The Child Who Wanted to Eat Dango Was Called Shisui

Not only because of Hidden Leaf's environment.

But also because of that sharp-tongued brat ahead of her, who had never treated her like a trophy.

If only Sunagakure could become like this someday.

She took a deep breath.

And forced those weak, absurd thoughts back down into her heart.

This time, the village had paid an enormous price to ransom her back.

After she returned.

She had to lead Sunagakure's forces to seize more land where their villagers could survive.

Someday.

Sunagakure's children, too, should be able to eat dango beneath the sunlight and laugh without a care in the world.

She was Sunagakure's hero.

She absolutely could not waver here.

Just as Pakura's thoughts ran wild.

A burst of crisp laughter suddenly came from beside her.

Several five- or six-year-old children were chasing and playing in the street.

One of the little boys ran too fast.

His foot caught on something.

And he pitched straight toward Pakura.

Pakura's body reacted faster than her mind.

The instincts honed on the battlefield made her body tense abruptly.

She reflexively wanted to step back.

Her right hand had already formed the opening gesture for a hand seal.

Even with her chakra sealed, she could force back anyone who came close through taijutsu alone.

But just as she was about to exert herself.

She saw clearly that it was only a childish face streaked with snot.

No Kunai.

No killing intent.

Just an ordinary Hidden Leaf civilian child.

Pakura forcibly stopped her counterattack.

She bent down slightly.

And reached out a hand.

Steadily catching the little boy by the arm.

The child did not fall onto the hard bluestone pavement.

He regained his footing.

Then looked up in confusion.

At the impossibly beautiful older sister before him, dressed in a plain-colored kimono.

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