Chapter 181: Final Days
Dawn light broke as morning mist still lingered. Sasuko had already dressed and ready.
She gently pushed open Yu's door, seeing him standing by the window gazing at the rising sun.
"Time to see Naruko off." She said softly.
Yu turned, gaze lingering momentarily on her face before nodding.
At the agreed meeting spot by Konoha's gates, morning light filtered through leaves, casting dappled shadows.
Few had come—or rather, Naruko simply hadn't notified many people.
Hinata waited there early, hands anxiously clasped. Kakashi leaned against a distant tree trunk, holding his Make-Out Paradise book yet frequently glancing toward the gate.
Naruko stood in morning light, golden hair gently stirred by breeze. She wore simple traveling clothes, her packed belongings beside her feet.
"Thought you'd oversleep." Sasuko approached, speaking with forced casualness.
Naruko smiled, yet her gaze unconsciously swept over those present.
When discovering a certain anticipated figure hadn't appeared, disappointment flashed through her eyes.
Kakashi closed his book and walked over. "Remember to eat properly while traveling."
"I know, Kakashi-sensei." Naruko worked to maintain her smile.
Sasuko withdrew a silver circular pendant from her chest, faint chakra fluctuations emanating from it.
"This is for you—consider it a protective charm. Wear it properly, okay?" Sasuko placed the pendant in Naruko's palm. "I'll wait for your safe return."
Naruko carefully cupped the pendant, fingertips lightly stroking its smooth surface.
When she raised her head, her eyes had already reddened slightly.
Seeing this, Sasuko stepped forward to gently embrace her, whispering in her ear, "Actually, it's from Yu. He asked me to give it to you and specifically told me not to say it was from him."
Naruko's body trembled slightly as she clutched the pendant tightly in her palm.
Her gaze then fell on Hinata, who'd been standing quietly to the side.
Hinata kept her head lowered, fingers twisting her hem, clearly wanting to approach yet lacking courage.
Naruko actively walked toward her, opening her arms for a warm embrace.
"Thank you, Hinata." She said softly by the Byakugan girl's ear. "Thank you for caring about me recently."
Hinata's face immediately flushed crimson, voice barely audible. "Safe travels..."
Naruko released the embrace, showing a smile once more.
She lifted her belongings from the ground, waving to everyone before turning to walk through Konoha's main gates. Morning sun stretched her shadow long, golden hair sparkling in dawn light.
Just as her figure was about to vanish around the road's bend, Yu finally materialized slowly. He watched that gradually departing back until she completely disappeared from view.
After seeing Naruko off, everyone dispersed. They'd never had much contact anyway. Farewells were particularly simple.
Returning home, Sasuko withdrew another silver circular pendant from her pocket—Yu had specifically crafted two identical accessories, instructing them to wear them at all times.
She placed the pendant in her palm, studying it carefully.
The silver casing gleamed softly in sunlight. The faintly flowing energy fluctuations within weren't particularly strong. Compared to other chakra weapons she'd seen, this pendant seemed rather ordinary.
But since it was Yu's gift, regardless of appearance, she treasured it immensely.
Sasuko unconsciously touched her neck—it still held the magatama pendant Yu had given her at age six. Never removed all these years. Replacing it now felt somewhat reluctant.
When carefully removing the old pendant, she was shocked to discover the magatama pendant that had accompanied her for years was now covered in fine cracks internally.
Sasuko cradled the crack-covered magatama pendant, deeply distressed.
This pendant had accompanied her through countless days and nights—one of her most cherished treasures. How had it become like this after just a few days without careful inspection?
She pouted aggrievedly, tiptoeing to Yu's side as he read by the window, carefully presenting the damaged pendant before him.
"Yu..." Her voice carried slight sobbing. "Why did this suddenly crack?"
Yu set down his scroll, accepting the pendant for careful examination.
He said nothing, only allowing faint light to emanate from his palm. Those fine cracks visibly healed slowly, ultimately restored to original condition.
Seeing Sasuko still reluctantly stroking the repaired pendant, Yu gently reclaimed it from her hands, skillfully remodeling the pendant into a bracelet.
"Wear the new pendant from now on." He said warmly, picking up the circular pendant to personally fasten it on her.
The cool silver chain slid across her neck, bringing a chill.
He carefully adjusted the chain's length, ensuring the pendant hung perfectly between her collarbones.
"This one's safer, won't break easily." He added softly, gaze pausing momentarily on that circular pendant.
Sasuko looked down at the gently swaying silver pendant before her chest, then at the old pendant transformed into a bracelet, finally breaking into smiles. She carefully wore the bracelet on her wrist.
Then smiling, she leaned closer, planting a light kiss on Yu's cheek.
"Mwah~" She playfully winked, like a kitten successfully stealing cream.
Yu froze slightly before helplessly shaking his head with a light laugh, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
"Always wear it." He instructed softly, tone carrying rare seriousness.
Sasuko obediently nodded, fingertips lightly stroking the pendant before her chest.
"I'll treasure it properly." She promised, carefully tucking the pendant inside her collar, letting the silver chain press against her skin.
Seeing Sasuko so solemnly wearing the pendant against her body, Yu felt somewhat relieved.
This was already the final preparation he could make for them now.
In the following days, Yu spent most of his time with Fugaku's family, occasionally eliminating a few shortsighted aliens.
Afternoons in the Japanese-style room always echoed with crisp sounds of placing go stones.
Fugaku held black stones, attacking first with fierce offense like an unsheathed blade. Yu held white stones in response, defense flowing endlessly like water.
"This move is brilliant." Watching the suddenly transformed board situation, Fugaku couldn't help praising.
He discovered he always performed exceptionally when playing against Yu. They traded moves evenly, often filling the entire board with stones.
Yu took a light sip of tea. "Adoptive Father's skills have improved."
When Mikoto entered carrying refreshments, she'd always gently interrupt their game. "Rest for a bit. Try some snacks."
Yu would rise to accept the tray, accompanying Mikoto in small talk. Listening to her recount Konoha's changes over the years or Sasuko's childhood anecdotes, he always listened patiently.
"If only Little Yu had often kept me company for conversation when you were small." Mikoto looked at him affectionately. "You were always so withdrawn back then. You're much more cheerful now."
Yu smiled slightly. "I'll often keep you company from now on."
Come nightfall, Sasuko would always pull Yu to wander Konoha's streets and alleys.
Tonight she'd specifically changed into a newly purchased kimono, pale pink fabric embroidered with delicate cherry blossoms.
"Look!" She suddenly pointed at a roadside dumpling shop. "That one's new. Let's try it?"
Yu was pulled forward by his sleeve, eyes carrying indulgent amusement. "Didn't we just finish dinner?"
"Dessert goes in a separate stomach!" Sasuko said righteously, already pulling him to sit on the bench before the shop.
Under warm yellow lantern glow, she bit into a three-colored dumpling, eyes squinting with satisfaction. Sugar-dusted dumpling accidentally smudged her cheek without her noticing.
Yu reached out to gently wipe it away. "You're getting it everywhere."
Sasuko's dark eyes gleamed before suddenly leaning close to peck his lips. "Now nothing's wasted."
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