By the riverside hot springs, a three-story house stood.
Inside a dimly lit room, Miroku sat on the bed hunched over, head bowed low, her fingers tangled in her hair as she mumbled to herself.
She looked like she was drowning in pain and guilt.
"Why... why did my vision fail? This shouldn't be possible... I clearly saw Tsunade-sama unite the shinobi world and become history's first female shogun. Yet Uzumaki Heiyan's sudden appearance threw everything into chaos."
Muttering these words, Miroku felt an intense pounding in her skull.
She closed her eyes and activated her prophetic powers once more, trying desperately to see the future—to see Tsunade's fate.
Yet again, Heiyan's figure emerged. Like some mysterious cosmic force, he shattered Miroku's vision, leaving her staring into nothing but chaotic darkness.
"It's me... I'm the one who ruined everything for Tsunade-sama..."
At this thought, tears burst from Miroku's eyes, scalding trails rolling down her cheeks.
Rumors said Uzumaki Heiyan was a notorious killer. If Tsunade-sama had fallen into his hands, with her fiery spirit, she'd never submit. No doubt Heiyan would torture her mercilessly before she met a tragic end.
Just imagining those scenes made Miroku feel as if she were suffering alongside Tsunade, sinking deeper into self-reproach and agony.
She wanted to save Tsunade, but couldn't see a way out. This overwhelming helplessness and despair crept through her heart like invasive vines.
As Miroku sat alone, sobbing bitterly.
"Do you... want to see Tsunade-sama again?"
A childish voice suddenly echoed from the shadows of the corner.
"Who's there?"
Startled, Miroku quickly lifted her head. To her shock, a little girl with long crimson red hair stepped forward from the darkness.
Mei Terumi flopped onto the sofa, bounced once or twice for fun, then cleared her throat and turned serious as she faced Miroku.
"I'm a Chunin from Penglai Ninja Village, named Mei Terumi. I came here by order of Master Heiyan, our Village Headman, to escort you to Penglai so you can reunite with Tsunade-sama."
"What did you say?"
Hearing this, Miroku froze in disbelief.
Penglai Ninja Village? A subordinate of Uzumaki Heiyan? A Chunin no older than five or six?
"Who are your parents? Don't you know this is Tsunade-sama's residence? Entering without permission is a serious crime! Stop playing games with me—leave now while you still can, and I'll pretend I never saw you."
Coming back to her senses, Miroku frowned and warned Mei Terumi, "Otherwise, I'll go find your parents."
Clearly, she thought Mei Terumi was just spouting nonsense.
"Sigh! Looks like I've got no choice but to show off!"
Mei sighed dramatically, shrugged her small shoulders, and instantly formed a hand seal. With a puff of smoke, she transformed into the Turtle Hermit.
Swish!
With a wave of his hand, the Turtle Hermit cast an Ice Barrier that covered the entire room. The overwhelming chakra pressure sent waves of shock through Miroku.
"T-Turtle Hermit...?!"
"What... what exactly is going on here?"
Miroku leapt off the bed in fear, her voice trembling as she asked. She was completely stunned by the situation.
"I only pretended to be Hermit Immortal."
The old hermit stroked his beard and said so, then transformed again, returning to the appearance of Mei Terumi.
"The real Hermit Immortal has always been Master Heiyan," she added, sitting back on the sofa.
The revelation hit like a thunderclap, shaking the very foundation of the shinobi world.
"Y-You mean... Hermit Immortal is Uzumaki Heiyan?"
Miroku was totally stunned. Her mind turned blank, entering a state of shock.
There was no way around it—this news was simply too shocking, absurd to the point of being surreal.
"If you want to figure out everything for yourself, come with me to Penglai, and you'll know all. Don't worry; Divine Maiden Tsunade will be in no danger. She's just having a lovers' quarrel with Master Heiyan. I've heard it's normal for couples to argue like this."
Mei tilted her head sideways, speaking confidently.
She paused for a moment, then pulled out a Storage Scroll from her sleeve and continued,
"Oh right. Would you please pack Divine Maiden Tsunade's clothes and other belongings into this Storage Scroll and bring them along? After all, finding clothes that fit her size in Penglai might be a bit challenging."
