Ten days later, in Konoha Village...
After escaping from the Land of Rain, the Allied Shinobi Forces had already dispersed, returning to their respective villages to lick their wounds.
Yet for Tsunade, one matter remained far from resolved.
"But why?"
Tsunade argued vehemently with the Third Hokage, her teeth clenched in frustration. "Why can't little Ren stay and live here in Konoha? I am willing to raise him myself!"
"This has nothing to do with what you want, Tsunade."
The Third Hokage let out a long, heavy sigh. "You must understand... every family living in this village settled here during the chaotic times of war. Their ancestors sacrificed so much to build this village and secure the lives we have today..."
"And precisely because of that, I cannot let their sacrifices be in vain." The Third shook his head, a bitter smile on his face, and refused her request firmly.
"On this matter, there is no room for negotiation."
After a long silence, Tsunade nodded, her jaw set tight. "Then at the very least, let me heal the injuries to his legs!"
---
Inside Konoha Hospital, Aoi Ren lay in a familiar ward, feeling a moment of daze. More than ten years had passed, yet some things never changed.
But the people... some of them were no longer the ones he used to know.
Creak...
The door opened and Tsunade walked in, forcing a bright smile onto her face. "Little Ren, how are you feeling? Can you move your legs yet?"
Putting on his most innocent, charming act, Aoi Ren nodded softly.
"Mmhmm. Ever since the surgery yesterday, I've started getting feeling back in them."
As he spoke, Aoi Ren tried shifting his legs to show her.
He moved them slowly, but suddenly, as if he had touched a raw wound, he gritted his teeth hard. Beads of sweat as big as beans popped out on his forehead.
Even though his face had turned deathly pale, he still smiled and tried to comfort her. "See, Lady Tsunade? I'm already getting better..."
There is an old saying: The more well-behaved a child is, the more it breaks your heart.
Seeing him like that, Tsunade's eyes turned red. She pulled him tightly into her arms, choking out apologies.
"I'm so sorry, little Ren... I'm so sorry..."
"It's alright." Aoi Ren smiled and gently stroked her hair.
"You've already been so kind to me. I will cherish everything you've done."
Such a good, sensible child...
Tsunade was too moved to speak.
Aoi Ren carefully lifted one finger. "It's just... I have one small wish."
"Tell me." Tsunade wiped her tears away and looked at him earnestly. Whatever it was, if it was within her power, she would never refuse him.
"I really like your summon, the Slug!" Aoi Ren grinned happily.
"I thought that once my legs are better, I could go to where the Slug lives and visit her."
Such an innocent, childish request...
Without a moment's hesitation, Tsunade nodded in agreement.
"Alright! As soon as your legs are fully healed, I will take you to see her!"
Aoi Ren beamed with a brilliant, sunny smile... What a sweet, pure-hearted boy...
Tsunade felt tears welling up in her eyes again. Since meeting Aoi Ren, she had cried more than she had in her entire life before.
---
In the days that followed, as more and more wounded soldiers returned from the front lines, Tsunade became so busy she barely had time to look after him.
Fortunately, Aoi Ren remained obedient and sensible throughout...
The nurses at the hospital couldn't stop praising him. "That child is truly an angel. Every time we change his bandages, he never cries. He just smiles and says it doesn't hurt."
"I know! Even some grown shinobi scream and howl from the pain, but he just bears it. He really is such a thoughtful, good boy."
Aoi Ren wheeled his wheelchair past them with a smile. "Miss Nurse, I'm going to play in the woods for a while..."
"Go on then, run along!"
When a child was as trustworthy as he was, they naturally gave him certain privileges.
Like... going into the woods to play all by himself.
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