Chapter 11
After their sparring match, Kaname stood quietly for a while, watching Yuri with a mix of curiosity and deep contemplation. She had seen enough in the fight to know he wasn't an ordinary genin. There was something about the way he decided his next step, the way he executed without emotion or pause—it reminded her of her old days as an ANBU, when morality was a luxury and hesitation could get you killed.
As the dust from their spar settled, she tucked her hands into the sleeves of her flak jacket and said, "Come on, Shinto. Let's go eat. Consider it part of your training."
Yuri blinked, slightly surprised, but followed her without question. He didn't mind the idea of food. In fact, he hadn't eaten since early morning. But he knew this wasn't just about eating. It was something else.
They walked in silence through the late afternoon streets of Konoha. The sun was dipping low behind the village walls, casting long shadows over the cobbled pathways. Vendors were closing stalls, children ran around the streets, and the distant laughter of civilians carried through the breeze.
Finally, they arrived at a modest barbecue shop nestled between two larger buildings. The red paper lanterns outside swung gently in the wind, and the scent of grilled meat filled the air. Kaname pushed open the sliding door and gestured for Yuri to step inside.
The two were led to a private booth in the corner, tucked away from the bustle of the main dining area. It was quiet, just the sizzling of meat and the occasional clink of plates around them. After placing their orders, Kaname leaned back slightly, her sharp eyes never leaving Yuri.
"So," she began casually, almost as if she were commenting on the weather, "where did you learn those things?"
Yuri didn't look up from the menu. "I learned from a retired ninja," he said plainly. "Someone I met a long time ago."
Kaname raised an eyebrow. She could tell he was deflecting, not out of disrespect, but caution. She respected that. There were reasons people kept secrets, especially in their line of work. She nodded, letting the subject drop.
When the food arrived, they ate in silence at first. The meat was rich and savory, and the dipping sauces added a tang that broke the tension just enough. After a few moments, Kaname set her chopsticks down and looked directly at him.
"What's your dream, Shinto?" she asked.
Yuri froze mid-bite. He hadn't expected that question. His brows furrowed slightly as he chewed and swallowed, then looked at her, his expression unreadable.
"I just want to live in a peaceful world," he said slowly. "A world that doesn't seem to exist right now. But I believe someone out there will make it happen. Someday."
Kaname leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "Why not you?"
Yuri didn't answer right away. He stared at the sizzling grill in front of them, watching the oil pop and hiss.
"I don't think I'm the type of person who could lead something like that," he admitted. "I'm... efficient. I get things done. But people like me? They are not meant to be a leader."
Kaname looked at him for a long time, then gave a small, dry chuckle. "You're wrong about that. But I understand why you think it."
She reached into her pouch and pulled out a small metal case, flipping it open to reveal a few cigarettes. Lighting one, she took a drag and blew the smoke upward, careful not to let it drift into Yuri's face.
"You asked about my dream," she said. "Well, let me ask you something else first. Why do you think war exists? Why does hatred persist?"
Yuri looked at her, genuinely intrigued.
Kaname continued, her voice quieter now. "I've seen too many die. Friends, comrades, even students. I've killed so many people I lost count. Some deserved it. Others... not so much. But the blood never leaves your hands, Yuri. Not truly."
She took another drag, eyes distant.
"My dream was always peace. Still is, I guess. But after so many years, it's hard not to feel like it's a lost cause. You know, I trained Kushina Uzumaki."
Yuri's eyes widened. That wasn't something he ever remembered hearing or reading about.
"Yes," Kaname said, noticing his reaction. "Shocking, right? I was her mentor. She was stubborn, loud, fierce. But she had heart. And when she met Minato... well, let's just say they made quite the pair."
Her voice softened.
"They were like a light in the middle of all the darkness. When they died… during that night with the Nine-Tails… something in me broke. I still remember holding their baby for a few seconds after the chaos. I wasn't supposed to be there, but I was. I saw the aftermath. And then… the rumors began."
She tapped ash into the tray. "Whispers that it was the Uchiha. Our own people. And just like that, suspicion bloomed like a disease."
Yuri looked at her, his mind swirling with thoughts. Even though he knew what had happened from the show, hearing it from someone who lived through it added a depth of reality that couldn't be captured through a screen.
Kaname leaned forward again, her gaze intense. "I just want you to understand something, Yuri. This world isn't black and white. And if you truly want peace, you'll have to walk through blood to get it. Blood will stain your hands. Pain will weigh on your heart. But maybe, just maybe, if enough of us try, that dream won't die."
Yuri said nothing. He turned his gaze to the window beside their booth, looking out at the night sky. The moon hung high above the village, pale and distant. He stared at it for a long time, his heart quiet but not still.
"…I'll try," he finally said.
Kaname smiled, a rare softness in her expression. "That's all we can do, Shinto. Try."
Chapter End.