weeks, they would step into a battle that would define their futures.
Today, however, was about preparation. Not just in strength or teamwork, but in overcoming limitations.
At the center of the field, resting atop a carved wooden pedestal, was a single scroll wrapped in crimson silk. It glowed faintly in the sunlight.
Three jōnin, Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, and Kurenai Yūhi stood in a triangular formation around the scroll. Calm, confident, and unflinching, they awaited the start.
Standing before the assembled genin, Kakashi lifted a hand lazily. "Alright everyone, today’s objective is simple. Get the scroll."
Asuma added, his cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth, "But don’t think it’s going to be easy."
Kurenai stepped forward, voice firm but fair. "You’re all forbidden from using your signature techniques. The same applies to us. This exercise is about adaptation and unpredictability."
“Meaning I will not use my sharingan, Kurenai will not use her illusions and Asuma will not use his knives or any wind style techniques.” Kakashi explained.
“As for you, Naruto will not use his chains or any fuinjutsu, Sakura no illusions for you. Both Sasuke and Hinata will not use their dojutsu, Akamaru will not participate and Shino will not use his bugs.” Asuma continued. He took a long drag from his cigarette and spoke again.
“None of the members of team 10 will use any of their family jutsu. This test is about overcoming your weaknesses while preparing you to face the unknown.”
A few murmurs erupted from the genin.
"No bugs?" Shino said, emotionless but clearly concerned.
"No illusions?! That’s my whole style!" Sakura protested.
"Tch," Sasuke crossed his arms. "Fine."
"You’ll need to use your wits, teamwork, and the basics," Kakashi said, flipping a page in his orange book. "Ready? Begin.”
The genin teams scattered instantly. They have only one objective, get the scroll.
Naruto bolted left, while Sasuke and Sakura moved right. Their movements were quick and coordinated. Team 7 had worked tirelessly to build synergy despite their wildly different personalities.
Shikamaru gave a lazy yawn before directing Choji and Ino to split up, using an old pincer tactic.
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino immediately disappeared into the foliage, using the terrain to their advantage. Even without their signature abilities, Team 8 was the most well-suited to stealth and reconnaissance.
Kurenai, with a small smile, watched as her students moved through the trees. Even stripped of their bloodline techniques, they adapted quickly.
"We’re going for speed," Sasuke said, crouching behind a bush. "Without the Sharingan, I’ll take Asuma. Sakura, you distract Kurenai. Naruto will keep Kakashi busy."
Naruto nodded, “why don't we undo the seals and see how far we have progressed.” He suggested.
Just after coming from Wave, Kakashi and Naruto finally completed their fuinjutsu project. It was about a seal that was the mixup of gravity and resistance seals.
Naruto named it the burden of the whirlpool. It is a hybrid seal that is placed on the spine of the user.
Through this the seal connects with all the chakra pathways. The seal uses the basic concept of resistance and gravity seals to train the body, improve muscles strength, reaction and speed but it also forces the user to constantly channel chakra throughout their body to keep the seal activated.
It helps with the chakra control and understanding the flow of chakra better. All members of Team 7 have this seal on them and he also gifted this seal to Ino when they were training together.
“Do you think we need to?” Sasuke asked not believing that they need to undo the seal to compete.
"Be careful. We can’t take them lightly." Sakura objected, “even with a handicap they are much stronger than us and as it will be a good opportunity to get used to our real strengths.”
Sasuke nodded. It made sense to him now and so all members of team 7 released their seals and immediately felt like a ton of weight was lifted from them.
“Let's go.” Naruto nodded and moved.
Sasuke vanished in a blur toward Asuma, launching a flurry of shuriken. The jōnin deflected them with casual ease.
"Trying to test my defenses, huh?" Asuma smirked.
"Just testing how much slower you are without those wind blades," Sasuke shot back, throwing a smoke bomb and rushing in.
Meanwhile, Sakura dashed across the field, kicking up dust as she hurled a volley of kunai at Kurenai, who leapt back with a nimble grace.
Naruto charged Kakashi, who sighed and closed his book.
"No chains, no sealing. Let’s see what you’ve learned, Naruto."
Naruto swung with raw force, but Kakashi easily dodged, countering with a palm strike to Naruto’s chest. Naruto skidded back, flipped, and dashed again, this time feinting left before going right.
