Another day came and went.
Nearly a week had passed beneath a rhythm that sometimes felt like a time loop: training, recovery, treatment, and sleep. The only meaningful deviations came in the hours Shorai deliberately set aside for Ino.
Mental stillness exercises and Water Release simulations had steadily begun forming a new habit within him. Little by little, they eased Lightning affinity out of its old dominance. His chakra pathways grew more accustomed to a different kind of movement—slower, steadier, less eager to force every answer through acceleration.
Stoic eventually stopped practicing four-layer sealing formulas and joined Whimsical in the Soul Space work. Together, they focused on speeding up the integration process: finding the point where Water nature transformation could coexist with Shorai's deeply ingrained Lightning reflexes.
On Friday, Tsunade finally allowed him to handle Sasuke's treatment independently.
Shorai did not disappoint her.
By Saturday morning, he had already completed his usual training, washed the sweat from his skin, stretched his body awake, and returned to the hospital.
The stillness training had begun to show results.
It had not silenced Whimsical or removed that part of him. Creativity, intuition, and flexible thought still had their place. But patience no longer lost every argument to the urge to act, improve, or force progress forward.
For now, calmness held the greater influence.
"Fueh…"
Shorai released a slow breath and wiped a small bead of sweat from his forehead.
Sasuke lay motionless in the hospital bed before him, dark hair scattered against the pillow, his face pale beneath the morning light. Shorai's chakra had moved carefully through the damaged pathways of the Uchiha's mind—not forcing anything, not attempting to rush an awakening, but supporting the gradual restoration Tsunade had begun.
"What would you choose, Sasuke?" Shorai murmured. "An illusion… or reality?"
His expression became distant.
"And if it is reality, then what kind of reality will you choose?"
A faint change crossed Sasuke's face.
So slight that someone less attentive might have missed it.
His brow tightened.
One finger twitched against the blanket.
'Did he hear me?'
Shorai paused, studying him. A small smile touched his lips.
'His condition is almost ready. He could wake soon.'
He withdrew his chakra slowly and remained beside the bed for another moment, watching the tension in Sasuke's face.
Then he turned and left the hospital.
Training still waited.
—
As Shorai walked through the village, his thoughts returned to the future.
'I wonder how the events will unfold…'
Sasuke's awakening was approaching. So was the inevitable conflict that would follow it.
Then something caught his eye.
Shorai slowed.
'How is the business doing?'
The familiar building before him had changed.
Its exterior had been rebuilt with a grand sky-blue frame and wide glass windows that reflected the afternoon sunlight. White lettering stretched elegantly above the entrance:
HEAVENLY LOTUS
The name stood out against the blue in a way that was refined without being overly loud.
Shorai studied it for a moment.
'It looks much better than before.'
He stepped inside.
A small bell chimed overhead.
"Welcome—"
The greeting stopped.
"Shorai-kun!"
Aya approached him with a warm smile.
"Good day, Aya-san," Shorai replied, returning it.
"It has been difficult to get in touch with you lately." Her eyes narrowed with a playful glint. "Duty and dates, hm?"
Her expression made the implication clear.
"You left a poor tailor girl all alone," Aya lamented dramatically. "This place lost its colors. It became gloomy. It simply is not the same without your presence, cutie…"
"Let us stop with the theatrical performance, Aya-san," Shorai said, shaking his head. "How has business actually been?"
His eyes moved across the large hall.
Women examined dresses along the polished racks. Others spoke with attendants near the mirrors, comparing colors and designs. The shop carried a quiet but steady liveliness that had not been present when he first visited Heavenly Lotus.
"I noticed that you implemented the collection I brought back from my trip," Shorai added. "That pale-blue dress in particular."
For a brief moment, he remembered Ino wearing a version of it on her birthday.
"You made changes?"
Aya brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and sighed as though disappointed.
"Always straight to business. You are no fun at all."
"Personally, I do not enjoy being teased or turned into part of a dramatic scene." A small half-smile appeared on Shorai's lips. "But I appreciate the energy you bring, Aya-san. Your presence certainly brightens this place. It would not be the same without you."
Aya blinked.
Then she leaned closer, smiling widely.
"My, my. You certainly have a way with words, Shorai-kun."
She sighed dramatically once more.
