Kurama, Long Time No See

Shi Xiu watched the villagers of Konoha, who were in a state of panic due to the Nine-Tails incident, and the Anbu members who were busy handling the aftermath.

Watching the medical ninjas and Anbu members rushing past him, some transporting the wounded and others comforting the villagers, he realized that no one spared a glance for Shi Xiu as he stood there.

Shi Xiu just stood there quietly, lost in his own thoughts.

After standing in place for a moment, Shi Xiu continued toward the east with an expressionless face. Before long, a unique Chinese-style courtyard came into his view.

This courtyard stood in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings, its distinct style catching the eye. It exuded an air of ancient elegance without appearing stiff or formal.

Stepping into the courtyard, Shi Xiu found that every detail here had been meticulously maintained and kept in perfect order.

Whether it was the neatly trimmed greenery or the well-arranged flowers, everything evoked a sense of tranquility and harmonious beauty.

Shi Xiu could not help but feel a bit surprised, for he had never expected that the flowers and plants he had casually planted in his spare time all those years ago would still be thriving with such vitality today.

Seeing this, Shi Xiu could not help but whisper to himself, "It seems that Monkey has put in quite a bit of effort."

With that, Shi Xiu began to appreciate the beautiful flowers and plants in the yard with great interest. He immersed himself in the scene for a good while before slowly withdrawing his gaze and stepping into the room.

The room was exceptionally spacious, with a simple yet elegant interior.

In the center sat a large bed that looked soft and comfortable, with clean and tidy bedding. Near the window stood a finely crafted desk, complete with the four treasures of the study, as if waiting for its owner to take up the brush at any moment.

"Time flies like a white horse passing a crevice; it vanishes in an instant!" Shi Xiu looked around the familiar room, unable to suppress a sigh.

Although time was perhaps the most insignificant thing to him, and he himself could no longer remember how many long years had passed, he could not help but feel a surge of complex emotions while facing this room that held countless memories.

Shi Xiu lay leisurely on the incredibly soft, cloud-like bed, crossing his legs comfortably. He closed his eyes slightly, entering a state of peaceful serenity, as if resting his mind.

However, it wasn't long before a knock sounded at the door. Hearing it, Shi Xiu slowly opened his eyes, sat up from the bed, and walked to the door at a leisurely pace to open it.

Once the door opened, a petite Anbu member came into view.

The Anbu wore an exquisite raccoon mask, obscuring her true face and revealing only a pair of sharp, mysterious eyes.

However, through her physical build, Shi Xiu could tell that she was a female ninja.

At this moment, she was carefully cradling a swaddled bundle. The baby inside was sleeping soundly, revealing only a soft, adorable little face with three whisker-like marks on each cheek.

"Lord Hokage asked me to hand him over to you," the Anbu member said, her voice low but laced with an indescribable sense of worry.

Shi Xiu nodded slightly to show he understood, then reached out his hands to take the bundle.

But at that moment, the Anbu member sidestepped, skillfully avoiding his outstretched hands.

Seeing this, Shi Xiu felt a bit surprised. He frowned and cast a questioning look at the Anbu member, seemingly unable to understand why she was avoiding him.

The Anbu member hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Sir, forgive my presumption, but... are you truly capable of taking care of the Fourth Hokage's child?" As she spoke, a trace of worry and doubt flickered in her eyes.

Hearing this, the corners of Shi Xiu's mouth curled up into an intrigued smile.

He fixed his deep gaze on the Anbu member before him and said softly, "Oh? Why do you ask? Do you doubt my abilities? Rest assured, I can certainly take care of the Fourth's child. As for you, you seem particularly concerned about this matter."

The Anbu member nodded without hesitation, her tone filled with sorrow.

"The Fourth Hokage once saved my life during a mission. If not for his intervention, I would likely not be alive today. Now that the Fourth has tragically sacrificed himself and left this child behind, I naturally care deeply. Therefore, I hope you will treat this child well."

After saying this, she hugged the bundle in her arms tighter, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.

Shi Xiu nodded thoughtfully. He turned his gaze to the Anbu member and asked softly, "May I ask what your name is?"

However, faced with Shi Xiu's inquiry, the Anbu member stood like a silent statue, saying nothing.

She gently handed Naruto over to Shi Xiu, then turned without hesitation, preparing to leave.

Seeing the Anbu member's cold reaction, Shi Xiu did not let it go. He narrowed his eyes slightly, a subtle smile playing on his lips, and said in a playful yet slightly threatening tone, "If you refuse to say, then tomorrow morning, I will go ask Hiruzen Sarutobi myself. And I assure you, I mean no harm."

Hearing this, the Anbu member, who had already taken a few steps, froze in her tracks. Her mind instantly recalled the specific instructions the Hokage had given her before she left—the person before her had an extraordinary background, and she must not easily provoke or anger him.

Thinking of this, the Anbu member cursed her luck, but she understood that she could no longer remain silent. She slowly turned around, took a deep breath, and finally broke her silence: "My name is Nara Luling."

After speaking, Nara Luling left and vanished into the night. Shi Xiu watched the direction in which she had departed and nodded.

"Nara Luling... I will remember you."

Subsequently, Shi Xiu slowly shifted his gaze from the distance to the small figure in his arms. Looking closely, little Naruto was sucking on his own chubby fingers, lying in the warm swaddle as if dreaming a sweet dream, looking so peaceful and serene.

Shi Xiu took light steps into the room. He walked to the bedside with great care, fearing he might wake little Naruto.

Then, he gently placed little Naruto on the soft bed.

Next, Shi Xiu extended his index finger, a faint light glowing at the tip, and tapped it lightly on the seal on little Naruto's stomach.

In that instant, Shi Xiu felt a blur before his eyes, and the surrounding scene became distorted. When everything became clear again, Shi Xiu was already inside little Naruto's mental world.

However, as soon as he entered, he keenly sensed a strong feeling of being watched from behind.

Shi Xiu turned around unhurriedly to see a pair of massive, heavy gates standing not far away.

Through the gap in the gate, he could see a pair of scarlet eyes flickering with cold light, staring fixedly at him as if trying to see right through him.

"Shi Xiu! How could you still be alive!" A voice filled with rage and shock boomed from behind those eyes, deafening and chilling.

Faced with this sudden interrogation, Shi Xiu merely smiled slightly. He calmly raised his hand, waved at the gate and the eyes behind it, and said in a relaxed tone, "Yo, Kurama, long time no see!"