Seeing the improved speeds of the genin, Kakashi sighed, “did you all deactivate the seal?” He asked but got no answer.
Kiba crouched low in the underbrush. Without Akamaru to boost him, he had to rely on his pure speed and taijutsu. Hinata moved beside him, calm and focused.
“Those bastards are already attacking.” He muttered.
"We target Kurenai together. If we break her stance, Ino or someone else can take the scroll." Hinata said ignoring his words.
Shino, hidden behind a thick tree trunk, observed everything. Though his bugs were his strength, he had always been sharp-minded.
"I'll distract Kakashi with Naruto. You two time it with the others."
"We can't overpower them," Shikamaru muttered. "So let’s outthink them."
"What do you have in mind?" Ino asked, tying her long hair into a tighter knot. Her training with Anko made her more daring, more aggressive.
"Bait. I want you to attack Kakashi with all you’ve got. By the looks of things Sasuke is facing Asuma and Naruto is fighting Kakashi which means that Sakura is going for the scroll. If we also combine our efforts, they won’t expect it. Choji and I will sneak behind."
"You got it." Choji nodded, filling his mouth with chips.
Ino leapt from the bush, launching a smoke bomb followed by a series of wire-laced kunai.
Kakashi tilted his head, dodging with fluidity. "Oh? Didn’t expect you to lead the charge."
Ino flipped, kicked, and swept low, forcing Kakashi to block with both hands. She ducked under a returning strike and grinned.
"Anko-sensei taught me a few things."
Naruto doubled back after another clash with Kakashi. His hands ached. Without sealing or chains, his only offensive power was his sword and ninjutsu.
He ducked behind cover and watched Shikamaru and Choji approach stealthily from the other side.
"I got an idea.”
Running full speed, Naruto charged Kakashi again.
Kakashi prepared to counter, but at the last moment, Naruto dropped and rolled, passing right between Kakashi’s legs.
The jōnin blinked.
"That’s new."
Naruto continued toward the scroll. Just as Kakashi turned to pursue, Choji barreled from the side, tackling Kakashi with brute force. Not using Expansion didn’t mean Choji wasn’t still built like a tank.
Kakashi skidded.
"Thanks, Choji!" Naruto shouted.
"Hurry!" Shikamaru shouted standing between Kakashi and Naruto.
But Kurenai was already in Naruto’s path, her red eyes cool.
Naruto cursed and veered left.
Just then, Hinata and Kiba burst from the trees, flanking Kurenai. Together, they launched a combined attack. Hinata with rapid jabs, Kiba with feral speed attacked their sensei.
Kurenai was pushed back, gracefully dodging but forced on the defensive.
Ino, now panting, regrouped with Shikamaru and Choji.
"Plan B?"
"Plan B. Choji, get us some dust."
Choji punched the ground, kicking up a thick cloud of dirt. Ino and Shikamaru vanished into it.
Shikamaru leapt atop a branch. "Naruto, fake a drop."
Naruto nodded and pretended to trip, flinging a decoy scroll wrapped in red cloth.
Kurenai instantly turned.
Asuma rushed to intercept, but Sasuke tackled him mid-sprint.
Kakashi turned too but Ino, camouflaged by the smoke, snagged the real scroll.
"Got it!"
Kakashi spun. "Impressive."
Kurenai smirked. "They worked together better than I expected."
Asuma rubbed his neck. "Yeah, they almost had me."
Ino sprinted toward the edge of the field.
Choji cheered. "GO, INO!"
But Kakashi appeared before her in an instant, grabbing the scroll gently from her grasp.
"Not quite.” He said and moved.
..
All teams converged now. They were tired, bruised, and frustrated.
Sakura supported an exhausted Hinata.
"We’re not done yet," she said.
Shikamaru, breathing hard, looked around. "We need to take him out."
Naruto raised his hand. "I’ll take the lead again. Just follow."
The final charge began, every genin working together. They threw smoke, wire traps, and low-level elemental strikes.
Choji and Sasuke drew Kakashi away. Sakura and Ino looped around, using misdirection.
Kiba barked loudly from the trees, a signal. Hinata and Shino flanked.
Naruto moved. Asuma tried to intercept him but he was swallowed by the earth.
Kakashi ran towards him but this time he was a second too slow.
"Time!" Kurenai shouted.
