Marriage

"That guy Shuri, what on earth is he doing—"

"It's probably been about a year now, hasn't it—?"

"Just a little bit more and it'll be done."

Ina, sitting across from Diejian, said with a hint of loneliness.

Diejian fiddled with the sticky rice dumpling skewers in his hand, then roughly bit off the top dumpling.

It had been nearly a year since Uchiha Shuri disappeared from the village.

Not long after his brother, Kagami Uchiha, fell in battle against the Second Water Shadow while on a mission, Uchiha Shuri had left the village without telling a soul.

Diejian only learned of this some time after Shuri had departed.

Upon returning from a mission, he heard from the Uchiha youth Fugaku—whom Shuri was very fond of—that Shuri's residence was already empty, and Diejian immediately rushed to the Uchiha Clan's district.

But perhaps due to the fallout from the chaotic flow of information following Kagami's death, he was not granted permission to enter the Uchiha compound.

Later, he asked the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, about Shuri's whereabouts, and the answer he received was "cannot disclose," which put Diejian's mind at ease for the time being.

"Cannot disclose" meant that even if they knew, there was a reason it could not be spoken of.

And the fact that the Third Hokage knew something meant she had not defected from the village.

If Shuri had truly defected, then the people capable of definitively eliminating her—namely Diejian and Sakumo, who were well-versed in Shuri's personality and combat style—would have been assigned the mission to hunt down the rogue ninja.

Even if the Third Hokage hesitated out of sentiment, Shimura Danzō, who stood by his side, would never allow a unique Kekkei Genkai like the Sharingan to be lost to the outside world; he would have forced the issue.

The fact that there had been no movement until now meant the upper echelons were likely keeping track of Shuri's movements.

That said, Diejian was not certain whether Shuri had gone to carry out a top-secret mission or had taken an extended leave to heal a broken heart.

Konohagakure after Shuri's disappearance.

Small changes had occurred within the village.

The Ninja Academy was renamed the "Ninja School," and the school buildings underwent large-scale renovations to facilitate better education.

Diejian's younger brother, Nawaki, enrolled in the Ninja School with excellent grades, and unlike Diejian back in the day, he was praised as a prodigy.

Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru successfully promoted to Chunin, leaving the protection of Sarutobi Hiruzen to begin carrying out missions in various regions.

As an older brother, there were many things to worry about, and Diejian had grumbled to Tsunade several times.

But in Tsunade's eyes, Diejian's own experiences were even more worrying, so she always retorted with, "Look who's talking."

In Kagami, who sacrificed his life to protect his comrades, Diejian saw the essence of the Will of Fire.

A ninja's value in life is determined by the manner of their death.

If so, Kagami had undoubtedly inherited and practiced the Will of Fire correctly, entrusting it to those who followed.

At least, Kagami's student, Hatake Sakumo, had inherited that point correctly.

Sakumo was currently "standing on the front lines," shouldering the duty of protecting his comrades.

"I feel a bit sorry for Sakumo, honestly."

"Sigh, I can only say the timing was unfortunate."

Six months after Kagami Uchiha fell in action.

Because Konohagakure did not retaliate against Kirigakure, Sunagakure concluded that Konoha had weakened since the era of Senju Hashirama and began invading small nations under the jurisdiction of the Land of Fire.

The Land of Fire lodged a protest with the Land of Wind, but the Land of Wind, citing the low productivity of its own territory, used the banner of "fair expansion of rights and interests" and did not cease its military actions.

Responding to the rescue request of its ally, the Land of Fire ordered Konohagakure to dispatch elite ninja to the small nations.

Hatake Sakumo volunteered to lead that elite force.

Ina currently worked in the intelligence division under the Third Hokage, meaning she basically never took on missions outside the village that involved combat.

Diejian was also talent reserved for operations directly under the Third Hokage—in plain terms, he wasn't the type sent to handle small-scale conflicts in other countries.

Sakumo, who had enjoyed the title of "Hundred Fangs" since the era of the Second Hokage, was the most suitable candidate to serve as the vanguard that other nations would respect.

The Third Hokage—or rather, Danzō—had even intended to dispatch Sakumo via a Hokage's decree, but Sakumo had intended to go regardless.

"Diejian. While I certainly don't want Sakumo, or you, to take on those kinds of missions—I also felt that both of you would likely go. So, honestly, I'm a bit surprised. When Sakumo volunteered, I thought you would go too."

"Ah, that matter."

Ina stared at the clear tea in her bowl.

Her atmosphere betrayed her worry for her childhood friend stepping onto a real battlefield.

"I, well, have other things to do."

"Then, someday—?"

"Ina, don't be so uneasy. That's not like you."

"You say it's not like me? A friend is going through something difficult, and yet I—!"

"Sakumo will be fine. Besides, Konoha's ninja are strong. Once they drive Sunagakure back, it'll be over."

"I hope so—"

"Furthermore, per the Third Hokage's orders, Sakumo has been commanded to return to the village temporarily."

Most people in Konoha probably think the same thing.

Konoha is strong.

There is no problem.

However, despite saying this to appease Ina, Diejian could not erase the lingering unease swirling in his heart.

