"The Hyūga traitor back then fled into a valley and vanished without a trace. Even though the clan searched afterward, they never found anything useful."
Nao's expression was slightly serious as she spoke.
"It's been hundreds of years… even if there were clues, they're probably long gone."
Kyūsei nodded.
Under normal circumstances, that would be true.
But based on what Nao described—
That Hyūga traitor most likely escaped through the passage connecting the Earth and the moon.
…Wait.
A passage between Earth and the moon?
Kyūsei 's eyes suddenly lit up.
He immediately thought of the Dragon Vein relocation plan he had discussed with Kaoru .
If they could figure out that spatial passage—
And amplify it countless times—
Wouldn't they be able to transfer the Dragon Vein instantly?
That would completely eliminate the need to develop a massive Flying Thunder God transfer array.
Still—
To be safe, they needed to investigate it personally.
Even so, Kyūsei had confidence in that passage.
The moon in this world had been created by Hagoromo using Chibaku Tensei.
But from what he knew—
It functioned just like a real moon.
The distance between Earth and the moon was over 384,000 kilometers.
Yet this passage could transport someone there instantly.
The level of technology involved was absurd.
It could practically be considered alien technology—
The technology of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
At the very least—
It was far beyond what the Uzumaki sealing arts could achieve.
"Alright. If you're going, tell me."
Kyūsei nodded.
"Then prepare in the next couple of days."
Nao smiled slightly.
Of course she wanted him to come along.
Even if that Hyūga traitor from centuries ago was likely dead—
There was always the possibility of something unexpected.
And after the Land of Water incident, she had been restricted by her father.
If Kyūsei went with her—
Hiashi would definitely approve.
More importantly—
This was a secret tied to the Hyūga clan itself.
Even her stubborn father would want the truth.
"Got it."
Seeing that Kyūsei didn't refuse, Nao's eyes curved into crescents.
She quickly glanced around—
Then suddenly leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Kyūsei froze for a moment.
Then smiled helplessly at her mischievous expression.
Nao and Kaoru were completely different.
Kaoru —
Was gentle, always thinking of him, supporting him unconditionally.
Nao—
Was a refined noble lady on the surface—
But underneath, free-spirited, even a little rebellious.
She had her own thoughts.
Her own will.
And she often did things Kyūsei never expected.
Like sharing such a major Hyūga secret without hesitation.
"So obedient~"
Nao teased, ruffling his soft red hair.
This boy, five years younger than her—
Had never once rejected her.
"Ahem."
A sudden cough interrupted them.
A tall shadow loomed over the two whispering figures.
"…Father?"
Nao stood up calmly.
Kyūsei also stood, slightly stiff.
"Clan Head Hiashi…"
Hiashi Hyūga looked at the seventeen-year-old boy calmly.
"Nao. Enough playing. It's time to take your seat."
"Yes, Father."
Outside—
Nao returned to her perfect noble demeanor.
Every movement elegant.
Flawless.
Watching them leave, Kyūsei scratched his head.
"Can't bear to part?"
"Then go after her."
A slightly sour voice sounded.
Kyūsei felt a chill run down his spine.
Having two girlfriends might sound enviable—
But mishandle it, and it becomes a disaster.
"Kaoru … is Tsunade done?"
He wisely changed the topic.
Kaoru crossed her arms.
"She's done. Dan should've already taken her."
Kyūsei winced.
"…Let's go. She should be serving tea to the Third Hokage now."
Despite her tone, Kaoru still wrapped her arm around his.
The softness against his arm made it clear—
Her jealousy was mostly just talk.
—
They arrived at the main hall.
It was packed.
Everyone had gathered to watch.
Hiruzen Sarutobi—
Despite his condition—
Sat at the head seat with Biwako.
Smiling.
Radiant.
As if he hadn't been bedridden just yesterday.
To him—
Tsunade was like his own daughter.
Tsunade stepped forward.
Her voice soft:
"Father… please have tea."
Silence fell—
Then the entire hall erupted.
Hiruzen's smile widened.
"Good! Good!"
Kyūsei sighed internally.
He could feel it.
Hiruzen's chakra—
Was almost gone.
In this world, chakra was life force.
And Hiruzen's—
Was fading.
Completely at odds with his glowing appearance.
…A final burst of vitality.
Kaoru noticed it.
Tsunade definitely noticed it too.
—
The sky darkened.
Clouds gathered.
Kyūsei sat alone on the Hokage Rock cliff.
Looking over Konoha.
At first—
He had no attachment to this village.
Just a detached kindness.
Because he knew—
This world was cruel.
Endless war.
Endless bloodshed.
Even the so-called hero—
Promised peace—
But achieved so little.
Became Hokage—
Yet changed almost nothing.
Three promises—
Only one fulfilled.
And even that—
Turned him into a servant of the village.
No time for himself.
Even failed his own daughter.
"…Kyūsei ."
Hiruzen's voice came from behind.
Kyūsei turned.
"Why are you here alone?"
"You should be resting. If Tsunade sees you with me, I'm dead."
He tried to help him back—
But Hiruzen stopped him.
Then slowly—
Sat down at the edge.
His cloudy eyes now sharp.
Looking over the village he had protected all his life.
"Kyūsei … what is a Hokage?"
Kyūsei draped his coat over him.
"A leader."
"One acknowledged by all."
"The head of the family."
Hiruzen nodded.
"…That's right."
"And the Will of Fire?"
"Old man, you should—"
"Answer me."
"…The leaves fall, and the fire continues."
"It means life continues."
"Even if one falls, others rise."
"It's unity. Sacrifice. Continuation."
"…That's the Second Hokage's belief."
Kyūsei paused.
Thinking of everything—
Kaoru .
Nao.
Sakumo.
Tsunade.
Kakashi.
Rin.
Everyone.
"…And yours?"
Hiruzen asked softly.
Kyūsei looked forward.
"…I just want to protect the people I care about."
That was the truth.
From the beginning—
That was all he wanted.
Maybe because—
In his previous life—
He had nothing.
No family.
No love.
Just emptiness.
But here—
He found it.
"…That's… a good Will of Fire."
Hiruzen murmured.
His life flashed before his eyes.
Hashirama.
Tobirama.
Kagami.
Danzo.
"Good work, Sarutobi."
Tobirama's voice echoed.
"Hmph. This time, I didn't lose to you."
Danzo smirked.
"Long time no see."
Kagami smiled.
…How nice.
Everyone's waiting.
Hiruzen smiled.
His head lowered slightly.
Like he had fallen asleep.
The clouds parted.
Sunlight fell on him.
"…Old man…"
A broken voice.
Tsunade stood there, crying.
Everyone gathered.
Watching.
The man who shaped an era.
The man called the Professor.
The man who built Konoha into a giant.
On this day—
Konoha Year 41, November 5th, 5:30 PM—
Passed away.
Kyūsei stood silently.
Others might judge him.
But to Kyūsei —
He was family.
A guardian.
A pillar.
The Third Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi.
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