"I see."
Sasuke nodded; in fact, he had always known.
However, I don't understand Itachi's actions, especially since Hagoromo just told him about it.
Itachi accepted this task himself.
For some reason, Sasuke thought of Neji; if it were him, he probably wouldn't be so conflicted.
However, after returning to the village, Neji usually only came over at night.
After all, he's been doing some D-rank missions lately, and even when he does get C-rank one, he comes back the next day.
Becoming a ninja is like running far away from them.
"Stinky Sasuke, let's do our best!"
Naruto stood up and spoke to Sasuke very seriously.
The conversations Naruto had with his father in the spiritual realm over the past few days had helped him understand some things.
Right now, he's only thinking about improving himself as quickly as possible; as for growth...
When the time comes, you'll understand.
"Hmm." Sasuke nodded, though awkwardly, it seemed that this Dead Last was the one who understood him best at this moment.
--
"Alright, then I'll leave it to Inoichi."
At Konoha Hospital, Hagoromo thanked Inoichi.
Inoichi waved his hand and glanced back at the ward. "That child should have woken up by now."
"It seems she felt safer in her sleep, and she didn't wake up until the investigation was over."
"There's no other way; I had to explain the situation to the Hiruzen Hokage and bring her here first."
"I'll leave the rest to you."
"That's not true." Hagoromo nodded, asked Inoichi a few more questions, and then turned and went into the ward.
Looking at the figure lying on the hospital bed, Hagoromo slowly walked forward.
Sure enough, just as Inoichi said, it seems that she feels safer in her dreams.
At this moment, there was a relaxed look on her face, and Hagoromo couldn't help but sigh.
"Although dreams are wonderful, one cannot remain asleep forever."
Hagoromo reached out and touched Karin finger, and his Chakra began to surge.
To be honest, Karin is indeed very powerful.
With the remaining Yin Release Chakra from the Hagoromo, her own Chakra merged with it, allowing her to immerse herself in that dream.
Smack
As if bubbles were shattering, Karin, lying on the hospital bed, frowned at the same time.
Then, in the next instant, a pair of red eyes appeared in front of Hagoromo.
Instead of shouting or yelling as expected, Karin simply stared fixedly at Hagoromo standing in front of her.
After a long while, Karin, who had been staring at Hagoromo, finally spoke.
What do you need me to do?
Hagoromo didn't respond, but simply pulled over a stool and sat down with a gentle smile on her face.
"Hello, my name is Sawada Hagoromo."
It was a very ordinary greeting, but it surprised Karin, who then stood up shyly to respond.
"Hello, my name is Karin Uzumaki."
It must be said that the Uzumaki Clan's physique is truly formidable, even after going without food for several days.
Karin's condition remains perfectly normal.
"This is Konoha, it's safe here."
"Here, no one will force you to do anything you don't want to do."
Seeing that Karin had fallen silent after her self-introduction, Hagoromo took the initiative to speak.
"Konoha..." Karin hugged her knees tightly, shrinking her small body even more.
"Konoha is different from Kusagakure; here, no one will force you to do anything you don't want to do."
"You can choose to live here as an ordinary person. Konoha will provide corresponding subsidies, so you don't need to worry about making a living."
This is what Hagoromo and Hiruzen Sarutobi discussed: everything for this little girl needs to be decided by herself.
Even just wanting to be an ordinary villager.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in agreement, after all, if we really had to discuss it...
The things left behind by the Uzumaki Clan would be of greater help to Konoha, and raising such a little girl wouldn't be a difficult thing.
Besides, now that his own disciple has spoken up.
Can I come with you?
Karin looked up at Hagoromo, comparing him to the so-called Konoha or any village.
She felt an inexplicable urge to stay by the side of the person who had appeared before her and brought her here.
"Certainly."
His gaze was gentle, and his voice was mild as he said, "You are a person with flesh and blood, with thoughts."
"Whatever decision you make is fine."
"I have several disciples, one of whom is named Naruto Uzumaki. You two might be able to have a good exchange in the future."
"Naruto Uzumaki..." Karin stared intently at Hagoromo, this was the first time she had heard of someone other than her mother who shared the same surname as her.
Seeing this, Hagoromo chuckled and began telling Karin about Naruto.
She also mentioned Sasuke and others, and for a moment the only sounds in the ward were Hagoromo's voice and Karin listening silently.
"They are all good, and they are all different."
"Naruto and Sasuke excel at fighting, Shikamaru excels at analysis, Ino likes gardening, and Choji likes food..."
"Everyone has their own things to do, but they train together and comfort each other when one is sad."
I think maybe they can become your new partners in the future.
"A true partner you can trust, not someone you treat like a tool."
Karin's breath hitched, and tears instantly streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.
Seeing this, Hagoromo couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. It was good that she could cry; at least that was a normal human reaction.
"From now on, you can slowly learn to trust, and learn to recognize other aspects of yourself besides your abilities."
Learn to build relationships with others... that aren't so painful; maybe then you'll find the person who will accompany you for life.
Upon hearing this, Karin, who had been crying, instantly blushed.
It has to be said that the children in the Shinobi World are truly precocious; even Karin is showing this reaction right now.
Hagoromo looked at Karin in front of her. "Now, would you like to be alone for a while longer, or do you need me to walk with you?"
A gentle breeze blew in through the window, lightly brushing against Karin's cheek.
He didn't respond immediately, but simply lowered his head again, looking at the teeth marks on his arm.
After a long time--
"I'd like to meet those people you just mentioned."
Hagoromo and smiled gently, "That's fine, but we need someone to change your clothes first."
After confirming with Karin once again, Hagoromo finally left the ward.
A moment later, a nurse who looked very gentle walked in.
After a long while, she came out with Karin. She had changed into ordinary clothes, but the Uzumaki Clan crest was on her back.
After thanking the nurse beside her, Hagoromo looked at Karin.
"Let's go, they're probably still training."
Hagoromo straightened up and extended an invitation to Karin Uzumaki.