As dusk settled, Nagato and the others could barely contain their excitement.
Stepping out of the room, the four gathered together.
Without a word, they simply exchanged glances—and in that instant, they all knew exactly what the others were thinking.
"Where exactly are you all headed?"
"Remember, this is Konoha Village, not our Akatsuki Village. Better be careful."
The sound of the door opening caught the attention of two senior members of the Akatsuki, who stepped outside and saw Yahiko and the others getting ready to head out.
"We're just feeling a bit bored, and it's about time for dinner anyway."
"We thought we'd go out for a walk and grab something to eat."
Yahiko flashed a bright smile—it wasn't really a lie.
No matter where they were going, they actually did plan to grab a bite along the way.
"I see."
"Then let us come along too."
The two Akatsuki ninja remained loyal as ever, immediately preparing to shut the door behind them and follow the group.
As subordinates, in this unfamiliar environment that was Konoha Village, they naturally couldn't bear to let Yahiko and the others go unguarded.
If Konoha had any underhanded tricks up their sleeves, they'd lay down their lives to stop any threat.
"There's really no need."
"You two just rest."
Konan waved her hands repeatedly—her expression practically screamed "don't follow us."
"We're only going for a casual stroll. Nothing will happen."
Nonou also chimed in, refusing flat-out—there was no way they could take those two along when meeting with Tsunade.
"If that's the case, we promise not to interfere."
"We'll just follow quietly behind."
Still, the two Akatsuki ninjas insisted, hands never leaving the doorknobs.
"If anything goes wrong, you'll only slow us down."
"Stay put."
"If you really want to go out, go by yourselves."
It was Nagato who cut through the tension decisively. Without another word, he grabbed Nonou's hand and strode forward quickly.
Seeing the two Akatsuki members frozen in place, Yahiko and Konan hurriedly followed after him.
"That was pretty harsh. Nagato sure does know how to speak the truth."
"But that shows he still cares about us."
After Yahiko and the others disappeared into the distance, the two Akatsuki swiftly managed to convince themselves.
"Well then, fine. If they don't want us to go, we won't."
"Time for bed."
They were so annoyed they didn't even feel like eating anymore. Two loud slams echoed down the hallway as their doors shut.
"Didn't your words hit a little too hard?"
Yahiko felt uneasy after stepping out of the inn. After all, those two had been with them since before the village was founded.
"You still don't know how to read people."
"You only see their loyalty without knowing how they tick."
"When we return, we'll bring them some top-notch sake. They'll laugh harder than anyone else."
Nagato wasn't being cruel—he just found it easier to handle things this way.
Strolling down the main street of Konoha Village, a growing smile spread across his face.
"Fine, fine."
"Our Nagato really knows people best."
Yahiko smirked slightly, meaning he must've been a failed Kage after all.
"Hahaha~"
Konan and Nonou burst out laughing, clearly loving every second of the scene unfolding before them.
"Come on, hurry up."
"If we're late, we'll miss dinner entirely."
Nagato quickened his pace as he spoke, and the four of them took the familiar path they hadn't walked in ages.
Before even reaching their destination, each already had snacks in hand, savoring their exceptional taste. The nostalgic flavor bloomed on their tongues, and all four closed their eyes slightly, relishing it.
Walking with unusually light steps, they finally arrived near the Hatake family estate.
"Why is the gate open?"
Konan's sharp gaze immediately caught sight of the front gate swinging wide open.
"Maybe there are guests coming."
Yahiko didn't give it much thought—anyone visiting the Hatake household would likely be someone they already knew.
"What if they're actually waiting for us?"
It was Nonou who figured it out first. Even if guests were expected, there'd be no reason to keep the gates open like that. Besides, there were no servants waiting outside either, which wouldn't be proper etiquette for such an esteemed family.
"Waiting for us?"
"But we didn't say we were coming either."
Yahiko still had his doubts—it wasn't like they'd told anyone they were coming.
"What's there to guess?"
"You'll know once we go inside."
Though Nagato said that, he secretly agreed with Nonou.
