KURAI LEAVES WITH INOCHI
After Inochi imparted his insight to Kurai, the moon started to ascend, signaling to Inochi that it was the appropriate moment for departure, suggesting he would escort her back.
Kurai articulated that her sister was engaged in a mission, implying she'd find herself in solitude at home, and expressed her apprehension concerning the potential threat of being seized by Shinobi.
Inochi comprehends and informs Kurai that he will inquire with his mother about the possibility of her staying overnight while her sister is on a mission.
As they started making their way back, Tosuke had arrived at Inochi's residence in search of him.
Upon spotting him, Inochi inquires, "What's going on Tosuke, why are you here?" To which Tosuke responds, "Yamata is engaged in a mission, so I ended up training by myself. I was hoping to ask Hamari if I might stay over."
SLEEPOVER AT INOCHI'S
Inochi then remarks, "Alright, it seems we're all staying over at mine.
" Following this, Inochi proceeds indoors while Kurai and Tosuke follow him.
After entering, he shuts the door behind them, and then Hamari appears from around the corner.
She greets Inochi upon his return, then extends a welcome to Kurai and Tosuke.
Inochi then states, "Mother Hamari, Master Yamata, and Kurai's sister, Hikari, are currently away on a mission.
Would it be alright if we spent the night here?"
Hamari mentions, "Please, feel free to make yourselves comfortable.
You must all be quite hungry after such extensive training.
" Following that, Tosuke responds, "Indeed, we'd appreciate that.
My stomach is practically growling."
At that moment, Kurai's stomach audibly rumbles, leading Inochi and Tosuke to turn their gaze towards her, prompting her to start blushing and cover her face in embarrassment.
They all start laughing, to which Kurai responds, "Hey, that's not funny, stop it." Inochi then says, "I'm hungry too."
They then proceed to gather around the table and enjoy their meal.
During the meal, Kurai inquires whether Hamari is a Kunoichi.
Hamari confirms, stating, "Yes, I am a Kunoichi and a member of the Iyashi Clan, which wields the Ice Class 'Ketsueki-Gata'—we're the only clan with this ability.
However, I'm currently on a break because of my pregnancy and the need to look after my family."
Inochi then exclaims, "Hold on, mom, you're a Shinobi? I had no idea about that at all."
GENDER REVEALED
Kurai then interrupts with a joyously sweet expression and exclaims, "wow you're having a baby! What's the Gender?"
Hamari responds that she discovered today she is expecting a little girl.
Inochi, with his mouth filled with food, reacts as his eyes widen and he begins to talk with food still in his mouth.
Hamari then responds to Inochi, pointing out that it's impolite to speak while eating, especially since they have guests, and he ought to behave respectfully.
Inochi, after swallowing his meal, apologizes, saying, "Sorry, mother Hamari, but I'm going to have a little sister.
" "Wow, that's fantastic! Have you decided on a name for her yet?"
Hamari laughs, a smile on her face, and replies, "I will call her 'Miyuki'."
Inochi then says, "Does Father Shukumei know about this?"
Hamari said, "no, she wanted it to be a surprise."
Inochi promises not to tell Shukumei and says, "I can't believe I'm going to have a little sister.
I'll get to be an older brother!"
Hamari then says, "exactly, and as an older brother, it's your duty to always protect her, ensure her safety, and keep her happy."
Inochi then says, "I will defend Miyuki with my life, mother.
I assure you, I will ensure she remains right next to me at every moment."
Hamari, with a smile, says, "I have faith in you, my son."
Tosuke then declares, "I will safeguard Miyuki as well, all in the name of Inochi."
She subsequently informs them that it's bedtime before mentioning to Kurai that there is a nightgown available for her.
Hamari then escorts Kurai into her bedroom to offer her clothing and prep a bath, meanwhile Inochi and Tosuke take their showers in a different room.
Hamari proceeds to create sleeping bags for each of them to use, and inquires if they require anything more.
To this, they all confirm that they are content and then settle down to sleep tranquilly.
HAPPINESS
As Hamari shuts the door and retreats to her room for the night, Inochi glances at Kurai to check if she has woken up.
Due to Kurai's trauma and PTSD, she finds comfort in Inochi's company, which helps her quickly drift off to sleep.
Inochi then looks towards Tosuke and asks, "Are you awake?"
Tosuke rolls over towards him and responds, "Yeah,"
as Inochi expresses his joy at being an older brother, saying, "I can't believe I'm a big brother; it fills me with so much joy."
Tosuke mentions that seeing Inochi happy also brings him joy.
BESTFRIENDS
Inochi, with a chuckle and a smile, says, "You know, Tosuke, despite your oddities, you're still my best friend."
Tosuke answers, "If my being odd contributes to your happiness and allows your 'sun' to continue shining on my 'moon,' then I'm all for it, my friend."
Inochi and Tosuke then turn over and start to fall asleep.
MISSION READY
As the passage of time commences, Shukumei alongside his companions reaches the village's boundary.
He designates the Delta Ops Shinobi to trail discretely in their wake.
He begins by assembling the team and proceeds to outline his strategy.
PLAN A
His initial step involves employing his Butsugan to create Duplicates, followed by executing the transformation technique to produce exact replicas of every member participating in the mission.
He explains that all will stay concealed as the clones near the Monkey King and his coalition. Upon nearing them, he mentions his intention to engage in dialogue with the Monkey, aiming to propose a ceasefire.
That's designated as Plan A.
PLAN B
He explains if that goes wrong Smoke will use his Smoke Fog technique to blind the Monkey King and his Army while Yamata traps him in a still position with snakes.
PLAN C
Last but not least, Hikari will activate her Visual Abilities while the Monkey King is ensnared.
Hikari then halts Shukumei and states, "Lord Shukumei, that sounds like an excellent strategy, but my Visual Powers are effective only when the Adversaries gaze directly into my eyes.
We need to ensure that occurs."
Shukumei then admits you're right and begins to reconsider, stroking his chin. Hikari then states, "don't overthink it, you'll ruin the strategy; the initial plan was flawless."
Hikari then states, "I don't necessarily have to directly gaze into the eyes of my adversaries to utilize a Genkaku.
They must be within a specific proximity within my vicinity for me to detect their aura and initiate the technique."
However, she cautions Shukumei, saying, "This Genkaku doesn't possess the same level of potency as my vision-based Genkaku."
Shukumei comprehends the circumstance and states, "Alright Fugami, your ability to sense and your keen olfactory capabilities when in proximity to another Shinobi's Aura are exceptional.
Should you detect one, I need you to immediately inform Hikari.
Have you got that?"
Fugami then performs a bow and responds, "Yes, my Lord."
POSITIONS ASSIGNED
They all start moving and arrive at the Land of Fire, where they are greeted by the sight of massive, green, leafy trees swaying in the breeze.
Shukumei then alerts, "Okay everyone, be on your guard."
As they proceed further into the entrance, Fugami speaks up, "I'm detecting an extraordinary aura up ahead. Get ready."