LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 12: Back to the Village
Chapter 12: Back to the Village
Morning arrived, and Team 4 prepared to leave the Land of Hot Water and return to Konoha. Hikari, still somewhat grumpy from the events of the previous days, noticed that Shin looked remarkably healthier than he had just the afternoon before.
Sakumo and Kakashi had noticed the same thing the previous evening but had chosen not to bring it up while they were relaxing in the hot springs. However, the curiosity lingered, especially since no one on the team specialized in medical jutsu—only Sakumo had some basic emergency techniques.
As the group started walking, Shin became aware of everyone occasionally glancing at him. Finally, he stopped and asked, "Is there something wrong?"
Hikari, being as direct as always, asked, "How are your injuries? You looked terrible yesterday."
Shin froze for a moment, caught off guard. He stammered before quickly blurting out, "Ah, w-well, our clan has a healing technique, so I'm fine now." He laughed nervously, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Hikari and Kakashi exchanged glances, their eyes widening in surprise. They didn't press further but felt reassured. Having someone who could heal injuries so effectively on their team made them feel more confident about future missions.
Sakumo, however, was less convinced. As he continued walking, he thought back to his long-time friendship with Kenshin, Shin's father. He knew for a fact that the Hattori clan did not possess a healing technique. This revelation planted a seed of suspicion in his mind: Could Shin's kekkei genkai involve more than just space-time manipulation?
After a few uneventful days of travel, the team finally reached Konoha. As per protocol, they went directly to the Hokage's office to deliver their mission report.
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened attentively as Sakumo summarized the mission's events, including the unexpected ambush and the hidden identity of the daimyo's wife. The Hokage smiled warmly and praised Sakumo for handling the mission so well despite the unexpected complications.
"Well done, Sakumo," Hiruzen said. "Take some time to rest before your next mission."
After dismissing the genin, Hiruzen asked Sakumo to stay behind.
Meanwhile, Shin headed straight for the Hattori compound. As he approached, two clan ninjas standing guard at the entrance greeted him warmly.
"Welcome back, Shin," one of them said.
Before Shin could respond, a high-pitched voice called out, "Nii-chan!"
Turning, Shin saw his younger brother Mitsuki running toward him, arms outstretched. Shin smiled and knelt to catch him in a hug. "Hey, Mitsuki! Have you been behaving while I was gone?"
Mitsuki beamed and began excitedly recounting his adventures from the past few days. Shin listened attentively, nodding and smiling at his younger brother's enthusiasm.
From a distance, their mother, Miho, called out, "Shin, welcome back! Dinner will be ready soon. Why don't you freshen up first?"
"Will do, Mom!" Shin replied, ruffling Mitsuki's hair before heading inside.
Back in the Hokage's office, Sakumo chose not to mention Shin's mysterious healing ability in his report. Instead, he resolved to visit Kenshin and discuss his growing suspicions about Shin's kekkei genkai in private.
Unbeknownst to both Sakumo and Hiruzen, Danzo had already received partial intelligence about Shin's abilities from his Root operatives. Plans were already in motion to gather more information, setting the stage for potential danger ahead.