Pathological ended.
The turmoil caused by Jiraiya's romantic debts from decades ago had finally settled into dust.
Shizuka and her attendants did not linger. Before leaving, Shizuka stopped at Konoha's gates and turned to look at Naruto, who had come to see her off.
She fell silent for a moment. Her eyes, once filled with dead silence and self-destructive impulses, still bore weary red traces, but somewhere deep within, a faintly different light now shone.
"Thank you."
She spoke softly. There were no extra words, no polite pleasantries. She merely looked deeply at him. Naruto could sense it—the deathly aura of self-punishment that had long clung to her like a shadow had finally dissipated.
In its place was a slowly awakening confusion and faint exploration toward the very idea of a "future."
The kunoichi from Nadeshiko Village gave Naruto a solemn ninety-degree bow. "Nadeshiko Village will not forget this kindness." Then she straightened, turned away with Shizuka, and merged into the stream of people leaving the village without looking back.
"Whew... It's finally over!"
In the Hokage's office, Jiraiya let out a long breath and slapped Naruto hard on the back, his face full of pride and delight.
"Well done, Naruto! Just as expected of this great sage's disciple! You handled that match beautifully, hahaha!"
"You have no right to say that!"
Kushina immediately bristled, her glare at Jiraiya still sparking with fire. "This whole mess was your fault from beginning to end! And you still dare take credit for it?!"
"Uh..." Jiraiya's imposing manner immediately deflated. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I didn't expect it back then... My later disciples would be so impressive that wives throwing themselves at them would be unnecessary..."
He sighed, his tone carrying genuine emotion.
His two disciples, Minato Namikaze and