After the rain, the training ground still bore traces of lingering moisture on its surface.
A deafening roar suddenly erupted.
Yahiko's palms gleamed with a sharp metallic sheen under the sunlight, Chakra flowing across his skin to form a steel-hard protective layer.
He abruptly crouched, slamming a clawed hand against the ground.
The earth instantly fractured, sending mud and stones flying.
The explosive impact, thunderous in force, shattered a massive rock ahead into dust that scattered through the air.
Charmander hopped excitedly nearby, its tail flame blazing brightly as it let out a cheerful "Gah!"
It waved its claws, seemingly mimicking Yahiko's movements.
"Metal Hardening Claw!"
Not far away, Jiraiya leaned lazily against a tree, squinting as he watched his disciple's actions, a smile playing on his lips.
Though his tone was casual, a flicker of pride shone in his eyes.
On the other side, Nagato sat quietly cross-legged, palms pressed to the ground.
A pale green Chakra slowly spread outward, causing plant roots to grow and rapidly expand until they covered the entire training ground.
The roots dug deep into the soil, absorbing the earth's energy before releasing gentle waves of Chakra in return.
Yahiko and Konan received a replenishment of Chakra.
"Thank you," Konan said with a smile, wiping sweat from her brow.
In her arms, the blue egg was carefully wrapped in white cloth, occasionally emitting a faint glow.
After training ended, the three sat side by side under the tree to rest.
Sunlight streamed through gaps in the clouds, illuminating their youthful faces.
Yahiko looked at his two companions and suddenly broke into a radiant smile.
"Konan, Nagato."
"Hmm?" Konan looked up, puzzled.
Yahiko thought for a moment, his expression turning serious. "I think we should visit that Breeding House owner, Shiroishi, again."
"Eh?" Konan was taken aback. "Why all of a sudden?"
"No particular reason."
Yahiko scratched his head, laughing heartily. "I just think it's amazing that someone our age can do such incredible things. I want to understand him better—after all, he's a local of the Land of Rain."
He had always been a man of action, his words carrying a natural charisma.
Sunlight fell on his sweat-dampened face, intertwining with his conviction to create an aura of profound sincerity.
"Besides, since he helped us, we should properly thank him."
After listening, Nagato gave a slight nod.
He looked down at the Bulbasaur curled in his lap, the little creature breathing softly in its sleep.
That serene vitality filled him with a warmth he had never known before.
Konan, however, hesitated slightly.
"Yesterday..."
She stopped mid-sentence, biting her lip.
"Yesterday?" Yahiko looked at her curiously.
"N-Nothing!" Konan waved her hands hurriedly, cheeks flushing.
She had secretly visited the Breeding House with Jiraiya-sensei last night, but explaining it felt awkward.
"Hmm?" Though puzzled, Yahiko didn't press further.
He turned to Nagato instead. "Then it's settled. We'll go tomorrow morning."
Nagato nodded, and Konan could only murmur softly, "Alright..."
Under the tree, Jiraiya listened to their conversation, a faint smile gracing his lips.
He closed his notebook and stretched.
"Youth is wonderful."
He squinted up at the sky, sunlight filtering through the leaves and falling warmly and quietly on his face.
Yes, it must all be fate's arrangement.
A gentle breeze swept by, scattering the dust and embers in the air.
Yahiko and Charmander laughed and played under the sun, the Bulbasaur in Nagato's arms breathed softly, and the blue egg held by Konan glimmered faintly.
Early the next morning.
On the stone steps in front of the Breeding House, a few dewdrops refracted tiny specks of light.
Before long, three familiar figures appeared at the end of the alley.
Konan was holding the still-unhatched blue egg in her arms.
As for Yahiko, he stepped forward with a smile.
Charmander perched on his shoulder, its tail flame flickering brightly in the sunlight.
"Last time, we just took the egg—we didn't properly thank you."
Yahiko spoke as he walked, his tone carrying a leader-like cheerfulness and confidence.
Nagato followed closely behind, holding Bulbasaur.
The little one curled up in his arms, eyes closed as if enjoying its owner's warmth.
That natural aura made the surrounding air feel serene.
But Konan lowered her head, lost in thought, as the wooden door slowly opened.
Shiroishi was still dressed in a light gray kimono, his expression as calm as ever behind silver-framed glasses.
He held a wooden bucket, seemingly about to water the plants outside.
Seeing the three standing at the door, he paused slightly.
"You?"
Yahiko flashed a bright smile and strode forward cheerfully.
"We didn't properly thank you last time. So we brought our Ninja Beasts to visit you on purpose!"
With that, he patted the Charmander on his shoulder.
