The moon hung bright among sparse stars, the night gentle and quiet.
"Head home early, okay? Don't stay out too late."
The gentle blonde girl reminded Anko, Kurenai, Kakashi, Asuma, and Rin as they walked together.
"Yeah, yeah, got it!"
"You're so naggy, Sister Kaoru."
Anko's voice echoed back through the night.
"Anko, you shouldn't say that. Sister Kaoru is just worried about us."
As Anko's close friend, Kurenai felt it was necessary to correct her.
"Honestly, Anko… I'll have to let Brother Shishō teach you a lesson later. You can't keep this up."
Kaoru watched the children leave with a helpless smile.
Kyusei stood nearby, watching the slight displeasure between her brows, remaining silent.
"What's wrong?"
"Is there something on my face?"
Coming back to her senses, Kaoru noticed the red-haired boy staring at her and subconsciously touched her cheek.
"No. Let's go home."
Kyusei took her soft, fair hand and turned to leave.
She didn't resist, quietly following at his side.
The walk back was silent. The air between them felt heavy.
Even when they reached Kyusei's doorstep, neither of them spoke.
Looking at the girl beside him—her face still carrying that gentle warmth—Kyusei felt restless.
Something was wrong.
It shouldn't be like this between him and Kaoru.
This wordless distance shouldn't exist.
"Kaoru…"
Kyusei looked at the girl whose eyes held nothing but him, ready to finally confess everything.
She didn't deserve this.
"I remember you saying you'd be good and listen to me…"
Kaoru's arms wrapped around his neck, half her weight leaning against him.
A strange light shimmered in her blue eyes.
"Kaoru…"
Even through the clothes, Kyusei could feel her softness against him. He wanted to speak—wanted to tell her everything.
But before he could, soft lips pressed against his.
Kyusei looked at the girl kissing him, eyes closed, seeking him.
His gaze lowered, thoughts unreadable.
Maybe I really am a scumbag…
He responded gently, feeling her tension—her body stiff, nervous.
Instinctively, he held her closer, his hand sliding to her waist, brushing her smooth skin.
Her body froze for a moment.
Then her hand pressed down on his, stopping him.
Breathing grew heavier as they kissed. After a long while, they finally parted.
A thin silver thread lingered between them.
Kyusei looked at the girl before him—cheeks flushed, eyes hazy—and instinctively tried to pull her inside.
She resisted.
"Not yet."
Her voice was gentle, but firm.
Kyusei had no choice but to stop.
"Good night, Kyusei."
Kaoru blinked playfully at him and vanished in a flash.
Her house was right next door. Door open, inside, closed—smooth and quick.
Leaving Kyusei standing there alone.
Inside her room, Kaoru pressed a hand to her rapidly beating heart.
That had been incredibly bold—for her.
Yet her eyes were thoughtful.
She didn't understand what Kyusei was hiding.
But she didn't want to pry.
If she started doubting or forcing answers, it would only burden him—and fracture their relationship.
Instead, she chose to wait.
To wait until he told her himself.
After all… they still had Naruto's future ahead of them.
Humming softly, Kaoru headed into the bathroom to shower.
Training all day in this heat—she was drenched in sweat.
—
Kyusei sat alone atop the Hokage Monument, perched on Senju Hashirama's head, gazing down at Konoha beneath the night sky.
He pulled out a newly bought pack of cigarettes, awkwardly placed one between his lips, and flicked the lighter—
A slightly wrinkled hand pressed it shut.
"Kyusei, you promised me."
"No smoking before you're an adult."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood beside him in casual clothes, smiling.
"You still remember that, old man…"
Kyusei sighed and removed the cigarette.
"Something bothering you?"
"Tell this old man—maybe I can help."
Hiruzen sat beside him, speaking gently to the boy he held such expectations for.
Kyusei clicked his tongue.
"Telling you won't help."
"That just makes me more curious."
"To think something could trouble Konoha's strongest."
Hiruzen didn't mind Kyusei's tone. To him, Kyusei was like a son.
He'd come to Konoha at six years old.
Mischievous, troublesome—but Hiruzen had watched him grow year by year.
From a brat to the towering youth he was now.
On the surface reckless and unruly—but inwardly kind.
Even at his angriest, he still restrained himself.
Like with the Byakugan incident.
That final Tailed Beast Bomb—he could have fired it at Kirigakure.
But he didn't.
He aimed it at the Mizukage.
He could've destroyed the village entirely.
But he didn't.
Which meant his heart was still clear.
He blamed those responsible—not the innocent.
Hiruzen believed no one in Konoha understood Kyusei better than he did.
"Old man."
"How did you meet Aunt Biwako?"
Hiruzen paused.
"Well… Biwako and Danzo were from the same clan."
"It was simply a political marriage arranged by my father, Sarutobi Sasuke, and the Shimura clan head."
He spoke with quiet nostalgia.
Kyusei froze.
Wait—what?
No wonder Hiruzen and Danzo were so close.
There was family involved?!
"Then answer me honestly."
Kyusei met Hiruzen's puzzled gaze.
"After you got married…"
"Did you ever cheat?"
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