The originally indifferent Aburame Torune instantly turned pale with shock; he had never imagined that his two killing moves would be so easily blocked.
Looking at the panicked Aburame Torune, Aoki Yoru suddenly felt a bit sorry for him.
With his extraordinary talent, he should have been the pride of the Aburame clan. Unfortunately, he caught Danzo's eye and became a sacrifice.
Lightning flashed around Aoki Yoru's body, and his figure suddenly vanished. In the next instant, like a ghost, he appeared silently behind Aburame Torune.
"Swish—"
An extremely fast and light slash passed across his neck.
Aburame Torune, who hadn't even had time to react, collapsed instantly, a smile of relief on his face as he fell.
Aoki Yoru stood in place, staring at him quietly. At the final moment, he must have thought of some beautiful memories.
He used Fire Release to burn the corpse and Earth Release to destroy the scene before walking slowly toward the camp.
Five days later.
Aoki Yoru returned with the vanguard. When they arrived at the entrance of Konoha Village, he was stunned by the sight before him.
The sides of the road were already crowded with villagers and Ninjas who had stayed behind. Young and old were squeezed together, waving their arms as cheers rose wave after wave.
Sunlight spilled onto everyone's faces, which were filled with expectation and reverence. They lined the streets to welcome them like returning heroes.
The Third Hokage stood at the very front of the crowd, personally shaking hands with every returning warrior.
A young man who had lost a leg was greeted and comforted so warmly by the Sandaime that he burst into tears of emotion.
Aoki Yoru watched this scene quietly, unable to help but feel admiration.
"As expected of the Sandaime, these political tactics are truly seasoned. After this, that disabled Ninja will promote the greatness of the Sandaime from the bottom of his heart instead of harboring resentment."
Soon it was his turn. The Third Hokage stood before him, the smile on his face growing even brighter. He gave his hand a firm squeeze and said in a gratified tone:
"Jonin Aoki, you did very well on the front lines. You successfully protected the Village and your comrades. The future is yours."
Aoki Yoru quickly bowed and said respectfully, "I do not deserve Hokage-sama's praise. I am also a part of Konoha. When the Village is in trouble, it is my duty!"
The Sandaime nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this. This child had a strong will of fire within him!
Watching the Sandaime walk over to comfort Yui, Aoki Yoru breathed a secret sigh of relief.
In front of the Sandaime, one must always display their will of fire. In his old age, he particularly values this; it is his lifelong obsession.
After an hour of commendations and pleasantries, the crowd gradually dispersed, and the team was disbanded on the spot.
The Outer District.
As soon as Aoki Yoru appeared at the intersection, he was surrounded by enthusiastic neighbors.
"Little Yoru is back! Are you hurt? I heard several Ninja masters from the East Gate died on the battlefield."
"Scram! Don't say such unlucky things. Little Yoru performed great deeds on the battlefield."
"Yes, yes, even the old lady who sweeps the streets at the West Gate has heard of Little Yoru's name."
The elderly neighbors around him kept offering greetings, one after another, full of concern.
Aoki Yoru responded to each one patiently, finally managing to escape from the crowd. He bid them farewell and headed home.
"Whew—!"
Returning home, Aoki Yoru let out a long sigh of relief. No matter when, coming home always makes one feel particularly at ease, allowing the mind to fully relax.
He didn't train either. After a wonderful wash to thoroughly scrub away the grime and fatigue accumulated during this period, he went to bed and had a beautiful sleep.
"Chirp—chirp—"
Aoki Yoru was startled awake by the sound of birds outside the window. He opened his eyes and turned to look at the alarm clock by his bedside.
"It's already ten in the morning!"
He hadn't expected to sleep for fifteen hours.
After a night of rest, he felt his spirit was much better.
He then got up, washed up briefly, and walked out of the house toward Ichiraku Ramen. He hadn't eaten it in a long time and was craving it.
Ordering a bowl of Teuchi's Special All-Toppings Deluxe Ramen, Aoki Yoru began to eat with reverence. This cost 150 Ryo per bowl, something he couldn't bear to spend on before.
"Slurp—"
Aoki Yoru kept slurping the noodles. It had to be said that the deluxe version truly captured the taste buds; it was a masterpiece of the human world.
Just then, the curtain was lifted, and a dirty brat with six whiskers on his face, yellow hair, and orange clothes walked in and sat on the chair next to him.
"Uncle Ichiraku, one bowl of ramen! A large bowl of Miso Chashu Ramen."
Looking at the Naruto who had entered, Aoki Yoru didn't mind. Now that he was on the kill lists of various countries, he didn't care about having contact with Naruto or intentionally distancing himself.
While waiting for his ramen, Naruto would steal glances at Aoki Yoru from time to time.
Because of his powerful perception, Aoki Yoru couldn't stand being watched and turned to look at him: "Hey, kid, is something wrong?"
Naruto, who didn't sense any feelings of disgust from the other person, immediately beamed with joy and plucked up the courage to lean closer.
"Big brother, you're a Ninja, right?"
Not knowing what he wanted, Aoki Yoru nodded.
The Naruto who received a response became even more excited. "In a few months, I'll become a Ninja too. I heard that three people two years older than me made a name for themselves on the battlefield. In the future, I'll be just like them, becoming a hero of Konoha and finally becoming the Hokage."
As he spoke, Naruto began to drift into a fantasy, imagining himself as a savior where those who used to reject him would greet him with smiles, and those who bullied him would kneel before him in tears and repentance.
Aoki Yoru looked at the daydreaming Naruto and said flatly, "Oh! Really? Then you'll have to work hard, future Hokage."
Hearing these words, Naruto stared at him blankly. This was the first time a stranger had affirmed his dream. Then, with a serious face, he pointed his thumb at himself and said loudly:
"Of course! I am Uzumaki Naruto, and I will definitely do what I say."
He then revealed a brilliant smile, which formed a sharp contrast with his dirty face.
Aoki Yoru didn't speak but nodded, then picked up the large bowl in front of him and drank the soup in one gulp.
Putting down the bowl, he smacked his lips with satisfaction, still savoring the rich aroma of the ramen.
"Boss, the bill!"
After settling up with Ichiraku, he walked out and happened to see Kenta's younger brothers and sisters playing in front of the shop.
"Brother Aoki!" the three little ones greeted him in unison.
Looking at the three little ones who were clearly much plumper, Aoki Yoru rubbed their heads.
He pulled a handful of candies from his pocket and distributed them. He had just bought them from a roadside stall; although they weren't sweet enough, they could satisfy a craving.
The three little ones joyfully took the candies, carefully unwrapped them, licked the candy paper first, and then put the candies in their mouths, showing satisfied smiles.
Waving goodbye to them, Aoki Yoru headed toward Tenten's shop; he needed to restock some weapons.
Ichiraku Ramen shop.
Naruto carefully licked the bottom of the bowl clean, let out a full burp, and patted his stomach with satisfaction.
He picked up his Frog Wallet and carefully pulled out a few crumpled bills.
"Uncle Ichiraku, the bill."
Lifting the curtain, Ichiraku came out from the back kitchen. "No need, Naruto. That young man just now paid for you. He said it was to congratulate you in advance on becoming the Hokage."
Hearing these words, Naruto froze, his eyes instantly turning red.
Looking at the stunned Naruto, Ichiraku encouraged him with a smile, "Naruto, you have to work hard. Someone already recognizes you."
"Yeah!"
He nodded vigorously, a brilliant smile appearing on his face.