Only the sounds of two people’s rapid breathing could be heard in the deep dungeon.
Rin removed her mask, lifting her neat, short hair to reveal tear-filled eyes.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as Rin, who had been strong for so long, finally couldn’t hold back her emotions.
“Kakashi, you’re alive. I’m alive. That’s good.”
“Rin.”
Seeing Rin’s tears, Kakashi’s body trembled as he stood up, wanting to embrace the girl before him.
At that moment, a face with only half visible emerged from his memory.
Obito.
Kakashi stopped, gritting his teeth, looking at the fragile Rin before him.
Rin.
I’m sorry.
Obito, he’s still waiting for me.
I have to bring him back.
So, you must learn to be strong. You will have to walk the path ahead alone.
Kakashi…
Rin slowly lowered her outstretched hands. She was familiar with her friend and could already guess what was happening.
Kakashi, you want me to be strong, right?
So, I must stay in Kirigakure and not return to the village.
Rin’s heart sank.
But the faint hope within her made her want to ask.
Wiping away her tears and sadness, she looked at Kakashi, who was visibly more hopeful and less sad than before.
“Kakashi, I have one question.”
“Can I really not return to Konoha and must stay in Kirigakure?”
“Rin.”
Kakashi’s expression turned serious.
He needed to be firm to ease Rin’s mind and have her stay in Kirigakure.
“You just need to stay in Kirigakure and wait for me.”
“Don’t investigate further.”
He paused, his usually cold face softening slightly.
“And also, help me see what life in Kirigakure is like.”
“If you like it, we will live there in the future.”
“And I’ll bring you a gift.”
“A gift that you’ll absolutely love.”
“Okay.”
Rin nodded, agreeing to Kakashi’s request, forcing a smile and sounding lighthearted.
“That’s a promise then, Kakashi.”
She raised her fist, showing a rare youthful spirit, and threatened.
“If you don’t come back for me, I’ll make you pay!”
“Obito wouldn’t allow it either!”
Hearing Obito’s name, Kakashi’s heart skipped a beat, pounding loudly.
His eyes focused on Rin’s smile, making his heart ache even more.
Rin, Obito, don’t worry.
One day, I’ll bring us back to the life we once had!
“Kakashi.”
“Why are you like this again?”
Rin frowned, her sadness seemingly gone.
“We finally see each other, who knows when the next time will be.”
“Why are you still so cold?”
Kakashi tried to smile.
“You look worse smiling than crying.”
Rin complained.
Just as she was about to continue, seeing Kakashi’s expression reminded her of Obito. The pain welled up, and she almost couldn’t hold back her tears. She quickly turned and walked out.
Kakashi reached out but lowered his arm. Watching her silhouette disappear from view, he shouted.
“Rin, in Kirigakure, trust Naoki Kaguya.”
She waved without looking back, turning right and vanishing from sight.
“Rin.”
“Live well.”
Kakashi murmured, leaning back against the wall.
The anger gradually faded, leaving his face in the darkness.
“Kakashi, I’m sorry.”
Rin couldn’t hide her tears in the deep, winding corner, soaking her clothes.
“I couldn’t help it, I ruined this farewell.”
“I will listen to you and live well in Kirigakure. You must come back too.”
“Are you alright?”
Rin stopped sobbing, quickly wiped her tears, and stood facing a well-proportioned girl with smooth red hair.
She recognized her, Naoki Kaguya’s woman, Mei Terumi.
“I’m fine.”
Rin forced a smile.
Kakashi wouldn’t lie to me.
So, I must trust Naoki Kaguya.
And this woman associated with him, too.
Mei looked at her with concern but didn’t know how to comfort her. She spoke softly.
“Here, wear this new mask.”
“Your identity cannot be known by others.”
Rin took the mask, feeling the cool metal reflecting the surrounding grass and rivers.
Taking it, she gently stroked it, thinking of the Konoha headband she used to wear, feeling hesitant and reluctant.
But I promised Kakashi.
Rin took a deep breath and placed the mask on her face.
From now on, I am a Kirigakure ninja.
With mixed feelings, Rin looked up again.
Mei, seeing the mask, knew she had made her decision.
“Follow me then, we have a lot to do.”
The red-haired girl turned, not waiting for Rin, walking ahead.
Rin, still slightly dazed, quickly followed.
After a short walk, they saw sunlight and briefly inhaled the mountain air before a strange smell filled it.
The smell of burnt flesh mixed with some kind of disinfectant.
This is a hospital?
Ah!
Cries of pain echoed.
This is a hospital.
Rin confirmed.
A Kirigakure hospital?
Why is it so rudimentary?
Opening the wooden door, dozens of beds, nearly a hundred patients lay with lifeless eyes, their bodies showing fresh wounds and burns.
They are dying.
Rin’s eyes softened.
These are my comrades.
I must save them.
“Rin.”
Mei turned, her voice trembling, her eyes showing tears.
“Can you help us?”
“Save them.”
Rin touched her mask and looked at the patients, and she resolved.
“Okay.”
“But where are the other doctors?”
Mei looked embarrassed.
“Only you.”
“Only me?”
Rin felt overwhelmed looking at the crowded patients.
“There are some assistants.”
Rin sighed in relief.
Mei gestured, and several lightly injured soldiers stood up, smiling honestly.
“They are your assistants.”
“Please, Rin.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Rin touched her mask, looking at the medical supplies, exhaling deeply.
Come on, Rin Nohara.
Meanwhile, in the deep underground, Naoki Kaguya smiled warmly.
“Hizashi-sama, long time no see!”
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