Chapter 23 (Consolation)

A great ninja had died but Asahi and the group's mission wasn't over yet.

After burying their leader's body inside the cave, the group then went on their escape plan.

Unfortunately, the boat used by Udon and the two children isn't enough to fit all of them,

Not only that, the security around the sea surrounding the island had tightened in their patrol after Udon's infiltration was known all over the island.

After pondering for a while, Asahi who now acts as the leader of the group, chooses an unconventional way of traveling by asking the parent octopus to carry them inside its mouth.

This was also what he used to get to the island.

But because there are a total of fifteen with them counting the newly rescued Uzumaki children,

The parent octopus needs to go back and forth three times, carrying the five each turn,

Of course, going from the Land of Whirlpool to the Yokogakure would take the parent octopus months just for a single trip so Asahi opted for a much nearer route, the Land of Woods.

Upon learning of the death of their friend, Udon, The Prajñā ninja was also devastated by the news,

Some even cried, they are those who regard Udon as an idol.

Because of this friendship, The Prajñā group treats Asahi and his group as if their own,

Providing them with food and shelter to get much-needed rest.

They even give some small boats for their journey back home.

"Thank you for your help, everyone."

"Don't fret over it kid, just be sure to stay alive."

With the Prajñā group's help, Asahi and the group were all set for the long journey back home.

.

.

.

'Finally home...'

Overlooking the silhouette of the village, Asahi breathed a sigh of relief.

After sailing for a month, finally they arrived home.

Unlike the hearty and joyful, running with a smile as they bring honor to the village type of return they expected,

What the group all feels is endless relief as they drag their tired body.

Arriving at the entrance of the village, they were stopped by a Yoko ninja.

"Stop! The village is currently in a state of martial law—"

"Oh my god is that you young master Reiki-sama?"

Because of their tattered clothes and dirty appearance, the ninja didn't immediately recognize them.

Fortunately Reiki, as the son of the current village head, is still quite well known.

Because the ninja was unable to leave his post,

The group must report back to the Yokokage on their own as Asahi leads the three children Yoko ninja, and the remnant of the Uzumaki clan enter the village.

"I will report to the Yokokage about the mission,"

"Reiki, Osamu, head the rest to the 'base' and wait for me there."

As the current team leader of the squad, Asahi tells his two teammates what to do,

His tone was resolute leaving no room for objection.

Osamu as a person loyal to Asahi, didn't mind Asahi's bossy tone.

However, Reiki on the other hand seems to want to say something but chooses to stay quiet as he and Osamu lead the rescued Uzumakis on top of the hill.

As for their leader, Asahi went on his way to the village head mansion,

*Knock* *Knock*

"Enter."

Hearing the voice from inside, Asahi enters the room.

"Hello, my trusted protege" Keiki greeted without looking, his eyes glued to the bundle of paperwork placed on his desk.

"Hello Yokokage-sama" Asahi greeted back,

Asahi who's knowledgeable about the standard procedure immediately reported the mission to his boss as he handed over the scrolls containing the last inheritance of the Uzumaki clan.

"I see...you all did wonderful!"

"How's the other two kids?"

Yokokage replied without raising his head to face the black-haired boy in front of him as he indulged in his work.

Meanwhile, Asahi's face turns into a frown,

Keiki's current attitude is bizarre and not what he expected.

Right now, Asahi's mind is confused with endless questions he wanna answer but doesn't know how.

Still, he remained professional and answered;

"...they are doing okay, they're should be with the other kids on top of the hill as of now."

"I see that's good..." Once again, Keiki gave a short reply as Asahi felt something was amiss.

"...I'm very good at reading the expression of those around me but I can't read yours,"

"You'll have a hard time finding a lady to marry with that indifferent face of yours, you know? "

Keiki continued speaking with an amused tone as he joked and chuckled.

"But even then I can tell something is bothering you." The Yokokage added, this time he faced the kid who brings him surprise every single time.

The latter was caught off guard, surprised, and hesitant but in the end, Asahi chose to vent out his thoughts.

"...In this mission...whether we succeed or not...Udon-san needs to sacrifice...is that true?"

This question has been bothering him ever since he left the Land of Whirlpool.

In his past life, Asahi at this time and age lacked the maturity he has now,

He's merely an aspiring child who dreamed of being a ninja.

But the more he gets involved in the village's matter the more he starts to realize there's more to the story than what he initially expected.

"...that's true..."

"It was a glorious sacrifice..."

This was not the response Asahi was expecting,

He stares at the man he looks up to with utter disbelief.

"...are ninja...just a tool?"

The words seem to be stuck in Asahi's throat but he manages to utter it somehow.

Ninja is just a tool

This is a common belief that ninjas from various land shares.

Asahi encounters this phrase hundreds of times in his past life but he still can't accept this fact.

His friends whom he met on the missions are not just mere tools!

"Such a self-deprecating phrase born from people who merely settle for the status quo..."

"Are you dissatisfied?"

The mood around Keiki changes, his voice turns stern,

"Yes." The black-haired boy replied without hesitation.

"Good!"

"Take that feeling and turn it into strength!"

"Become so powerful and change this god-forsaken world!!"

Keiki slammed the table and screamed at the top of his lungs like a madman.

This was the first time Asahi had ever seen him like this so the child was startled.

Starting at the eye of his 'teacher' which had lost its luster, Asahi sensed the despair and sorrow hidden deep within.

"...Udon is my cousin...he was, and will always be my rival."

"I will make sure their sacrifice will not go to waste..."

"...for our dream."

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A/N: Hello everyone, upon writing the new chapters, I realized the grave mistake made in putting a few residents in the Yokogakure.

At first, I planned to create a plot to solve this problem but I realized, it would contradict the story's progression.

And so with my kind heart which wishes nothing more but success for this story,

I will update and fix this problem.

For those who don't want to reread, I increased the population of the Sunshine Village from the initial 300 to a whooping five thousand.

(Why 5000? Idk just felt like it lol)

As a consolation, I will release this chapter even though the story is currently on hiatus.

Please like and subscribe!!