The backlog of affairs within Konoha has been largely cleared up, and although the aftereffects of the war are still ongoing, things are back on track.
Chiyo had a moment of free time, she thought of that burgeoning town near Konoha that was becoming increasingly prosperous.
Rōran Town.
He did not go there in a grand manner.
He only brought Mei Terumi, whom he had brought back from Kirigakure in the Land of Water.
The girl remained quiet throughout the journey, but her emerald green eyes would occasionally glance at Chiyo's retreating figure, her expression complex and indescribable.
She possessed both an unyielding stubbornness and a hidden yearning for power that she herself was unaware of, as well as a sense of bewilderment in a foreign land.
She was forcibly taken away from the familiar Kirigakure by Chiyo and brought to the territory of the rival Konoha.
Although she wasn't mistreated and even had some freedom of movement, this "possessive" status kept her seething with resentment.
Rōran Town has expanded considerably since Chiyo's last visit, thanks to its unique geographical location, being close to Konoha yet relatively independent.
In addition, there was Sara's relatively enlightened governance, and the frequent patrols by the Uchiha Guard Unit and the Anbu.
It attracted merchants and migrants from all directions, and the streets were bustling with people, with various accents blending together, making it quite vibrant.
Not far from the town entrance, a commotion caught Chiyo's attention.
A small circle of people could be seen gathered at the street corner ahead.
In the crowd, a woman dressed in traditional clothing from the Land of Wind, with a tall figure and delicate, smooth back, was exposed to the air.
She was twisting the arm of a skinny, ragged man with one hand, pointing at him with the other, and scolding him coldly.
Beside her stood a younger female ninja, who was helping to keep the onlookers at bay.
The two were Pakura and her disciple Juan.
In Rōran Town, no one will look down on you if you earn a living through your own labor!
But petty theft and other detrimental acts that corrupt morals will not be tolerated lightly!
Pakura's voice has the husky quality unique to Sand Ninja, giving it a distinctive charm even when she's scolding someone.
The thief was twisted so badly he grimaced and begged for mercy.
Chiyo didn't stop walking and went straight over.
Mei Terumi silently, half a step behind him.
Someone in the crowd recognized Chiyo and let out a low gasp, instinctively stepping aside to make way.
As the saying goes, a person's name is like the shadow of a tree. Chiyo Uchiha's name has long been known throughout the Shinobi World, and in this small town near Konoha, it is even more renowned.
Pakura also noticed the strangeness behind him, paused in his reprimanding voice, and turned around.
When she saw that the person who came was Chiyo, the cold and stern expression on her face instantly melted away, like a desert under the direct sunlight, blooming with a surprised and bright radiance, her eyes shining with an astonishing brightness.
" Chiyo!"
She blurted it out almost without thinking, her joy undisguised.
She casually pushed the thief to her disciple, Juan, beside her.
"Take him to Konoha and handle him according to the rules."
"Yes, Ms. Pakura!"
Juan quickly agreed, glancing at Chiyo with a mixture of curiosity and awe, before hurriedly leading the man away.
Pakura walked up to Chiyo in a few steps, a bright smile on her face, her gaze sweeping over him as if trying to make sure he was alright.
"Why did you come all of a sudden? Have you finished taking care of things back in the village?"
She spoke a little too quickly, revealing her inner turmoil.
"Well, it's almost over."
Chiyo looked at her rosy cheeks and seemed more relaxed than before, and nodded.
"It seems you're doing quite well here."
His gaze swept over the gradually dispersing crowd and the rather large buildings in the distance.
"It's a good place here; it's peaceful and free."
Pakura smiled, his tone filled with satisfaction.
" Sara has managed this place very well. Everyone comes from different places, and there's no deep-seated hatred between them, making it much easier to get along."
Chiyo looked at her and suddenly said.
"The war is over. You can come back to the Uchiha Compound with me now, and there won't be any more problems."
He knew that Pakura chose to stay in Rōran largely because her identity as Sand Ninja hero was too sensitive during wartime, and staying in the core area of Konoha would be bad for both sides.
Upon hearing this, Pakura's eyes flashed with obvious interest and tenderness, but in the end, she firmly shook her head, her smile becoming somewhat complicated and helpless.
"No, Chiyo. I know you mean well, but... the war is over, but that doesn't mean the hatred is gone. Too much blood has been shed between the Sand Ninja and the Konoha."
I am, after all, a ninja from the Sand Ninja, and once... a hero.
"Rushing into the Uchiha clan's territory and settling there permanently could cause unnecessary trouble for you, for the Uchiha, and even for the fragile peace that Konoha and Sand Ninja have just established."
She paused, her tone softening further.
"I'm really doing well here. Sara has taken good care of me and gave me a position as a Public Security Advisor, which allows me to be useful without drawing too much attention."
"I'm content just to see you occasionally."
Her words were frank and clear-headed, reflecting an understanding of reality and empathy for Chiyo's situation.
When Chiyo heard her mention Sara, he took the opportunity to ask her about it.
"Speaking of which, I just went to Sara's place to look for her, but no one was home. Has she been very busy lately?"
Mentioning this, Pakura's smile became somewhat subtle, tinged with a hint of teasing.
"Our Queen has recently found a new purpose in life."
For some reason, she became fascinated with medical books, spending all her time studying those thick classic texts and learning from the old doctor in town.
