Shizuka gazed at Nagi with sparkling eyes, admiration written all over her face.
"Nagi, that technique just now was so cool!"
"Oh—right! I made this especially for you. Tell me if it suits your taste."
She opened the basket. Inside were tempura bits miso soup, tamagoyaki, simmered tofu, fried shrimp, and more.
Nagi accepted the chopsticks and spoon. He scooped up a piece of tofu first, then tasted the miso soup.
"…Mm. The preparation is meticulous, and the flavor is excellent."
"Hehe, I'm glad you like it."
Quietly, Shizuka memorized that Nagi seemed to favor tofu and fish.
She carefully removed the bones from a piece of horse mackerel and held it up to him.
"Here, Nagi. I made this dried horse mackerel. Say ah~"
"Uh… Shizuka, I can feed myself."
"It's fine," she insisted. "Didn't you feed me yesterday? Today it's my turn."
Nagi felt slightly embarrassed about being fed, but seeing her determined expression, he finally relented.
"…Mm."
"Eat slowly. There's more."
She picked up another piece of fish.
On the other side, the other three fell into silence.
Their own breakfast was delicious, yet somehow they couldn't taste a thing.
"Our village may be known for its strong traditions, but Shizuka—you're far too skilled at this," Kagami muttered, suddenly feeling thoroughly outmatched by her own disciple.
Jiraiya sighed wistfully. "Ah… when will Tsunade ever feed me personally?"
He had originally planned to tease Nagi for being rigid and inexperienced in romance.
Now he could only think:
The clown is me.
After all, Nagi already knew that Shizuka would one day become his wife.
Though he might be clueless about romance, being gentle toward someone he cared about could never be wrong.
If it were another girl, Nagi would have refused the feeding outright without hesitation.
By noon, it was time to part ways.
Kagami spoke first.
"I know a free-spirited man like you, Jiraiya, can't be persuaded to stay—no matter what I say."
Jiraiya straightened proudly.
"Of course. I can't remain in one place forever. I must continue training my disciple."
But inwardly, he screamed:
Just say it! Ask me to stay a little longer so I can agree naturally! I haven't even visited your hot springs yet. There must be plenty of inspiration there…
Damn it. I shouldn't have suggested leaving so soon.
He regretted it deeply.
Naruto, meanwhile, was thrilled to leave. The past two days had been anything but pleasant for him.
He glanced toward Nagi—
Only to see Shizuka grasp both of Nagi's hands tightly.
"Nagi, I'll work hard to become stronger—strong enough to stand on my own.
Master and I will change Nadeshiko Village. We'll change its traditions.
I know I'm no match for you right now. But I'll keep improving myself."
Nagi nodded.
"Do your best. Strengthening yourself is what matters most."
He admired hardworking people. Regardless of the outcome, the sight of someone striving forward was always beautiful.
"And take this. If you ever encounter danger, just channel chakra into it."
He handed her a Flying Thunder God–marked Shiranui Kūnai.
"I'll treasure it," Shizuka promised solemnly.
She returned to Kagami's side, while Nagi rejoined Naruto and Jiraiya.
They exchanged farewells. Just as Nagi turned to leave, Shizuka suddenly called out—
"Nagi! I'll keep working hard! I'll become someone worthy of being your wife! I'm looking forward to the day we meet again!"
Nagi removed his glasses and smiled gently.
"…I'm looking forward to it too."
"I'll wait for you!"
Shizuka wasn't smiling because of his looks.
She was happy because he had answered her feelings sincerely.
With that, she left wearing a radiant smile.
After traveling some distance, Nagi parted ways with Jiraiya and Naruto, returning to KonohagaShiranui Kūre.
[Nadeshiko Kagami: So that's how Shizuka and Nagi first met. Shizuka, you did well—far better than your teacher.]
[Shizuka: Yes… I can tell I truly liked Nagi.
Nagi, I can say it clearly now—I have feelings for you. I'll keep improving myself until I'm worthy of being your wife.]
[Shiranui Nagi: Keep it up. I may not know how I felt back then, but I admire your determination now.]
[Shizuka: Mm!]
[Tsunade: Hahaha, that's the spirit, girl. I admire you too.]
[Shiranui Kūshina Uzumaki: That's right! A hardworking girl is the most charming of all.]
[Mikoto Uchiha: Do your best. A good boy like Nagi must be treasured.]
Meanwhile, Kagami strode into the council chamber, exuding dominance.
"And you lot—behave yourselves. Don't even think about interfering with Shizuka and me. Otherwise…"
The Nadeshiko Village elders broke into cold sweats and nodded obediently.
They understood.
The once-spirited village chief had returned.
Kakashi glanced at the dissatisfied girls in the classroom—clearly unhappy with Nagi's response to Shizuka—and sighed.
"This… is the difference."
Time passed quickly—nearly two and a half years.
The once charming youth had grown into a strikingly handsome young man.
Nagi frequently traveled between Orochimaru's base and KonohagaShiranui Kūre.
During this period, Orochimaru took Kabuto YaShiranui Kūshi and Kimimaro to Ryūchi Cave.
Only Orochimaru returned.
Kabuto and Kimimaro, through exceptional courage and willpower, passed the trials administered by Tagorihime, Ichikishimahime, and Tsuchigumo.
The White Snake Sage infused them with Natural Energy through her fangs and taught them to enter Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave (Snake Sage Mode ).
Both remained there to train, unlikely to return anytime soon.
Although Orochimaru had resolved the core issue of Living Corpse Reincarnation, the damage to his soul was still gradually healing. He was currently recuperating.
Sasuke, too, had grown into a cool and handsome young man.
Under Nagi and Orochimaru's guidance, he had been training his Yin Release Chakra.
He could now sense that his Three-Tomoe Sharingan stood on the brink of evolution.
Only a final catalyst separated him from awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.
[Shiranui Kūshina Uzumaki: Is that Nagi all grown up? Hahaha, he really is handsome. I wonder how Naruto's doing.]
[Mikoto Uchiha: Sasuke's grown up too. He looks healthy… that puts me at ease.]
[Mito Uzumaki: Little Nagi grew up well. How wonderful.]
[Mei Terumi: The cute boy turned into a handsome man—still very handsome.]
[Tsunade: Hey, stop swooning. Still… time really flies.]
[Jiraiya: Which means the Akatsuki will soon begin to surface.]
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