Anko's Reluctance to Part with Karin

The ruins of the Ancient Kingdom of Roran.

Kushina Uzumaki and Rin Nohara stayed together.

Su Yu had already left. Later, he would take them to the Land of Waves.

Kushina didn't completely believe what Su Yu had told her, but deep down, she had already begun to waver.

If Su Yu's words proved true—if Karin was sent to Konoha and taken in by Tsunade—then there was no need to spell out what would happen.

If Karin was sent to Konoha like Kushina had been, she would have only one fate: becoming the new Jinchuriki.

Su Yu took the three of them with him, traveling without stopping.

By the time they returned to the Land of Waves,

it was already afternoon.

Uzuki Yugao was sparring with Karin. When she saw Su Yu return, her face lit up.

Then her expression turned complicated, because she had seen Hinata Hyuga.

"Yugao, arrange rooms for them. Neji, you're in charge of helping them train. That residence is yours. Karin, come with me. There's something I need to tell you." Su Yu quickly assigned everyone their tasks.

Uzuki Yugao went over to Mitaraishi Anko and Hinata Hyuga.

"Come with me."

Neji Hyuga looked at the nine children gathered around him.

"Starting today, I'll be your Taijutsu teacher. If you can defeat me, you'll qualify to become Lord Su Yu's subordinates. Lord Su Yu's standing is beyond your imagination. Only by becoming his subordinates can you become real ninjas."

"Yes!" the nine children answered in unison, their gazes resolute.

Karin followed Su Yu away.

The two of them made their way to Su Yu's courtyard.

Su Yu entered the sitting room and poured Karin a cup of hot tea.

Karin sat across from Su Yu, fidgeting nervously.

"At the rate you're improving now, even if you trained for another ten years, you still wouldn't be able to help me," Su Yu said.

Karin's face paled at his words.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not trying to send you away. I want to give you an opportunity," Su Yu said softly.

Karin slowly raised her head and looked at Su Yu.

"I recommended you to the Fifth Hokage, so you'll have a chance to become a Jinchuriki," Su Yu said slowly.

"A Jinchuriki?" Karin blinked.

"Our Uzumaki Clan has a technique called Adamantine Sealing Chains. It can seal a Tailed Beast inside you, allowing you to gain tremendous power in a short time." Su Yu looked at Karin.

"Really?" A hint of anticipation appeared in Karin's eyes.

"I've already tested it. I now have strength on par with a top-tier jonin, but that alone still isn't enough to carry out my plans." As he spoke, Su Yu walked over to Karin.

Karin looked at Su Yu, unsure what his plans were.

"Your growth is limited when you're by my side. In Konoha, you'll have access to more guidance. Especially Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu. Once you've learned it, you'll qualify to become her student. I want to restore the Uzumaki Clan. We need to do it together. Do you understand what I mean?" Su Yu held Karin's little hand and looked at her tenderly.

Karin's face flushed, and she nodded.

"It doesn't matter whether you become a Jinchuriki. What matters most is that you grow stronger. That's important to me. I need you, Karin." Su Yu gently kissed the back of her hand.

"Lord Su Yu..." Karin felt warmth bloom in her heart.

"Go pack your things. We'll leave tomorrow, and I'll take you to Konoha." Su Yu let go of her hand.

"When... when will I get to see you again?" Karin asked reluctantly.

"Tomorrow, I'll give you a Kunai marked with the Flying Thunder God Technique. As long as you keep it safe, I can appear in front of you in an instant. I have a residence in Konoha, and that will be your home. You can stay in my room. Then, whenever I miss you, I can visit you right away." Su Yu smiled.

"Lord Su Yu, I'll do my best to get stronger. If you come to visit me often, I... I'll agree to anything you ask, even that kind of thing." Karin blushed and lowered her head as she mentioned it.

Hearing that, Su Yu gently embraced her and whispered in her ear.

Karin's face turned bright red, but she still murmured her agreement.

When night fell,

Su Yu prepared dinner himself.

When Uzuki Yugao learned that Su Yu was sending Karin to Konoha, she felt reluctant to part with her, but she still smiled as she saw her off.

Mitaraishi Anko was surprised to learn that Karin was a member of the Uzumaki Clan.

She had a good memory and remembered Karin taking the Chunin Ninja Exams as a member of Kusagakure.

At the thought, she couldn't help glancing at Su Yu.

He must have snatched Karin from Kusagakure, hadn't he?

Hinata Hyuga wasn't close to Karin, so she could only watch from the side.

With everyone's encouragement, Karin felt the warmth of a family for the first time.

In the end, she leaned against Su Yu reluctantly and began to cry.

Su Yu held her, gave Hinata Hyuga an apologetic look, then glanced at Uzuki Yugao before leaving the table.

He took Karin for a stroll through the Land of Waves' night market. There were plenty of snacks, most of them seafood, as well as decorations from other places.

Su Yu gave Karin a necklace and fastened it around her neck.

The two of them then went to the great bridge in the Land of Waves.

On the bridge,

Karin watched the night scenery and felt the sea breeze brush past. Her little head rested against Su Yu's shoulder.

Su Yu held her with one arm and gazed out at the sea without saying a word.

Half an hour later,

Karin suddenly rose onto her tiptoes and kissed Su Yu on the cheek.

Su Yu didn't refuse, but he didn't take advantage of her, either.

Once the kiss was over, Karin ran off, shy.

Su Yu stayed where he was for a few minutes, then quietly followed her and walked her back to her room.

When he returned to his own room,

Su Yu pushed open the door and saw Uzuki Yugao sitting at the low table.

"Have the two of them gone back to their rooms?" Su Yu asked casually.

"Mm. I arranged for Lady Hinata and Anko to stay at the residence by the sea." Uzuki Yugao nodded.

"I've learned the Flying Thunder God Technique. I want to mark your back, but I don't feel comfortable using just a Kunai." Su Yu looked at Uzuki Yugao.

"Really?" Uzuki Yugao exclaimed in surprise.

"Turn around, and take off your clothes... Ahem." Su Yu walked over to Uzuki Yugao.

Uzuki Yugao blushed and turned around, baring her back to Su Yu.

Su Yu worked slowly, taking a full ten minutes to finish the mark.

Uzuki Yugao slowly put her clothes back on.

Once she was dressed,

Su Yu embraced Uzuki Yugao.

"Su Yu..." Uzuki Yugao's face warmed.

"Yugao, I'm sorry," Su Yu said softly.

"It's all right. You and Hinata are a good match. As long as I can stay by your side, that's enough for me." Uzuki Yugao turned to look at Su Yu, her gaze tender.

"Thank you, Yugao." Su Yu held her tightly.