Part 4 – Laughter Along the Way
The group stepped out through the academy gates and began walking down the main road together.
Students gradually split off in different directions as they made their way home.
After walking for a short while...
Haruto glanced around.
"...By the way."
"Why isn't Arashi walking with you guys anymore?"
Amaya looked over at him.
"...There's one of our academy seniors..."
"...He's been training with him after the academy lately."
Haruto nodded.
"...Oh."
"...A senior we fought before?"
The moment those words left his mouth...
Hina, Riku, and Daichi all stopped.
"...Wait."
"You guys fought our seniors?"
Riku looked at Haruto in disbelief.
"...How?"
Daichi's eyes widened.
"When did that happen?"
Before Haruto could answer...
Izumi waved her hand.
"...Forget it."
"It wasn't who you're thinking of."
She continued walking.
"...His name's Shisui Homura."
Haruto nodded.
"...Oh."
"So he's from your clan."
"...Yeah."
Haruto thought for a moment.
"...Wait..."
"You said the name was Shizue; that means it's a girl?"
Izumi stopped.
"...What?"
Haruto pointed back toward the academy.
"Like Shizue-sensei is a girl."
Riku immediately corrected him.
"...No."
"Shizue-sensei is a woman."
Haruto shrugged.
"...Never mind."
"Same thing, bro."
Izumi let out an exhausted sigh.
"...It's not Shi-zue."
"...It's Shi-sui."
Haruto blinked.
"...Oh..."
"So that's what you were saying."
Hina giggled.
"You've been hearing his name wrong this whole time?"
Haruto scratched the back of his head.
"...Looks like it."
Daichi laughed.
"No wonder you looked so confused."
Even Amaya couldn't help smiling.
The misunderstanding finally clicked for everyone.
"...Shisui..."
"...Not Shizue."
Haruto nodded sheepishly.
"...Got it."
The group continued walking, laughing about the mix-up.
A few moments later...
They reached the first intersection.
Daichi pointed toward the road branching off to the left.
"...Well."
"My house is this way."
He waved at everyone.
"...See you tomorrow!"
"See you!"
With that...
Daichi jogged off down the left street as the rest of the group continued straight ahead.
The group continued walking along the road.
The streets were quieter now compared to the academy area.
A few villagers moved between shops, while others prepared supplies for the ongoing war preparations.
Haruto quietly looked around.
Even though everything looked normal...
There was still something strange about the atmosphere.
People were more serious than usual.
Conversations became quieter whenever shinobi passed by.
Hina noticed his expression.
"...Haruto?"
He looked back.
"...Hm?"
"You look like you're thinking about something."
Haruto quickly shook his head.
"...No."
"I'm fine."
Riku looked at him suspiciously.
"You always say that when you're thinking about something."
Haruto smiled awkwardly.
"...Do I?"
"Yes."
The three laughed lightly.
Amaya watched Haruto for a moment.
She knew him well enough to understand...
He was hiding something.
But she didn't ask.
Not here.
Not while everyone was together.
After a few more minutes...
They reached another road.
Hina slowed down.
"...Ah."
"This is where we leave."
She pointed toward a smaller street.
Riku nodded.
"Yeah."
"Our houses are this way."
Hina waved.
"See you tomorrow!"
"Don't forget to study for the quiz!"
Riku added.
Haruto smiled.
"...I won't."
The two turned and walked away.
For a moment...
Only Haruto, Amaya, and Izumi remained.