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The three children were washing the dust off their faces as best they could.

Because Akio had "blown up" the cave, the trio was completely filthy. But in the wilderness, all they could do was a rough cleanup.

"Alright, that's enough. Let's pack up and head back to Konoha. We can clean up properly when we get home."

Akio himself was practically spotless—after suffering a barrage of disapproving glares from Kushina, even he couldn't bear it anymore.

Konan hesitated. "Sensei, I don't think we've collected enough herbs yet…"

Akio smiled and pulled out two sealing scrolls. "Judging by your pace, who knows how long it would take. These should be more than enough."

Though his Medical Ninjutsu skills were only beginner-level, he could still easily identify basic herbs. Unknowingly, he had gathered enough to fill two sealing scrolls.

"Then let's head back, Great-Grandpa," Kushina said. As the little princess of the Land of Whirlpools, she wasn't exactly spoiled, but she still couldn't stand being covered in grime.

Akio nodded and took to the air with the three children, flying toward Konoha. Along the way, he glanced with amusement at a patch of forest nearby.

The four shinobi from the Merchant Ninja Village were still there. They had retrieved the four skateboards that Akio's group had left behind.

"Big bro, they're gone. Didn't even come back to ask for the abacus."

"I saw. We scored a free haul worth hundreds of thousands of ryo. Who cares if they come back or not?"

…

High in the sky, Akio chuckled as he touched the money tucked into his robes. He hadn't really paid for anything—just used a bit of genjutsu to distract them. By tomorrow, they'd probably discover the silver bills had turned into leaves. Good luck finding someone to complain to…

The return journey was smoother, since they'd already traveled this route once. But because Akio was now also carrying the "Ancestor Salamander," their speed was slightly slower.

"Sensei… is that really the Great Salamander?" Konan asked hesitantly.

Akio paused, a bit unsure. "Probably? If not, it'll still make a nice change of flavor for military rations pills…"

He sounded completely unconcerned. After all, he didn't eat those pills anyway.

When they reached Konoha's gate, Akio didn't bother landing. With something that massive in tow, it would've been awkward to drag it through the village. So he flew straight to the Hokage's office, ending the so-called "long-term mission" after just two and a half days.

"Hiruzen, come collect your prize. This one's the real deal—a Great Salamander," Akio called out with a grin.

Hiruzen came out, his expression serious—no, solemn.

"Elder Akio, you're back."

Akio blinked. "What's wrong? Has the Third Great Ninja War begun?"

Hiruzen shook his head. "It's news from the Land of Whirlpools. The daimyo is critically ill…"

"Who?"

"My grandfather?" Kushina gasped.

Akio and Kushina spoke in unison, both visibly shocked.

Hiruzen nodded grimly, confirming Akio hadn't misheard.

"Great-Grandpa…" Kushina's voice trembled with sudden worry.

Akio waved a hand and turned to Hiruzen. "Has Nanako already returned?"

"She has."

Akio nodded, pulled out the sealing scrolls from his robe and tossed them to Hiruzen, then took off into the sky once more with the three children, heading straight for the Land of Whirlpools.

"It's been less than a year since we last saw him… Genkai was only sixty-five. How did he… sixty-five, huh…" Akio muttered as he accelerated mid-air, thoughts heavy.

The wind stifled any conversation. The kids had no energy or heart to speak anyway.

They were still covered in dust, but even Kushina couldn't be bothered to clean herself now.

In less than half an hour, thanks to Akio's speed, they reached the Land of Whirlpools.

"Nagato, Konan—you two go clean up first. I'll take Kushina with me."

Akio flew directly to the daimyo's palace with Kushina. Ignoring the guards' greetings, he entered the palace without pause.

"Sensei, you've returned," Izuko came out to greet him.

"How's Genkai?" Akio had already sensed how faint his chakra was, but he still had trouble believing it.

As expected, Izuko gently shook her head. Kushina rushed inside immediately.

Akio sighed but didn't follow her right away.

"What happened?"

"Genkai may have just been too tired…" Izuko said softly. Though she had often butted heads with him, she couldn't help feeling sorrow now.

"Too tired, huh…" Akio had never thought highly of Genkai. The man had ambition, but neither the intellect nor the willpower a true shinobi needed.

And yet, over the years, Akio had mostly played the role of a hands-off elder. The Land of Whirlpools had only remained stable thanks to Genkai's efforts.

"How's Nanako handling it?"

"I'm alright, Sensei."

Akio had barely asked when Nanako walked out, her expression far calmer than he had expected.

"You…" Akio hesitated, unable to find the right words of comfort. What could he even say—"Life and death are part of nature"?

"It's okay, Sensei. I was prepared for this day," Nanako said, shaking her head.

"Before I left for Konoha, I noticed he wasn't doing well. I urged him to rest, but he refused. I knew this day would come eventually—I just didn't expect it so soon."

"I see…" Akio nodded. "Let's go in."

Genkai looked like a different person. Just one year had passed, but he had aged so much he seemed to be at death's door.

Inside, Nanako's son and daughter-in-law stood by the bedside. Kushina was quietly sobbing.

Genkai opened his eyes and spotted Akio. A faint smile formed on his withered face, and he nodded.

Akio fell silent, then returned the smile. With a look of contentment, Genkai finally closed his eyes.

The others rushed to his side. Akio shook his head helplessly.

"Only in death did he earn my approval. Is that really worth smiling over?"

He wasn't sure how many times he had buried someone younger than himself now, but it always left him with a heavy heart.

"Sensei… life and death are a part of nature. You don't need to be too sad."

Akio never imagined Nanako would be the one comforting him at a time like this. Their roles had completely reversed.

"Life and death, huh…" Akio nodded and walked out.

He knew Nanako wasn't really trying to console him. She simply understood that one day, Izuko and herself would also grow old—and that day wasn't far off. Five years? Ten? By then, Akio might have to bury them one by one.

"Living too long has its downsides," Akio muttered to himself.

He had outlived too many younger generations. If not for his naturally optimistic spirit—and the occasional rebirth of familiar souls—he might have long since grown tired of life…

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