After sending Temari back to her room, Shun fell into deep thought.
These past two days, accompanying Temari to play, it was as if he was infected with the vitality that only young people possess.
This long-lost "youthful feeling" suddenly reminded him of a woman.
The woman who had been by his side ever since he first transmigrated to this world.
Memories were like a scroll unfurled by the evening breeze, slowly spreading out before his eyes.
That year, when he had just arrived in this world, in order to escape the pursuit of the Iwa ninjas, he hid in Kusagakure.
As a result, he met Yukari. Upon their first meeting, he decided to take this woman away. So he killed Yukari's two teammates, and then coaxed her into following him.
In the end, he fulfilled his promise, rescued the Uzumaki clansmen, and schemed to kill Hiruzen and the others.
After more than ten years of twists and turns, she silently persevered while raising her daughter Karin.
Over the years, he had grown accustomed to Yukari's existence, accustomed to her companionship, but it seemed like he hadn't spent time with her like he did with Temari, talking and enjoying the scenery.
Thinking of this, Shun felt a mix of guilt and warmth in his heart.
He raised his hand and condensed a space passage, his figure disappearing into the night in an instant.
Land of Water Royal Palace, Yukari's bedroom.
A slender figure could be faintly seen, busying under the lamplight, her long red hair draped over her shoulders like a warm flame.
Shun lightened his footsteps and pushed open the half-closed palace door.
The palace was decorated warmly and elegantly, without too much luxurious ornamentation, yet it exuded an atmosphere of life everywhere.
On the dressing table was the comb that Yukari often used, next to a recent photo of Karin. In the photo, the 12-year-old girl had her hair tied in a high ponytail, her smile radiant.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, she looked up, a flash of surprise instantly appearing in her red eyes, which then turned into a gentle smile.
"Why are you back? Didn't you say you were going to accompany Temari at the villa tonight?"
Her voice was still clear and sweet, without the slightest hint of questioning or dissatisfaction, only pure concern.
Shun walked to her side, his gaze falling on her fair and delicate cheeks.
Although she was over thirty, her skin was even more delicate than a young girl's due to the nourishment of Nature Mode, without a single fine line. The guilt in his heart deepened even more.
He reached out and gently held her hand, soft as fine silk. "Yukari, I missed you, so I came back."
Yukari's cheeks flushed slightly from his sudden confession, but she still leaned obediently on his shoulder. Her red hair brushed against his neck, carrying a faint fragrance.
"Seeing you accompanying Temari shopping today, the palace servants were saying that the Great King seemed a lot younger than usual, and even smiled more."
"Is that so?"
Shun smiled, looking down at the woman leaning on his shoulder.
"Perhaps I was infected by that girl's vitality. But..."
He paused, his tone becoming particularly serious. "No matter how lively it is, it can't compare to the peace of mind I feel when you're by my side."
Yukari couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this, reaching out to gently touch his cheek.
"By the way, Karin sent a message back today, saying that she's on the border of Land of Fire, and that sheltering the refugees is going smoothly. She also healed several injured old people, and told me to tell you not to worry."
Mentioning his daughter, a gentle smile appeared in Shun's eyes. "That girl, she's preparing to stand on her own as soon as she graduates from Ninja Academy."
"That just means our daughter is smart." Yukari smiled and stood up, picking up the cup of warm herbal tea and handing it to him.
Shun took the teacup, the warm touch spreading from his fingertips to the bottom of his heart.
He took a sip of the tea, the slight bitterness of the herbs carrying a unique sweetness, much like their years of getting along.
There was the overbearingness of their first meeting, the hardships of their battles, but more so, the warmth of their companionship and the tacit understanding of their shared growth.
He reached out and hugged Yukari, feeling the softness of her hair and the warmth of her body. "Yukari, thank you for your hard work all these years."
Yukari leaned in his arms, gently shaking her head, her arms wrapping around his waist. "Being able to be with you, watching Karin and Seishin grow up. On the contrary, I feel that these days are very happy."
Shun kissed her forehead, his eyes filled with tenderness. "Yukari, it's so good to have you by my side."
Yukari smiled slightly, gently leaning on Shun's shoulder, enjoying this moment of tranquility and warmth.
She closed her eyes, recalling the ballad that her mother used to sing. It was a ballad that recorded the history of the Uzumaki clan, the melody gentle and melodious, intoxicating.
As Yukari softly hummed, that familiar tune slowly flowed within the palace.
The song was like heavenly music, lingering in the air, making people feel as if they were in a story of undulating life, finally returning to peace.
Shun listened quietly, touched by Yukari's singing, a feeling that was difficult to express in words welled up in his heart.
He had always pursued greater power, and as his power became stronger and stronger, the pressure on his body and mind became heavier and heavier.
But at this moment, in this warm atmosphere, in Yukari's singing, those pressures seemed to be much lighter.
He hugged Yukari tightly, feeling her warmth and heartbeat, as if he had found a spiritual home.
He looked tenderly at his wife in his arms, then picked her up without hesitation and walked towards the tatami.
"Yukari, do you still remember what I said to you the first time we were together?"
"Yes, I remember everything."
"Maybe you think I'm very overbearing, but you are destined to be my woman in this life, so please don't refuse me."
"Yukari... I want you to help me."
Yukari endured her shyness, pounced over, and said, "Shun..."
"Yukari... big flying stick is coming."
[Ding, the host and Partner: Yukari performed an intimate act, Uzamaki Sage Body (Perfect) experience +300, Chakra cap +30...]