Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

In the somber atmosphere, a bright blue "beast" suddenly burst in, blending with the intense grief in a way that was both strange and oddly uplifting. His enthusiastic, almost nonsensical words, somehow had a small effect.

Some people, no matter what, are impossible to dislike. You find yourself wanting to be near them, feeling better in their presence.

The sorrow that welled up from the sad news was indeed lessened by the support of those nearby.

So naturally, in this moment, looking left, right, forward, or back, wherever Kakashi's gaze fell, he found someone familiar, someone who mattered.

Guy's dramatic entrance and words left the four of them in silence.

"Guy, is your head made entirely of muscle now?" Obito broke the silence with his usual unfiltered critique.

In response, Guy turned from Kakashi, flashing a broad, toothy grin and giving Obito a big thumbs-up.

Obito stared, dumbfounded, and stammered, "Do you realize I was insulting you?"

Guy winked, his smile seeming to shine even brighter.

"…Idiot." Kakashi raised his arm, wiping his eyes firmly, then gently removed Rin's hand from his shoulder, making her blush.

"Let's go home."

Without further words, Kakashi turned and walked past Obito and Rin, heading back to his house at a brisk pace.

Out of their sight, Kakashi's red-rimmed eyes held a steely glint as sharp as a blade—a resolve directed at Ye Zi, a resolve he would rely on to face him in the future.

To stand against a lion, whether strong or weak, you need that look in your eyes.

His father, the powerful figure he revered, had fallen by Ye Zi's hand. If he wanted to avenge him, he'd need to surpass his father's strength.

"Ye Zi!"

With that thought, Kakashi quickened his pace.

Obito and Rin exchanged a look, said goodbye to Guy and Kushina, and hurried after him.

Whatever Kakashi wanted to do, they simply wanted to be by his side.

After they left, Guy quietly wiped away his own tears. His expression was calm, different from his usual fiery demeanor, and his bandaged fists clenched tightly.

"Kushina-sensei, why did Ye Zi-sensei turn out this way?"

Kushina tilted her head slightly, looking at the sky, her voice filled with melancholy. "That's a question I wish I knew the answer to myself. But it's one we may never understand."

What would it take to know everything about Ye Zi?

Biting his lip, Guy replied, "If I ever have to face Ye Zi-sensei… I'm not sure I could throw a punch without hesitation."

"Even now, you still call him Ye Zi-sensei," Kushina remarked.

"Yes, because meeting him was my good fortune," Guy said, nodding emphatically. His hand reached unconsciously for the old yellow wallet he always carried, his voice turning quiet. "There's something I wanted to accomplish with him, but now… I may never get the chance."

"Guy, try to avoid him if you can," Kushina said seriously, glancing at him. Though she didn't know what this goal of his was, holding onto such thoughts could later become a hindrance.

She understood well how agonizing it was to linger in that indecisive space.

Guy stayed silent for a moment, then shook his head, smiling as he raised a fist and declared, "Youth is about facing any challenge head-on!"

He didn't want to waste time thinking about unknowns. When the time came, he would know what choice to make, and he would not regret it, because it would be his own decision.

"Kushina-sensei, I'm heading to train!" He bid her farewell, flipping forward and running off on his hands toward the training ground, kicking up a trail of dust behind him.

As Guy's figure disappeared, Kushina smiled faintly.

Guy, meeting you was as much a stroke of luck for Ye Zi as it was for you.

Maybe… you'll be able to make the right choice. But as for me…

.....

The communication toad arrived at Mount Myōboku, where it briefly explained the situation to Minato and Jiraiya. Both of their faces fell.

They had no choice but to temporarily pause their Sage training.

Fukasaku didn't object and arranged for the two to return to Konoha via reverse summoning.

The failed mission had resulted in many casualties, and the mighty Sakumo was among them.

If someone had told Minato and Jiraiya that this was just a bad joke, they would have gladly believed it.

Upon arriving in Konoha, they headed to the Hokage's office, where the Third Hokage and Tsunade were waiting.

There, decisions about Ye Zi and the path forward would be made.

Several days later, a dusty and weary Pakura arrived in Konoha, accompanied by a few Sand Shinobi.

They had failed to capture Ye Zi and had eventually made their way back to Konoha, arriving several days later than the Konoha team.

During that time, news of the failed mission spread throughout the village.

Many of those who hadn't returned were well-known figures, particularly Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo, who was as highly regarded as the legendary Sannin. But Sakumo, whose reputation was matched by his strength, had died on this mission.

How had he died? The rumors circulating pointed to the long-absent Ye Zi.

The malicious rumors that once surrounded Ye Zi had faded over time, but now, following the failure of this mission, he was no longer just gossip fodder. He was a topic of genuine concern and resentment among Konoha's residents.

A hero of Konoha had died—killed by Ye Zi—and the village's anger turned squarely against him.

The same people who once wanted him gone from Konoha now saw him as a threat to the village's well-being. Any past contributions of his seemed worthless compared to what Sakumo had given to Konoha.

Such simple, narrow-minded views were easy to hold. Now, many believed Ye Zi had never really contributed much to Konoha, or if he had, it was insignificant compared to Sakumo's.

Sakumo, who had made great sacrifices for Konoha, along with the other fallen Jonin who had faithfully served the village, deserved a grand funeral.

At the funeral, nearly every shinobi attended, apart from those on duty in the Anbu. Outside the cemetery, villagers gathered with flowers in hand.

A legacy of undeniable achievements would receive the highest honors in death.

The White Fang and each fallen Jonin had these honors bestowed upon them. But Ye Zi, now labeled a missing-nin, had been denied them long ago.

Where his lonely grave had once stood, only barren ground remained. The spot, overgrown with weeds, was surrounded by crowded headstones, yet it was left empty.

Even with the scarcity of space, no one would dare claim that plot.

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Currently on Chapter 386 - A Ruthless Stance