Yasuke, hearing Sakumo's words, clenched his fists tightly as his eyes remained squeezed shut. The internal storm in his mind finally began to calm down. When he opened his eyes, he looked at the leopard, his faithful companion, the one who despite the short time together, had managed to create an unbreakable bond.
-Are you sure you want to leave this to me?" he asked in a soft voice, full of doubt.
The leopard, noticing Yasuke's insecurity, with his last strength rubbed his forehead against his young friend's, conveying a clear message: his trust was placed in him. That gesture of affection was all Yasuke needed to clear his mind. Without further hesitation, he turned back to Sakumo, his gaze determined.
-"Sensei, I need your help," he said with renewed firmness, ready to honor his partner's last will.
Yasuke, with a heavy but determined heart, pulled out the last few sheets of tranquilizer he had, carefully placing them in the leopard's mouth, waiting for them to take effect to alleviate its suffering.
As the tranquilizer did its work, Yasuke changed his focus: he was no longer a ninja at that moment, but a surgeon with years of experience. His energy changed completely, and Sakumo, observing the process, could tell that Yasuke was completely in tune with the delicacy and responsibility of the situation.
With precise movements, following Yasuke's directions, Sakumo helped to open the leopard's belly. Although it was a critical situation, the process was relatively quick, and soon Yasuke was able to perform the cesarean section. He pulled the cub out with utmost care, his hands sure despite the emotional turmoil he was experiencing.
Yasuke carried the tiny puppy to its mother, who, despite being anesthetized and weakened, recognized it. With a soft growl, the leopardess expressed appreciation for her cub. Yasuke placed the little one on its mother's chest, who, despite its condition, managed to give it a few slow licks, tenderly welcoming it into the world.
Finally Yasuke, with respect and regret, closed his companion's wound, knowing in his heart that it would not be enough to save her, but it was his way of paying final respect. It was a solemn gesture, a painful farewell but one filled with gratitude for the bond they had shared.
Sakumo stood in respectful silence to the side, realizing that this moment did not belong to her. He knew that the connection between Yasuke and the leopardess must develop without interruption. He watched earnestly, but with a hint of compassion in his eyes, as Yasuke spoke softly to the leopardess, stroking her head.
-Look, your son... he looks so much like you," Yasuke murmured between laughter and tears, as he looked down at the little cub curled up on his chest.
The little one purred, feeling Yasuke's warmth, the same warmth he had felt from his mother.
-I promise to take good care of him, I swear," Yasuke said in a broken voice, though he was trying to keep his composure.
The leopardess, though visibly weakened, gave one last soft purr, as if accepting Yasuke's promise. With a last look full of understanding and gratitude, she closed her eyes forever.
Amidst nervous laughter and tears slowly streaming down his face, Yasuke watched his companion leave, knowing that he had done his best to honor his life. In his arms, the little pup was still curled up, seeking the warmth he had found in Yasuke, as he purred softly every so often, seeking comfort.
-I'll take care of you," Yasuke repeated with a firmness that stemmed from grief, but also from love and loyalty to his fallen friend.
After some time of travel, Yasuke and Sakumo finally arrived at the first shelter, the place where Yasuke and the albino leopard had first met. With a sense of sadness and gratitude, Yasuke knew he had to say goodbye to his friend in a proper way.
In front of the cave where the two had found refuge in the past, Sakumo used an earth jutsu to close the entrance, sealing the leopard's body in its final resting place.
Yasuke, with what little chakra he had left, imbued a kunai and drew a large phrase over the entrance
marking the spot as a symbol of respect and remembrance. He stood in silence for a few moments, observing the cave, emotions welling up in his chest as he tried to find the right words to say goodbye to his fallen companion.
-Thank you for everything, my friend.... -Yasuke murmured, his voice cracking as he tried to hold back tears.
But just as he was about to continue with his words, Sakumo, ever vigilant, frowned and stood on guard, wielding a kunai. A strange sound was heard in the distance, coming from the nearby bushes. Without hesitation, Sakumo darted in the direction of the noise, disappearing from Yasuke's sight.
-Sensei! -Yasuke exclaimed, worried, trying to follow despite his exhaustion.
The sound of a growl echoed in the distance, accompanied by a flash of white that Yasuke could barely make out. When he finally caught up with his master, he saw him facing a huge bear. Yasuke recognized the scar on its torso instantly: it was the same bear that his leopard friend had fought and from which he had been severely wounded.
