Letters from Everyone
In the dimly lit room, a solitary lamp softly illuminated a corner. Koki sat quietly at the table, a mountain of heavy letters piled in his hands. His gaze flowed slowly through them, focused and absorbed.
His eyes swept lightly across the letter, sometimes revealing a knowing smile, sometimes nodding slightly, immersed in a beautiful world.
Koki has been in the Land of Rain for some time now. During this time, the loneliness of being in a foreign land has not severed his connection with his family. On the contrary, his longing for them has remained constant.
Almost every day, he receives letters from different people. These letters are like an invisible bridge that connects them closely, making him feel as if they are still by his side.
The first letter he read was from Obito. Although the handwriting was hasty, it was full of life. His pride was revealed between the lines, and he described his bravery and fearlessness in carrying out his mission.
In the letter, Obito still seems to be that energetic and confident boy, Koki can almost see Obito charging into battle.
He described it vividly, and after a bit of self-praise, he casually added, "Koki, I really miss you."
"Hahaha." The slightly clumsy confession made Koki chuckle, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a gentle smile. You could feel Obito-nii's deep affection and care.
Next, Koki picked up Kakashi's letter. Kakashi's letter was just like his personality: concise, serious, and aloof.
In the letter, he first gave a brief report on the progress of his mission and told Koki not to worry about them.
Then, in a casual tone, he wrote, "Do your best on the mission, and after everything is over, I'll make you your favorite barbecue."
Imagining the aroma of the meat Kakashi had carefully grilled, Koki couldn't help but lightly lick her tongue, as if she could already smell the fragrance of the grilled meat.
Finally, Koki opened Minato's letter, the words of which were filled with the atmosphere of a battlefield.
In his letter, Minato detailed his fierce battle with the A–B Combo from Kumogakure and how he ultimately defeated them.
He also mentioned that the Land of Lightning has now turned its offensive against the Land of Wind, and that Sunagakure recently elected a new Fourth Kazekage Rasa. This new Kazekage has performed exceptionally well, preventing Kumogakure from gaining any advantage, and the Raikage is currently furious.
Shisui's letter was lengthy, lasting more than ten pages.
After using Genjutsu to defeat two Amegakure ninjas and allow Ao to escape back, the Mizukage was furious and dispatched the village's strongest Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
In his letter, Shisui meticulously described the members of the Seven Swordsmen, from their Ninjutsu skills to their personalities, leaving nothing out. He even used humor to describe the seven's peculiar appearances, which made Koki burst into laughter.
However, their smiles quickly faded. These seven were not only elites of Kirigakure, but each also wielded Ninja Blade that matched their Ninjutsu. It was rumored that when they joined forces, they could conquer a small country in the dead of night.
They are ambitious and ruthless; wherever their blades strike, the battlefield is stained crimson with blood. Some are even skilled in Water Release techniques and assassination, their silent killing skills renowned throughout the Shinobi World.
He quickly realized that Shisui had written in a lighthearted tone in the letter to reassure him. Koki sighed softly and placed the letter beside him.
The next letter carried Jiraiya's concern. In it, he casually inquired about the Frog Squad's recent situation, and then, in an unquestionable tone, urged Koki to accompany him on a journey to Mount Myōboku after the war was over, so that she could see the Toad Sage's face.
The name of Mount Myōboku, like an ancient promise, repeatedly echoed in Jiraiya's conversations. So this time, let his wish be granted.
At the end of the letter was Itachi's unexpected note. Contrary to his usual behavior, he asked Koki about the mysteries of life: What exactly is life?
Halfway through his writing, he abruptly changed course, as if he had suddenly awakened to the truth and hastily concluded this profound topic.
His narrative then shifts to his extraordinary encounter on the battlefield, where he recounts meeting a flock of crows that were as still as Shisui, and how he chose them as his spiritual companions.
He wrote that the trials on the battlefield had taught him a great deal, elevating both his spirit and his abilities. At the same time, he expressed his deep longing for his brother.
With respect and emotion, Koki carefully read each letter filled with longing and care, and then wrote back to each one.
In her letter to Obito, Koki humorously teased Obito's boasting, yet generously praised his courage and wisdom, and sincerely expressed her feelings. "I miss you too, Obito-nii."
In his letter to Kakashi, Koki promised to complete the mission well and that he would treat Kakashi to the most delicious barbecue he could make when he got back. He also reminded Kakashi to be careful and not to always push himself so hard.
In his reply to Minato, Koki congratulated him on his victory and expressed his hope that Minato would continue to be a beacon of hope for the Shinobi World.
As for his reply to Shisui, Koki shared the information he had about the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, hoping it would be of some help to Shisui. He also recounted some interesting anecdotes from his time in the Land of Rain, hoping to bring a touch of ease and joy to Shisui's tense battle.
In her reply to Jiraiya, Koki recounted her recent experiences in the Land of Rain, as well as the trivial matters of her interactions with the three members of the Frog Squad.
He solemnly promised that after the war ended, he would follow him to Mount Myōboku, filled with longing for the mystery and wisdom of this Toad Sage, believing that he would gain deeper cultivation and enlightenment in that sacred place.
Finally, he sat quietly before his desk, the letter like a bridge between Itachi's letter and his heart. Though his gaze was fixed on the paper, his thoughts had already sailed far away with the wind.
As for Itachi's reply... Koki remained silent for a long time.
Itachi's childhood was spent amidst the flames of the Third Shinobi World War. In that era of widespread war, the shadow of death loomed over the entire ninja world, and the wickedness of human nature and the struggle for life and death intertwined to create a series of tragic scenes.
As a young weasel, it witnessed the carnage on the battlefield, the blood staining the land, and its comrades and enemies struggling on the brink of death. Life was like a flower swaying in the wind, always ready to wither away.
That harrowing scene, like an indelible scar, was deeply etched into Itachi's heart, giving him a profound understanding of the fragility and impermanence of life.
When Itachi decided to follow Fugaku to the battlefield again, Koki felt a strong sense of opposition, unable to bear seeing his younger brother sink into that boundless sea of suffering.
However, Itachi's beliefs remained unwavering, and in the end, Koki chose to respect his younger brother's decision because he knew that Itachi was a person with his own firm beliefs and pursuits.