The Ten Lost Years

He had no idea how much time had passed.

When Kanami opened his eyes again, he was already back in Konoha, in his own home.

"My head hurts... Did I use up too much chakra over the past six years?"

He propped himself up with one hand and sat upright.

But the moment he sat up, a beautiful black-haired woman hurried over.

"Oh my, why did you get up by yourself again? Are you hungry? I'll make you some porridge. It'll be ready soon, so don't worry."

Hearing that familiar voice, Kanami immediately looked up at her. "It really is you, Hinata."

Clatter!

The large ladle in Hinata's hand fell straight to the floor and snapped in two.

"Y-You... what did you call me?"

She asked in a trembling voice.

Kanami tilted his head slightly. "I called you Hinata. What's wrong? By the way, how did I get back..."

"Waaah!"

Before he could finish, Hinata threw her arms around him.

Though he had no idea what was going on, his eyes softened. He hugged Hinata back and patted her back.

"What happened, Hinata?"

"Waaah, do you know? It's been ten full years since Anchu and I found you, and during all that time, you lost your ability to speak!

For ten years, you never said a single word. You didn't even remember us. You were like a vegetable!"

Hinata's body shook uncontrollably.

Kanami found it even stranger after hearing that.

"Found me? Ten years have already passed? It felt like I only took a nap."

"Maybe those ten years you spent without the ability to speak were just a slightly longer dream to you."

Hinata reluctantly released Kanami and rubbed her red, swollen eyes.

"Mom worked herself to the bone for you over the past ten years, and you're telling