Zhang Miao really enjoyed staying in Konoha. Not only could he wake up every morning and have a sumptuous breakfast prepared by Kushina, but most importantly, he could collect the ninja fragments he needed every day in the most convenient way.
For instance, Minato, Kushina, Naruto, and Sasuke. Because they all lived under the same roof, Zhang Miao could basically show his face every day and collect the ninja fragments of these four individuals.
It could be said that such a lifestyle was what Zhang Miao, who disliked trouble, had been dreaming of. However, this kind of life eventually came to an end.
One day, as Zhang Miao was guiding Naruto and Sasuke in their physical training, the system notification suddenly rang out.
"Ding! Congratulations to His Holiness for obtaining 9-star Sage of Six Paths-level, Uzumaki Naruto (Asura) Ninja Fragment x5! The current ninja meets the recruitment conditions. Please recruit him as soon as possible!"
"Ding! Congratulations to His Holiness for obtaining 9-star Sage of Six Paths-level, Uchiha Sasuke (Indra) Ninja Fragment x5! The current ninja meets the recruitment conditions. Please recruit him as soon as possible!"
Hearing these two system prompts, Zhang Miao was momentarily stunned. It took him a moment to react. "Have I already collected all of them? Unknowingly, I've been staying in Konoha for such a long time!"
Thinking about this, Zhang Miao's face suddenly showed a hint of emotion. After taking a deep breath, he spoke to Naruto and Sasuke who were doing physical training.
"Naruto, Sasuke, you continue training. I'll go back to the room to rest for a while!"
After saying that, Zhang Miao turned and went back to his room. Watching this scene, Sasuke's eyes flashed with a hint of puzzlement.
"In the past, Master used to watch us complete our training before leaving. Why did he go back to rest so early today? Is he tired?"
Thinking this, Sasuke couldn't help but furrow his brow. However, he didn't pay too much attention to it and continued the physical training assigned by Zhang Miao.
When Naruto and Sasuke finished their physical training, it had been two hours, and at the same time, Kushina's voice came from inside the house.
"Naruto, Sasuke, wash up and come eat!"
"Great, time to eat!" Upon hearing Kushina's words, Naruto immediately agreed and happily ran to wash his hands.
After Sasuke entered the house, he first glanced around and didn't find Zhang Miao. So, he immediately asked Kushina.
"Aunt Kushina, hasn't Master come down yet? Should I go call him?"
Sasuke was about to walk towards the stairs, but Kushina stopped him.
"Sasuke, no need to go up. Your Master... he has already left!"
"Left?" Hearing Kushina's words, a sense of unease immediately rose in Sasuke's heart. Nevertheless, he managed a smile. "Aunt Kushina, did Master go out to buy something? I can go..."
Seeing Sasuke's forced smile, Kushina couldn't bear it. Before Sasuke finished speaking, she gently shook her head.
"Not to buy something. Ryunosuke has already left Konoha, Sasuke. Don't be sad. Ryunosuke said when you and Naruto become outstanding ninjas, he will come back!"
"Outstanding ninjas?" Hearing Kushina's words, Sasuke seemed to realize something. His expression gradually became resolute, and then he nodded at Kushina.
"I understand. I am different now from three years ago. It won't be long before I become an outstanding ninja!"
Upon this, Sasuke knelt down in front of Kushina, then bowed down respectfully, performing a "dogeza" gesture to express his respect to Kushina.
"Aunt Kushina, Master has left, and I have no reason to stay here any longer. Thank you for taking care of me for such a long time. I will definitely repay you in the future. So... goodbye!"
After saying this, without waiting for Kushina to respond, Sasuke stood up and left. Witnessing this scene, Kushina could only sigh helplessly.
"Alas, just as Ryunosuke said, Sasuke's pride is indeed too strong!"
As soon as Kushina finished speaking, Naruto, who had finished washing his hands, came out from the kitchen.
After coming out, he looked around and didn't see Zhang Miao or Sasuke's figures. Consequently, he wore a puzzled expression and asked Kushina.
"Mom, hasn't Big Brother come down yet? And where is Sasuke? Where did he go?"
Seeing Naruto's puzzled look, Kushina smiled slightly, then reached out and gently patted his little head.
"Naruto, your brother and Sasuke have something they must do, so they've both left. But your brother said, when you become an outstanding ninja, he will come back!"
"Really?" Hearing Kushina's words, Naruto suddenly became happy. He immediately nodded vigorously. "Mom, don't worry, I'll become an outstanding ninja very soon. When that happens, Big Brother will come back!"
Watching Naruto's confident appearance, Kushina nodded while smiling. "Yes, Mom believes in you. Alright, let's go eat!"
"Okay!" Upon hearing Kushina's words, Naruto nodded eagerly, then sat at the table and picked up his chopsticks and bowl. "I'm starting!"
While Naruto was enjoying his meal, Kushina looked up outside the door. Her profound gaze seemed to penetrate the entire Konoha.
"Ryunosuke, take care!"
As Kushina silently said these words, Zhang Miao had already left the village, crossed through the Konoha Forest, and was swiftly flying towards the east.
Due to the fast speed of flight, the wind blew his crimson hair backward, and his robe fluttered with a rustling sound. But Zhang Miao didn't mind at all. Instead, he accelerated even more, as if intending to let the intense wind disperse his feelings of departure.
Night fell slowly. When the bright moon hung in the sky's center, Zhang Miao had arrived at his destination—the Land of Waves!
Upon reaching his destination, Zhang Miao controlled the sand to land on a huge rock by the coast. Then, he turned to look back in the direction of Konoha, and a smile flashed across his lips.
"These warm memories over the past three years haven't led me to indulge in them but have given me enough motivation to become stronger. Because only then can I protect this warmth!"
Saying this, Zhang Miao's expression became even more determined.
"System, help me use all the Uchiha Obito and Tsunade's ninja fragments I collected over these three years for a lottery draw!"