Yugao slowly removed her ANBU fox mask.
Then she just stood there—
staring at Yusuke.
So intently that even Uchiha Yusuke felt a rare trace of awkwardness.
There was something in her eyes.
Burning.
Wronged.
Like he was some heartless scoundrel who had toyed with her feelings and then abandoned her.
Before Yusuke could react—
Yugao seemed to reach a decision.
She stepped forward—
and threw herself into his arms.
Yusuke: "...?"
He genuinely froze.
Tsunade: Emotional Damage Activated
"Tch. This damn flirt…!"
At the side, Tsunade's mood plummeted.
Having Kurenai Yuhi constantly around Yusuke was already annoying enough.
Now another one?
What exactly did he think she was?
The unfortunate Sand shinobi nearby became the outlet for her irritation.
"Damn Suna trash! Who gave you the guts to run wild in Konoha?! Die!"
Moments later—
every Sand ninja in the area was flattened.
Breathing? Uncertain.
Conscious? Doubtful.
When Yugao finally pulled away from Yusuke—face flushed crimson—
the battlefield around them was already cleared by Tsunade.
Yusuke cleared his throat.
"Tsunade, Yugao's injured. Help patch her up."
Tsunade shot him a look sharp enough to cut steel.
"You've got the nerve to say that to me? You can't do it yourself?"
"Don't be like that," Yusuke replied calmly.
"She was injured protecting the village. You're the ANBU commander—her direct superior. Are you going to ignore your subordinate's wounds?"
Yugao hurriedly spoke up.
"I'm fine. Yusuke… there's no need to trouble Lady Tsunade."
Only now did embarrassment fully hit her.
She had just hugged Yusuke in front of Tsunade.
Shame flooded her chest.
But—
she did not regret it.
Not anymore.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at Yusuke.
"You…"
Since he'd framed it like that, she had no choice.
But in her mind, she was already plotting retaliation.
A Quiet Farewell
Not far away—
a jonin with a cloth face mask watched silently.
Pain.
Sadness.
And finally—
acceptance.
Hayate Gekko had long understood something.
Feelings could not be forced.
What was not meant to be yours—
would never become yours through persistence.
If Yugao had chosen Yusuke—
then he would not disturb her again.
Be happy, Yugao.
With that silent blessing, he vanished.
Yusuke noticed the departing figure.
In the original timeline, Yugao and Hayate had been lovers.
But the butterfly effect of his existence had shifted her heart.
Now—
the one suffering was his subordinate.
Yusuke sighed internally.
He hadn't made any promises.
Hadn't encouraged her.
Yet here they were.
This troublesome charisma…
After Tsunade finished treating Yugao, Yusuke had her accompany them.
Yugao agreed immediately.
Konoha was ablaze in multiple sectors.
Fortunately, evacuation procedures were orderly.
Civilians had been guided into shelters efficiently.
Buildings were damaged—
but casualties were minimal.
In that regard, Hiruzen had done his job well.
They soon ran into two familiar figures.
Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy were competing over who had defeated more Sand shinobi.
Some things never changed.
As for Naruto and Sasuke—
they had likely gone after Gaara.
"Yusuke, you're here."
Kurenai approached, relief in her tone.
Beside her stood a shy girl.
"…Master."
The voice was barely audible.
If not for his heightened senses, Yusuke might have missed it.
Hinata Hyuga.
After being rescued from Kumogakure's kidnapping attempt at age three, her father had entrusted her to Yusuke as a disciple.
Nine years had passed.
Now twelve.
Under his guidance, Hinata was far stronger than in the original timeline.
Even Neji might struggle against her.
Yet—
her timid nature remained unchanged.
Nearby stood her teammates:
Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame.
They looked visibly excited.
Not because of Yusuke's clan status.
Not because of his police authority.
But because—
He was the man who had:
Defeated the Two-Tails Jinchuriki.
Overpowered the Fourth Raikage.
Captured the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki alive.
Turned the tide of war single-handedly.
In Konoha—
from elders to children—
everyone knew his name.
For a time, his reputation had even surpassed the Legendary Sannin.
Though he had become more low-profile after Danzo's death—
his influence never faded.
"Red, you finished here?" Yusuke asked casually.
"Just now," Kurenai replied, stepping closer.
"What's happening with Suna?"
"They were used by Orochimaru," Yusuke said.
"I'll explain later."
"Orochimaru?!" Kurenai's eyes widened.
Even Yugao, though silent, was stunned.
"Hey," Tsunade cut in irritably,
"Is he the only one you see?"
Kurenai smiled sweetly.
"How could that be, Tsunade-nee? You're the one I admire most."
Her eyes briefly flicked downward—
toward Tsunade's overwhelming… assets.
Tsunade: "..."
After a brief exchange, Yusuke prepared to return to the Four Violet Flames Formation.
The decisive battle between Orochimaru and Hiruzen was nearing its end.
"Tsunade. Let's go."
He turned to Yugao.
"You stay with Team Eight for now. Move together."
He then gently ruffled Hinata's hair.
The girl instantly turned red as a tomato.
And in the next moment—
he vanished.
Tsunade followed close behind.
She had a storm brewing inside her.
When she arrived—
Orochimaru was going to get thoroughly beaten.
From afar, Hinata watched Yusuke's disappearing silhouette.
Her heart thumped uncontrollably.
And the battlefield raged on…
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