The unknown ninjutsu used by the Sunagakure ninjas who engaged Sakumo's unit.

The scroll sent by Sakumo recorded the unknown ninjutsu manipulated by the Sunagakure ninjas.

During the engagement, a ninja who could be considered a master of taijutsu even in Konoha closed the distance to a Sunagakure ninja and kicked toward his body, only to have his leg severed in the next instant, collapsing to the ground.

Yet the Sunagakure ninja, who should have been sent flying by the kick, immediately rejoined the battle, showing no signs of injury whatsoever.

Is it a solid clone with durability far superior to the Clone Technique, or is it an illusion—

At the very least, it is certain that Sunagakure has developed a new ninjutsu or discovered a new application for existing techniques.

Sakumo was recalled precisely to report this intelligence in detail to the higher-ups and to discuss countermeasures.

However, this cannot be told to Ina.

Although Ina is a Jonin, she is not in a position to be informed of top-secret matters.

Feeling the frustration of being unable to confide secrets to his childhood friend, and realizing that he had "gradually grown accustomed" to closing off his heart, Diejian gave a bitter smile internally.

"Sakumo is coming back?!"

"Yeah. The Akimichi Clan's—Ina, you're from the Yamanaka Clan, so you know him, right? Torifu-san's squad was dispatched to the front lines. As a rotation, Sakumo is returning to Konoha. He's reporting the war situation to the Third Hokage, and taking some leave. Sakumo must be tired from continuous fighting, so maybe we childhood friends should group up and go on a trip or something."

"That, that's great! Oh—it's been so long since I've been on a trip."

Ina's face blossomed into a smile.

What Diejian thought of was the Hot Spring Village, which he had visited a few times in the past for missions.

That village is far from Sunagakure and is a place untouched by strife.

It is perfect for clearing one's mind.

★

"Oh my, Big Brother Diejian, sorry about that. Let us tag along too."

"And the travel expenses this time are on Big Brother Diejian—what generosity! I really have to learn from that."

"Jiraiya—"

"What is it?"

"Shut up."

"Yes."

—A little earlier.

A few days after his date with Ina, with the returning Sakumo and Ina, as well as Tsunade who was invited to re-celebrate her promotion to Chunin, Diejian's group agreed to meet at the main gate after the afternoon.

Regrettably, because Nawaki had classes at the Ninja Academy, the times didn't align, so he had to stay home to watch the house.

To his sulking younger brother, Diejian promised to bring back a mountain of souvenirs.

The day before the trip, both Tsunade and Diejian played with the mischievous Nawaki until he was satisfied.

—Tsunade, who is growing from a young girl into a woman.

Her pale blonde hair glowed with luster, and her once modest chest was growing toward a more maternal fullness.

To the villagers, such a Tsunade and Diejian walking beside her were the perfect subjects for gossip.

Precisely because they were known to be a close-knit brother and sister, they became excellent fodder for idle chatter.

Are they finally going to elope for a hopeless love—if she heard such rumors, Tsunade would turn bright red and try to pounce on the passersby, only to be stopped by Diejian grabbing her collar.

Arriving at the main gate amidst such noise, they saw that besides Sakumo and Ina, there were two others—a white-haired youth and a black-haired youth, standing to the side while holding very large travel bags.

Diejian couldn't help but doubt his own eyes.

He didn't understand why those two—Jiraiya and Orochimaru—were there, nor did he understand what Jiraiya's smug expression meant.

Ignoring the bewildered Diejian, Ina, who was shrugging and smiling, had a welcoming atmosphere, while Sakumo was reading a book without a care.

Diejian looked sharply at Tsunade.

Tsunade was sweating coldly, her eyes shifting away.

"Tsunade, you—"

"Ah, hahaha—Brother, I'm sorry."

This was an unexpected rebellion by unexpected people.

When Tsunade heard her brother say that although it was late, he still wanted to host a banquet to celebrate her promotion to Chunin, she naturally assumed it included her classmates, Orochimaru and Jiraiya.

She told the two of them excitedly the very next day—by the time she started to feel like something was wrong, she was already riding a tiger and couldn't get off.

Thus, she went to consult with Ina—the result was that the crisis descending upon Tsunade turned into a prank that kept only Diejian in the dark.

As an older brother, Diejian was not without his thoughts regarding a younger sister who had learned the cunning art of deceiving her brother, but the presence of Orochimaru and Jiraiya had also played a significant role in Tsunade becoming a Chunin.

Deep down, Diejian also wanted to congratulate them on becoming Chunin as well.

Orochimaru, usually cold and unsociable, seemed to be in high spirits today, appearing quite endearing; besides, they were his cherished juniors.

It was not unpleasant to be relied upon by them.

Therefore—however, Jiraiya's way of striking up conversations on the journey was truly a bit annoying, and Diejian began to grow displeased.

"Jiraiya, that's enough. Brother doesn't like that kind of pestering."

"Ugh—you've become a boring man—"

"Bringer-of-Darkness Technique."

"Waaaaah?! It's suddenly pitch black!? I can't hear anything either!! Tsunade, Orochimaru! Where are you guys?! Is it an enemy attack?!"

