Three-Year Promise

After everyone had eaten and chatted, it was getting late. Time to rest.

Shamu took Haku and Kimimaro back to their rooms.

Kimimaro greeted Shamu. "Lord Shamu, I'll go rest first."

Then he quickly entered his room and slammed the door shut.

Kimimaro normally would not have acted like this, but Shamu seemed to have something to say to Haku tonight, so he did not linger.

Seeing Kimimaro's actions, Shamu shook his head slightly and escorted Haku to her door.

Haku stared steadily at Shamu. She knew Lord Shamu probably had something he wanted to tell her.

She opened the door and led Shamu inside.

Before his reincarnation, Shamu had taken Kimimaro and Haku out on missions and training trips.

They had eaten and slept together.

But the past was the past, and the present was the present.

Many things were different now. After her failed confession today, Haku did not know how to face Shamu.

Guessing Haku's state of mind, Shamu naturally sat down on a stool and beckoned to her.

Haku walked over somewhat timidly and, at Shamu's gesture, sat on the bed beside him.

"Haku, how long has it been since I brought you back?"

Haku answered without hesitation, "Eleven years, Lord Shamu."

Shamu nodded slightly. "We've spent so many years together, and we've always been happy."

"So don't put any pressure on yourself. Just get along with me as you always have."

"When you grow up, you'll understand what you want and understand your own heart."

Haku pursed her lips. "Then when will I count as grown up?"

Shamu thought for a moment. "How about three years from now?"

"If you still like me in three years, come tell me then."

At that moment, Haku suddenly understood why Lord Orochimaru had supported her in achieving immortality