It was now early summer, five years after Nine-Tails Night and two months after the war between the four countries of Fire, Lightning, Water, and Wind.
Nighttime, the Land of Wind, behind Molin Temple.
In that familiar house, Souya lay on the bed, rocking as he crossed one leg over the other.
"Sasori!"
"You've been keeping me company for over a month now!"
"This place is so cramped, and you're taking up almost the whole room!"
Souya looked helplessly at Sasori, who was tinkering with puppet parts. Numerous Sealing Scrolls were scattered across the floor.
As soon as Sasori heard that Souya's master had passed away, he moved in with Souya without a word.
Pakura had visited Souya during that time as well. But when she saw Sasori sleeping beside him, her expression turned a little strange, and she let the matter drop.
At first, Sasori had indeed helped Souya vent his emotions considerably, because he was an excellent listener.
No matter what Souya said, Sasori listened quietly and responded appropriately from time to time.
But more than a month had passed. On the surface, Souya seemed to have completely returned to normal.
Yet Sasori still wouldn't leave. He stayed by Souya's side every day, never letting him out of his sight.
After a while, Sasori finally stood up, put the puppet parts beside him into a Sealing Scroll, and yawned sleepily. Then he walked over to the bed and said flatly, "Move over."
"..."
Souya reluctantly scooted over.
Souya rested his hands behind his head and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Suddenly, Sasori spoke. "That version of the Ninja World you've been describing these past few days sounds interesting."
"If it can really be achieved, then peace won't just be empty words."
"I'll go with you all the way,