Chapter 121 — New Year, Holidays, and Overtime
Time flowed past like running water. In the blink of an eye, it was already Konoha Year 45.
This year, Taichi had turned nine, while Yōhei and Saori were both twelve.
As their bodies entered a period of rapid growth, Taichi could clearly feel just how absurdly fast Yōhei's and Saori's chakra reserves were increasing. The growth rate was nothing short of exaggerated.
It left Taichi more than a little envious.
Originally, his own chakra reserves had been fairly ample. But ever since he began developing Cremation, he had once again fallen into an awkward shortage of chakra.
One technique, barely used for a short while—and his chakra would be completely drained.
Not only did this stall the development of the technique itself, it even slowed down the increase in proficiency to a crawl.
Unfortunately, age was age. Objective reality could not be changed.
For now, Taichi could only work harder on physical training, hoping to increase his chakra capacity through improvements in physique.
That said, one thing was worth mentioning.
During this period, Taichi, Yōhei, and Saori had maintained an extremely disciplined rhythm—training rigorously, executing missions nonstop—and their strength had continued to rise steadily.
Even without a team captain, the three worked together with exceptional tacit understanding. They swept through a large number of C-rank missions at an astonishing pace, gradually making Team Eight quite well-known among Konoha's genin.
---
That morning, Taichi was training by the river as usual when a long-unheard "Jiji—!" cry echoed from afar.
Following the sound, Taichi looked up and saw a familiar bird flapping its wings toward him.
As it drew closer, he finally got a clear look.
…Oh?
After so long, the formerly chubby bird had actually slimmed down. The round, pudgy look was gone—now it even looked a bit majestic.
Jiji circled above Taichi's head a few times, then performed a handsome dive. Less than a meter above the ground, it flapped its wings sharply, whipping up a gust of wind and dust before landing lightly atop a large rock.
Unfortunately, the cool act lasted less than three seconds.
"Jiji! Taichi, don't I look more handsome now?"
Taichi's forehead twitched.
So the bird did know it used to be fat and ugly.
Ignoring the narcissism entirely, Taichi asked, "Jiji, it's been a long time. Has Captain Yamaguchi returned?"
"Jiji! Yes, Jiji! His long-term mission is over. He asked Jiji to notify everyone—tomorrow morning at nine o'clock, Training Ground Seven!"
Before Taichi could reply, the bird flapped its wings again and shot skyward in another cloud of dust, shouting as it left:
"Jiji! I still have to notify Yōhei and Saori, then I'm going to see my girlfriend! Jiji! No time to chat, Jiji!"
Taichi: "..."
A few sentences and gone.
So it really just landed to show off how handsome it had become.
Still, the news itself made Taichi secretly delighted.
Honestly, he was getting sick of C-rank missions. If things continued like this, he might as well stay home and train full-time instead.
---
The next day, Taichi arrived early at the training ground, full of anticipation.
To his surprise, Yōhei and Saori were already there—clearly even more eager than he was.
They didn't have to wait long.
A tall figure slowly approached from the distance.
It was Yamaguchi Masasuke, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.
He looked a bit thinner—clearly worn down by extended missions—but his spirit was vibrant, his complexion bright. Most striking of all were his eyes: firm, resolute, and even sharper than before.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Captain Yamaguchi said as he reached them—then suddenly bowed deeply.
The three were completely stunned.
Straightening up, he said apologetically, "During this time, I failed in my duties as a captain. I left you to handle missions and training on your own. I'm truly sorry."
Taichi waved his hands quickly.
"Captain, please don't say that! Just having you come back safely is already great. And besides, those missions weren't something you could refuse."
Saori nodded seriously.
"We've been looking forward to your return."
Yōhei grinned and joked, "Yeah! While you were gone, we cleared a ton of C-rank missions. We're actually kind of famous in the village now."
Captain Yamaguchi smiled with clear relief and patted Yōhei's shoulder.
