Restlessness and unease—
those were the first emotions Kaito felt after entering Kumogakure.
The Eight-Tails breaking loose—even if it hadn't happened at the village core—was more than enough to plunge the entire Cloud Village into panic. And panic, once born, spread faster than any rumor, seeping into the hearts of civilians as well.
Compared to Konoha and its surrounding towns, Kumogakure's living conditions were noticeably harsher. Most buildings were reinforced directly into natural rock formations, minimizing construction materials and maximizing durability.
As they passed through the village's massive outer gate, streaks of blue lightning occasionally flashed across the sky—an all-too-familiar phenomenon in high-altitude regions.
"So this is where the Cloud ninja live," Kaito muttered.
"With natural lightning assisting cultivation, no wonder Lightning Release users thrive here."
That natural resistance to lightning also explained something he'd never quite understood—
Why would a certain future Uchiha insist on using Lightning Release against the Raikage of all people?
Pure insanity.
"I'll take Mr. Kaito to my place first," Troy said calmly.
"You two go help Teacher Miliei—take care of Aunt Ruixue and little Samui."
"Yes!" ×2
Wuhua and Kali nodded, casting Kaito a brief glance before dashing off toward Miliei's home.
Kaito lowered his gaze slightly, noticing Troy's guarded expression.
Still wary of me, huh.
"Let's go," Kaito said lightly.
Troy gave no response, simply turning and leading the way.
As expected, Troy's home wasn't much better than the outer residential areas.
A cave-like entrance was carved directly into the mountain, with a massive steel door embedded into solid rock.
And judging by its thickness—
That thing's heavy.
Before opening it, Troy crouched to inspect the ground for footprints, then stood on tiptoe to examine the thin security threads near the doorframe.
Kaito's inner voice screamed:
Is this your house… or an enemy military bunker?!
Clang—
The door finally swung open.
To Kaito's surprise, the interior was… modern. Simple, clean, functional.
"Here. Wear these," Troy said, tossing over a pair of slippers.
"Don't mess up my living room."
Kaito changed shoes and stepped inside, glancing around.
"So after watching you come home like that, I thought Cloud ninja lived like cavemen."
"That's training," Troy replied flatly, pouring himself water.
"Any time you leave home unattended, you assume it's compromised. It's part of our promotion exams."
"And that door?" Kaito asked, sipping his own water.
"Also an exam?"
"No," Troy said lazily, flopping onto the couch.
"That's my workout equipment. About two hundred kilograms. Keeps thieves out too."
Kaito glanced around.
Any Earth Release user could stroll right in.
He didn't say it.
The apartment was small—about fifty square meters. A bed in the corner, a bathroom, photo frames on the wall, flowers on the shoe cabinet. Large windows faced outward, offering a breathtaking view of jagged peaks piercing the clouds.
"Nice view," Kaito commented.
"Terrible place for people afraid of heights."
"If you can't handle that," Troy replied coolly,
"you shouldn't become a ninja."
"Fair enough."
Night fell quickly.
Ninja flooded the streets below—movement everywhere.
Kaito stretched awake from a nap and joined Troy by the window.
"Looks like it's over," Kaito said casually.
"Kumogakure is a major village. Hard to imagine something they can't handle."
"I don't know," Troy replied, refusing to elaborate.
Later, Troy cooked.
And cooked.
And cooked again.
Kaito ate everything.
For the first time in his life, Troy questioned whether Cloud ninja truly had the largest appetites in the world.
On the third day, Troy dressed in black.
A funeral.
Kaito already understood.
Not long after, Miliei arrived—also dressed in black, exhaustion etched deep into his face.
"My apologies, Mr. Kaito," Miliei said, bowing deeply.
"The village has been holding memorials. I kept you waiting."
"It's fine," Kaito replied.
"But I can leave today, right?"
Miliei gave a tired smile.
"We lost many comrades. Friends too."
"…My condolences."
After a pause, Miliei invited Kaito to his home to examine his wife's health.
Kaito agreed.
Meanwhile — Kumogakure High Council
"The village cannot exist without a Jinchūriki," the Third Raikage declared coldly.
"Without one, we lose parity with Iwagakure."
The discussion quickly turned grim.
Eventually—
A decision was made.
A Uzumaki child.
Fire Country Border — Night
Uzumaki Kaori, newly approved for early graduation, was intercepted.
Despite her talent, Cloud jōnin and drugged weapons overwhelmed her.
She vanished into the forest.
But someone followed.
From the trees—
Namikaze Minato.
Yet as he gave chase, he glimpsed something impossible—
A flash of crimson hair, moonlit and fleeting.
When he arrived—
The Cloud ninja were dead.
Kaori was alive.
They embraced beneath the moonlight.
From the shadows, a masked girl watched silently.
"So enviable…"
"Love like that…"
"But someone like me… doesn't deserve it."
Poof.
The clone vanished.
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