The wind outside Konoha's gate stirred up dust, lifting it and letting it fall again.
Tsunade stood with her hands on her hips. At her feet were several tightly packed travel rolls.
Mikoto quietly adjusted her kimono, making sure the sleeves were neatly secured.
Kushina seemed a little distracted, her red hair fluttering in the wind. Her gaze repeatedly drifted toward the village's outer roads, clearly eager to leave.
Nawaki and Kaori stood nearby.
Nawaki had shed the immaturity of his youth. His shoulders were broad, and his face carried a steady, reliable calm.
Kaori had grown noticeably taller. Approaching graduation age, her eyes sparkled with anticipation and energy.
Rin, around six or seven, clung tightly to Nawaki's sleeve. Her large eyes brimmed with tears, like violet petals soaked in morning dew.
"Rin." Ryo squatted down to meet her gaze, voice low but clear. "Stick with Nawaki-nii and Kaori-neesan. Be good."
He lifted a finger and lightly tapped her bangs. A barely noticeable Flying Thunder God formula quietly merged into the skin.
"We'll bring back sweets from every place we visit."
Rin tried hard to hold back her tears. Her mouth quivered as she nodded vigorously, her voice thick with a sniffle. "Okay! Ryo-nii… Tsunade-neesan… Mikoto-neesan… Kushina-neesan… come back soon!"
She rushed forward and hugged each of them one by one, then latched tightly onto Ryo's neck, her small body trembling slightly.
Nawaki patted her back and looked at Ryo seriously. "Don't worry. We've got Rin. Nothing will happen."
Kaori nodded firmly. "We'll take good care of her!"
Ryo stood up, his gaze passing over Nawaki and Kaori, then nodded.
Goodbyes were always brief.
Nawaki, Kaori, and Rin stood by the village gate, watching as the four turned and walked down the road leading out of Konoha.
Konoha's walls quickly disappeared into the distance as the group's steps grew lighter.
The air outside was clearer. Freed from the political weight of the village, even the wind felt smoother.
Their travel route was set. The hot springs and sake of Tanzaku Street. The ancient walls and historical ruins of Tanzaku Castle. The bustling capital of the Land of Fire and its grand noble estates. The vibrant lights and delicate sweets of the red-light district. Then, the many large cities scattered throughout the Land of Fire, each offering unique customs and scenery.
Tsunade drank heavily at Tanzaku Street, enjoying the local sake. Her cheeks flushed, and her laughter was loud and hearty, as if pouring out all the frustration that had built up in Konoha.
Mikoto preferred quiet strolls beneath the ancient castle walls, her fingers brushing against the rough stone to feel the weight of time. Or she would steep a fresh pot of tea in a noble's garden, letting the fragrant aroma fill the air.
Kushina was like a bird released from its cage, overflowing with energy.
She darted through the capital's busiest market, fascinated by every odd trinket. She lingered in the snack shops of the red-light district, her cheeks puffed out with sweets. In every town they passed, her bright blue eyes captured the vibrant colors and sounds, eagerly soaking up the outside world.
Ryo was their steady anchor and guide.
He knew the roads, handled the logistics, and arranged lodging in unfamiliar towns.
He didn't talk much, but his gaze always softened when it fell on the girls. Especially when Kushina ran back excitedly waving a candy figurine, or Mikoto handed him a freshly steeped cup of tea. A gentle curve would appear at the corner of his lips.
He could only shake his head helplessly at Tsunade's drinking, steadying her arm when she stumbled.
Time passed quietly on the road.
The mountains turned autumn red, then were dusted with frost.
Kushina's fiery red hair flew in the wind. Her figure, tempered by travel and nourished by youth, shed the last traces of girlhood. Like the ripest fruit on a summer branch, she quietly stepped into maturity.
That day, the golden sunset painted the eaves of their lodging with warm orange.
Their small rented courtyard was peaceful and quiet.
Dinner carried an unusual atmosphere.
Tsunade, unusually, didn't ask for sake. She silently ate, occasionally glancing at Kushina with a mix of emotion—some complex, some relief.
Mikoto served the dishes with her usual grace, but her gaze on Kushina held a special softness. There was a hint of apology, and a quiet joy—like someone thinking, Finally, this day has come.
Ryo noticed the shift in mood but said nothing. He simply placed a piece of grilled meat into Kushina's bowl.
After dinner, the atmosphere grew even more subtle.
"Ahem," Tsunade cleared her throat, avoiding Kushina's puzzled eyes. "The moon looks nice tonight. Mikoto and I will go take a walk, see what's going on in town." She tried to sound casual.
Mikoto smiled and nodded, her gaze gentle as she looked at Kushina. "Yes. Kushina, you and Ryo… rest well tonight."
She gently held Kushina's hand, the grip filled with silent encouragement and blessing.
Kushina was stunned at first. Then, seeing the unspoken understanding in their eyes, her pale cheeks instantly flushed red, like the most vivid sunset.
She lowered her head, fingers nervously twisting the hem of her robe. Her heart thudded rapidly in her chest.
She understood.
She hadn't been completely unprepared for this day.
Since they met in Konoha at age eight, every shared moment, every bit of dependence, affection, admiration—had quietly fermented into something deep and unmistakable over the years.
She had been waiting for this moment, just like she'd waited to truly bloom.
Tsunade and Mikoto exchanged a smile. They said nothing more and quietly left the courtyard.
Only Ryo and Kushina remained in the house.
The air seemed to still, broken only by the occasional flicker and pop of the oil lamp, and the sound of two calm breaths.
Kushina felt an inexplicable tension. She focused intently on the scroll in front of her, not daring to lift her head to look at Ryo.
But she could feel his gaze, steady and focused, familiar and warm. Yet now, it carried a weight that made her heart stir.
Ryo stood up reached forward and gently touched her forehead.
Her breath caught.
She didn't move away. Instead, she leaned forward, resting against him.
Her chakra stirred wildly inside her, but she didn't resist it.
Without a word, she stepped forward.
And he welcomed her into his arms.
The night, was bound to be a restless night
For Uzumaki Kushina, no longer a girl, but a grown woman…
(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.)