Sakumo, with clear superiority, quickly managed to subdue the bear, standing over the beast with the kunai ready for the final blow. Just as he was about to finish the fight, Yasuke stopped him, raising his voice firmly:
-Sensei, don't do it!
Sakumo looked at him in surprise, but lowered his weapon, respecting his student's request. Yasuke was consumed with hatred, frustration and helplessness. Although he understood that Sakumo could finish off the animal, something inside him demanded that he let the bear go. The same bear that had caused his feline friend so much pain. He could not allow another to complete what he felt he had to do someday.
-This is my enemy. Someday... I will face him and defeat him myself. But not today.
Sakumo, seeing the resolve in Yasuke's eyes, nodded, allowing the bear to rise. Seeing itself free, the creature growled menacingly towards Yasuke, but a murderous aura emanated from the young shinobi, driving it back.
-You will not bully me again," Yasuke muttered harshly.
The bear, shuddering at the latent threat in Yasuke's gaze and Sakumo's imposing presence at his side, decided to flee, entering the forest. As they watched him go, Sakumo spoke in a low but serious tone:
-You know you're still not strong enough to face something like this alone, right?
-I know," Yasuke replied, his fists clenched. But I will. Someday he'll come back, and out of respect for my friend, I'll defeat him myself.
Sakumo, after leading Yasuke out of the Forest of Death, led him to his own home. It was late, and the orphanage would already be closed, so Sakumo decided it would be best for the young ninja to rest at home.
As a single man and completely dedicated to his ninja path, Sakumo was not the best cook, but he prepared a simple meal for Yasuke: some noodles with meat.
-"It's not much, but after a week of eating what you found in the forest, it will do you good," Sakumo said with a slight smile as he placed the dish on the table.
Yasuke, who had barely eaten a bite during the mission, devoured the food gratefully. To him, those noodles were a feast, something that comforted him after the days of battle and the pain of losing his feline companion.
As he ate, Yasuke noticed the warm weight of the little cub in his lap. The baby leopard, now fed from a makeshift bottle made of bamboo and a hollow mushroom that Yasuke had carefully cleaned, drank its milk leisurely. The cub, small but strong, had found a place of comfort next to Yasuke.
-I'm surprised at how quickly you managed to create something like that," Sakumo commented upon seeing Yasuke's invention. -It's not common to see such a young ninja with the ability to apply what he has at hand in such a way.
-I've had to improvise quite a bit since I came to this forest, Sensei," Yasuke replied with a small smile as he petted the puppy. -I couldn't let it die, just like I couldn't leave its mother alone.
Sakumo nodded, seeing in Yasuke a mixture of sadness and determination. She served him some more food and added:
-The ninja path sometimes leads you into situations where you can't save everyone, but what matters is how you advance after each trial. You have a lot of potential, Yasuke.
Yasuke looked down at the puppy who was now sleeping peacefully in his lap. With his mind full of memories of the past week, he knew that his life as a ninja had just begun, and that the decisions he made from now on would mark the type of shinobi he would become.
-Thank you, Sensei.
The next morning, Yasuke woke up feeling the silence of the house. Looking around, he noticed that Sakumo was already gone. On the dining room table, there was a breakfast served next to a note that caught his attention. He picked it up and began to read:
- "I'm gone. The Hokage called me, and although I wanted to have breakfast with you and talk about your next steps as a ninja, I will be busy for the next three days. Use this time to rest, visit your friends and prepare yourself. We'll see you at training camp number 71 in three days. Good luck, student."-
Yasuke left the note on the table, smiling slightly. He knew he would have a hard time with Sakumo, but he was also relieved to have time to visit those he had left behind. He remembered Minato, Nonoe, Grandma Nora and the others from the orphanage. Although he didn't want to admit it, he had missed them more than he expected.
-It looks like it's about time to see them," he muttered to himself as he ate a quick breakfast.
After finishing, he prepared to leave. He knew the puppy needed care, so he improvised a way to carry it. Taking a loom and tying it in the shape of a cross, he secured it to his chest, ensuring that the little one would not fall during his walk to the orphanage. With a mixture of nostalgia and determination, Yasuke set off to meet his loved ones again.
Sakumo watched from a nearby tree as Yasuke walked away, a slight smile peeking on his face as he muttered to himself:
-What a peculiar student I have," he reflected, with some pride.
However, his expression suddenly changed, hardening at the thought of what was to come.
-Now, what I have to prevent is that old hyena, Danzo, from trying something strange," he said in a serious tone.
He remained silent, already mentally preparing himself.
To be continued...