" Yoru!"
" Yoru-kun!"
Mikoto and Kushina rushed over to him.
"Are you okay, Yoru (kun)?"
(Kenrō, Kenjiro: ???)
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry."
Yoru smiled at the two of them.
"Sorry about this," he added, turning toward the nearby villagers with a polite smile. "I caused quite a scene."
"Ah! Don't worry about it! We know you're a good kid!"
"Yeah, he was the one who started it!"
"You're impressive, kid from the Hoshino family!"
"Grow up to be a great ninja like your father!"
…
After thanking the enthusiastic villagers, Yoru led the two girls toward Kushina's home.
…
Whoosh!
Not long after they left, three figures dressed in black, wearing cat-faced masks, appeared on the scene.
ANBU.
After dispersing the remaining villagers, they began examining Kenjiro and Kenrō.
"Is this… Fire Release?"
"But I didn't see that kid form any hand seals."
The three ANBU exchanged surprised looks after inspecting the injuries.
"This involves the Uchiha clan… and Uzumaki Kushina."
"We need to report this to the Hokage."
…
After what had just happened, Kushina walked silently with her head lowered.
Mikoto glanced at her with concern.
"I… I'm home."
Kushina suddenly stopped and spoke softly.
"I'm really sorry about today."
"Kushina, we're friends, right?" Mikoto said gently. "Please don't take this to heart."
"…Mm."
But she still seemed distracted.
"Kushina."
She looked up at Yoru.
"I don't like blood or war either."
His smile was warm, like sunlight.
"But strength isn't only about destruction."
"How it's used… depends on the person."
"It can also be used to protect."
"And true protection… can bring lasting peace."
"So, Kushina—you didn't do anything wrong. Don't blame yourself."
His words were like light breaking through the darkness in her heart.
For someone who had experienced the destruction of her homeland—
Seen too much conflict and suffering—
What had happened today affected her deeply.
She had begun to doubt herself.
She hated violence…
So why had she used it again?
Seeing Kenjiro's condition had brought back painful memories.
If she hadn't responded that way—
Would things have been different?
But Yoru's words strengthened her resolve.
Only by becoming strong—
Could she decide between conflict and peace.
Otherwise—
She would just be swept along by the tides of the world.
As she stood there thinking—
Yoru gently reached out and placed a hand on her head.
"Kushina."
She looked up at him.
At that moment—
He seemed different.
"I don't think I've said this before," Yoru said with a smile.
"Your hair… is really beautiful."
Kushina froze.
A moment later—
Her face turned bright red.
"W-What are you saying?!"
She shut her eyes, leaning forward slightly, her small fists clenched behind her as she shouted:
"Idiot Yoru! Stupid Yoru!"
Then she turned and ran into her house.
"Mikoto, you know… teasing girls like that isn't very nice."
Mikoto's smile carried a faint hint of danger.
"Haha… I couldn't help it."
Yoru laughed awkwardly.
"But you were amazing today, Yoru-kun," Mikoto said, her expression softening.
"I didn't even notice what Kushina was feeling… and I called myself her friend…"
Just as she began blaming herself—
Yoru gently patted her head.
"That's not true, Mikoto. You did really well."
"…Really?"
"Of course. Let's head home."
" Yoru-kun, you're really good with girls."
"Haha…"
…
Inside the house, Kushina leaned against the door.
Listening as their voices faded away.
Her face was still red as she played with a strand of her hair.
"My hair… is beautiful…?"
The corners of her lips lifted slightly—
Forming a soft, sweet smile.