"Fine. I will stop teasing you…"
She paused.
"For today."
Then she winked.
"Good," Shorai said calmly. "Now—what were those changes?"
"Ahem."
Aya glanced toward several distant customers who had begun looking in their direction. Then she lowered her voice.
"There are a few important things coming up, Shorai-kun."
"Come early tomorrow morning. We will need you here."
"And the changes?" Shorai asked.
Aya cleared her throat again.
"Your designs are beautiful, as always."
"But?" Shorai asked, the corner of his lips lifting.
"But…" Aya looked toward a rack of newer dresses. "They sometimes lack a certain appeal. They are elegant, certainly. Beautiful, even. But…"
For the first time, Shorai saw her struggle to find the right words.
"How do I say this…"
Her cheeks colored faintly.
"They lack something specific?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
"Y-yes." Aya's eyes shifted toward the new collection. "They lack a certain… passion."
Shorai studied the unusual intensity in her dark eyes.
"Passion," he repeated. "So you made them more revealing."
Aya jolted.
Then a mischievous smile returned to her face.
"They have attracted quite a crowd, I must say."
She collected herself, though some hesitation remained.
"You will not be angry with me for changing them?"
"Of course not," Shorai replied. "If there is a market for it, then it is good for business."
He gestured lightly toward the surrounding racks.
"What I brought was a product of my own vision and taste. It was a suggestion, not an absolute rule."
His gaze settled on several dresses with longer side slits and more daring cuts.
"I am already glad that people enjoy the style. That does not mean you cannot develop it through your own ideas."
Aya watched him closely.
"These clothes are made for women," Shorai continued. "You understand better than I do what your customers enjoy, what they ask for, and what they feel confident wearing. You speak with them every day. You take notes."
A pair of customers passed nearby and offered Aya a cheerful farewell.
Shorai's expression softened.
"If Haga-san approves, then no harm is done. It is not my shop, after all."
Aya released a quiet breath of relief.
"I am glad you are not angry," she said. Then she added with exaggerated sorrow, "I was worried for an entire month. I had nightmares after making the decision."
"He-he." Shorai chuckled softly. "Then I am glad you will sleep better now, Aya-san."
Aya smiled brightly.
Then her eyes moved over him from head to toe.
"Hm."
Shorai recognized that look immediately.
"You still wear the same black, white, and turquoise outfit," she said. "Does it not become boring? Why not try something different?"
"I like it, Aya-san," Shorai replied. "It is not boring to me. It has the best balance of appearance and combat efficiency. That is why I wanted it in the first place."
He raised his arms and rotated his shoulders, then shifted his stance to show the freedom of movement the outfit allowed.
Aya watched with an expression that became strangely absorbed.
"You look good in almost everything," she said, a trace of sadness entering her theatrical voice. "Yet you wear the same thing every day…"
"I would certainly enjoy seeing you in something else as well."
"Of course," Shorai said. "You can enjoy it while I…"
The corner of his eye twitched.
"Pose."
Aya covered her mouth, her slyness returning.
"I would. Very much."
Then Aya's eyes narrowed.
"But that poor girlfriend of yours…"
"The girl I date," Shorai corrected with a faint frown.
"Right. The girl you date." Aya tilted her head. "All she sees is the same outfit. It must be boring, Shorai-kun."
"I like it. Ino likes it. She has not complained or suggested a change."
He paused.
"I would be willing to try something else from time to time if she asked me to. But that would be her request—not the decision of someone else."
"Eh?" Aya's eyes widened. "Cutie, you have quite a stance over something so small."
She stepped toward a nearby rack and motioned for him to follow.
"It is for your own good. You would look even better. Come on. I will show you one thing. You will love it."
"Boundaries, Aya-san."
Shorai's voice was calm.
Aya stopped.
The warmth in his expression had faded. His eyes remained fixed on hers—not angry, but suddenly serious in a way she had not seen before.
"Boundaries?" she repeated.
"Yes."
Shorai breathed out quietly.
"I do not like it when people decide what is best for me without asking. Especially when the decision involves changing me."
Aya froze.
"And the phrase 'for your own good' does not work on me," he continued. "Not when it is used to dismiss what I have already said I prefer."
Her playful expression had disappeared.
