For a moment, the atmosphere grew a little awkward.
A reunion between classmates should have been full of surprise and laughter, but this reunion took place in a frontline camp amid the flames of war. They were no longer classmates, but comrades about to face life-and-death trials.
The air held a mixture of familiarity, strangeness, wistfulness, and even a trace of heaviness.
Tsume Inuzuka was the most straightforward and lively of them-or, perhaps, the most reckless. Unable to contain her curiosity, she bounded over to Shinji in a few steps and openly looked him up and down.
Her gaze swept over the short blade in Shinji's hand, clearly weathered by battle, his dark blue combat uniform, washed pale and even frayed around the edges, and his face, still young but already marked by composure.
"Wow! Shinji! It really is you!" she exclaimed, her voice full of undisguised surprise and a barely perceptible hint of envy. "I know you graduated early and went to war over a year ago, but you've changed... so much! It feels... it feels like you're a completely different person!"
Kuromaru came forward beside her, gently sniffed Shinji, then gave a "Woof!" and wagged his tail, seemingly confirming his identity and greeting him.
Shibi Aburame was much calmer. He adjusted the sunglasses on his nose, his voice emerging from behind his high-collared coat, so level that it betrayed no emotion. "Shinji, Hizashi, Miwako. It's been a long time."
He still addressed them as he had at school, speaking respectfully to Hizashi and Miwako, who had graduated much earlier and were his seniors. That small detail reflected the Aburame Clan's characteristic meticulousness.
Keigo Hyuga seemed the most ill at ease. First, with unmistakable awe, he stole a quick glance at Hizashi, who rested by the window with his