Fox turned and saw Sora, a flash of joy in his eyes. He habitually patted Sora's shoulder with his one arm.
"You're back? Was the mission smooth?"
"Yes, everything went smoothly." Sora nodded, surveying the office Fox was in, which was piled high with scrolls.
"Captain, you are...?"
Fox smiled, his tone carrying a hint of relief.
"Well, as you can see, I've been transferred to logistics."
"I'm old now, and missing an arm. I can't hold the front line anymore. Now I'm responsible for part of the new recruits' file management and basic training. It's making some use of my remaining energy."
Sora nodded silently. This was more or less what he had expected.
Fox was a veteran, that was true. But after losing his arm, his combat power was greatly reduced, not to mention the many hidden injuries he had added from the Kikyōyama battle. Transferring to logistics was the most suitable arrangement.
Although he had left the front line of swords and shadows, at least it was safe. And being able to train new people for the village was also a kind of continuation.
However, for Fox, who was used to the battlefield and team operations, this kind of clerical work would probably feel uncomfortable at first.
"This is fine too, at least it's stable." Sora said.
"Yes, stable."
The two chatted for a few moments about recent events. Sora casually brought up "Root".
"Root?"
Fox frowned slightly, seeming somewhat wary of the name.
"Why are you asking about that? That's Elder Danzo's territory. It's... very complicated inside."
"Just a bit curious." Sora explained without changing his expression. "After all, we're both in the Anbu system. Knowing a bit more is never a bad thing."
Fox was silent for a moment, finally sighing.
"Fine, it's okay to tell you some things. Back when I was still under Captain Sakumo's command, I heard him mention it a few times in passing."
"'Root' has several secret bases on the outskirts of the village. I don't know the exact locations, but the general directions are probably to the west of the village, near the edge of the Forest of Death in that area, and also... downstream of the Naka River, near the direction of the Valley of the End, at a few abandoned training grounds."
He told Sora some of the fragmentary information he knew and reminded him solemnly.
"Sora, I know you are very strong now. But the waters of 'Root' are deep. Elder Danzo is, after all, a high-ranking member of the village, not someone to be taken lightly. Try not to get involved with them."
"I understand. Thank you, Captain."
Sora nodded, silently memorizing the information Fox had provided.
As expected, as a former teammate of Konoha's White Fang, even though Fox had stepped back from the front lines, he knew far more than an ordinary ninja.
"Don't mention it."
Fox waved his hand, then seemed to remember something. He took a red invitation card from a drawer and handed it over.
"Here, since you're back, this is for you."
Sora took the invitation, opened it, and couldn't help but be slightly taken aback.
Written clearly on the invitation were the words:
Groom: Kuroishi Kenji
Bride: Chihaya Ayane
Wedding Ceremony to be held on June 6th. Your presence is humbly requested.
Officiant: Kiriga Hisanobu
Sora immediately realized: Kuroishi Kenji was Grey Wolf's real name, Chihaya Ayane was Night Owl's real name, and the officiant Kiriga Hisanobu was naturally the Fox before him.
"They... are getting married?"
Sora looked up, somewhat surprised, but upon careful thought, it also made sense.
A gratified smile appeared on Fox's face.
"Yes. Those two finally took this step. That kid Grey Wolf, don't be fooled by how quiet he usually is. This time, to save Night Owl, he even lost his hand. That girl Night Owl probably finally understood. Who knows when this war will end? She probably didn't want to have any regrets."
Sora looked at the simple text and date on the invitation, feeling quite emotional inside.
It had been over six years since he, Fox, Grey Wolf, and Night Owl had formed Squad C Five.
In these six years, they had carried out countless dangerous missions together, and wandered on the edge of life and death who knows how many times.
He had long sensed the feelings between Grey Wolf and Night Owl that went beyond comradeship.
Grey Wolf's personality was steady and reserved, while Night Owl was more lively. But during every mission, Grey Wolf always instinctively protected Night Owl's side, and when Grey Wolf was injured, Night Owl's anxious, concerned gaze could not be faked.
The Kikyōyama battle, where Grey Wolf lost his arm saving Night Owl, probably completely broke through Night Owl's final defenses.
In the ninja world where life is uncertain, especially in these war-torn times, deciding to join together requires tremendous courage.
'Not wanting to have regrets, huh...' Sora thought silently.
A ninja's life is too fragile, especially during wartime. A comrade you were laughing with today might become a cold corpse tomorrow.
"The wedding is very simple, just at Grey Wolf's home. Only a few close friends and teammates are invited." Fox added. "After all, it's wartime now. Not suitable to make a big deal."
Sora nodded, understanding. He looked at the date on the invitation. It was tomorrow.
Sora chatted with Fox a bit longer. He learned that Grey Wolf, due to multiple serious injuries and losing his arm, had also been assigned to the logistics department. It was estimated he would find it very difficult to reach the jonin level in this lifetime.
As for Night Owl, during the two months Sora was away on his mission, the puppet poison in her body had been completely cleared by experts from the medical team. After her body recovered, because her strength remained relatively intact, she had been assigned to another understaffed Anbu squad to continue missions.
'Night Owl's strength... is ultimately still somewhat weak. A Tokubetsu Jonin. Her speed is passable, but her attack and defense are not top-notch. Carrying out high-risk missions in the Anbu carries significant danger.' Sora thought to himself.
But then Sora suddenly thought of the White Tiger still staying in the Land of Peaceful Bliss. Perhaps having it form a summoning contract with Night Owl would be a good idea.
On one hand, although the White Tiger was still in its growth period, as a summoning creature, its strength was considerable. It was especially good at wind style and speed. Paired with Night Owl, who excelled in speed, it could greatly enhance her survival ability and tactical flexibility.
In the perilous Anbu missions, having an extra layer of security was always good.
On the other hand, the White Tiger had always lacked sufficient practical combat experience. Having it follow Night Owl on missions and hone itself in real battles could accelerate its growth, allowing it to sooner shoulder the name Sora had long decided for it.
This would be a kind of win-win.
Thinking this, Sora made a decision in his heart.
He put the invitation away safely and said to Fox, "Captain, I will be there on time tomorrow."
...
After leaving the logistics department, Sora went to the commercial street and selected a wedding gift. It was not particularly expensive, but practical enough.
Afterwards, he returned to the orphanage, found paper and pen, quickly wrote a short note, and placed it with the gift.
Besides words of blessing, the note added one sentence:
"Night Owl-senpai, if you have time after the wedding tomorrow, please come to the orphanage. I have something to discuss. -- Sora"
Sora planned to personally give the White Tiger to Night Owl to form a summoning contract.
A gift that can increase survival rate, in the ninja world, is more precious than any gold or treasure.
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