"I've heard. You all did very well—better than I expected. However…"
He paused, then said solemnly, "As compensation, lunch is on me today. Let's go to the barbecue restaurant, eat properly, and talk about everything that's happened."
The three immediately cheered.
Yōhei raised a fist excitedly.
"Then I won't hold back! I'm ordering ten plates of premium marbled beef!"
Taichi laughed and shook his head.
"Careful you don't overeat. Don't complain when training starts this afternoon."
Saori lowered her head, fingers fidgeting slightly, and said softly,
"Captain… won't that be too expensive?"
Captain Yamaguchi's smile stiffened for just a moment.
Yōhei talked big, but realistically he'd be impressive if he finished half that amount.
This quiet girl, on the other hand, had an appetite that completely betrayed her appearance.
"It's fine," he said quickly, laughing.
"I've done plenty of high-rank missions recently. My wallet can handle it—eat as much as you like."
---
With the captain's return, Team Eight was finally whole again—and at last qualified to accept higher-rank missions.
That very night, still riding the excitement, Taichi wrote a letter to Tsunade through the Shikkotsu Forest. After all, he'd complained to her more than once that recent missions were far too easy and completely lacking in challenge.
At the same time, he also asked her for advice on good houses for sale. She'd lived in Konoha for many years—her understanding of the village far exceeded his own.
A perfect day came to an end.
Just as Taichi and the others were eagerly looking forward to taking on B-rank, or even A-rank missions the very next day, reality slapped them hard in the face.
---
"What?! The Mission Hall is closed?!"
Yōhei's shout echoed outside the entrance. Taichi and Saori stared at each other in disbelief.
"You people from Team Eight have gone mission-crazy, haven't you?" the staff member said in astonishment, then glanced behind Yōhei. "You must be the captain? First time I've seen you."
That single sentence left Captain Yamaguchi mortified.
Apparently, the staff were all familiar with Team Eight—but not their captain.
What followed made it even worse.
"The kids forgot what day it is, fine—but even you forgot?" the staff member said, looking genuinely pained.
"It's New Year's! New Year's! We're on holiday right now! Unless it's a village-designated mission, everything is suspended. Come back in three days."
"New Year's?!"
Captain Yamaguchi slapped his forehead.
"How did I forget something so important?"
"No wonder the streets were so crowded today," Taichi muttered, finally realizing it himself.
"So it's New Year's break…"
"Then… what do we do?" Yōhei asked cautiously.
"What do you think?" Captain Yamaguchi replied firmly.
"Go home and celebrate the New Year, of course!"
Only now did he recall the look his wife had given him that morning—the are-you-an-idiot stare. Turns out she'd known all along he'd be coming right back.
"Yesss!" Yōhei cheered instantly, his disappointment from moments earlier completely forgotten.
After all, New Year's was something worth celebrating.
They agreed to meet again after the holiday, then immediately scattered—each heading straight home.
---
As for Taichi, he had somewhere else to go.
But first—New Year's gifts.
The streets were decked out in lanterns and decorations, festive energy everywhere. Taichi couldn't help wondering how he'd failed to realize it was New Year's earlier.
Had missions really scrambled his sense of time that badly?
He moved through the crowd carefully choosing gifts:
Ninja tool models for the boys
Hair ornaments and plush dolls for the girls
Books and stationery for the older kids
Lastly, he picked out a warm scarf for Nonō—simple in color, soft in texture, gentle against the skin. It suited her calm temperament perfectly.
Arms full of packages, Taichi headed toward the orphanage.
---
The moment he pushed open the gate, laughter filled the air.
Grandma Keiko was helping the children put up New Year decorations. When she saw Taichi, she smiled kindly.
"Taichi, I thought you wouldn't be coming this year."
"Sorry," Taichi scratched his head awkwardly.
"I almost forgot it was New Year's. Grandma Keiko, where's Sister Nonō?"
"Oh? Same as you," Grandma Keiko sighed.
