The sound of the waterfall gradually faded into the distance as the wind brushed through the moist air.
The group descended the stone steps.
After playing with the water for a while, Squirtle contentedly burrowed into Konan's arms, curling up into a round ball.
Its small claws tightly grasped her collar, its tail gently wagged a few times, and soon it fell asleep in her embrace.
"It's asleep."
Shiroishi looked up at the sky.
"It's getting late," he said. "I'll walk you back. The mountain path isn't easy to navigate after dark."
Yahiko wiped the water droplets from his face and laughed heartily. "No need to escort us. We can make our way back on our own."
As he spoke, he seemed to suddenly remember something, his eyes lighting up.
"Oh, that's right, Shiroishi! Why don't you join us for dinner at our place?"
Shiroishi was taken aback, showing a hint of surprise.
"Would that be alright?"
"Of course." Yahiko's smile was bright. "We always cook for ourselves anyway, and it's nothing fancy. Besides... you've helped us so much. The least we can do is treat you to a meal."
His unreserved tone made Shiroishi fall silent for a moment.
In this Shinobi World filled with wariness and deception, Yahiko's straightforwardness felt almost unreal.
Shiroishi nodded gently. "Then I'll be imposing."
Nearby, Nagato, holding Bulbasaur, stepped forward as well. "Thank you... for giving us Bulbasaur."
His expression showed a rare, relaxed smile.
Bulbasaur curled up in his arms, quietly closing its eyes as if taking a nap.
Shiroishi looked at the three of them. "They chose you themselves."
The setting sun slowly sank behind the mountains, dyeing the sky a deep orange.
They walked side by side along the path back to the village, the wind softly rustling through the leaves.
Before long, they arrived at the small house where the three lived.
A bucket outside the wooden cabin reflected a faint light, while a wisp of pale smoke rose from the chimney.
Jiraiya was leaning against a wooden post by the entrance, dozing off with a dry twig in his mouth.
Hearing their footsteps, he half-opened his eyes and lazily asked, "Oh? You're back?"
But when he caught sight of the figure at the rear, he immediately straightened up.
Shiroishi's light gray kimono fluttered in the evening breeze, his glasses reflecting the orange glow, his expression as calm as ever.
Jiraiya blinked, then broke into a smile that was both unexpected and entirely fitting.
"So, even you got invited, huh."
"Teacher," Konan called softly. The Squirtle in her arms, startled by the sound, rubbed its eyes, lifted its head, and let out a tiny yawn.
The next moment, spotting Jiraiya, it perked up immediately, wagging its tail and greeting him with a cheerful "Squirtle~!"
Jiraiya laughed heartily. "Haha! Yours hatched too, Konan! Looks full of energy."
He reached out to pat Squirtle's head, and the little one nuzzled obediently against his palm, emitting cheerful chirps.
"Quite the lively personality."
Shiroishi stood at the doorway, his gaze resting on the three Ninja Beasts—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
They gathered around their owners, each displaying distinctly different personalities and auras.
Fire, Grass, Water.
As the first three Ninja Beasts to hatch in this world, their bodies were composed of half Ten-Tails and half World Tree.
Perhaps precisely because their hosts were still children,
their personalities remained stable, unaffected by the chaotic Chakra.
If those twisted by hatred and profit were to hatch them, the creatures born would likely have taken on a completely different form.
"Come on in and sit down," Jiraiya stood up, gesturing warmly.
"The meals here are simple - just instant food. I don't know how to cook."
"That's alright," Shiroishi smiled gently, his tone soft. "I can cook."
"Eh? But you're our guest. It's not right to have a guest do the cooking," Jiraiya scratched his head, sounding somewhat embarrassed.
Shiroishi simply shook his head calmly. "Since I want to thank you for your hospitality, let me prepare the meal. I often cook for myself at the Breeding House, so I'm used to it."
Yahiko clapped his hands cheerfully. "Perfect! Besides instant noodles, Teacher Jiraiya and the other two can't cook anything at all."
Jiraiya: "..."
"Then I'll take care of it," Shiroishi entered the room, looking around.