The dust cleared. Naruto held the scroll above his head.
They had won.
The genin collapsed to the ground, panting.
Kakashi smiled, eye crinkling. "Well done."
Asuma nodded. "You didn’t rely on your strengths. You relied on each other."
Kurenai clapped lightly. "You did really well.”
The genin looked at each other and smiled. There is long way to go before they can catch up to their sensei but for now they all will enjoy these small victories.
The day had grown long, shadows stretching across the stone paths of Konoha as the afternoon sun began its slow descent.
On the training ground 10 silence reigned tranquil, yet solemn. The air was heavy, as though anticipating something profound.
As the teams decided to leave for the day, they all saw a figure of a tall man with wild white hair approached with slow, contemplative steps.
His red cloak billowed slightly with the breeze, and his wooden sandals clacked softly against the ground. His face bore a blend of nostalgia and regret.
Jiraiya the toad sage was here.
He stopped before the teams, eyeing the genins with a critical eye. Memories surged, of his own days as a member of team Hiruzen. Times were really good.
“Lord Jiraiya,” Kakashi greeted with a respectful nod. “What brings you here?.”
Jiraiya blinked, "Just wanted to see the next generation. I must say you all have trained them well." He looked at the genins. They all were so different from their parents as they should be. Every generation must surpass the previous one.
The Jonin thanked him for his praise while the genins were in awe of being in the presence of a Sanin. Jiraiya grinned, it was always good to see that his charm is still working.
He saw the kunoichi’s that were there and even now he could tell that they will grow up to be quite beautiful. He couldn't wait for all the research he would get.
Then his eyes moved to the one person he was here for. The boy with red hairs like his mother and blue eyes like his father, Naruto Uzumaki.
Jiraiya hesitated, then stepped forward. Naruto stood by the edge where the valley opened toward the Hokage Monument.
Sasuke, Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Hinata, Kiba, Choji, and Shino milled about, talking excitedly. But Naruto’s gaze stayed forward as he watched the Sanin walking towards him.
He knew why he was here. Naruto wants nothing from the man but he will humour him, just to make things clear.
A rumbling laugh drew his attention — a laughing laugh he hadn’t heard in years.
The genins stopped talking, seeing the Sanin getting close. Kakashi, ever composed, inclining his head with a wry smile, responded lightly, “you want something from us?” He also knew why Jiraiya was here. This is either going to be very good or absolutely horrible.
Jiraiya talked with the genins, praising their efforts and giving them some advice. He left Sasuke and Naruto for the last.
First he spoke to Sasuke, “I knew your mother, before I took the fourth as my student he was in the same genin team as her. They were on great terms. You remind of her. If you need any help, feel free to come to me.” He gave what he hoped was an encouraging smile.
Sasuke stood shocked, not expecting a sanin to offer his help and much more so that the fourth was the teammate of his mother. He had no idea. He looked at Naruto before looking back at the giant of man in front of him.
Sasuke bowed his head respectfully and replied, “thank you for the offer Lord Jiraiya. I will keep it in mind.”
Jiraiya smiled and then he finally turned to the red‑haired figure. His expression shifted, less boisterous, more worn.
“Naruto,” he began softly. “Can we speak?”
Naruto gave a silent nod, turned, and motioned for Jiraiya to follow and he did.
They walked for a bit but not toward the Uzumaki compound, but climbing up the stone footpath carved into the Hokage Monument. Each step felt deliberate, guided.
They reached the highest ledge before the giant carved faces of the Hokage. The wind was cool. Below lay Konoha’s rooftops, falling into twilight.
Jiraiya exhaled softly, stomach twisting.
“I might not know but I was your father's teacher. Hiruzen told me you know everything and so I will not try to hide anything but before I say them, Naruto...” His voice cracked. “I’m truly sorry.”
Naruto turned, eyes steady and cold despite the fading sun. He faced the village instead of the man.
“There’s no need to apologise,” he replied, calm and measured.
Jiraiya blinked, uncertain. Silence beat between them until Naruto continued.
“You’re not my family,” Naruto said quietly. “You taught my father, yes but that relationship was between you and him. I’m not him.”
Jiraiya swallowed. He drew breath. He might not show it but Naruto’s words hurt.
Naruto raised his hand. “I don't expect anything from you because of that. I survived this village, I built myself up alone. I don’t need you.”
