Yamanaka Kaede's fingers were slightly cool as they brushed across Sora's forehead.
The gesture was light, natural.
Yet in a camp that had just survived a bloodbath, it felt strangely out of place.
The smile on Sora's face froze for a split second. His amber eyes perfectly conveyed a teenage boy's mix of surprise and bashful embarrassment.
Kaede herself realized what she'd done a moment later. She jerked her hand back as if shocked, a faint, unnatural blush rising on her beautiful face. She turned away, pretending to admire the scenery.
*Cough.*
A dry cough shattered the subtle atmosphere.
Kakashi had somehow appeared behind them. His dead-fish eye swept back and forth between the two.
"This isn't a social mixer," he said listlessly. "We leave before dawn. This camp is compromised. The next Kumogakure wave could hit anytime."
His words snapped everyone back to full tension.
"What about the wounded?" the surviving squad captain, Mori, asked worriedly. "They can't handle a long march."
"Tenzo." Kakashi didn't answer—he simply turned to the silent figure.
Tenzo understood. He stepped aside and formed seals.
"Wood Release: Wood Technique."
Several thick trees burst from the ground, but they stopped growing at human height. Under Tenzo's control, the branches twisted, reshaped, and extended, eventually forming seven or eight simple wooden stretchers.
The entire process was quiet and efficient.
[Same-source energy detected. Recording initiated…]
[Recording complete! Obtained disc: Wood Release: Wood Technique]
[Wood Release series discs collected: 5]
A flash in Sora's consciousness—the system interface flickered and vanished.
Another one! Though it was just basic shape manipulation, every bit counted.
"Wow! Tenzo-nii! This is insanely convenient!" Sora immediately rushed over, running his hands over the smooth surface in exaggerated awe. "But… won't it be a little too hard? The wounded will jolt around and reopen their wounds."
As he spoke, genuine concern filled his face.
"Could you… make it softer? Like growing some soft leaves or moss on top?"
His question came purely from the curiosity of a "ninjutsu enthusiast."
Tenzo's mask turned toward him, as if seriously considering the suggestion.
Even Kakashi glanced over.
What was going through this kid's head? Using Wood Release like that?
Tenzo said nothing, only placed a hand on one stretcher.
Something miraculous happened.
A thick, plush layer of soft moss slowly grew across the hard wooden surface—velvety to the touch.
"Wooooooah!" Sora let out another over-the-top cry of amazement, throwing himself at it and stroking it repeatedly, face lit with the joy of discovering a new continent.
The surrounding Konoha ninjas were stunned.
They knew Wood Release was powerful, but they never imagined it could be this refined.
In an instant, Tenzo's image in their minds shifted from "terrifying weapon" to "reliable craftsman."
"Tenzo-senpai, you're a genius!" Sora showered him with praise.
Tenzo's body stiffened slightly—no response.
Only Sora knew his earlier suggestion had been a deliberate test of the system's recording limits.
He wanted to know if an "on-the-fly improvisation" based on existing techniques could generate a new disc.
The answer: no.
The system showed no reaction.
As expected, only fully structured, clearly defined "techniques" could be recorded.
"Stop playing around, Sora." Kaede walked over, naturally positioning herself between him and Tenzo, pulling him behind her. "Hurry and help move the wounded onto the stretchers."
Her movement carried an unmistakable protective air.
"Oh, right! Coming!" Sora nodded obediently and followed her.
After carefully lifting a gravely injured ninja onto the moss-padded stretcher, the man weakly murmured, "Thank you."
Sora smiled brightly. "No need! Rest well—we'll be safe soon!"
His radiant smile was reassuring.
But inside, he was calmly calculating.
Kaede's favorability toward him was skyrocketing—from "annoying idiot" to "priority protection target."
Tenzo… was a black box. Unreadable.
Still, team cohesion had noticeably improved.
"Everyone, prepare to move out!" Kakashi gave the final order.
