Hokage Tower
Tsunade, along with ShikaShiranui Kū Nara and the others, held discussions with Maki and SunagaShiranui Kūre's delegation regarding future countermeasures against the Akatsuki, as well as further cooperation between KonohagaShiranui Kūre and SunagaShiranui Kūre.
Konoha Reception Room
Nagi, wearing his fox mask, met with KanShiranui Kūrō and the delegation.
After formal greetings, KanShiranui Kūrō presented SunagaShiranui Kūre's gift of gratitude.
The offerings included specialty products from the Land of Wind and several secret techniques personally approved by the Kazekage, Gaara.
Temari also stepped forward and formally expressed her thanks for saving her younger brother.
Before departing, KanShiranui Kūrō discreetly handed Nagi a scroll.
"Proctor, Granny Chiyo asked me to give this to you. It's her thanks for sparing Sasori."
Nagi glanced at the scroll's title:
One's Own Life Reincarnation.
"I see. Please thank Granny Chiyo for me. And tell her—I will take care of her grandson."
"I understand."
KanShiranui Kūrō nodded.
Nagi reflected silently:
(So she's offering the value of this forbidden technique as insurance for Sasori's life. She says she doesn't care—but in truth, she still hopes her grandson can live.)
A Quiet Corridor
As Nagi departed, a gentle voice called out.
"Excuse me… Proctor-san, may I have a moment?"
He turned.
"Ameno, from SunagaShiranui Kūre. I remember you."
It was indeed Ameno—the medical-nin who had participated in the Chūnin Exams.
She had personally requested permission from Gaara to accompany the delegation to Konoha, specifically to see Nagi again. Gaara, knowing they had interacted before, approved.
Her face lit up.
"You remembered me—that makes me so happy."
"Of course. What brings you here?"
Blushing, she handed him a delicate gift box.
"Th-These are cookies and cakes I baked myself. I know they're insignificant compared to what you've done for us… but I still wanted to express my gratitude.
Thank you for saving us during the Exams. And… thank you for saving Kazekage-sama."
Nagi accepted the box.
"Thank you, Ameno. And thank you for keeping my identity a secret last time."
She waved her hands quickly.
"N-No, that was only natural! I wouldn't dare cause trouble for you.
Um… would you try one? If they're not good, I'll improve next time."
Nagi opened the box and took out a finely crafted cookie.
Just as he was about to eat it—
Ameno turned around and covered her eyes with both hands.
"…"
(How considerate.)
Using a method reminiscent of Kakashi eating behind his mask, Nagi finished the cookie.
"You can turn around now."
She lowered her hands.
"How was it?"
"Well-made. Excellent flavor. You must have put great care into it."
He meant it sincerely.
In SunagaShiranui Kūre—where resources were comparatively scarce—becoming such a skilled medical-nin required extraordinary chakra control.
Her talent was undeniable.
Hearing his praise, Ameno beamed.
"I'm so glad you liked it.
You must be busy, so I won't keep you. If you ever come to SunagaShiranui Kūre… please contact me."
Nagi nodded.
"If the opportunity arises."
"I'll be waiting."
Her smile lingered long after she left.
[Jiraiya: Haa… Nagi didn't even show his face and still captured a girl's heart. Impressive.]
[Tsunade: Sounds like someone's jealous.]
[Jiraiya: As if! I only have eyes for—]
[Tsunade: Shut up.]
[Shiranui Kūshina Uzumaki: Little Nagi is quite something.]
[Shiranui Kūra Haruno: But Nagi always wears a mask. Ameno, you're not worried?]
[Ameno: Not at all. Nagi works for the sake of the Shinobi World. If I caused him trouble with selfish feelings, that would be wrong.]
[Kakashi Hatake: That's the difference. Based on the books I've read, there's bound to be a destined encounter.]
[Ameno: Thank you, Kakashi-san.]
[Mito Uzumaki: A gentle and considerate girl like her would take good care of him.]
Some Time Later
Naruto knocked on Nagi's door again.
After being let inside, he glanced around—relieved that Sasuke wasn't present.
In the living room, Naruto grinned.
"Hehehe, Nagi! Do you know what I've been doing lately?"
Judging from that expression—
"Oh my. Looks like you completed another S-Rank mission."
Naruto froze.
"H-How did you know?! I didn't even say anything!"
"It's written all over your face."
"Haha… I guess so! Alright, listen—Shiranui Kūra, Neji, Lee, and I went to the Land of Demons. We protected the shrine maiden, Shion…"
Naruto launched into an animated retelling.
"And then—Shion and I unleashed a super-powerful Rasengan and defeated Mōryō!"
Nagi smiled.
"You broke the prophecy and protected her. Completing an S-Rank mission like that is impressive, Naruto."
"Right?! That guy even said he'd come back for revenge—but we still defeated him!"
"Mōryō…"
Nagi felt something faintly off—but couldn't quite place it.
Naruto continued boasting enthusiastically—
When a familiar voice interrupted.
"I could hear the noise from a mile away. Of course it's you, Naruto."
Naruto didn't turn around.
"Hmph. No wonder the sky suddenly got darker. It's you, Sasuke."
Konoha Training Grounds
Naruto and Sasuke stood facing one another.
Nagi, Shiranui Kūra, and Kakashi observed from the sidelines.
Shiranui Kūra sighed.
"Why are they fighting again?"
Kakashi didn't even lift his half-lidded gaze.
"I can think of a thousand reasons. Either way, if they don't clash once in a while, they won't settle down."
He glanced at Nagi.
"They'll probably hold back… mostly. But we may need you again."
Shiranui Kūra nodded.
"Please help if things get out of hand, Nagi."
She had long since realized—Nagi was far from ordinary.
Nagi replied calmly,
"Leave it to me."
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