Chapter 90: Returning to the Village

Two days later.

Leaving the Land of Fire and stepping onto the soil of the Land of Water without any incidents, Yagura finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He had never felt such fondness for the thick, oppressive mist of Kirigakure before.

Finally, he was home.

When they left Konoha, the atmosphere in the village was already tense. The Konoha shinobi were unusually active and on high alert.

Jinin Akebino and the accompanying Kirigakure Anbu managed to pick up some rumors, but none of the information was precise.

To avoid getting caught up in unnecessary trouble—(Yagura's inner monologue: "Yagura doesn't know anything~")—

Jinin Akebino didn't linger and left the Land of Fire as quickly as possible under the "escort" of Konoha's shinobi.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, worried about similar incidents occurring again, had arranged for every visiting shinobi to be "escorted" back to their respective villages.

Once they stepped into the Land of Water, there was no longer any need to hurry back to the village.

They took their time, traveling for three days.

...

On a cold morning, they finally arrived at the gates of Kirigakure.

The village was the same as ever—silent and desolate.

A gust of cold winter wind swept through.

"Hoo…"

Yagura took a deep breath of the familiar, damp air and exhaled a white mist.

Unlike Konoha, Kirigakure was never lively.

The streets were nearly empty, with only a few vendors and pedestrians. Those who did walk the streets wore blank expressions.

The way they looked at the returning shinobi was filled with fear.

On the way, Yagura even joked about whether the Third Mizukage would throw them a welcome celebration.

Of course, that didn't happen.

After being away for months, the eerily deserted streets of his hometown felt oddly familiar.

"Still, I have to admit, Ameyuri, Konoha's weather is way better than Kirigakure's."

Yagura stretched lazily, shaking off the stiffness from the cold. Kirigakure's winter air was as damp and sunless as ever—staying in it too long made a person feel like they were growing mold.

Mukumo had already taken his leave, heading straight for his clan's residence to report his safe return.

Jinin Akebino had left even earlier in the morning and was likely at the Mizukage Building, delivering a detailed report on their journey.

Now, only Ringo Ameyuri remained by his side.

Having experienced Konoha's bright, sunny, and temperate climate, Ringo Ameyuri wholeheartedly agreed.

"You're not wrong."

"But Yagura, isn't your home in the other direction?"

She noticed they were heading the wrong way.

Having been an Anbu before, she had a general idea of where the Kojiki clan resided.

Yagura snapped his fingers. "Bingo!"

His destination wasn't home—not by accident, but by choice.

"I've got a friend I need to surprise!"

Ringo Ameyuri narrowed her eyes slightly, recognizing the direction they were heading.

They were on their way to the Hozuki clan's residence.

...

Knock, knock.

Yagura rapped on the door of the Hozuki estate.

"Coming! Who is it?"

Hearing the voice, Yagura's ears twitched. He gestured to Ringo Ameyuri to stay quiet.

"Shh."

Creak… The heavy gate of the Hozuki household was pushed open from within.

The moment he heard that familiar voice, Yagura was like a predator ready to pounce.

As soon as he saw the face of the person behind the door, he lunged forward, arms wide open.

"Mangetsu!"

Caught off guard, Hozuki Mangetsu was nearly startled into liquefying on reflex.

But the voice made him look down quickly to confirm he wasn't mistaken.

"What the hell, Yagura?!"

Had this guy grown taller in just two or three months?

With a grin—nine parts smug and one part mock annoyance—Yagura beamed at his old friend.

"Hehe! It's me! Long time no see!"

The unexpected reunion hit Mangetsu hard, and he returned the hug just as enthusiastically.

"Long time no see! You're back!"

Overcome with joy, Mangetsu nearly lifted Yagura off the ground and bounced a few times.

Yagura patted his back and stepped away, stretching.

"Finished the exams and came straight home. It's not that Konoha was unbearable, but home is just better."

Mangetsu feigned indignation. "And you didn't tell me in advance? I could've met you at the gate!"

"Forgot."

Yagura waved it off with a chuckle. "Doesn't matter, you can make it up to me. How are you going to welcome me back?"

"I'll make sure it's grand!"

Mangetsu playfully elbowed him.

"You made quite a name for yourself in Konoha, didn't you?"

"Oh, you heard?"

"Of course. The results of the Chunin Exams were announced at the Mizukage Building."

"Damn, the old man is fast."

Not that the villagers of Kirigakure cared much. In this oppressive environment, celebrating wasn't exactly a thing.

Stepping aside, Yagura finally remembered that Ringo Ameyuri had been standing there for quite a while.

"Mangetsu, let me introduce you—this is Ringo Ameyuri, my teammate in the Chunin Exams. Ameyuri, this is Hozuki Mangetsu, my friend."

"I know."

As the eldest son of the Hozuki clan, his name was well-known.

Ringo Ameyuri smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, I'm Ringo Ameyuri."

"Nice to meet you."

Mangetsu patted his chest confidently. "Anyone who's Yagura's friend is my friend. If you ever need anything, just ask!"

Yagura smirked.

"Need anything? Ameyuri's already strong enough to make Chunin. She used to be in the Anbu. What about you? Have you graduated from the Academy yet?"

"Shh!"

Betrayed by his best friend.

Mangetsu shot him a glare and crossed his arms in mock defiance.

"Once I graduate, I'm taking the Chunin Exams too!"

...

Mangetsu invited them into the sitting room and fetched drinks from the fridge.

"You must be tired from the journey. What do you want to drink? I've got fruit tea, barley tea, and milk tea."

"Milk tea for me!"

"Just barley tea, thanks."

"Got it!"

Mangetsu quickly poured the drinks. "Ameyuri, no need to be so polite! Look at Yagura, he's got no shame at all."

Ringo Ameyuri took her tea with a small smile.

"Thank you."

Yagura chugged his milk tea and shot back, "Mangetsu's great at everything—except for being nitpicky."

"Oh, like you're one to talk?" Mangetsu rolled his eyes.

"What? I can't compliment you?"

Yagura slyly turned to Ameyuri.

"Ameyuri, help me teach him a lesson. He's terrified of Lightning Release."

Mangetsu immediately shrank back, sneaking a glance at Ameyuri. She grinned, baring her sharp teeth.

"Too tired to use Lightning~"

Mission failed.

Yagura jabbed at his cup with his straw in frustration.

Mangetsu steered the conversation elsewhere. "Tell me about the Chunin Exams! Bet it was intense!"

Yagura nodded to Ameyuri. "You tell it. I'll fill in the gaps."

"Sure."

Mangetsu eagerly leaned in, ready to listen.

...

The storytelling began.

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