The originally composed and emotionless expression on Aburame Torune's face instantly changed.
For the first time, panic appeared in his eyes.
He had never imagined that his two strongest killing techniques—his insect swarm and poisonous mist—would be neutralized so effortlessly.
The sight before him completely shattered his confidence.
Aoki Yoru looked at him quietly, a trace of pity flickering in his eyes.
With such talent, Torune should have been one of the shining prides of the Aburame Clan. Under normal circumstances, he would have grown into a respected and powerful ninja.
Unfortunately, he had caught Danzo's attention.
And once that happened, his fate had already been decided.
He was no longer a person—only a disposable tool.
Lightning crackled faintly around Aoki Yoru's body.
In the next instant—
He vanished.
Like a ghost slipping through space, he reappeared silently behind Aburame Torune.
There was no warning.
No hesitation.
"Swish—"
A single, clean slash cut across Torune's neck.
It was fast.
Too fast.
So fast that Torune didn't even have time to react.
His body froze for a moment before collapsing to the ground.
A faint smile appeared on his face as he fell.
Perhaps, in that final instant, he remembered something—something peaceful, something human.
Aoki Yoru stood there in silence, staring at the fallen figure.
He didn't speak.
Didn't move.
After a few seconds, he raised his hand.
A burst of Fire Release ignited the corpse, reducing it to ashes. Then, with Earth Release, he disrupted the surrounding terrain, erasing all traces of the battle.
When everything was done, he turned and walked back toward the camp without looking back.
Five Days Later
The war had ended.
Aoki Yoru returned to Konoha alongside the vanguard unit.
But the moment he reached the entrance of the village, he froze.
The road ahead was completely packed.
Villagers, civilians, and ninjas who had remained behind filled both sides of the street. People of all ages stood shoulder to shoulder, their faces filled with anticipation and excitement.
Cheers erupted like waves.
Sunlight bathed the scene, illuminating countless smiling faces.
They were welcoming heroes.
At the very front stood the Third Hokage.
He personally greeted every returning ninja.
Even those who were wounded—those who had lost limbs—were treated with warmth and respect.
One young man, who had lost a leg in battle, was comforted so sincerely by the Hokage that he broke down in tears on the spot.
Aoki Yoru watched quietly.
Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"As expected of the Third Hokage… his political skills are flawless."
He understood it clearly.
After today, that injured ninja would not feel resentment.
Instead, he would become one of the Hokage's most loyal supporters.
Soon, it was Aoki Yoru's turn.
The Third Hokage stepped forward, his smile growing warmer.
He clasped Aoki Yoru's hand firmly.
"Jonin Aoki," he said with satisfaction, "you have done exceptionally well on the battlefield. You protected the village and your comrades."
"The future… belongs to you."
Aoki Yoru immediately bowed respectfully.
"I am unworthy of such praise, Hokage-sama. I am part of Konoha. When the village is in danger, it is my duty to fight."
The Third Hokage nodded, clearly pleased.
This was the Will of Fire.
And this young man possessed it.
As the Hokage moved on to greet others, Aoki Yoru quietly let out a breath of relief.
"In front of him… you always have to play the role properly."
He understood one thing very well:
The older the Hokage grew, the more he valued the Will of Fire.
It was no longer just a belief—it was his obsession.
After the Ceremony
An hour later, the welcoming ceremony finally ended.
The crowd slowly dispersed.
The team was dismissed.
As Aoki Yoru made his way toward the outer district, he was immediately surrounded.
"Little Yoru! You're back! Are you injured?"
"I heard many ninjas died at the East Gate—are you okay?"
"Hey! Don't say such unlucky things!"
"Our Yoru performed great feats on the battlefield!"
"Yes! Even the old woman who sweeps the West Gate knows his name!"
Voices overlapped.
Concern, pride, excitement—it all poured out at once.
Aoki Yoru patiently responded to each of them.
Only after quite some time did he finally manage to escape.
Home
The moment he stepped inside his house, he let out a deep breath.
"Finally…"
Home.
No matter how strong someone became, this feeling never changed.
He didn't train.
Didn't think.
He simply washed away the grime of battle and lay down.
And slept.
The Next Morning
"Chirp—chirp—"
Birdsong woke him up.
He opened his eyes slowly and glanced at the clock.
"Ten o'clock…?"
He blinked.
"I slept for fifteen hours?"
After such deep rest, his body felt light, his mind clear.
After a quick wash, he stepped outside.
There was only one place on his mind.
Ichiraku Ramen.
Ichiraku Ramen Shop
He sat down.
"One Special All-Toppings Deluxe Ramen."
Soon, a steaming bowl was placed in front of him.
He picked up his chopsticks.
"Slurp—"
The rich, savory taste filled his mouth instantly.
Worth every single ryo.
"This… is perfection."
As he ate, the curtain lifted.
A small figure walked in.
Messy blond hair.
Six whisker-like marks on his cheeks.
Bright orange clothes.
Uzumaki Naruto.
"Old man! One large Miso Chashu Ramen!"
Naruto sat beside him.
While waiting, he kept sneaking glances at Aoki Yoru.
Aoki Yoru noticed.
After a few seconds, he turned his head.
"What is it, kid?"
Naruto froze for a moment.
But then—
He smiled.
A bright, genuine smile.
"Big brother… you're a ninja, right?"
Aoki Yoru nodded.
Naruto's eyes lit up.
"In a few months, I'll become a ninja too!"
"I heard that three young ninjas became famous in the war!"
"One day, I'll be just like them!"
"I'll become a hero… and then Hokage!"
As he spoke, his imagination ran wild.
People cheering for him.
Smiling at him.
Acknowledging him.
Aoki Yoru watched him quietly.
Then said calmly:
"Oh? Then work hard, future Hokage."
Naruto froze.
No ridicule.
No disgust.
Just… acknowledgment.
For the first time, someone believed him.
His expression became serious.
He pointed at himself.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"
"And I never go back on my word!"
A huge grin spread across his face.
Aoki Yoru didn't reply.
He simply nodded.
Then finished his ramen in one final gulp.
"Boss, the bill."
He paid—and left.
Outside
As he walked away, he spotted Kenta's younger siblings playing nearby.
"Brother Aoki!"
They ran toward him happily.
He smiled slightly.
Took out a handful of candies.
Distributed them.
The kids carefully unwrapped them—licking even the wrappers before eating.
Simple happiness.
After saying goodbye, Aoki Yoru headed off toward Tenten's shop.
Back at Ichiraku
Naruto finished his ramen.
Even licked the bowl clean.
"Burp—"
Satisfied, he pulled out his frog wallet.
"Old man… the bill."
Teuchi smiled.
"No need."
Naruto blinked.
"That young man earlier paid for you."
"He said it's to celebrate you becoming Hokage in the future."
Naruto froze.
His hands trembled slightly.
His eyes turned red.
For a moment—
He couldn't speak.
Teuchi smiled gently.
"Work hard, Naruto."
"Someone already believes in you."
Naruto clenched his fists.
Then nodded—hard.
"Yeah!"
A bright, radiant smile appeared on his face.
For the first time—
His dream didn't feel so far away.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)