After Naruto and Sasuke emerged from underground, they hurried toward the Elves' settlement. After all, they had taken the Elves' sacred relic. Things would get awkward if anyone found out.
As soon as they entered the settlement, they saw Nawaki Senju and the Elves' Elder seemingly discussing something. Curious, Naruto and Sasuke walked over, and Naruto asked, "Big Brother Nawaki, Elder, what are you talking about?"
The Elder smiled. "Oh, Naruto, Sasuke. Nothing much. I was just discussing what comes next with Nawaki. Now that the matter with the Dark Elves has been settled, our people are slowly recovering. I was asking whether he intends to stay in the Elven Forest or head out."
Naruto smiled. "Do you even need to ask, Elder? Of course he's heading out. Big Brother Nawaki only came to the Elven Forest by accident. He has to leave eventually. He doesn't belong here."
Nawaki nodded. "Yes, Naruto's right. I'm grateful for all the care the Elves have given me during my stay, but it's time to leave. There's still a lot to do out there. Of course, once I've finished my business outside, I'll come back. After all, I found a sense of belonging here that I hadn't felt in a long time. Perhaps this is where I truly belong."
The Elder had known that Nawaki Senju would leave sooner or later, but he had not expected it to happen so soon. He had hoped to keep Nawaki Senju in the Elven Forest a while longer. Still, since Nawaki Senju had decided to leave, the Elder would not stop him. More importantly, Nawaki Senju had said he would return to the Elven Forest someday, which made him very happy. It meant that the Elves and the Elven Forest already held a place in Nawaki Senju's