Senju Compound · Tianyi's Residence
It was late at night, and the moonlight flowed like water.
Tianyi had just returned home when he saw a silver-haired figure standing quietly at the door.
Hatake Sakumo.
He wore simple, clean casual clothes. Without the sharp aura of the ANBU commander he once had, he looked far more peaceful. Yet his eyes remained clear and resolute.
Tianyi paused slightly, then smiled, pushed open the door, and gestured for him to enter.
"Sakumo-senpai, please, come in."
The two sat down in the living room. Tianyi brewed a pot of tea, its fragrance curling through the air.
"Are your injuries any better, Sakumo-senpai?" Tianyi asked, studying his complexion.
Hatake Sakumo lifted his teacup and took a light sip.
"They are mostly healed. Your first aid method that day was quite unusual. My wounds closed much faster than expected."
Tianyi nodded. Blue Star medical techniques paired with the Mystical Palm Technique were indeed highly effective.
Setting down his teacup, Sakumo raised his head and looked Tianyi straight in the eye.
"Tianyi, I have decided to step down as ANBU commander."
Tianyi was not surprised. He merely listened in silence.
"I want to take a proper look at this world from the perspective of an ordinary ninja."
Sakumo's tone was calm and relieved.
"For all these years, I kept carrying out missions, kept fighting, kept fulfilling the duties others placed upon me.
"But after going through this..."
He paused.
"I have died once already. What is there left to be unable to let go of?"
Tianyi smiled faintly.
"Sakumo-senpai, it seems you truly have come to terms with it."
He picked up the teapot and refilled Sakumo's cup, his gaze falling on the rippling tea as he sank into thought.
After a moment, he looked up.
"Since