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12.txt
Qianyu held the key, eyeing his new home. An old apartment building. Only this unit was his.
Hiruzen Sarutobi worked fast. Just last night they'd talked, and already it was arranged.
The building seemed empty. Probably intentional. After all, the villagers of Konoha still hated his guts.
A wry smile touched his lips.
'No rush on the jutsu,' he said last night. But now he sends a ninja to remind me to visit the Hokage Building as soon as I'm healed.
Not in a hurry? He might as well have carved 'I'm desperate' on his forehead.
He unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The place was nice. Fully furnished. He dropped onto the sofa. Soft. Comfortable.
He checked the clock on the wall. 9 AM.
He wasn't going to the Hokage Building today. Maybe in a few days. They said to come after he healed. No point going early.
His mind was full of Kushina Uzumaki. Her words last night. He couldn't wait to see her.
But first, a shower. Days in the hospital left a smell. He went back to his old shack, gathered his things—including that standard-issue tanto. The blade was surprisingly decent. A few nicks after his last fight, but still solid.
He hauled everything to the new apartment, cleaned up, and headed for the Ninja Academy.
It was lunch break.
He found her in the classroom. Fists clenched. Pummeling someone.
When Kushina saw him, her face lit up. Pure shock and delight.
"Qianyu! You're out of the hospital?!"
At her voice, the whole class turned. They hadn't known he was hospitalized. His absence made sense now. No one cared. Some looked amused.
Kushina let go of the boy under her and rushed to Qianyu. "When did you wake up?"
He smiled, soft and warm. "Last night. After your visit."
Her eyes went wide. Her face burned crimson. "Y-you… you were unconscious! How did you know I came?"
He glanced around. The whole room was watching. Like they were zoo exhibits.
He reached out, took her small hand in his. "Not here. Let's talk outside."
Her face went from red to deep scarlet. Her mind short-circuited. She followed mechanically as he led her out of the classroom, hand in hand.
He brought her to the small grove behind the academy and let go of her hand. Only then did he notice—her face was still fire-engine red. Her gaze was distant, glazed. Completely out of it.
He waved a hand in front of her face. "Kushina. Kushina. Earth to Kushina."
She snapped back, saw him, and stumbled back a step. "Y-you, you…"
Coherent sentences were beyond her.
He chuckled. "I was unconscious last night. But my mind was awake. I could hear everything."
She looked down. Her voice was a whisper, almost inaudible. "Oh… I see."
A war raged inside her. She'd decided to be his friend. So why couldn't she speak now? Sweat beaded on her forehead. Wisps of steam curled from her hair.
She was so flustered, so utterly adorable. Qianyu took a deep breath. His expression turned serious. "Kushina. I've made my resolve, too."
She looked up, confused. What resolve?
His eyes were steady, firm. "I want to be your friend. Your friend for life. So… Kushina. Will you be my friend?"
He held out his hand. Waited.
Kushina's brain crashed. A high-pitched whine filled her ears.
She didn't move. He didn't rush her. His hand remained outstretched. Patient.
Minutes ticked by.
Slowly, her systems rebooted. A small, trembling hand reached out and took his.
Her voice was a tiny, fragile thing. "Okay. It's a promise. Friends for life."
His smile was radiant. Hers bloomed like a sunflower.
Joy. Pure, simple joy. They'd both found their first real friend.
I will protect that smile, Qianyu vowed in his heart.
Kushina was shy at first. But once she relaxed, the words poured out. She told him everything. The kids who picked on her. How she turned every single one into a bruised tomato. Her new nickname at the academy: The Red Hot Habanero.
Qianyu snorted a laugh.
She pouted. "What? You think it fits me too?"
He shook his head, still smiling. "No. I just think you're amazing. Taking them all on by yourself."
She planted her hands on her hips, proud. "Of course! I never lose a fight!"
Then her expression dimmed. She looked down.
"Kushina? What's wrong?"
She pinched a lock of her fiery red hair, lips pursed. "Qianyu… do you think my hair is ugly?"
He placed both hands on her shoulders. Looked her straight in the eyes.
"Kushina. Your hair is beautiful. You are beautiful. And you'll be even more beautiful in the future. Don't ever let anyone's words make you doubt yourself. You're amazing. No…" His voice softened, filled with absolute conviction. "You're the best."
Her cheeks, which had finally cooled, flamed red again. She punched his chest. "I'm not that great!" She turned away, hiding her face in her hands.
Qianyu winced, rubbing the spot. Damn. For a small girl, she packed a serious punch. He'd almost lost his breath.
The bell rang. Afternoon classes were starting.
This time, it was Kushina who grabbed his hand. She glanced back at him, a playful spark in her eyes.
"C'mon! We'll be late!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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