"Y-you sound different," Aya said quietly. "Did I say something wrong? I-I am sorry."
"Apology accepted. No harm was done."
Shorai's expression softened, though his tone remained steady.
"I know you were teasing. I also understand the impulse behind it."
He looked briefly toward the dresses around them.
"Women often see what might be refined, improved, or changed. It is not always a bad tendency. Change prevents stagnation. It can make people, homes, businesses, and even the world more alive."
Aya listened without interrupting.
"But the person being changed must still be asked," Shorai said. "Otherwise, concern can become control, even when the intention was good."
"I suppose I got carried away," Aya admitted. "It was only such a small thing, Shorai-kun. It really mattered that much to you?"
"Small things can still reveal a larger habit," Shorai replied. "If someone repeatedly chooses for another person because they assume he will agree—or assume he is too shy to object—then eventually that person is not being considered at all."
Aya blinked.
"You are such a unique boy," she murmured. "I did think you were shy. You always act so calm and tense around people."
"Appearances can be deceiving, Aya-san." Shorai's familiar half-smile returned. "I am not shy. It is simply self-control."
He looked at her directly.
"Some people mistake silence for agreement when it is only silence. Some situations do not bother me. When something does, I will say so."
"I see," Aya said thoughtfully. "So my teasing around you…"
"It is fine," Shorai reassured her. "Your personality does not bother me. I only speak up when something crosses a line for me."
Aya studied him for another moment.
"Shorai-kun?"
"Yes?"
"You do not like forceful women?"
Shorai shook his head.
"I do not like forceful people."
Aya's eyes narrowed with curiosity.
"But men seem to like—"
"How would you feel if the roles were reversed?" Shorai asked.
"A forceful man?" Aya's expression shifted immediately.
"What the—"
Shorai cleared his throat.
"I mean someone who told you: 'You are beautiful, Aya. You are wonderful. But you would be even better if you changed this part of yourself. Or that part. Your body. Your clothes. Your habits.'"
A trace of slyness entered his smile.
"Someone who always finds something missing. Someone who insists it is for your own good. Someone who assumes you are only too shy to admit that he knows what is best for you."
Aya considered the image.
"Well," she said slowly, "that does sound unpleasant."
"Exactly."
Shorai's smile faded into something quieter.
"One small forceful decision after another. Like sharpening a tool until it finally breaks."
"W-what?" Aya blinked. "That is overthinking it, Shorai-kun."
"Perhaps," Shorai said with a soft sigh. "But everything starts somewhere."
Before Aya could reply, he added:
"I would say the same thing to Ino. And she would be right to say it to me if I began deciding who she should be or what she should change without respecting her wishes."
Aya stared at him with open fascination.
"You speak like an experienced grown man, Shorai-kun."
A small, thoughtful smile appeared on her face.
"And you were not entirely wrong. There is not a single woman in this shop who has not wanted to improve something about her boyfriend or husband."
"That is a recurring observation," Shorai said. "A tendency, not a rule."
He smiled again.
"I have studied many fields. I have researched whatever catches my interest. But one field may be as deep and incomprehensible as they come."
Aya tilted her head.
"Women," Shorai said.
For a moment, Aya looked confused.
Then her expression turned playful again.
"You are not flirting with me, are you?"
"I am simply paying my respects by stating a fact." He held her gaze calmly. "You may enjoy the compliment, though."
Aya laughed.
"Alright. So you do not like forceful women…"
"Stop it, Aya-san."
His protest only made her laughter brighter as it echoed through the shop.
Then the office door at the far end of the hall opened.
Ren stepped out first.
Tsunade followed him.
"Thank you for coming, Lady Fifth," Ren said enthusiastically. "It will be ready on schedule."
Tsunade nodded.
"Make sure the production receives only what we approved," she said. "The boy's shinobi duties take priority. His role in the film does not."
Then her eyes landed on Shorai.
"What are you doing here, boy?"
Shorai raised an eyebrow.
"You took the words out of my mouth, Lady Fifth. It is unusual to see you at Heavenly Lotus."
"Hmph."
Tsunade brushed past him.
"Haga-san, do not keep the boy waiting. I need him training."
She paused near the door and glanced back.
"I agreed to the arrangement. Do not make me regret it."
