Ichiraku Ramen.
Several years had passed, and the shop had now become the most popular ramen place in Konoha. Passing merchants and ninja alike would always stop by for a bowl—and then take photos in front of the portrait of Kanda Kyoichi hanging by the entrance.
Kanda Kyoichi today…
Was no longer who he once was.
In the past, this legendary figure could still be seen around the shinobi world from time to time. But in recent years, no one really knew where that legendary ninja had gone—Tsunade had vanished along with him.
Shisui paused in front of the shop, watching merchants pose for photos.
He knew the truth.
His teacher had gone to sea.
Toward the west, from what he'd heard. When he'd return—no one knew.
"Eh? Shisui-sama? You're back in the village? Want some ramen? My treat!"
Teuchi spotted Shisui outside and immediately lit up.
Shisui hesitated for a moment.
"I'm definitely eating, but there's no need for you to treat me, Teuchi-san. That guy's got more money than he knows what to do with—he doesn't need you paying for him. Hahaha…"
"Asuma? You're back too? Is your term up already?"
Hearing the voice, Shisui looked over in surprise.
Asuma rotated back every two years. Counting the time, it did seem about right.
"Yeah. My term's done—and next it's that guy Obito's turn. Honestly… I've been looking forward to this day!"
Asuma took a deep breath.
Life as a Guardian Ninja wasn't bad. Being stationed near the capital, he'd learned things shinobi in Konoha rarely had access to. But it was undeniably boring—most of the time there were no missions at all, just guarding the daimyo and training.
His body was practically rusting.
"Teuchi-san, two deluxe bowls!" Shisui called out immediately.
"Coming right up!"
Teuchi got to work kneading the noodles.
Shisui and Asuma sat at the counter, sizing each other up. Asuma couldn't help but say enviously, "You've gotten stronger again. Finished Sage training?"
"Barely stepped through the door," Shisui shook his head.
During this period, he'd indeed been focusing on Sage Mode training, but he hadn't gone very far. He'd stayed mostly within the borders of the Land of Fire. Even obtaining the Kusanagi sword had been pure chance.
One reason he'd gone out to train was—
He'd hoped that, with him gone, Fugaku might finally make a move, making things easier for him and Inabi to act later.
In his teacher's words: fishing.
And yet…
Who could've imagined that after all that time away, Fugaku would thunder loudly but never let it rain—lots of secret meetings, but no real action. And among the vast upper ranks, not a single one turned out to be decisive.
Were they all cowards?
It was honestly absurd.
Shisui idly twirled a kunai, then suddenly remembered Asuma was still sitting across from him and quickly apologized. "Sorry, I spaced out thinking about something else."
"It's fine. You've got a lot on your plate."
Asuma paused for a few seconds, then asked quietly, "Managing a clan… that hard?"
"I wouldn't know. The clan head is still Fugaku-sama, and there's also Inabi—it's not my turn yet. If I'm busy with anything, it's probably the Police Force."
Shisui smiled.
That was the truth.
He rarely interfered in clan affairs anymore. Aside from training, most of his time was spent on village matters. These days, besides being a jōnin, he was also a squad captain in the Police Force.
Even when training outside the village, he'd occasionally check in on his district.
Other than that, there wasn't much.
Asuma nodded lightly and fell silent. He seemed to want to ask something several times but couldn't bring himself to speak. After a few seconds, he finally gathered his courage.
"How's Kurenai?"
"She went out to sea…"
"I see…"
Asuma's expression dimmed. He rested his hands on the counter and let out a long sigh.
Just as he'd expected.
"Your ramen's ready. Enjoy."
"Thanks."
Shisui thanked him, and only then did Asuma snap out of it and add his own thanks.
"Let's eat."
They spoke in unison and picked up their chopsticks.
Ninja ate quickly. Soon, half the bowl was gone. Only then did Asuma speak again, his tone heavy.
"I actually guessed it a long time ago."
"Uh…" Shisui didn't know what to say.
This wasn't exactly his area of expertise.
"Her taijutsu was always the weakest, but she never stopped training it. She worked harder than most taijutsu specialists. The last time she came back, she'd even stepped into Sage Mode—and fully completed the Yin Seal."
"As soon as that happened, I knew she'd leave sooner or later."
Asuma sighed.
Her heart had already left Konoha.
Shisui stayed silent.
After a long pause, he quickly finished his bowl and said, "Try to take it easy. Some things can't be forced. Coming back to the village is good too. You've gotten plenty of experience as a Guardian Ninja—when you're back, you could start by leading an elite team."
"Hah, true enough. Though in times of peace, there aren't exactly many missions."
Asuma said contentedly after finishing his bowl.
"Then lead a team for the exams. The next Chūnin Exams are coming up—there are a few people in the village who could give it a shot."
"I'll see what Minato-sama thinks."
Asuma smiled.
Shisui nodded and stood up to leave.
They chatted a bit more on the way, but Asuma never really regained his energy. Unable to console him, Shisui steered the conversation toward training instead, explaining things like how to cultivate Sage Mode.
That finally rekindled some of Asuma's motivation. After saying goodbye, Asuma headed for the Hokage Building to report in.
Shisui let out a quiet sigh.
Honestly…
In his view, Asuma was outstanding. If not for his teacher, given that Asuma and Kurenai had been classmates since childhood, the two of them would have been a sure thing.
Unfortunately—
His teacher was simply too exceptional.
No woman could remain unmoved by someone so handsome, powerful, talented, and composed.
And on top of that, Kurenai's post-graduation fighting style and ninjutsu had been personally taught by Kyoichi.
Shisui had seen it long ago.
Kurenai's gaze had always rested on her teacher—never on Asuma. Even when it did, it was only the look one gave an ordinary friend.
Her feelings for her teacher weren't something that had formed in recent years.
In fact, the teacher's absence from the village these past few years likely had something to do with her as well.
Of course…
That was only Shisui's speculation. Whether it was true or not was hard to say. But the fact that Kurenai had gone to sea with him—and hadn't been brought back via Flying Thunder God even now—was undeniable.
He hoped she'd achieve what she'd always wanted.
Shisui was lost in thought when he looked up—and paused slightly.
Itachi… and a girl?
She looked like she was from the Uchiha clan.
Shisui searched his memory and quickly recalled her name.
Uchiha Izumi.
Her mother had married outside the clan, but tragically, her husband had died on a mission years ago. Forced by circumstance, she'd returned to the clan—her life story was rather bittersweet.
Shisui watched for a moment, a faint smile forming on his face.
So Itachi had made a friend after all.
That was nice.
But—
Just as he was about to leave, not wanting to intrude as a third wheel, a shout rang out from the distance, shattering the moment.
"Big brother!"