The group reorganized: the lightly wounded supported each other, the critically injured were carried two-to-a-stretcher, Tenzo and several Earth Release users brought up the rear—ready to raise obstacles at a moment's notice.
Kakashi and Kaede took point for pathfinding and scouting.
Sora was placed in the center, right beside the wounded.
The safest position.
And the one where his "medical ninja" value could shine brightest.
"Sora, stay close to me," Kaede called back, her red eyes serious. "Don't wander off."
"Got it, Kaede-senpai!" Sora replied energetically.
They marched through the deepest darkness before dawn.
The atmosphere was oppressively heavy.
No one spoke—only the rustle of stretchers brushing leaves and the occasional stifled groan of pain.
Every Konoha ninja knew they had just walked out of hell's gates, and danger was far from over.
Kakashi led at the front, his steps perfectly steady—his captain's calm giving the others a faint thread of reassurance.
After another half-hour of forced march, he stopped at a mountain hollow concealed by massive boulders and vines.
"Here."
Short and firm.
Inside was a dry natural cave—entrance well-hidden, space enough for everyone.
"Tenzo, erase our tracks outside."
"Kaede, set up sensory barriers."
"Everyone else, settle the wounded and rotate watch."
Orders were executed flawlessly.
Tenzo pressed his hands to the ground; vines silently wiped away footprints and perfectly camouflaged the entrance.
Kaede placed several scrolls around the cave, laying basic alert seals.
With that done, Kakashi summoned Pakkun again and handed over a new scroll detailing the latest battle and enemy movement estimates.
"Straight to the Hokage—highest priority."
"Got it. Man, this job's exhausting," Pakkun grumbled, then vanished with the scroll.
Inside the cave, the survivors finally relaxed.
Fatigue crashed over them like a tidal wave.
They silently pulled out military ration pills, preparing to refuel.
The pills tasted awful—dry, medicinal, but the most efficient energy source for ninjas.
Sora watched everyone mechanically swallow the gray pellets, then glanced at the wounded who had no appetite despite their pain.
No.
If this continued, morale would plummet.
A demoralized team on a battlefield full of threats was no different from lambs awaiting slaughter.
Boosting team cohesion and ensuring the stability of his future "material collection" plan was the top priority.
He stood, brushed the dirt off his pants.
"Hey, everyone—hold off on those pills for a sec!" He spoke in a deliberately light tone, instantly drawing all eyes.
"I really can't stomach those things unless it's life-or-death. Leave it to me—I'll make sure everyone gets something hot!"
Mori looked at him wearily. "Sora, this isn't the time for a cookout. A fire will give away our position."
"Hehe, Mori-senpai, mine's different."
Sora grinned mysteriously and began bustling in a corner of the cave.
He dug two connected pits—one large, one small.
Then tunneled between them.
Finally, he built a crude stove over the small pit with stones.
The whole process flowed smoothly, leaving everyone baffled.
"I read about this in a book—it's called a 'smokeless stove'!" Sora clapped the dirt off his hands and explained proudly. "The fire burns underground; the tunnel sucks up the smoke. Barely any light or smoke escapes topside—completely safe!"
The theory came from his previous life's "Wilderness Survival Crash Course" on Douyin University.
He only half-understood the principle, but he remembered the steps perfectly.
"For real?" a young ninja asked skeptically.
Sora didn't explain further. He pulled out a small waterproof pouch containing mushrooms and wild greens he'd gathered earlier.
Then he turned to Tenzo.
"Tenzo-nii! Can I ask a favor? Could you use Wood Release to grow some… edible sprouts?"
Tenzo: "…"
Everyone stared at Sora like he was insane.
Using the Wood Release that once let Hashirama pacify the Warring States… to grow vegetables?
What was in this kid's head?
Tenzo was silent for several seconds, then placed a hand on the damp cave wall.
Several vibrant green vines sprouted, budding with plump, tender shoots.