Though simple, the kitchen was clean and tidy, with basic ingredients and cookware stored in wooden cabinets.
He rolled up his sleeves, took out several packets of seasonings he carried with him, and brought in some dried herbs and ingredients that were air-drying outside.
"Just right," he murmured softly, "I can try a new blend tonight."
With that, he deftly picked up a knife and began chopping vegetables.
The blade gleamed under the light, his movements steady and precise, each cut clean and efficient.
Seizing the opportunity, Eevee jumped down from Shiroishi's shoulder, landing gracefully by the stove, eyes fixed intently on the food in its master's hands, tail gently swaying.
"Eev~" it called softly, as if reminding him to add salt.
"I know, I know," Shiroishi responded with a laugh, his tone affectionate as if talking to a friend.
This heartwarming scene left everyone present somewhat mesmerized.
Leaning against the doorway, Jiraiya watched the natural rapport between Shiroishi and Eevee, then glanced at the three little ones before smiling. "They're all really adorable."
Squirtle lay on the floor watching the flames, Charmander nearby practicing blowing air, while Bulbasaur used its vines to hold a wooden stick, curiously stirring the water in the pot.
In that moment, the entire cabin was enveloped in a long-lost warmth.
"If you don't mind, sir," Shiroishi suddenly looked up, his tone gentle yet sincere, "the Breeding House can actually select suitable Ninja Beasts for adults too."
"Oh?" Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, smiling in surprise. "Me too? I thought those were only things children could hatch."
Shiroishi's eyes sparkled in the firelight, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Ninja Beasts don't choose their hosts by age, but by heart.
As long as one's intentions are pure and willing to resonate with them, anyone can receive their response."
"Is that so..." Jiraiya looked thoughtfully at the steam rising from the pot.
He suddenly smiled, revealing a rare gentle expression.
"Then tomorrow, I'll visit your Breeding House."
Shiroishi chuckled softly, his tone calm yet carrying a meaningful note.
"Good, I look forward to it."
The stove fire crackled, aromas gradually filling the air.
Yahiko and the others gathered around, Konan holding the sleeping Squirtle, Nagato leaning against the wall with a quiet smile.
That night, the sky cleared unusually, clouds parting to reveal sparse starlight.
Warm yellow light spilled from the cabin's windows, accompanied by bursts of laughter and the clinking of pots and ladles.
Shiroishi leaned against the doorway, quietly watching the scene inside the cabin.
Yahiko spoke cheerfully while Charmander wagged its tail excitedly; Nagato held Bulbasaur gently with a soft expression; Konan stroked the Squirtle in her arms, her gaze tender as water.
At that moment, Shiroishi's expression also softened involuntarily.
Since arriving in this world, he had spent nearly every moment thinking, planning, and pretending.
Carefully hiding his true self.
But now, under the lamplight in this small cabin, he felt the frost in his heart begin to thaw for the first time.
This warmth... was long overdue.
He lowered his eyes, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his lips, yet tinged with self-mockery.
He knew very well he shouldn't indulge in this tranquility.
After all, he didn't belong to this world.
His path home still lay with that strange seed born from the fusion of the World Tree and the God Tree.
Only by finding a way back would he truly be free.
"Shiroishi?"
Yahiko's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
He walked over, holding a bowl of soup, his smile genuine and bright.
"What's wrong? You looked like you were carrying something heavy on your mind just now."
Shiroishi paused, then shook his head with a helpless smile.
"Nothing, just... feeling a bit lost."
He gazed out the window at the gray-blue sky and murmured, "In this country, it always feels like there's no hope to be found."
Hearing this, Yahiko laughed even more heartily, his eyes shining with determination.
"Then let's grow up together and find that hope ourselves!"
Those words, spoken clearly and resoundingly, pierced through the night like a beam of light.
The air in the room seemed to grow brighter along with them.
Nagato and Konan looked up slightly, their eyes soft yet earnest.
"Hope... is it?"
Shiroishi's response carried a sigh, yet couldn't conceal a trace of warmth.