The three walked quietly along the forest trail near the Konoha border, the silence between them heavier than before. Only months ago, they had set out on the same path toward the Land of Grass—eager, wary, and uncertain of survival.
Now, the Land of Grass lay in ruins, its forests charred, its villages scattered. Like many small nations, it had become collateral damage in the war between the great powers. This outcome was almost inevitable. The Five Great Shinobi Nations rarely allowed their own lands to become battlefields unless they were losing. Instead, smaller countries always bore the brunt of these proxy wars.
But for Uchiha Kai, Imai Kenta, and Hyuga Aya, the fate of the Land of Grass was distant, even impersonal. As shinobi, their concern began and ended with completing their mission and returning alive. If an entire country had to burn for that—so be it.
Yet, their return was not one of celebration. The air between them, once tense from the pressure of survival, was now strained in a different way.
Back then, they had little time to speak; silence was a shield against fear and distraction. But now that the mission was over and their lives were no longer under immediate threat, the silence remained—telling in its own way. There were things they couldn't say. Things they didn't want to confront.
Kai glanced sidelong at his teammates. Ever since the confrontation—ever since Aya's confession—the mood within the team had shifted. Distrust lingered, like mist that refused to burn away under the sun. Kai could feel it. Kenta's wariness. Aya's guarded posture.
Aya had nearly died on the mission, and Kai himself had intervened to save her. It was a choice he made without thinking—but the consequences still echoed.
Now, Kai found himself watching Kenta more closely. He didn't fully understand the swordsman's origins. Officially, Kenta was a civilian-born shinobi, but his skills were too refined, his instincts too sharp. Civilians didn't usually last long in warzones like this—not unless they were exceptional or had help.
Kai broke the silence.
"Kenta," he said casually, "any thoughts about what you'll do once we're back in the village?"
Kenta looked over, eyes narrowing slightly in surprise, but his expression quickly shifted to a relaxed smile. "Not sure yet, Captain. I guess I'll wait for the village to assign me somewhere. Whatever they need."
"That's all?" Kai tilted his head, a faint smirk forming. "The typical path for someone of your background, huh? Stay out of the ANBU, teach at the Academy, maybe train the next generation. Live a safe life. Respectable... but a bit dull, isn't it?"
Kenta chuckled softly, scratching the back of his head. "Safe isn't bad. After all this, I wouldn't mind some peace."
Kai kept his gaze steady. He didn't buy it. A man who asked about the intelligence reports Kai had gathered—who fought like someone trained, not self-taught—was not content with mediocrity.
"You ever consider joining the Konoha Police Force?" Kai asked.
Kenta paused.
Kai noticed the flicker in his eyes. "I've recently been promoted," Kai added, voice calm but intentional. "One of three captains, working directly under the Uchiha clan's leadership. We're... restructuring. I could use someone reliable. A vice-captain."
Aya turned slightly, her expression tightening. She hadn't expected this move from Kai, and from the look on her face, she didn't like where it was going.
Kenta blinked, trying to keep his composure. "The Police Force… that's under the Uchiha clan's jurisdiction, right?"
Kai nodded. "Second Hokage's design. We've run it since the early days of the village. Not the most beloved department, I admit. But with the right people, we can change that."
Aya's breath hitched slightly. She was no fool. She had spoken openly to Kai just the day before. And now he was extending an offer to Kenta? A promotion that most shinobi would kill for? Was this a trap? A power play? Or a genuine offer?
Kenta's hesitation was palpable. Kai knew what it meant. He was calculating. And scared.
"If I refuse," Kenta said finally, "would that… complicate things?"
Kai shrugged with a smile. "Not at all. I just think you'd be wasted as a schoolteacher."
Kenta laughed nervously. "I appreciate the offer, Captain. Really. But… I'd like to spend time with my family first. It's been eight years on the front. I think I've earned some rest before making any big decisions."
Kai nodded, eyes half-lidded. "Understandable. But when you get back, keep an ear out. The Police Force may be undergoing changes. And my vice-captain position will still be open."
Kenta inclined his head. "I'll think about it. Thank you."
Kai let the matter drop. The tension eased, but only slightly. Aya said nothing, but her grip on her sleeve had tightened. She didn't like how close Kenta had come to saying yes. She didn't like the look in Kei's eyes, either.
But what terrified her more was the thought that maybe—just maybe—Kenta would still accept.
And if he did, what would happen to her?