After crying softly for a while, Teuchi raised a hand and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. His eyes were a little red as he said solemnly,
"No matter what, I won't believe that you really became a Konoha rogue ninja, Big Brother Sosuke!"
"I'll work hard to make ramen that brings everyone even more happiness, and help make up for the sadness you've brought them, at least for now—until... the day you come back..."
His gaze was resolute. After finishing, he bent down and continued clearing away the rubble from the wrecked house.
And this was Sosuke's former home...
Meanwhile,
in a makeshift hospital that Konoha had hastily built,
a slender woman lay pale-faced in a simple room.
Long strands of purple hair spilled across the white bedsheets. Her brow was slightly furrowed, and her long eyelashes trembled, as if she were trapped in a terrifying nightmare.
Just as a tear slipped from the corner of her eye, she suddenly opened her dark eyes.
Staring at the white ceiling, Shimura Kazumi felt a deep sadness well up inside her for no apparent reason. She felt utterly desolate.
Just then,
"Creak."
The door opened, and Tsunade, her long blond hair tied in a ponytail, walked in slowly.
She looked haggard too. Clearly, Sosuke's departure had dealt her a heavy blow.
Seeing Tsunade enter, Kazumi looked a little taken aback, surprised by her visit.
Tsunade was also slightly startled to see her awake. Then she said softly,
"You're awake, Captain Kazumi..."
Kazumi slowly sat up and gave a quiet nod. Then the two fell into a long silence.
After a while, Kazumi's expression grew downcast, and she asked in a cool voice,
"Th-that guy left...?"
At her words, Tsunade nodded gently, her voice growing a little heavy.
"It's