"Stop listening to him. Your father is still alive, and he's been silently protecting you in his own way all along."
Anya's words gave Naruto a spark of hope, but he quickly shook his head in disbelief. "That can't be right. If he were still alive, why wouldn't he come see me? Does he hate me? Just like the village..."
"Naruto, don't jump to conclusions," Anya said seriously. "No parent could ever hate their child. I was your father's closest friend, and the reason I'm temporarily leading Team 7 is because of him."
"Really? Where is he?" Naruto's eyes shined with curiosity.
Anya smiled warmly. "In a very distant place. Many of a ninja's duties require strict secrecy. But that day isn't far off anymore. Before long, you'll be able to meet. Believe me."
Naruto nodded eagerly, his eyes filled with yearning. Seeing this, Sakura couldn't help but smile sincerely.
At that moment, a voice came from afar.
"Are you the ninja team sent by Konoha? We're shinobi from Takigakure here to find you."
"Thank goodness, we're saved!" Hearing the voice, Sakura hurriedly waved and called out, "Yes, we're right here!"
With guidance from Takigakure ninja, they boarded a carriage and finally left the dense forest behind.
Outside the carriage, Genzo was chatting with Anya.
Genzo asked, "Why did you suddenly change plans? This place is far more dangerous than where we were before."
"It wasn't intentional, but it doesn't matter now," Anya replied while gazing at Takigakure in the distance, feeling somewhat uneasy. However, thinking about the boy inside the carriage calmed him.
"When we arrive at the village, follow the original plan—we'll separate my two students from the rest and give that father and son some private time together."
"Understood."
After entering Takigakure territory, everyone disembarked from the carriage and transferred to boats already prepared for them, passing through that magnificent waterfall before quickly arriving at Takigakure—a village that seemed cut off from the world.
Just arriving here, standing aboard the boat and looking at this tranquil village, Sakura couldn't help exclaiming, "This place feels so tranquil."
"Hey, new people! Hello! Can we be friends?"
Both Naruto and Sakura jumped in surprise—there was no one in front of them!
"Where are you?"
"Haha, up here! Look up!"
A girl with brown skin and short light-green hair hovered midair, flapping her wings while smiling brightly at the two.
The smile looked incredibly soothing, making Naruto reply without hesitation, "Sure thing! My name's Naruto Uzumaki. What's yours?"
"Really?" Fuu happily flew down from above, grabbed Naruto's hand tightly, and said, "My name is Fuu! From now on, we're friends!"
"Uh-huh uh-huh," Naruto nodded repeatedly, immediately accepting this new friend.
Behind them, Genzo couldn't help but sigh and said, "Fuu, behave yourself. Come over here."
"I know, Grandpa," Fuu chirped as she nimbly flew to the back of the boat. Spotting Anya instantly, she hesitated momentarily, then appeared slightly frightened. Her voice grew cautious as she quietly murmured, "Mast..."
"Just call me Brother will do."
Anya smiled slightly and said, "I didn't expect that after so many years, you'd still remember me. Back then, you were just a child."
Fuu playfully stuck out her tongue and replied, "Grandfather often spoke of you, saying I must always respect you and never act carelessly."
Anya looked at Genzo and grinned affectionately, "Ahahaha, don't listen to him. Just be yourself—it's fine."
Fuu immediately showed a grin again, glancing at Genzo with pride.
Genzo sighed helplessly and said, "Go assist these three Konoha ninja in settling down, and have the village doctor examine this unconscious ninja."
"Okay."
After everyone had left, Anya finally asked Genzo, "Where is she?"
Genzo carefully responded, "Inside the farthest part of the village, in a solitary room. She dislikes being disturbed by anyone except Fuu."
Anya was silent for a moment before murmuring, "I'm going there myself. Don't let anyone come near."
Genzo solemnly answered, "Understood."
A gloomy courtyard lay ahead—fallen leaves scattered everywhere. Even before coming close, an overwhelming sense of loneliness and desolation could be felt, sharply contrasting with the surrounding peace.
Suddenly, Anya was overcome with regret. He had thought he placed Miss Mikoto in a place free from worldly troubles because it was best for her—but what about her own feelings?
He lingered at the door for a long time before finally pushing it open and stepping inside.
A familiar back view came into sight.
"Anya, you've finally come to see me."
Although her voice had become somewhat hoarse, he recognized it instantly.
"Miss Mikoto, so you've already figured out it was you I saved."
Miss Mikoto turned around. Her once-beautiful face now carried wrinkles, and her jet-black hair had faded to gray. Her whole body seemed like an empty shell, devoid of soul.
Anya's eyes widened slightly. "Miss Mikoto, how did you end up like this? Was there someone who..."
"Do you always think I'm very foolish?" Miss Mikoto interrupted Anya, asking on her own: "Is this village yours?"
At this moment, completely unable to understand her thoughts, Anya could only answer, "Precisely speaking, this village is under my control."
Miss Mikoto expressionlessly stated, "Seems like I guessed right again. Yes, I understand your intentions. This village is good, but it doesn't belong to me. However, ever since the day you rescued me, my heart has been dead. It doesn't matter where I am anyway."
With no choice, Anya decided to play his trump card as planned. He stepped forward a couple paces and softly murmured, "Miss Mikoto, Sasuke has arrived—he's in the village now."
Upon hearing these words, Miss Mikoto—who had previously shown absolutely no vitality—suddenly displayed an astonishing gleam in her eyes. Unconsciously activating her Sharingan, the Three Tomoe spun within them until merging together, forming [Mangekyo Sharingan].
Never in his wildest dreams had Anya imagined that Miss Mikoto had awakened the Mangekyo. Only its owner can truly comprehend the pain accompanying such an activation.
"He's here in the village? Quickly take me to see him." Emotion stirred within Miss Mikoto, her mood becoming increasingly agitated.
"There's no rush; he won't leave soon," Anya reassured her gently: "Let me check on you first."
Anya's body emitted a faint green Chakra glow as she reached out and placed her hand on Mikoto's shoulder. As the Chakra flowed in, she realized just how poor Mikoto's physical condition was—her bodily functions were deteriorating severely from overexertion. If this continued for several more years, her life would be in danger.
Anya breathed a sigh of relief. Sage Chakra transformed into life energy, nourishing her body, while the Chakra Anya had previously absorbed from Tsunade rapidly depleted.
As the Chakra was nearly depleted, Anya pulled her arm back, her face noticeably paler.
Mikoto's wrinkles softened, her hair shined again, and even her eyes sparkled with renewed brightness.
She could clearly feel her body restored to how it had been over a decade ago. Giving Anya a complex look, she sighed and said, "Let's go. Take me there."
Anya replied, "Okay."
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