Jiraiya shook his head. “I didn’t expect to be needed. But Naruto I want to…” he was interrupted by Naruto before he could continue.
Naruto stepped back, gaze unwavering. “You don't have to explain anything. Just because you trained Minato doesn’t mean I’m obligated to have a relationship with you.”
He paused and turned to look at the white haired man. His tone didn’t waver.
“I’m not angry. I just do not need you, Jiraiya. If you’ve made plans regarding me, stop immediately. I don’t want them.”
Jiraiya swallowed. Naruto turned and walked away impassive and vanished into the air. No final glance, no more words. He simply disappeared beyond the rock ledge without giving Jiraya the chance to speak.
Jiraiya stood alone, emptiness dragging at his heart. The wind sighed across the four carved Hokage faces. Below, Konoha prepared for the evening.
Failure echoed in his chest. He had failed Minato. He had failed Kushina.
He failed the Rain students he lost and even now he had even failed Hiruzen, who was dying.
He thought he would have Naruto but after today's encounter he feels that he might have lost whatever fragile hope Naruto symbolized.
He closed his eyes, ashamed but once more he refused to give in.
"I will not fail you again, Naruto," Jiraiya whispered into the wind. "Someday, you'll let me in. I’ll be there."
Still, he did not move. He stayed, breathing deeply, gazing upon the village that had grown beyond his control, feeling its pulse, its heart, its broken ties.
He knew redemption would take time. He hoped Naruto would give a chance. But if not he would wait.
The late afternoon sun dipped behind the trees surrounding Training Ground 7, casting long shadows across the clearing. The wind carried a gentle rustle of leaves, and with it, a sense of something inevitable approaching.
Sakura stood near the edge of the training ground, her arms crossed, a bottle of water clutched loosely in one hand. Her eyes quietly swept over her teammates.
Naruto sat in the middle of the field, cross-legged and perfectly still, as if carved from stone. His breathing was calm and slow, his hands resting on his knees, fingertips faintly glowing with controlled chakra.
He was meditating again, something he did often. She’d seen him do it in the morning before training, after missions, even during breaks. It was like he was chasing a silence the world had denied him.
But Naruto wasn’t the boy she had assumed he was, not anymore. No, maybe he never had been.
She remembered the day this team had been formed. She’d been excited, maybe even arrogant. Back then, Sasuke had been the focus of her world, her childish dream. Naruto had been the loud one or at least that was what the others said.
But she now realized most of that noise hadn’t come from him. It came from how people reacted to him, misjudged him, dismissed him, labeled him before he ever said a word.
Because truth be told Naruto was never loud. Not truly. He’d been alone and now he was so still it was haunting.
Sasuke was a few meters away, facing off against Naruto’s shadow clones, his sword flashing with precise arcs. He’d improved significantly with his kenjutsu, training harder ever since their return from the Wave mission.
Sakura could tell he was using this “light training” session to test new combinations and chakra control with swordplay, something Naruto’s clones were surprisingly good at countering.
Kakashi-sensei had already left. He trusted them to use the last two rest days wisely before the exams began. But “rest” didn’t sit well with Team 7.
They had trained with brutal focus for fifteen straight days, sealing techniques, coordinated battle drills, and taijutsu sparring. Yet even on rest days, they stayed behind, pushing their limits quietly.
Sakura sat down on a low tree root and closed her eyes for a moment. The wind tugged at her pink hair, and for a while, she just listened to the muted clash of Sasuke’s sword against sword, the chirping of birds, and the calm, unbroken rhythm of Naruto’s breath.
Her thoughts, inevitably, drifted back to that day. The day she apologized to Naruto.
It was right after the Wave mission. She hadn’t even made it past the gates before the guilt consumed her. The things she’d said to him before, the way she’d dismissed him, ignored him. She’d called him a loser once. She couldn't believe it now, not after what she saw.
He had protected them, fought with cold fire in his eyes. And he never once bragged. Not once.
She remembered her words when he agreed to spend some alone time with her which was a surprise, her voice barely a whisper. “I’m sorry, Naruto for everything. I didn’t know.”
He had looked at her. Not coldly, not with anger. Just calmly. Like the apology wasn’t necessary, but appreciated. “It’s alright,” he had said. And then, to her surprise, he walked her home. No words. No awkwardness. Just quiet company.
