Aoyama Ryuyun could only feel helpless about the situation.
If he had actually done something inappropriate, fine — he could understand the hostility.
But the key point was… he hadn't done anything.
For the past few years, his mind had been consumed by training and cultivation. He hadn't spared much attention for Kurenai Yuhi — so why this little girl had become so attached to him was anyone's guess.
"You're not allowed to look at Big Brother Ryuyun like that!"
Kurenai, noticing her father's sharp gaze, hurriedly stepped forward and spread her arms as if to protect Aoyama Ryuyun.
"..."
Shinku Yuhi's expression twisted — the kind that said he might just strangle someone on the spot.
…
"Alright, alright," Aoyama Ryuyun said dryly, raising a hand to tap Kurenai's head. "If you keep talking, your father's going to lose it."
Shinku Yuhi exhaled heavily, clearly restraining himself. Then, with a helpless sigh, he reached into his flak vest and pulled out a bottle of sake.
"Drink?" he offered.
Despite the tension, there was still the bond of shared battle between them — comrades who had survived the war together. Their friendship ran deep.
"Mm."
Smiling, Aoyama Ryuyun nodded and accepted the offer. Together with Kurenai and Shinku, he went back inside the house.
Even though the yard had returned to normal, Shinku Yuhi's trained eyes noticed the broken iron stakes and shattered swords scattered around.
"If you keep training like this, no weapon in the village will last you a month," he muttered.
In the shinobi world, a finely crafted sword was no small expense.
"There's no helping it," Aoyama Ryuyun replied with a shrug. "If I want to get stronger, I have to pay the price."
He sighed softly. "If only I had Kogarashi and Sakurajū…"
"What are Kogarashi and Sakurajū?" Kurenai and her father asked almost in unison, both wearing confused looks.
"Nothing important," Ryuyun waved it off. "Come on — let's eat first."
He didn't bother to explain that those were the twin blades once wielded by Golden Lion Shiki — legendary weapons from another world entirely. If he had them, his strength would take a massive leap. But that was wishful thinking.
"Alright then."
Shinku Yuhi didn't press further. He was used to hearing Aoyama Ryuyun say strange things that made little sense to anyone else.
Just then, Kurenai leaned close to her father and whispered, "Father… do we have any good swords at home?"
"…."
Shinku Yuhi stared blankly at his daughter. You think I can't tell what you're planning? You just want to give him one of my blades, don't you?
"Hahahahaha!"
Aoyama Ryuyun couldn't hold back his laughter. He reached out and ruffled Kurenai's soft hair.
"No need, no need. I'm already happy you even thought of it."
"Hehe!"
Kurenai giggled, cheeks flushed with pride.
Only Shinku Yuhi sat there, utterly speechless.
…
"Peace is truly a blessing," Shinku Yuhi murmured later, a little tipsy from the sake.
Compared to him, Aoyama Ryuyun held his liquor flawlessly. Calm and steady, he accepted another cup that Kurenai dutifully refilled.
"This peace," Ryuyun said quietly, "is only temporary."
In this world, peace was just an illusion — a pause between wars. The only reason the fighting had stopped was because the great villages had exhausted their resources. Once they recovered, bloodshed would return.
Shinku Yuhi understood this truth but still sighed helplessly.
"If only peace could last forever," he muttered. Then, after a pause, his eyes flickered with memory. "By the way, I heard that Captain White Fang has taken on an extremely important mission."
"Oh?" Aoyama Ryuyun looked up. "What kind of mission?"
"He didn't say," Shinku Yuhi replied. "But it must be serious. He mentioned that if this mission succeeds, the Second Great Ninja War might finally come to an end."
"Hmm…"
Aoyama Ryuyun's eyes narrowed slightly.
The Second Great Ninja War was already nearing its conclusion. Most villages had begun withdrawing their forces — all except Sunagakure, which remained stubbornly hostile toward Konoha.
That could only mean the mission targeted the Sand Village directly.
"Finally, peace is on the horizon," Shinku Yuhi said with a faint smile, clearly hopeful.
Even little Kurenai's eyes brightened.
"Then does that mean Big Brother Ryuyun will stay in the village from now on?" she asked eagerly.
"Hahahaha! Sure," he laughed. "If you ever want to visit, just come by anytime."
"Mm-hm!" she nodded firmly, her small face filled with determination.
Shinku Yuhi could only shake his head in silence. Truthfully, he couldn't even be angry.
If Kurenai were to grow up and truly end up with Aoyama Ryuyun, he wouldn't be opposed. The boy's strength, talent, and heart were undeniable — and he had saved his life.
Besides, Ryuyun himself was only fourteen — barely older than Kurenai.
Still, that didn't make it hurt any less for a father watching his daughter's first crush.
"Alright, we've eaten and drunk enough. Kurenai, let's go home."
"Huh? So soon?"
"…Soon? It's already dark out!"
Kurenai pouted, realizing her father was right.
"Then, Big Brother Ryuyun, I'm leaving now! I'll come visit again soon!"
"Mm."
Her bright energy made Aoyama Ryuyun smile despite himself.
"Then, Ryuyun, we'll be heading off," Shinku Yuhi said at the doorway.
"Mm," Ryuyun replied.
They were all in Konoha anyway — there was never truly a farewell between comrades.
Under the moonlight, Aoyama Ryuyun's golden hair shimmered softly, like the mane of a lion king awakening from slumber.