Six years later.
Spring had come to Konoha again, and cherry blossoms filled the streets.
Genya stood at his front door with a hand on his hip, watching ten little figures with schoolbags skip off into the distance.
Kaguya's daughter led the way. The two little horns on her forehead had grown considerably since her birth, gleaming faintly like jade in the sunlight.
She walked at an unhurried pace, like a little general leading her troops.
Hinata's son walked beside her, his expression as serious as if he were carrying out an important mission.
Kurenai's twins walked hand in hand, one on either side. They had deliberately styled their hair alike and worn matching clothes today.
Konan's son walked in the middle of the group, scraps of paper floating around his shoulders. He could already do that at just six years old, drawing second glances from several passing parents.
Chinatsu's daughter hummed as she walked. It was the Girl Group's new song, which she had only learned last night.
Akari's and Akane's sons chased each other at the back.
Nami's daughter held a little notebook, jotting things down as she walked. Ino's son brought up the rear, occasionally turning back to wave at Genya.
Genya watched the ten little figures disappear around the street corner and let out a long breath.
That breath carried six years of exhaustion, sleepless nights, diapers, formula, crying, fighting, tattling, and countless cries of "Daddy, pick me up."
"Those little terrors have finally started school."
Black Zetsu drifted over from the side, still holding a baby bottle. Seeing the relief on Genya's face, he couldn't resist reminding him.
"You're celebrating too soon. They'll be back as soon as school lets out."
Genya's expression froze.
Black Zetsu added another remark.
"And from now on, you'll have