Chapter Twenty-Nine: Naruto with a Different Aura

"Indeed, being a ninja isn't all that great." Upon hearing Ayano Natsukawa say this, Yu Higashino asked curiously, "Ayano, why did you retire?"

Ayano Natsukawa didn't answer right away. Her expression gradually fell, as though she was recalling something unpleasant.

"If it's uncomfortable to talk about, you don't have to," Yu Higashino said.

"...Actually, it's not really that hard to talk about. There was an accident during a mission once. My mentor and two teammates died, and I was the only one who managed to survive. After that... I just didn't want to be a ninja anymore."

"I see," Yu Higashino's tone was softer than usual. "Sorry for bringing up painful memories."

"It's fine. It's all in the past now."

Yu Higashino said nothing more, gazing up at the sky. Moonlight spilled through the clouds in thin threads, pure and tinged with melancholy. For some reason, he remembered that night Ayano Natsukawa drank herself into oblivion.

Perhaps she wasn't as at ease as she seemed.

Yu wanted to offer comfort, but didn't know how. He stayed silent, watching the sky as drifting clouds slipped away. The waning moon shone with a faint, tranquil light. It was so peaceful.

"Brother Yu, I'm heading home now."

"Alright, goodbye."

"Goodbye."

After a simple farewell, Ayano Natsukawa stood and leaped off the rooftop, landing smoothly and almost soundlessly.

Beneath the streetlamp, she walked forward, and Yu Higashino watched her retreating figure from above.

The moon was once again hidden by clouds. Yu watched them for a while, then went inside. It was getting late—time to sleep.

...

"Brother Yu!" The alarm clock with Naruto's face rang out at an unpredictable hour, rousing Yu Higashino from sleep.

As usual, he dressed, washed up, then went downstairs to open the door for Naruto. Next, he started making breakfast.

Once they finished eating, the two went to the ninja academy to check the class assignments.

The class lists were posted on the bulletin board at the school entrance. By the time Yu and Naruto arrived, quite a crowd had gathered.

Yu Higashino led Naruto through the throng, searching the board together for Naruto's name.

"Brother Yu, I see my name!"

"Yes, I see it too. You're in Class One."

"But where is Class One?"

"I'll take you there now. Remember it, and come on your own tomorrow."

"Alright." Yu Higashino finished scanning the remaining names, then led Naruto out of the crowd.

"Brother Yu, what class is Sasuke in?"

"He's in the same class as you."

"That's great!"

"You're happy? Didn't you say before that Sasuke was arrogant?"

"But I don't know anyone else."

Yu Higashino patted Naruto's head. "Don't worry. Once school starts, you'll meet plenty of new friends."

"Really?" Naruto looked at him with hopeful eyes.

"Really."

Yu Higashino's expression shifted slightly as another thought crossed his mind.

"By the way, Naruto, there's something else."

"What is it?"

"Your future wife is in your class, too."

"Huh? What are you talking about!"

"It's that short-haired girl from yesterday. Naruto, you already forgot? So fickle!"

"I...I remember, but...but she's not my future wife!" Naruto replied, a bit shyly.

Yu Higashino laughed softly.

"Why are you laughing, Brother Yu?!"

"It's nothing." Yu cut off Naruto's attempt to pursue the matter. "Look, that's Class One. Tomorrow, you need to be here before eight for lessons. Got it?"

Naruto stared at the classroom Yu pointed to, studying it for a moment.

"Got it."

"Good. Let's head home now; I have some errands to run."

"What errands?" Naruto asked, curious.

"Nothing much, just buying a few things."

Soon, the pair arrived at a stationery shop.

"Brother Yu, you're buying school supplies for me?" Naruto asked, touched.

But Yu Higashino replied coolly, "No."

"Huh?"

"Recently I've felt a bit bored. Someone suggested yesterday that I try writing, so I'm going to give it a shot—just picking up some paper and pens."

After explaining, Yu Higashino added, "Though you're right, you need school supplies. I almost forgot."

"So that's it! I was moved for nothing!" Naruto exclaimed dramatically.

Yu Higashino glanced at him. "Fine, I'll buy them for you as compensation."

"Okay!" Naruto's disappointment vanished instantly.

The shopping went smoothly; the shopkeeper didn't try to shoo Naruto away. In the end, besides buying what he needed for himself, Yu also got Naruto a pen and a notebook.

"Study hard."

"Mm." Naruto nodded earnestly as he took the pen and notebook.

[Will there really be a Naruto with a totally different style?] Yu Higashino couldn't help but wonder.

He thought of Shisui again. After all his guidance, what path would Shisui take now? Had he already begun to act?

Unknowingly, the future had quietly shifted under his influence. He truly wondered what would come of it.

But Yu Higashino wasn't concerned—he didn't need to rely on the advantage of any storyline.

After returning home with their purchases, Yu carefully placed the paper and pens on the counter.

"Brother Yu, you said you're going to write a book?"

"Yes."

"Sounds impressive!"

"I'm just going to try it."

"What kind of book will you write?"

"I haven't decided. Not a clue yet."

Just as Yu Higashino had said, after Ayano Natsukawa brought it up yesterday, he initially thought writing a book sounded troublesome, but later realized it wasn't so bad.

If he turned out to have a knack for it and managed to publish, he'd keep writing—an unexpected bonus. If not, he'd just write to pass the time, with no real downside.