Moonlight slanted in through the window lattice, cutting neat streaks of light across the tatami.
Qianyu lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
Obito's words still echoed in his mind. "We'll meet again."
Space-time ninjutsu.
He turned over. Abin was curled up amid the pile of cushions in the corner. White Zetsu did not need sleep, but lately he had become obsessed with imitating humans, and sleeping had become a new hobby.
Qianyu turned back again.
Flying Thunder God. He had to learn Flying Thunder God. But the sealing formula was densely packed, like another language. He needed time.
But Obito would not wait for him. Qianyu sat up, having thought of a last-resort plan.
The following evening, Qianyu booked out Yakiniku Q.
It was not some grand farewell banquet, and he had not told many people. But once word got out, the private room was still packed.
Naruto was the first to arrive. The moment he entered, he started ordering: five plates of beef tongue, three plates of premium loin, and as much pork belly as they could bring. Jiraiya followed behind him, unusually wearing a jacket without any holes in it, his hair tied up more neatly as well. When he ran into Tsunade, the two rolled their eyes at each other and took their seats separately.
Sasuke's seat remained empty.
No one mentioned it.
Qianyu sat in the corner by the window, with Ino beside him, her blond hair glowing softly beneath the lights. She was not as chatty as usual. Instead, she quietly poured him tea and set out his chopsticks, as though she had practiced it countless times.
"Next week, I'm going on a long trip." Qianyu raised his cup. His voice was not loud, but the private room gradually fell silent. "I'll be gone