[Wood Release series discs collected: 5]
[New application of Wood Release energy detected]
[System analyzing… application lacks independent technique completeness—cannot generate disc]
As expected.
Sora's heart remained calm, but his face exploded with delight.
"Awesome! Thank you, Tenzo-nii!"
He carefully harvested the sprouts, then like a magician pulled out a small pot and seasoning packets from his pouch.
"Kaede-senpai, could you wash these for me?" He handed the greens to her.
Kaede blinked, looked at his dirt-smudged yet still sunny face, and—almost possessed—nodded and took them to clean.
Soon water was added, ingredients tossed in.
Before long, a rich, savory aroma filled the cave—a blend of mushroom umami, fresh greens, and meaty richness.
Every ninja mid-bite with their ration pills froze.
They swallowed involuntarily, stomachs growling in protest.
"Done!"
Sora lifted the lid. Hot steam billowed, the fragrance overwhelming.
A pot of appetizing, aromatic mixed soup appeared before them.
"Come on, everyone gets a bowl! Wounded first!"
He ladled steaming soup for the seven critically injured.
The warm broth slid down their throats, chasing away cold and pain, spreading warmth through their bodies.
Color returned to their pallid faces.
"So good…"
"Thank you, Sora."
Gratitude rose in waves.
Sora smiled and responded to each, then served the rest.
Kaede sipped her bowl delicately, watching the boy bustling about with a happy grin. Something inside her was rapidly fermenting.
This guy always did the most unexpected yet perfectly timed things.
Tenzo received a bowl too. He sat silently in the corner, but judging by how quickly he drank, he clearly approved.
The cave's atmosphere shifted from dead silence to something warm and human.
Kakashi didn't take any soup.
He leaned at the entrance, *Intimate Paradise* in hand, but he hadn't read a word.
His full attention was on the smiling boy ladling seconds for his comrades.
That tireless energy.
That infectious sunny smile.
That reliability and strength far beyond his years, shown only in critical moments.
That elusive Body Flicker.
That terrifyingly sharp Wind Release.
Scene after scene flashed through Kakashi's mind, slowly overlapping with another figure.
A man with golden hair, always wearing a gentle smile, yet capable of turning the tide of battle single-handedly.
Namikaze Minato.
His teacher.
If…
Kakashi's thoughts drifted.
If this kid learned the Flying Thunder God…
If he mastered the Rasengan…
Wouldn't he become… the second Fourth Hokage?
"Captain Kakashi!"
Sora approached with a steaming bowl, snapping him out of it.
"Have some too—warm yourself up!"
The boy's smile was pure and bright; his amber eyes shone brilliantly in the dim cave.
Kakashi stared at that face for a moment, then silently took the bowl, feeling the warmth through the ceramic.
Because of that one pot of soup, the cave no longer felt so stifling.
The survivors chatted quietly, sharing the rare hot meal, momentarily pushing aside their grief.
Eventually, Kakashi brought the bowl to his lips and drank.
It was delicious.
He finished it in silence and handed the empty bowl back.
"Captain, there's still some time before dawn—get some rest!" Sora said energetically, taking the bowl. "I'll take watch."
"I'll join you."
Kaede had appeared beside him, already geared up, golden ponytail tied high again, sharp and capable once more.
Kakashi glanced at them both and didn't object.
"I'll leave it to you two."
Outside the cave, the night was deep.
They leaned against the vine-camouflaged rock wall—one on each side—vigilantly watching the darkness.
The forest wind was cold, rustling leaves. Any unnatural sound would set a ninja's nerves on edge.
"Kaede-senpai, do you have a cat at home?"
Sora suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.
Kaede turned, surprised by the question.
"No. Ninjas aren't suited to pets—too many missions, can't take proper care of them."
"Makes sense." Sora nodded. "But the neighbor's cat loves me. Every time I feed it, it lets me rub its belly."
He mimed a cat rolling over, looking a bit silly.
Kaede glanced at his profile. Under the faint starlight, the boy's outline was soft—nothing like the killer who could end a life in a single strike.