"R-right, Lady Fifth," Ren replied, bowing deeply.
Tsunade left the shop.
Ren turned toward Shorai.
"Shorai-san," he said, "I would like to speak with you."
—
With several customers casting curious glances in their direction, Shorai followed Ren into the owner's office.
"How have you been, Ren-san?" Shorai asked once the door closed behind them.
"I am blooming more than ever, Shorai-san!" Ren replied brightly. "You helped raise my business above the clouds. Heavenly Lotus is becoming known far beyond the Land of Fire."
"That is good news," Shorai said. "Aya-san has made some interesting additions as well. They seem to be working."
Ren searched his face.
"So you are truly fine with those changes?"
"Yes."
"Good. Good."
Ren sat at his desk and flipped through ledgers, letters, and notes. At last, he selected one document and opened it carefully.
"There is an important matter that requires your opinion," Ren said.
He drew out the final words.
"Your participation, in fact. Very important participation."
"I am listening," Shorai replied, though his brows furrowed. "But I need to train, Ren-san. Lady Fifth may not agree to—"
"Oh, do not worry," Ren interrupted, waving one hand. "She already agreed."
Shorai became more suspicious.
"To what exactly?"
"Well…"
Ren rubbed the back of his cheek.
"A well-known director. A rising and successful film crew. They have become very interested in…"
He hesitated for effect.
"Our shop."
Shorai waited.
"And in particular," Ren continued, "our so-called Heavenly Prince."
Shorai raised an eyebrow.
"A film crew? A director?"
His thoughts began racing through old memories.
"Yes. His name is Makino-san." Ren leaned forward. "He sent a representative to wait for our response."
Shorai's eyes widened slightly.
'Could it be?'
"They are interested in casting you in their next film," Ren said enthusiastically. "And they want Heavenly Lotus to provide costumes for the production. They have seen our style, Shorai-san. They are impressed."
Shorai looked down at the cluttered desk for a moment.
"If I agreed," he said slowly, "when would the production arrive?"
"I do not know," Ren admitted. "Only the representative can tell us that. So—should I tell him you agree?"
"Put it this way."
Shorai's expression became serious.
"I need at least two more weeks. If they arrive before then, I will not participate."
Ren's eyes sharpened with interest.
"That is non-negotiable?"
"Yes."
Shorai's voice remained calm but firm.
"I have a patient whose recovery is approaching a critical point. I also have training that cannot be postponed. If the production needs me sooner than that, then it will need someone else."
For a moment, Ren only stared at him.
Then he nodded.
"I understand. I will explain it to their representative."
His smile rose again.
"Thank you for agreeing, Shorai-san. This will take Heavenly Lotus—and you—to new heights."
Ren made a swirling motion with one hand.
Shorai's eye twitched.
"If that is all," he said, beginning to stand.
"Almost." Ren rose as well. "Come tomorrow morning for the official reply. We will also need your assistance with our upcoming catalogue."
"That is all?"
"That is all."
Ren handed him another payment scroll before Shorai left the office.
—
Outside Heavenly Lotus, Shorai headed directly toward his secluded training grounds.
'A movie star, hm?'
The thought almost made him laugh.
'Everything really does keep falling into my hands. Another jackpot.'
His expression soon turned thoughtful.
The offer was not merely an opportunity for Heavenly Lotus.
If Makino's crew was truly involved, then the next stage of events might be closer than he had expected.
The Land of Snow.
Team 7.
A mission disguised as a film production.
Before any of that happened, he needed to be ready.
Sasuke's condition was nearing awakening. His recovery would soon lead to the confrontation Shorai had expected from the beginning.
And Swift Release remained a last resort.
Using it carelessly now could undo the stillness and Water Release foundation he had spent the past week building.
'I need another way to fight.'
A style that did not rely on burning through his body.
A style that could use patience, positioning, weapons, Water Release, and sealing.
A style that would remain useful even when speed was no longer the answer.
'A new fighting style.'
Shorai smiled.
Then he formed the hand seal.
"Perfect Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Two figures appeared beside him in twin bursts of smoke.
Stoic's eyes immediately moved toward the training ground.
Whimsical stretched his arms overhead and grinned.
"Back to work?" Whimsical asked.
Shorai looked toward the forest ahead.
"Back to work," he confirmed.