Xiali sighed, her steps heavy as she made her way home.
After Xiali left, the Third Hokage knocked on his desk, and soon a white shadow appeared beside him.
If Xia Li were still there, he would have immediately recognized the figure as the head of the ANBU.
At that moment, the Third Hokage's expression darkened, and he snorted coldly. "Is this what I asked you to show me?"
"I apologize, Lord Hokage. It was my oversight…" the ANBU leader replied bitterly.
He, too, had felt unfairly treated. Most of the later tasks assigned to Xia Li were minor, low-risk missions—but who had insisted that Xia Li take part in those high-stakes rescue operations? Could he even manage this situation? After Xiali was rescued, would she still blame him?
Moreover, the ANBU leader had been slandered. Wasn't that a decision collectively made by his superiors? And now, when they turned around to blame him, did subordinates have no rights? No—they didn't even have the rights of a ninja!
The Third Hokage didn't say much. He simply wanted to vent his frustration before discussing the real matter: Xiali leaving the ANBU.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," the ANBU leader finally exhaled, relieved to be dismissed. If this situation had continued, it would have implicated the ANBU internally, and he would have had to shoulder all the responsibility.
At the same time, a pang of sympathy rose in his heart. After all… Xiali had been incredibly useful—highly efficient and reliable.
In fact, Xiali's presence not only increased the survival rate of Konoha's ninjas but also significantly enhanced the ANBU's effectiveness. The ANBU leader had never seen a ninja quite like her.
Her strength might not have been overwhelming, but her efficiency was absurdly high.
Now that Xiali had left, the ANBU might return to a mediocre state, which was a shame.
"If nothing happens, just step back," the Third Hokage waved his hand.
"Yes, sir."
…
Xiali walked out of the Hokage's office. As she left the building, she encountered a familiar face, which startled her.
"Uncle Haimi? Are you looking for the Hokage?" Xiali asked, spotting him hurrying through the mountains.
"Xiali?" Seeing her, Yamamoto Kaichi was taken aback. He hadn't seen her for a long time. Yet, in the next moment, as a master of spiritual perception, he clearly sensed the intense bloodlust and killing intent radiating from her.
Chapter 103: A Terrified Naruto Returns Home
Even though the killing intent wasn't directed at him, Kaichi couldn't help but tremble. This was one downside of heightened perception—it made one sensitive to abnormalities.
Fortunately, Kaichi had faced many dangers, so he wasn't afraid.
However, seeing the killing intent, his eyes shifted as he looked at Xiali. What had she done since graduating early?
Kaichi had been somewhat displeased with Xiali. After all, his daughter's thoughts had been entirely focused on him. And yet, Xiali had disappeared a year ago.
During that time, his daughter Ino had shown less interest in anything else and spoke far less, though her training had become even more rigorous.
Witnessing this, Kaichi had been deeply frustrated with Xiali. Even if she was on missions, she should have checked on Ino!
He remembered that Ino had once asked him to find out information about her. He had promised, but his daughter had never been able to locate her.
He had even learned from the Third Hokage that Xiali was alive and had sent gifts to his family, yet he never managed to find her. This, in itself, was an important clue. Kaichi had guessed she must have been in the ANBU.
Yet he was powerless. His authority didn't extend to the ANBU, so he ultimately couldn't locate Xiali. Kaichi still remembered the disappointed expression on Ino's face.
Thinking of this, a surge of anger rose in him.
He never expected to encounter Xiali at the Hokage's office.
Yet when he actually saw her and felt the overwhelming bloodlust and killing intent, he was completely speechless.
Perhaps she shouldn't have been so close to Ino?
"Oh, it's me, Uncle Yamato. Long time no see," Xiali said with a smile.
"Ah… long time no see. Are you heading home?" Kaichi asked.
"Yes. The mission's complete. Of course, I'm going home," Xiali replied, her voice low and complex.
Kaichi immediately understood—she had likely left the ANBU. She had never returned home before, or else there would have been news of her…
"Aren't you going to see Ino?" Kaichi sighed. Perhaps she had her own difficulties. Seeing Xiali now, he could no longer fault her.
"…" Xiali fell silent, then gave a faint, bitter smile, pointing to herself before looking at Kaichi. "Uncle Haimi, you can probably tell that my current state really isn't suitable for getting close to Ino, right?"
Kaichi remained silent but felt relieved. Since she could still be understood so clearly, it meant she wasn't bound by that killing intent. As long as she no longer killed, she would eventually free herself from it.
Kaichi also understood that her absence from home was likely due to fear that her unstable state might affect her family.
Realizing this, Kaichi's anger subsided. Even in this state, she still considered her family and Ino—this alone showed her character. There was nothing left to be upset about.
"Go home quickly. You haven't been home in a long time. Spending time with your family will help your current condition. And make sure to check on Ino—she misses you," Kaichi said gently.
"Yes," Xiali nodded. She understood—it was for the best, but what about Shinai? What about Ino? She would no longer burden those she cared about with her negative emotions.
Having left the ANBU, her killing intent would no longer grow stronger, giving her no reason to avoid home. She decided it was time to return.
She said goodbye to Yamato and continued toward her home.
Kaichi watched her back and smiled faintly. If she could be with Ino, that would be good. He also understood Xiali's worries and murmured to himself:
"But Ino also wants to become a ninja!"
Then Kaichi turned and headed toward the Hokage's office.
…
On the way, Xiali felt a rare sense of relaxation. Her mind no longer needed to remain on high alert, and her perception didn't need to be so sharp. Everything felt balanced, enough for daily life.
