Konohagakure.
A sense of tranquility permeated the air. It seemed that the departure of the Uchiha siblings, Sasuke and Kanon, had left no lasting impact on Konoha.
Naruto Uzumaki was still recovering from his injuries, while Sakura Haruno had become an apprentice under Tsunade, immersing herself in the study of Medical Ninjutsu. When Sasuke left, she had been powerless to help, able only to lean on Naruto in tears. A month later, Naruto set out with Jiraiya, embarking on his own path of rigorous training.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was growing at a staggering pace under Orochimaru's tutelage. His innate genius had been fully ignited, causing his strength to advance by leaps and bounds.
Deep within Ryūchi Cave, Kanon was undergoing the most brutal training imaginable. Every day was a gauntlet of life-and-death struggles, yet she endured them all. In her remaining time, she studied new techniques under the guidance of Konin. This wasn't the casual practice of the past; it was a "demonic" regimen. Many times, Kanon felt herself hovering on the precipice of death, with one foot already inside the halls of Yama.
Everyone had fallen into a heavy silence, but they all knew this was merely the calm before the storm. When the tempest finally arrived, no one would be able to remain unscathed.
Time flew by, and two years passed within this temporary peace. During this period, aside from Sakura, there had been no word from the rest of Team 7.
BOOM!
A massive explosion erupted as a mountain peak instantly shattered, leaving behind the scorched scars of a Senjutsu-enhanced Chidori.
Standing on the site, overlooking the ruined peak, was a young woman. She wore a crimson trench coat, her hair still styled in black twin-tails, though it had grown much longer than before. She was significantly taller than she had been at eleven; while her face remained exquisite, the lingering traces of childhood had vanished.
One could say that the current Kanon was a strikingly beautiful young lady. Unfortunately, in terms of her bust, there didn't seem to have been much growth—her development was roughly on par with Sakura's. However, compared to her younger self, she had traded a measure of innocence for a hint of cold indifference.
"Kanon-chan, your Chidori was perfect again today," Tagorihime said softly.
"Tagori-nee, it's still not enough. I have to work harder."
As she spoke, Kanon closed her eyes, her expression turning somber. Her body slowly began to levitate. She placed her hands in front of her chest, and a translucent conical prism materialized.
"Particle Release: Atomic Dismantling Jutsu!"
With a sharp cry, the rubble before her was instantaneously reduced to nothingness, dismantled into molecules until it vanished from the spot.
"Kanon-chan, enter Sage Mode again," Tagorihime said with a light smile.
"Right." Kanon closed her eyes. A few seconds later, pink eyeshadow appeared around the corners of her lids, but the rest of her features remained unchanged.
This was the perfect Sage Mode—no monstrous physical transformations, only the subtle layer of pink pigment.
"Your speed has increased again. Kanon-chan, you've truly been diligent these past two years."
"Here is today's meal. Come eat once you're finished practicing."
"Thank you for taking such good care of me, Tagori-nee," Kanon replied with a light smile, taking the food and preparing to eat.
Suddenly, from the distance, the White Snake Sage approached, her hunched form moving slowly.
"Hakuja-sama! What brings you here?" Kanon smiled and walked to her side.
The White Snake Sage gently stroked Kanon's cheek and spoke softly: "Kanon-chan..."
"Hakuja-sama, is there a new jutsu today?"
"I wanted to say, Kanon-chan... you have learned everything Ryūchi Cave has to offer. I have nothing left to teach you."
"But, Hakuja-sama..."
"Kanon, the ninja world is vast; it is not limited to Konoha. You are the most outstanding disciple of our Ryūchi Cave. It is time for you to go out and gain experience."
"Eh? Me, go out for experience?"
"Yes. If you continue training here, our resources will run dry..." The White Snake Sage's face went dark.
The mountain Kanon had just pulverized was already quite far from the heart of Ryūchi Cave. By now, the mountains surrounding the cave had long since been leveled. Over these two years, Kanon had challenged every expert and summoning beast in Ryūchi Cave. Even the arrogant Manda had been beaten into submission, now addressing her as "Kanon-sama."
"Have I been a bit excessive?" Kanon scratched the fox mask resting on her forehead.
"No. It is simply that Ryūchi Cave truly has nothing more to give you," the White Snake Sage said, patting Kanon on the back. "Kanon, remember: no matter what happens outside, Ryūchi Cave is your eternal home."
These words brought a sting to Kanon's eyes. The memories of the last two years flashed before her; from the initial hostility to the gradual familiarity. Two years had passed in the blink of an eye.
While Kanon was lost in thought, Ichikishimahime stepped forward, holding a red trench coat embroidered with the patterns of both the Uchiha Clan and Ryūchi Cave.
"Kanon, you are thirteen now, nearly fourteen. You are a young adult. Girls develop faster than boys, so see if this fits," the White Snake Sage said, taking the garment and handing it to her personally.
"Hakuja-sama..." Kanon was deeply moved. Despite the life-and-death trials she had endured here, this place had given her a sense of home.
But now, she had to leave. She understood that this day would eventually come. After everything was ready, she began her goodbyes.
Seeing her approach, the summoning beasts, led by Manda, stood respectfully, not daring to be insolent. They knew all too well how terrifying her strength was; they had been her punching bags for two years.
However, Kanon didn't seek them out for training today. Instead, she bowed deeply to them.
"Thank you all for your guidance..."
"Kanon-sama, what are you doing?" Aoda asked, confused.
"I... I'm leaving Ryūchi Cave. It's time to see the world outside."
"Oh?" Aoda seemed surprised.
"Is Kanon-sama leaving?"
"Yes. How is my brother doing?" Kanon asked Aoda.
"Sasuke-sama has become very powerful. During your time in training, his strength has also progressed rapidly."
"I see. Thank you, Aoda! Next time I come back, I'll make you something delicious."
"And for the rest of you, too!" Kanon pointed to Manda and the others behind him.
Over these two years, through Aoda's connections, Kanon had managed to keep tabs on Sasuke. At the very least, she knew his status. However, Sasuke seemed to want his exact details kept secret even from Ryūchi Cave; he only sent word that he was alive and growing stronger.
Once her preparations were complete, Kanon stepped out of Ryūchi Cave. Looking back, a stray tear escaped.
"Thank you... for everything you've done for me..."
Kanon knelt on the ground, offering her most sincere gratitude to the place that had nurtured her for two years.
"And thank you for giving me the feeling of a home once again... But I have my own path to follow. I'm sorry..."
Kanon's departure was indeed for the purpose of traveling the ninja world. Adjusting her fox mask so it sat on her forehead, she began her journey away from the place she had called home.
After only a few steps, a slight smirk played on her lips.
"You've been watching for so long... am I really that pretty? Pretty enough to warrant such a long stakeout?!"
Kanon flashed a cute, lively smile, but the surrounding forest remained silent.
"Since you won't come out, don't blame me~"
Still, there was no movement.
Kanon's smile widened beautifully as her hands blurred through a series of hand signs.
"Fire Release: Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive sphere of flame, the size of an elephant, surged toward a patch of shrubbery with overwhelming force.
BOOM!
Accompanied by screams of agony, the entire area was reduced to ash. Kanon had no interest in the ninja lying in ambush. Since they dared to spy on her, she would simply wipe them out.