Recently, he even set up a small stall at the east end of town, providing free medical care to villagers and passersby!
" Sara? Studying medicine? Seeing patients?"
Chiyo was indeed somewhat surprised.
The once fragile yet strong Queen of Roran, who needed his protection, would actually choose this path?
This change was truly unexpected.
"Yes!"
Pakura laughed.
"At first, everyone found it novel, but she studied very seriously and had an excellent attitude. Gradually, she really cured a lot of people's minor ailments, and now she's quite popular in the neighborhood."
If you're looking for her, she's probably still at her ' Free Clinic Stall ' right now.
As she spoke, she naturally turned to the side.
"Let's go, I'll take you there. Juan will probably go help after he's dealt with that thief."
Chiyo nodded, and led Mei Terumi, following Pakura towards the east end of town.
Mei Terumi followed quietly behind, her emerald green eyes taking in Pakura and then the vibrant little town.
His understanding of Chiyo Uchiha became even more complex.
This man always seems to be surrounded by women of extraordinary status who are infatuated with him.
Not far along, at a relatively spacious street corner, we saw a simple shed.
There was a table and several benches under the shed.
Several villagers were lined up in front of the table, waiting to see a doctor.
Inside the shed, a beautiful woman dressed in an elegant light purple dress, with her hair tied up in a high bun, exuding a gentle yet undeniably resolute air, was bending down slightly to carefully examine the arm of an elderly man who looked like a farmer, her expression focused and earnest.
She is Sara.
She has indeed changed a lot. She has shed some of her girlish naiveté and gained a sense of maturity and composure. Her eyes, which were once full of worry, now sparkle with the satisfaction of seeking knowledge and helping others.
However, what caught Chiyo's attention even more was another woman standing quietly behind and to the side of Sara, skillfully helping to organize the medicinal herbs and hand over the utensils.
She was tall and slender, dressed in a simple and neat dark blue outfit that accentuated her beautiful curves.
Her long, light brown hair was tied into a braid that reached her waist. Her expression was somewhat indifferent, even carrying a sense of aloofness that made her seem unapproachable. However, when she looked at Sara and the patients, her movements were meticulous and patient.
Yugito Nii.
This female ninja, brought back from Kumogakure Chiyo, was originally carrying the Two-Tails, Matatabi, and was passionate, sensitive, and sensible.
He was here now, helping Sara with these trivial things.
All of this seemed so harmonious.
Seemingly sensing the familiar chakra approaching, Yugito raised his head, his eyes instantly locking onto Chiyo as she walked towards him.
Her eyes flickered violently, and she could barely maintain her indifferent expression. She instinctively straightened up and tightened her grip on the medicinal herbs slightly.
Surprise, confusion, a hint of barely concealed shyness, and emotions buried deep in her eyes flashed by quickly.
Her gaze lingered for a moment on Chiyo Mei Terumi behind Chiya.
Sara also noticed Yugito's unusual behavior and the sudden silence.
She looked up and followed the gaze of the Yugito.
When she saw Chiyo, she was first taken aback, then her face blossomed into a smile of immense surprise and tenderness, like a blooming Udumbara flower.
" Chiyo!"
She put down what she was holding, and without even paying attention to the patients who were still waiting, she quickly came out of the shed to greet them, her skirt brushing the ground and stirring up fine dust.
What brings you here?
Her voice was filled with joy, her cheeks flushed with excitement, and her gaze was fixed intently on Chiyo, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration and longing.
Yugito followed and stood half a step behind Sara, his eyes slightly lowered, and greeted her in a low voice.
" Chiyo..."
His tone was somewhat stiff, as if he wasn't used to expressing himself in such a public setting.
Chiyo looked at the two women in front of him, who had very different styles but were both closely related to him, and then at the small but meaningful free clinic tent behind them. A slight smile appeared on his lips.
"It seems you've made this place quite interesting while I was away."
His gaze swept over Sara and Yugito, finally settling back on Sara.
"I heard you've started studying medicine?"
Sara smiled somewhat shyly, her hands unconsciously twisting together, yet she tried her best to appear composed.
"Hmm... I always feel like I can't rely on your protection forever."
The people of Rōran need to live and work in peace and contentment, and I hope to do something for them and for those in need. Treating the sick and saving lives feels like a very meaningful thing."
Her eyes were firm and clear; finding a new purpose in life made her radiant.
"Very nice."
Chiyo nodded approvingly, then looked at Yugito.
How about you? Are you getting used to it?
Yugito raised his head, met Chiyo's gaze, and quickly looked away. His tone was still somewhat stiff, but the content was unexpected.
"It's... it's alright. Sara... she can't handle it all by herself, but I'm free anyway."
Watching from the side, Pakura couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, clearly having some understanding of Yugito's awkward personality.
Mei Terumi, watching this scene from behind, felt an even stronger sense of unease and curiosity.
What kind of magic does this man possess?
Chiyo looked at the women gathered in the town of Rōran. Some of them had their fates changed because of him, while others had found new directions because of him. They seemed to have formed a subtle and harmonious relationship with each other.
The post-rain sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining on the streets of the town and on them, warm and bright.
Rōran, the town that was reborn because of him, seems to be becoming a new home and a new beginning for these women.
Nothing much is happening in the village today, and the sun is shining brightly.
Let's get together and have lunch together!