Half a year had passed since that day.
Aside from occasionally going out to eliminate unlucky Rain ninja squads, Yoru spent most of his time living with Konan and Yahiko—teaching them how to become ninja.
He started from the very basics: chakra.
As one of the future founders of the Akatsuki, Yahiko's talent in Water Release even surprised Yoru.
Although Yoru himself didn't use Water Release, he possessed plenty of scrolls and materials on it. As Konoha's top genius, Tsunade's disciple, and someone tied to the Hokage faction, many clans had tried to curry favor with him.
Some offered money.
Others offered jutsu.
With a "why not take it?" mindset, Yoru's collection had grown quite impressive.
As for Konan—
This little angel's chakra control talent was astonishing.
By Yoru's estimation, her talent in this area was no less than Tsunade's.
And this angelic girl seemed naturally drawn to paper.
According to her—
"Paper is pure and white… untouched by blood. It represents peace."
She had already begun researching her own unique technique—Paper Release—and her aptitude for ninjutsu was nothing short of shocking.
Yoru had even started considering bringing her back to Konoha. If she was willing, Tsunade would undoubtedly accept such a gifted student.
As for "the original storyline"?
What was that supposed to be?
Was he supposed to let this angel continue suffering in war?
"Paper Release: Paper Shuriken!"
Konan let out a soft shout, sending five chakra-infused paper blades flying toward Yoru.
Yahiko wasn't about to be outdone.
"Water Release: Water Flow!"
He took a deep breath and unleashed a stream of water toward Yoru.
Yoru stood calmly in place, watching the attacks come from both sides.
He lightly stomped his foot.
"Magma: Flame Wall!"
Two pillars of magma surged from the ground, forming flowing walls that shielded him completely.
Sizzle! Sizzle!
The paper shuriken and water techniques were instantly burned and vaporized upon contact.
"I'm done… I'm done…"
Yahiko collapsed onto the ground.
"Yoru, you're too strong…"
Konan, on the other hand, looked at Yoru with a sweet expression.
Yes—
Over the past six months, Yoru had completely won over this little angel.
There was no dramatic confession, no grand declaration—
Their relationship had developed naturally.
The sense of safety Yoru gave her made Konan deeply dependent on him.
Yoru smiled faintly.
"You've only been learning for a short time. Being able to use jutsu already is incredible."
From ordinary civilians to using ninjutsu in less than half a year—
Even in Konoha, that level of progress would qualify as genius.
In troubled times, true talent emerged.
Yahiko puffed up proudly at the praise, laughing loudly like the child he still was.
Yoru ignored him and walked over to Konan, gently patting her head.
"You did great too, Konan."
She leaned into his hand affectionately, her face full of sweetness.
"That's because you taught me well, Yoru."
Yahiko couldn't stand it anymore.
"Hey! Can you two at least consider that I'm still here?!"
Konan suddenly realized and jumped away from Yoru like a startled rabbit, her cheeks flushed red as she stared at the ground.
Yoru chuckled and lightly pinched her cheek, then his expression gradually turned serious.
After gathering his thoughts, he said:
"I'll probably be returning to the village soon. The war is escalating, and the situation is becoming more chaotic."
He looked at the two of them.
"I want you to come back to Konoha with me. I'll make sure you're properly settled."
Konan's expression didn't waver at all.
In her heart, she had already decided—
Where Yoru went, she would follow.
But Yahiko's cheerful expression slowly faded.
Silence fell.
After a long while, he raised his head and looked straight at Yoru.
"Yoru… even though Rain ninja killed my parents… this is still my homeland."
"My country is suffering in war right now."
"If I go with you to Konoha… does that mean one day I might raise my blade against my own home?"
Konan's eyes flickered slightly—but quickly steadied again.
To her, the Land of Rain was no longer home.
Where Yoru was—
That was her home.
Yoru looked at Yahiko and spoke calmly:
"What can you accomplish by staying here?"
"The Land of Rain's location alone guarantees it will always suffer from war."
"But someone has to do something!"
Yahiko's eyes burned with determination.
"I believe it! I will bring peace to this crying country!"
Yoru stared at him deeply.
No wonder… in the future, even Nagato and the others would wholeheartedly follow Yahiko.
This boy possessed a courage and conviction few others had.
Yoru slowly walked over, took out several scrolls from his pouch, and placed them in Yahiko's hands.
"Yahiko… come with us," Konan couldn't help but say, her eyes reddening slightly.
"Konan!"
Yoru interrupted her.
He looked straight into Yahiko's eyes and shouted:
"No one has the right to take away a man's ambition!"
Then, his voice softened.
"I believe… you can do it."
Yahiko gripped the scrolls tightly, as if holding onto hope itself.
He looked at Yoru with unwavering determination.
"Thank you, Yoru."
"I will do it."
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