Walking slowly, Xiali felt a sense of satisfaction she hadn't felt in the past year and a half.
Over the past year and a half, she had killed many people, but Xiali could ensure she never killed for the sake of killing. She had mastered all combat skills.
Rescue missions were no different. Such missions inevitably involved enemies, so she had been forced to participate against the Third Hokage's wishes.
Training alone wasn't enough without real combat experience. Now, Xiali's lack of experience had been addressed—at the cost of her current state.
Yet she felt it had been worth it. She was confident she could overcome this state—it just required time. Even counting that time, the rich combat experience gained made it worthwhile.
Most importantly, as long as she no longer killed, her current state wouldn't affect her much. After all, she had the Void Realm as a safeguard—it just looked intimidating.
Her mental strength was enough. Combined with her inner emptiness and darkness, as long as she didn't kill in the near future, nothing would happen. Her bluffing appeared intense because such power could warp most people's wills.
Now that the actual battles were mostly over, what would happen next?
Xiali knew she should continue settling down and accumulating energy. But how?
Continue training? Ninjutsu? Swordsmanship? Or… magic?
She was lost in thought when a familiar figure noticed her. The person's short golden hair confirmed their identity.
It wasn't surprising that Xiali didn't recognize Naruto. Her perception targeted chakra, and at that moment, Naruto wasn't using any ninjutsu, nor drawing much chakra. His chakra was within a normal range. Xiali could sense where chakra was and where its wielder was, but not who the person was. In a village with such constant movement, sensing activity was difficult.
Naruto ran through the streets, joyfully releasing the thrill of finally passing his exam. This brought him closer to being recognized by everyone!
He ran around wearing the ninja headband, letting everyone know: Uzumaki Naruto had become a ninja!
But unexpectedly, during this moment, he saw a familiar figure—with familiar black hair and walking posture—which made Naruto's eyes widen.
That was… his first friend. The first friend he hadn't seen in over a year.
A surge of joy rose in Naruto's heart. He was eager to tell Xiali he had passed the exam. But soon, his steps faltered.
Naruto's eyes went wide, sweat dripping from his forehead, as he stared at Xiali's back in terror.
At that moment, he felt a suffocating, overwhelming pressure radiating from her.
The sensation was cold and terrifying, freezing him in place. He even wanted to run away immediately. She… was too dangerous.
But… why? She was his first friend!
Naruto didn't understand. He couldn't understand. He could only watch in confusion as Xiali disappeared from view. Then, seemingly freed from fear, he suddenly collapsed to his knees, hands on the ground, gasping for air.
Why? Naruto was confused. The joy of becoming a Genin had vanished. He wandered aimlessly, as if lost.
"That's a monster? Didn't you fail the exam? What's wrong?" Mizuki noticed Naruto wandering dazedly near a street vendor and frowned with both annoyance and curiosity.
He remembered Naruto being ecstatic after passing. Why was he like this now?
But soon, Mizuki's expression softened into a smile. Though he didn't know why, it seemed he could manage this smile.
He still pondered how to obtain the Sealing Scroll. Perhaps now he could try. He followed Naruto. If he were discovered, he'd kill him immediately—for stealing the Sealing Scroll, it would clear his own suspicion…
In short, he was a monster, just like that guy Xiali—annoying and terrifying. He obviously wanted to suppress his pride to approach them, yet completely failed. Naruto hadn't been able to approach him; Xiali's cold gaze alone angered him.
That gaze seemed to ignore him completely. He had done the same thing for Iruka, hadn't he? Why treat him differently? Was being a genius so remarkable? If he got the Sealing Scroll, would being a genius even matter?
Mizuki clenched his teeth, his smile twisting. He slowly approached Naruto, restoring a gentle smile.
…
Xiali, of course, didn't realize Naruto had been frightened by her killing intent. It wasn't intentional. Her killing intent was indiscriminate at that point, making Naruto feel it was directed at him.
Naruto's perception wasn't strong, but he could vaguely sense others' good or ill will—an effect granted by the Nine-Tails.
That's why he clearly felt the extraordinary, stronger-than-malice killing intent. It was also the first time he'd encountered such overwhelming intent. He wasn't afraid because Xiali moved quickly, and her actions were fast. Naruto's sensing range was broad.
Soon, Xiali finally arrived at her home, feeling somewhat… uncertain. She didn't know whether to knock. Shinai should still be at work, right?
Xiali thought for a moment, then finally took out a key she hadn't touched in a long time and inserted it into the lock.
To her surprise, the door wasn't locked, suggesting Shinai was home.
Xiali froze slightly. After so long, she didn't know how to face her mother.
Would Shinai be upset? She had promised to come often…
Xiali took a deep breath and pushed the door open, seeing a familiar figure grilling meat.
The doorbell had drawn the figure's attention. The busy figure turned, noticing the visitor.
The next moment, seeing Xiali at the door, her eyes widened in shock, and the barbecue tongs slipped into the hot coals with a sizzling sound.
"Mom, I'm home," Xiali said to Shinai, seeing no trace of reproach. For the first time, it felt like a weight had lifted from her chest, and she smiled as she spoke.
Shinai didn't speak. She walked slowly toward Xiali, looking up at her slightly taller daughter, running her hands over her.
Xiali remained still, letting Shinai confirm certain things.
Finally, when Shinai confirmed Xiali had returned safely, unharmed and whole, her eyes welled with tears, and a smile spread across her face.
Seeing Shinai's expression, Xiali, though she had her reasons, couldn't help but feel guilty.
"I'm sorry for worrying you…"
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