"You seem curious about everything."
"Do I?" Sora scratched his head. "Maybe! I think the world is full of interesting things. Like Tenzo-nii's Wood Release—it can build houses, grow veggies… perfect for home and travel!"
"And your Yamanaka clan's Mind Body Switch—can you really fully control someone else's body? What about when they go to the bathroom? Wouldn't that be super awkward?"
Kaede: "…"
The question was so out there she didn't know how to respond.
What kind of brain wiring did this guy have?
"We train specifically to block unnecessary sensations," she finally answered.
"Wow! That's amazing! So—"
"Sora."
Kaede cut off his endless curiosity.
"Hm? What is it, Kaede-senpai?"
She didn't look at him, gazing into the pitch-black forest instead. After a long silence:
"What's your dream?"
The question made Sora's heart pause.
Here it comes.
From casual chatter to probing the heart—the inevitable step when growing closer.
His smile didn't falter; it grew even brighter.
"Me?" He puffed out his chest dramatically, one hand on his hip, the other pointing skyward. "Obviously to become Hokage, unite the ninja world, and bathe everyone in the glory of the great Akashi Sora-sama!"
Kaede gave him a deadpan look.
"Stop joking. Seriously."
"Haha, caught me." Sora lowered his hand, turning sheepish again. "Seriously… let me think."
He rested his chin on his hand, pretending to ponder deeply.
The pose told her: I value your question. I'm thinking hard.
"Probably… to become an Anbu squad captain like Captain Kakashi! That'd be super cool!"
"Or, once the war ends, become a Jonin instructor and teach a few cute, obedient students like me!"
Perfect answers.
They showed admiration for the strong and ambition, plus responsibility toward Konoha's future.
Neither overly ambitious nor aimless.
The standard response of an excellent, village-loving Konoha ninja.
Sure enough, Kaede's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Very good dreams," she affirmed.
"What about you, Kaede-senpai?" Sora immediately turned the question back, amber eyes sparkling with curiosity in the dark.
Kaede stiffened.
Her dream?
She thought of comrades who had been laughing with her moments ago—now cold corpses.
Faces that vanished forever into the darkness on missions.
As a ninja—and especially a Yamanaka who used mind techniques—she had seen too much death and parting.
She looked at the boy beside her.
Sunny, cheerful, strong, reliable.
He had a warmth she had never seen in peers—a light that could dispel any shadow.
Perhaps because of that warmth, she was willing to voice the tiny, almost embarrassing wish buried deep inside.
"I…"
Her voice was soft.
"Want to find someone steady to spend my life with."
"And live peacefully until we're old."
The wind outside seemed to still.
Live peacefully until old age.
For ordinary people, the most basic life path.
For a ninja, a luxury bordering on fantasy.
Sora's smile slowly faded.
He said nothing.
Just quietly watched her.
After a long pause, he spoke softly.
"That's wonderful."
His voice lacked its usual energy, carrying instead a calm maturity beyond his years.
"I think that's the best dream there is."
Kaede turned in surprise.
She had expected this positive, upward-striving boy to laugh at her "unambitious" dream—or at least not understand it.
But on Sora's face was only sincere agreement.
"Becoming a hero, changing the world—those things are too far away."
Sora leaned against the rock, slowly sliding down to sit, hugging his knees and looking up at the moonless sky.
"Protecting the people close to you, watching the sun rise and set with those who matter, eating three steady meals a day… If we can't even do that, what's the point of being a ninja?"
"Today… we lost so many comrades."
His voice was low, carrying a weariness that didn't match his age.
"They must have wanted to grow old too."
Kaede's heart ached sharply.
She could no longer maintain her elite-ninja composure and slowly sat beside him.
They said nothing more.
Just sat shoulder-to-shoulder, gazing together at the forest that had swallowed countless lives.
A silence shared by two spread through the cold night.
Until—a faint, unnatural crack sounded from the distant trees.