Chapter 108 — The Aftermath of Roran
A faint breeze swept across the ruins of Roran, carrying with it the scent of dust and sand. The glow from the Dragon Vein had faded completely, leaving only silence and the faint hum of residual chakra beneath the ground.
One by one, people began to stir.
Minato's eyes fluttered open as he slowly sat up, his vision clearing from the haze of unconsciousness. Around him, Choza, Shibi, Kakashi, and the citizens of Roran were also waking, confused and groggy.
Minato rubbed his temple and looked around. "What… happened? We all lost consciousness at once…"
Akira, standing a short distance away, turned to him calmly. His golden eyes were steady, unreadable.
"It's nothing, Brother Minato," Akira said softly. "When the Dragon Vein's chakra was sealed, it released a powerful shockwave. It probably knocked everyone out for a bit. I woke up first, then Kakashi woke up after me. Now it looks like everyone else is coming around too."
Minato studied the boy in silence.
He knew—deep down—that what Akira said wasn't the full truth. There was something more behind those words, something hidden beneath the calm tone. But he also knew Akira would never do anything to harm them.
So instead of questioning further, he gave a quiet nod.
"Alright," Minato said, his expression soft but thoughtful. "I trust you, Akira. But someday… I hope you'll tell me what really happened."
Akira smiled faintly. "Alright, Brother Minato. One day."
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Soon, all the people who had been unconscious began to wake up as well. The citizens of Roran blinked in confusion, then realization dawned as they saw their queen, Sara, standing among them.
Sara looked around at her people — the ruins of their once-great city, now silent but peaceful. She turned to Minato and his team, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Thank you… all of you," she said, bowing deeply. "For saving us — for freeing Roran. We've decided to leave this place behind and find a new home, somewhere far from the Dragon Vein. We'll start anew."
Minato smiled gently, his kind blue eyes soft. "I'm glad to hear that, Queen Sara. You and your people deserve peace after all you've been through. I wish you a safe journey — may it lead you to happiness."
Sara nodded, her eyes glistening as she turned to lead her people away. Slowly, the citizens of Roran began their walk into the horizon, their silhouettes fading into the golden light of dawn.
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Minato watched them go, then turned to his team — Akira, Kakashi, Choza, and Shibi.
"It's time to head back," he said quietly. "We've completed our mission."
The journey back to the village was calm and quiet — the wind brushing through the grasslands as the sun began to rise higher.
When they finally reached the Hidden Leaf, Minato stopped in front of the Hokage's building. He turned to his team, a proud but tired smile on his face.
"You all did well," Minato said. "Akira, Kakashi — you both performed exceptionally on this mission. You must be exhausted. Go home and rest."
Both Akira and Kakashi nodded in unison, their voices overlapping as they answered,
"Yes, Minato-sensei."
The two exchanged a small smile, then turned and began walking down the road together.
Minato watched them go — the young prodigies, each carrying secrets far beyond their years — before he turned back toward the Hokage's office.
Behind him, Akira and Kakashi's footsteps faded into the distance, and Minato, Choza, and Shibi disappeared inside to report what had happened.
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End of Chapter 108.
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