Sakura’s fingers tightened around the water bottle as she opened her eyes again. He’d changed.
Since the Wave, Naruto had grown more approachable, not in an emotional way, not open-hearted, but accessible. He no longer showed up just for missions or mandatory training.
He came with them to lunch. He met her at the library more than once, sometimes just to sit beside her and read sealing scrolls or history books. He was present.
And yet, there was still a distance. Like a wall of glass between him and the rest of the world.
He didn’t speak unless spoken to. He didn’t smile unless something truly made him smile. His emotions were measured, hidden beneath layers she hadn’t even begun to understand.
But she was glad he was trying.
That thought warmed her heart a little. She liked this version of Naruto, not just because he was strong, not because he saved lives, but because he was real. He wasn’t pretending to be anything.
She looked at Sasuke again. There had been a time when she would’ve done anything just to hear him say her name. She’d spent days dreaming about what it would be like to hold his hand.
But things had changed.
Sasuke was still Sasuke, driven, stoic, painfully focused. But he talked more now. He acknowledged her ideas during missions. He even smiled occasionally, especially when sparring with Naruto.
Being in team 7 helped, it brought out a different side of Sasuke.
And for Sakura, her feelings for him had shifted.
From infatuation to friendship. From fantasy to understanding.
She would still protect him with everything she had because he was her teammate. Because he was her friend. But that flutter in her chest? That girlish excitement? It didn’t come from him anymore.
Her gaze slowly returned to Naruto.
It was him.
It had started slowly with subtle moments. The way he blocked a blow meant for her during a spar without hesitation. The way he explained things now, in his calm voice, with no trace of ego.
The way he showed up for lunch with cold soba for everyone, never saying a word about it. The way he carried the weight of the world in his silence and yet somehow made her feel grounded and protected in his presence.
There was something different there.
But she couldn’t reach it. Not really. Because Naruto wasn’t someone you approached casually. He didn’t open doors; he let people knock and decide how long they wanted to wait.
She wanted to knock. She wanted to understand.
But every time she thought of speaking her heart, he vanished, not literally but emotionally. He seems to disappear from the village for hours, maybe days where no one is able to find him. Sometimes he was training. Sometimes he was off with Ino.
Ino.
That thought stirred something inside her chest that she didn’t like.
She wasn’t blind. She saw it.
Ino had always been bold, even reckless and ever since they returned from the Wave mission, she’d changed her tone with Naruto.
Naruto, for all his silence, responded. Not in obvious ways. But he talked more when she was around. He didn’t brush her off. He listened. And when she laughed, sometimes… sometimes he smiled.
Sakura bit her bottom lip. She knew they would grow close after what happened in Wave. Who wouldn't want to be close to the person who saved your life and yet Sakura doesn't like it.
It wasn’t jealousy, not exactly. It wasn’t the same emotion she’d felt when she saw Sasuke talk to other girls.
This was different. This was frustrating.
Because for the first time, she felt like she wanted to know someone deeply, really know them and they were already being pulled in another direction.
And she couldn’t even blame him.
Ino was bold. She said what she wanted. She didn’t hesitate and Naruto respected that. They had a history between them and Sakura couldn't replace it.
Sakura looked down at her hands. She didn't like Ino. She still hesitated. She still held back. She was still afraid.
She shook her head, as if the motion could scatter those thoughts to the wind.
Tomorrow was the start of the Chunin Exams. Their team had decided to participate. There was no room for distractions, for emotions, for tangled feelings that got in the way of focus.
Naruto had changed.
Sasuke had changed.
And so had she.
They weren’t the same kids who stood in front of Kakashi-sensei a few weeks ago, bragging or sulking or trying to one-up each other.
Now they were something else.
A unit. A team. A strange but tightly connected force.
And she would be ready to protect them both, to stand with them. No matter what came next.
She stood up, brushing off her skirt. Sasuke finished his drill and dismissed the clones. Naruto remained unmoving and continued to meditate as if the world outside him didn’t exist.
Sakura watched him a moment longer. Her mouth opened slightly, as if to say something but the words caught in her throat.
Not yet, she thought. But soon.
Tomorrow, everything will begin.
And she needed to be strong enough, for herself and for all of them.
Chapter Ends