As she spoke, she flailed her arms dramatically, clearly shocked by Tsunade's figure.
Miroku hesitated for a while but eventually followed Mei's suggestion.
After all, she had no better alternatives.
After packing their belongings, the two stepped out of this three-story small house and quietly left Konoha aboard a caravan carriage.
On the street.
Miroku lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw a giant display screen roadside showing an important announcement from Hokage Tower.
It stated that Konoha would soon choose a new Hokage, with four candidates competing: Danzo Shimura, Orochimaru, Fugaku Uchiha, and Hiashi Hyuga.
Villagers gathered around the screen, watching intently and discussing the four contenders enthusiastically.
"You see, without Divine Maiden Tsunade, Konoha is still doing fine. Once there's a new Hokage, these villagers will forget about her soon enough."
Mei Terumi gently patted the shrine maiden's shoulder, offering comfort.
Perhaps because she had been impersonating Hermit Immortal for long, Mei spoke with a wisdom far beyond her years, just like an adult.
Upon hearing that, Miroku stayed silent.
At that moment, the carriage passed by Hatake residence.
Suddenly inspired, Mei hugged Miroku's arm tightly and shook it pleadingly,
"Just one last favor before we leave Konoha, okay, Lady Miroku? Please do me this one last little favor."
Saying that, she looked up at Miroku with large puppy eyes, her adorable, begging look making it impossible for anyone to refuse.
Meanwhile,
Inside Hatake residence.
Kakashi walked to the window, carefully observing outside to ensure there were no suspicious persons or signs before he firmly shut the window with a bang.
"Kakashi, what's got you so worked up?"
"Father, it's like this," Kakashi said, sitting upright across from Sakumo Hatake.
By the time he returned to the village, he had already warned his teammates to keep it under wraps—except for Obito, of course, who couldn't help but blab. Kakashi felt confident everyone else would stay quiet.
When Sakumo Hatake heard what happened, his expression went through several transformations—confusion, shock, astonishment—creating quite a spectacle on his face.
But as soon as he regained his composure, his first concern was naturally about his son's safety.
"Quick, let me check if you're okay," Sakumo said anxiously, immediately moving closer to inspect Kakashi thoroughly before finally exhaling in relief upon confirming his son wasn't seriously hurt.
Kakashi was Sakumo's only son—the pride and joy of his life. He'd always been proud of this prodigy child. Whenever he talked about Kakashi in front of colleagues and saw the envy in their eyes, Sakumo couldn't help but feel proud himself.
However, due to his constant busyness, he admittedly hadn't paid enough attention to Kakashi.
This time, if it hadn't been for the Immortal Turtle Sage's intervention, Kakashi would've died in that giant serpent's jaws.
Thinking about this possibility made Sakumo shudder with fear, cold sweat breaking out across his skin. He held Kakashi tightly against him, gently patting his back while feeling immense gratitude toward the Immortal Turtle Sage.
"Father, what do you think about the Immortal Turtle Sage's warning?" Kakashi looked up to ask Sakumo.
"There are immortals in this world who possess the ability to foresee the future, like the Great Toad Sage from Mount Myōboku. Now both Heiyan and the Immortal Turtle Sage say that if I stay in Konoha, I'll die—it's definitely not just idle talk."
Sakumo spoke slowly yet seriously.
To him personally, dying to protect the village and uphold the Will of Fire wouldn't be a tragedy at all—it'd be an honor.
But perishing due to rumors, false accusations, or political struggles among high-ranking elders—that would leave him filled with resentment.
Especially someone like Heiyan, who should have been honored as a village hero but was instead defamed as a disgraceful traitor throughout the shinobi world. For Sakumo Hatake, who cherished honor above all, this was absolutely unacceptable.
He recalled those he'd offended within the village. Strictly speaking, there was only one person—Danzo Shimura.
Over the past few years, conflicts frequently erupted between Anbu and Root over power struggles. Danzo especially used his higher rank to pressure and obstruct Sakumo repeatedly, attempting gradually to erode Anbu's strength.
Now Danzo had joined the Hokage election campaign. If he really won the election, Sakumo's position as Anbu Commander would become extremely precarious.