Did they really need someone to greet them just because they were coming home?
Didn't the wide-open gate practically scream it was for them?
"Guess you're right. Let's go."
Hearing Nagato's words, Yahiko gave up trying to think it through. A short trip like that wasn't worth breaking a sweat over.
As the group passed through the Hatake family gate, they found the courtyard completely empty—only a few hidden samurai stood watch in the shadows. As they entered, the guards acted as though they hadn't seen a thing, not so much as twitching.
"They must be eating," Yahiko stated confidently. He swore he could already catch the faint scent of food.
"So what are we waiting for? Charge!"
Konan shook off Yahiko's hand and dashed toward the dining hall.
"That gluttonous girl."
Shaking his head with a smile, Nagato tugged Nonou along.
"Wait for me!" Realizing he was falling behind, Yahiko hurried to catch up.
As the group disappeared into the courtyard, the great gate behind them slowly shut.
Konan was the first to burst into the dining hall. She found more people inside than she had expected—Kushina-nee-san, Nawaki-kun, and his family of three—everyone was staring at her.
Before she could say a word, someone called out.
"You're back."
"Hurry up and sit down. We're about to start eating."
Kawaki offered a mild smile, speaking in a tone that was neither hot nor cold.
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But Konan's eyes welled up—those were words she'd heard a thousand times before.
Nagato and Nonou followed closely behind, while Yahiko arrived last.
"What are you all standing around for?"
"Do I have to personally invite you to sit?"
"Are you really acting like guests now?"
Tsunade wore a stern expression, pretending to be angry.
"We will, we'll sit right away."
Like kids caught doing something wrong, the four hesitantly shuffled toward the empty seats.
They sat in their usual spots—the only difference was that Nonou and Hanami now joined them.
Little Hanami nestled in Misaki's arms, blinking her large, sparkling eyes as she gazed at these unfamiliar uncles and aunts.
"Today's all your favorite dishes."
"Have more to eat."
Natsuki instructed the servants to bring some dishes closer to everyone, being very thoughtful about it.
"Mom, you're being unfair."
"I like them too, seriously."
Kakashi teased playfully—but there was no real anger in his voice.
"What difference does it make what you eat?"
"Don't argue."
Sakumo shot him a sharp glance. This time, Kakashi truly felt wronged.
"Just put it over there."
"Kids shouldn't be spoiled."
As soon as he turned his head, Sakumo beamed with delight. He was clearly full of double standards.
"Fine, Uncle."
Yahiko and the others set down their plates at once, not daring to protest.
They could only shoot Kakashi helpless glances.
Seeing this scene unfold, Minato chuckled softly. It had been a long time since he'd seen something like this.
They had always doted on Kakashi.
Ginji's gaze lingered as he compared the faces before him to those in his memories.
When Yahiko and the others left Konoha, he was still young—his memories weren't very vivid.
Now that he looked closely, everything felt more and more familiar.
"The food is all here now. Eat up."
Just like before, Kawaki never cared for formalities around family, picking up his chopsticks first without hesitation.
A familiar place, filled with the scent of time itself—every corner held memories from long ago.
Familiar flavors were like keys to unlocking the past, each bite opening the door to long-buried memories.
Familiar faces gathered together, wearing warm smiles—this was the kind of bond that time could never erase.
After a few bites of food, Yahiko and the others quickly slipped back into their old selves.
Konan and Kushina beside her were chatting while they ate, their laughter bright and clear.
Sharing snippets of life, those small amusing moments now felt especially precious.
Yahiko, Nagato, Nawaki, and Minato also kept finding things to talk about.
They reminisced about their past adventures, filled with nostalgia.
Tonight, there was nothing but lighthearted stories and familial chatter—free from the noise and chaos of the ninja world.
Elders like Kawaki mostly observed in silence, their eyes brimming with affection.
They occasionally added a few words, each word brimming with wisdom and experience.
Laughter filled the table continuously, and everything felt just like it had all those years ago.
Yahiko and the others felt as though they'd never actually left this place.
...
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