Charmander chirped, swishing its tail as the flame danced lightly.
Shiroishi's gaze swept over them, and he smiled.
"It seems they're all doing well."
"Thanks to your help."
Yahiko said frankly, his tone sincere.
Bulbasaur poked its head out from Nagato's arms, revealing its round face.
It looked at Shiroishi and let out a soft "Bulba," as if greeting him.
The group chatted.
Meanwhile, Konan kept her head slightly lowered, unable to meet Shiroishi's eyes.
She felt as if she had done something sneaky, a blush coloring her cheeks.
Shiroishi's gaze lingered on her for a moment, but he said nothing, only smiled gently. "You brought your egg along too?"
"Mm…" Konan hugged the blue egg a little tighter and nodded.
"I hope it hatches soon."
Shiroishi stepped forward, reached out, and lightly touched the eggshell with his fingertips.
A faint ripple of Chakra instantly spread out.
Blue patterns shimmered across the shell, as if responding to his sensing.
"Its life force is stable," Shiroishi said softly, "but it seems to need purer flowing water to help it hatch sooner."
"Water?"
Konan was taken aback.
"Yes, try letting it sense the moisture by a stream or after the rain—that might awaken it."
Shiroishi raised his hand, pointing toward the mist-shrouded waterfall in the distance.
The sound of the cascading water was thunderous, yet it carried a cleansing, tranquil stillness.
As soon as he finished speaking, a lively figure leaped out from inside the house.
"Eevee!"
Eevee bounced to Shiroishi's feet, its tail flicking through the air.
It lifted its head cleverly, then turned to the three, trotting lightly over to Bulbasaur and Charmander.
Bulbasaur blinked and let out a soft "Bulba"; Charmander raised its tail, the flame glowing with a curious orange-red light as it met Eevee's gaze.
"Bubu!"
Eevee proactively approached and rubbed against them, its affectionate demeanor instantly melting the tension in the air.
Konan's eyes lit up as she couldn't help but exclaim softly, "So adorable!"
She crouched down and reached out to stroke Eevee's head.
The little creature seemed particularly fond of her scent, closing its eyes while emitting soft purrs and gently brushing its tail against her wrist.
Shiroishi simply shook his head with a smile, his tone still calm. "Let's go then. How about we try over there to see if we can get it to hatch?"
Konan looked up and glanced at Shiroishi.
Sunlight streamed through gaps in the clouds, reflecting off his silver-framed glasses with a soft glow.
For a moment, he appeared less like a mysterious breeder and more like a sunny youth.
"Alright," she replied softly.
Yahiko took the lead, with Charmander—its tail flame flickering in the damp air—bouncing along closely behind him.
The four of them set off together, following the mountain path toward the waterfall.
A thin mist enveloped the mountains, and the stone steps underfoot were slippery from the rain.
Nagato walked quietly at the rear, cradling Bulbasaur as if guarding everyone.
Shiroishi led the way, his steps steady and light.
The hem of his kimono was lifted by the mountain breeze, while Eevee stayed close to his feet, their strides surprisingly synchronized.
Along the way, the sound of water grew gradually clearer, and the air became increasingly humid.
Yahiko suddenly broke the silence, asking, "Boss, do you have any family left in the Land of Rain?"
Shiroishi paused mid-step.
The wind swept through the forest, tousling the hair by his ears.
He turned his head slightly, his expression gentle yet tinged with a faint aloofness. "No, I'm an orphan."
His tone was so calm it seemed as though he were stating an unremarkable fact.
Yahiko was taken aback for a moment, his expression softening.
In this land of endless conflict, orphans were practically the norm.
Yet hearing those words from Shiroishi's own mouth still tugged faintly at his heart.
"I see," he murmured, then smiled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I hope the Land of Rain won't have so many orphans like us in the future."
Shiroishi glanced back at him, the corners of his lips lifting slightly.
"A noble ideal."
"I will definitely make it happen."
Yahiko's tone was resolute, a fiery determination flickering in his eyes.
Shiroishi said nothing more, simply lifting his foot to continue forward.
The wind gradually picked up, carrying misty spray toward them.
When they reached the base of the waterfall, the roar of water filled the air, and mist swirled densely around.
It was a place brimming with natural energy, as if the Chakra of heaven and earth flowed freely here.
"We're here," Shiroishi turned and smiled at Konan.
"Give it a try. Place it here, and perhaps... it will be able to hear itself."
Konan looked down at the Blue Egg in her arms, her eyes shimmering with nervousness and anticipation.
She walked gently to the edge of the waterfall and set the egg on a rock shrouded in mist.
A gust of wind swept by, stirring up sheets of watery spray.