Farewell, Chihori

As soon as he went upstairs, Kushina, who had heard the noise from the room next door, shoved open her door and rushed out without hesitation.

Her gaze first swept quickly over Uchiha Chen, but after lingering for only a moment, it immediately locked onto Chihori and Karin, the mother and daughter.

The moment she saw that all-too-familiar hair color, Kushina's eyes seemed to be stirred by something, gradually filling with glistening tears.

After living in Konoha for so many long years, she had spent all this time trying to convince herself that she could slowly forget every memory and emotion connected to the Land of Whirlpools.

Yet at this very moment, Chihori's sudden appearance was like lighting a fuse, instantly drawing out all the past memories Kushina had buried deep within her heart.

Scene after scene from her days in the Land of Whirlpools suddenly became incomparably clear, unfolding before her like a series of paintings.

So, she had never truly forgotten. Those precious memories had merely been carefully suppressed in the deepest part of her heart.

Now, she could no longer restrain her emotions. Kushina took two quick steps forward, spread her arms, and pulled Chihori and Karin tightly into her embrace.

As tears rolled uncontrollably down her cheeks, she said excitedly, "It's good that you're here. With you by my side, I feel like I have a family again!"

The joy in Kushina's words was impossible to conceal, and that powerful emotion deeply affected Chihori as well.

Her somewhat reserved expression gradually relaxed. A faint smile rose to her lips, and she reached out to hug Kushina back.

Standing nearby, Uchiha Chen quietly watched this warm and touching scene. He knew that Kushina would surely have endless heartfelt things to say after reuniting with clansmen she had