The noisy Jiraiya, and Tsunade dealing with him.

Diejian cast the genjutsu secret technique he had inherited from the Second Hokage on Jiraiya, then continued on his way as if nothing had happened.

"Honestly, even if Tsunade was 'snatched away,' you don't have to be jealous."

"The two of them aren't dating. They're just close. I don't feel like I've been 'snatched away' or anything."

Diejian walked with quick strides, and Ina, who had walked up beside him, leaned in to look at Diejian's face; seeing his unhappy expression, she let out a giggle.

Diejian frowned in displeasure and gave Ina a light glare.

Ina pretended to be scared, letting out a short, cute shriek.

"Alright, alright, don't make such a scary face."

Ina poked Diejian's cheek and linked her arm through his.

Diejian relaxed his shoulders due to Ina's concern and dispelled the darkness he had cast on Jiraiya.

"So scary. Just how many terrifying techniques does Brother Diejian know—"

"Well, after all, he is a disciple of that 'Second Hokage'."

Hearing Jiraiya whispering behind them, Sakumo gently patted his shoulder, and Jiraiya swallowed hard.

"But—is it really okay? To let us come along too—"

"Ah, don't worry about it, Orochimaru. The funds are nothing, and my congratulations on your promotion to Chunin are genuine. If anything, it's my congratulations that are late."

Orochimaru, who had grown older and started using honorifics with Diejian and the others.

He wore a loose kimono, and a trace of guilt leaked through his expressionless words.

Being treated with such respect actually made Diejian feel a bit uncomfortable, so he smiled at Orochimaru.

"I am truly humbled."

To Orochimaru, who bowed slightly, Diejian smiled again and told him not to worry about it.

Jiraiya, watching this scene, felt indignant that the way Diejian treated Orochimaru was so different from how he treated him.

But because Tsunade started talking to him, he immediately beamed with joy and forgot all about it.

★

"If only Juri could have come along too."

"Indeed."

After arriving at Hot Spring Village, they split into three groups: the women's group of Ina and Tsunade, the men's group of Orochimaru, Diejian, and Sakumo, and Jiraiya, who had gone off somewhere on his own, to stroll through the Entertainment District.

Having visited this place many times for missions, Sakumo and Diejian confided in each other, saying they wished they could bring Juri along for a trip.

Orochimaru seemed to have long wanted to ask the two seniors, known as the "White Fang" and the "Rising Dragon," about ninjutsu, and he displayed a level of talkativeness that was hard to imagine, drawing wry smiles from both men.

"This hair accessory—"

"What, is it a gift for Ina?"

"No, it's not like that."

"Then, is it for Tsunade?"

Diejian, who was browsing the street stalls, had his gaze fixed on a hair accessory.

Sakumo mentioned Ina, and Orochimaru mentioned Tsunade, each bringing up the name of a woman close to Diejian.

But Diejian shook his head at both names and picked up the yellow hair accessory.

"It looks just right. Shopkeeper, I'll take this."

"—Is it a new flame?"

"Well, not exactly—"

Diejian tucked the small paper bag containing the hair accessory into his robe and smiled with satisfaction.

Sakumo and Orochimaru were whispering to each other nearby.

"I can hear you two, you know. What kind of person do you take me for?"

Diejian said with a helpless expression, and the two of them laughed sheepishly.

After a while, the Entertainment District returned to its true form.

It was a bewitching, bustling scene at night, completely different from the daytime.

Listening to the mingling voices of men and women, Diejian and his companions enjoyed the warmth and tranquility of the open-air hot spring at their inn.

In the Women's Bath, Ina and Tsunade submerged their faces into the water, which was said to have skin-beautifying effects, until they were halfway under, then looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Ina slowly moved closer to Tsunade.

Sensing an ominous aura coming from Ina, Tsunade wore a look that suggested she wanted to back away.

Ina and Tsunade stood side by side, close enough that their shoulders were almost touching.

"What is it, Big Sister Ina?"

"Hmm, I just think you've grown up."

"W-what is that supposed to mean!!"

Noticing the direction of Ina's gaze, Tsunade's face flushed red, and her voice rose in pitch.

Ina smiled like a mischievous child.

"You were so small just a little while ago."

"Please don't say things like an old granny."

"An, an old granny--!?"

Tsunade's words made Ina's eyes widen in shock, her expression coloring with indignation.

"A child who says things like that--needs to be punished like this!!"

"W-wait a second--ah, no, please stop! Where are you touching--ahhh--!!"

On the other side, in the Men's Bath.

"What are those two doing over there..."

"They seem to be having a lot of fun."

Diejian and Sakumo looked at each other and smiled helplessly.

Orochimaru kept his eyes closed, enjoying the hot spring.

Whether his flushed cheeks were due to the heat of the water or something else, only he knew.

Then there was Jiraiya—"Ohhhhh!! On the other side of this wall is paradise!! It's great to be alive!!"

He stood up abruptly from the bath, eyes wide and drooling.

The splash caused by Jiraiya rising hit Diejian, making him frown in annoyance.

"Hey, Jiraiya. Sit still and soak."