"She forgot too—and went straight to the hospital to work overtime."
Nonō was now a full-fledged doctor at Konoha Hospital. With holiday rotations in place, she happened to be on duty these two days.
The children quickly noticed Taichi and swarmed him excitedly.
He handed out gifts one by one.
"Yami, your teddy bear hair clip! Look how cute it is!"
"Kōta, this kunai toy is yours—but remember, don't throw it at others. It's for protecting them!"
"Chiyone, these dolls are for you and your sister—one red, one blue. Don't mix them up!"
Watching their excited faces filled Taichi with warmth.
While their attention was fully on their gifts, Taichi quietly formed hand seals and created a shadow clone to stay and play with them. The real body took Grandma Keiko's gift and stepped forward.
"Grandma, these are knee supports. It's cold, and your legs bother you—this should help."
Grandma Keiko paused, then smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Taichi. Such a thoughtful child."
After chatting for a bit, Taichi stood up.
"I'll go check on Sister Nonō at the hospital. I'll leave my clone here—if you need anything, just ask him."
"Alright, alright," Grandma Keiko urged him with a smile.
"Go on. Working overtime during New Year's—she'll be happy to see you."
---
Hospitals never lacked people.
Even during the holiday, the crowd outside was as heavy as ever. Taichi sighed—no wonder overtime was unavoidable.
Inside, the corridors were packed. The smell of disinfectant mixed with groans and hurried footsteps.
During New Year's, emergency cases only increased—food poisoning, firework injuries, emotional stress triggering cardiovascular issues.
From afar, Taichi spotted Nonō, bent over treating a child whose hand had been injured by fireworks. Her light-brown hair was tied hastily into a ponytail, sweat beading at her temple despite the cold.
She finished bandaging and stood up slowly—then swayed.
Taichi stepped in instantly, catching her arm.
"Sister Nonō, you should rest a bit."
She steadied herself, then looked up—her eyes lighting up.
"Taichi? Why are you here? Didn't you go to the orphanage?"
"I did. Now I'm here to keep you company," Taichi said gently.
"You almost fainted just now."
"I can't rest," she said helplessly.
"There's a flu outbreak on top of everything else—we're short-handed everywhere…"
Before she could finish, hurried footsteps approached.
"Doctor Nonō! Emergency gastrointestinal case!"
"Sorry!" she said quickly, already turning to run.
"I'll talk to you later!"
Watching her disappear, Taichi sighed.
So this is what it's like having a responsible, compassionate sister.
Looking around at the overwhelmed staff, Taichi suddenly remembered—
Didn't he still have a hospital work ID?
Back when Director Fujita had invited him to help, he'd declined—but the director had insisted on preparing an ID anyway, in case Taichi wanted to assist in his free time.
Isn't this exactly that time?
Taichi immediately headed for Director Fujita's office.
He didn't even make it that far.
As he passed the Trauma Department, the door opened—and Director Fujita stepped out.
Their eyes met.
The director's expression… was indescribable. Like a long-abandoned spouse finally seeing their partner return home.
"…Director," Taichi said stiffly.
"I, uh… came to check on my work ID…"
"Oh?" Director Fujita drawled.
"So you remember you have one? I thought you'd forgotten entirely, Matsushita-kun."
The honorific alone spelled danger.
"Director, please don't say that!" Taichi clasped his hands apologetically.
"I saw how busy things are—I came to help!"
Fujita stared at him for a long moment, then finally sighed.
"Fine. It's ready."
He led Taichi inside, pulled out the ID, and handed it over.
"Put it on and go help Trauma. They're short on people."
Taichi beamed, clipped the badge onto his chest, pulled on a white coat—and only then paused at the door.
"Oh, right. Director—Emergency is even busier. I'll help there first!"
Director Fujita froze.
Then—
"MATSUSHITA TAICHI—GET BACK HERE!"
The roar shook the entire office.