Should Danzo become Hokage, undoubtedly his first move would target Sakumo—the Anbu Commander—to make an example of him and assert authority.
Could it be that in the futures seen by Heiyan and the Immortal Turtle Sage, he actually dies by Danzo's hand?
This was the conclusion Sakumo inevitably reached.
Knock knock knock.
Just as father and son sat with furrowed brows, deep in thought about their next move, sudden knocking echoed from outside the door.
Kakashi exchanged a glance with his father. After receiving a nod of permission, he stood up and walked over to open the door.
There at the entrance stood Miroku, the shrine maiden, offering the two of them a friendly smile.
"Please come inside, Lady Shrine Maiden."
Startled, Kakashi quickly invited her in. He brought over a stool and then, with consideration, moved aside to prepare tea.
"Thank you, Kakashi, but there's no need to pour water for me."
Miroku stopped him, then turned toward Sakumo Hatake. "Tsunade-sama has already left Konoha. I've also decided to depart from the village and return to my homeland. Before leaving, Sakumo-sama, there are some words I must speak with you."
"Please proceed."
Sakumo's expression turned serious as he humbly responded.
"You should know that I possess the ability to foresee the future," Miroku began, having set the stage for what was to come.
Father and son both froze upon hearing this. They exchanged glances and saw equal surprise reflected in each other's eyes.
Their surprise wasn't at Miroku's prophetic powers—but rather because they had already roughly guessed what she would say next.
Could it be...
Indeed.
"Sakumo-sama, I have seen your death."
Miroku spoke gravely. "On some day in the future, you will suffer malicious slander, be attacked by rumors spreading throughout the village, and finally commit suicide unable to bear this humiliation."
She paused here, then glanced at Kakashi before adding:
"After your death, Kakashi will be left all alone. He'll grow up without support or company, silently bearing his pain through his youth.
Sakumo-sama, if you truly wish to fulfill your duty as a father, please take Kakashi away from Konoha immediately. Go somewhere far away, anywhere will do. Live under false names, lay low."
After speaking these words, she bowed deeply to Sakumo and without waiting for his reply, hurriedly turned and left.
Inside the room, complete silence reigned.
After a long while.
"Father..."
Kakashi spoke softly, his face filled with concern.
"Don't worry, Kakashi."
Sakumo smiled gently and patted Kakashi's head, promising: "No matter what happens in the future, I'll never abandon you. You're my pride, the most important person in my life."
His eyes were determined, as if he had just made some crucial decision.
Outside on the street,
After leaving the Hatake residence, Miroku, the shrine maiden, guiltily climbed into a carriage parked by the roadside.
"So, did you say exactly what I told you to?" Mei Terumi eagerly asked.
"Yes."
Miroku nodded. Though deceiving others felt terrible, she could do nothing else—this was the only way to meet Tsunade-sama.
"Hehe, now Kakashi will absolutely believe every word I said."
Mei Terumi grinned smugly, like a mischievous child who'd just pulled off the perfect trick.
...
South of Konoha Village, deep within endless mountain ranges and dense ancient forests of the Land of Fire.
Deep within a remote mountain range, halfway down the slope, a small cabin stood alone in the woods, wisps of smoke curling from its rooftop chimney.
The wooden cabin looked freshly built—as if it were meant for a hunter or forest ranger.
But in reality, everything that person inside did could change the entire world of shinobi.
"Ugh…"
Tsunade groaned, supporting her forehead as she slowly regained consciousness.
Her last memory was losing the great battle against Heiyan, collapsing into unconsciousness from chakra depletion (complete energy exhaustion).
"So I really lost… Where am I?"
Tsunade murmured to herself, sitting up on the bed and looking around the room in confusion.
That's when she realized someone had changed her clothes at some point. She now wore a loose white nightgown adorned with an eye-catching black Six Tomoe [a mysterious symbol known to only a few].
"You're finally awake."
A familiar voice suddenly called out from the kitchen doorway. There stood Heiyan wearing an apron like a homely househusband, carrying two plates of mouthwatering dishes toward the dining table.
After neatly setting down the food and removing his apron, Heiyan walked over to the bedside and sat on the edge of the bed.
He gave her a warm smile, his gaze meeting hers.
[Whoosh!]
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