Chapter 203: The Decision
Malik and Daichi were woken up early the next morning by a soft knock on their door. While Daichi got up with ease, Malik groaned, rolling over and pulling the blanket over his head. Mornings were not his strong suit, and the weight of the previous week made him want to stay in bed a little longer. But he knew the Kamizuru Clan elders wanted his answers, and he couldn't keep them waiting, especially after Suzumebachi, Ayame, and Kurotsuchi had already given their reports.
After a good ten minutes of tossing and turning, Malik finally sat up and waved his hand, transforming his comfortable pajamas into fine clothes of pink and gold. He took a deep breath, collected himself, and stepped out of the room, with Daichi towering behind him. They found a young Kamizuru clan member waiting outside.
The young man nodded respectfully. "Please follow me."
As they made their way through the Kamizuru Clan compound, Malik noticed the stillness in the air. The usually buzzing life of the compound seemed subdued, almost as if the entire clan was holding its breath in anticipation. They passed through stone corridors adorned with tapestries depicting bees, honeycombs, and the proud history of the Kamizuru Clan. Malik found a sense of solemnity in the way the ancient wooden beams and stone walls seemed to loom over them, bearing witness to countless clan gatherings and decisions made over the centuries.
Finally, they reached a large meeting hall. The room was spacious, with a high ceiling supported by carved wooden beams and walls lined with murals depicting the clan's triumphs and struggles. A large stone table sat in the center, surrounded by benches where the entire Kamizuru Clan was gathered. Candles burned along the walls, casting flickering shadows that danced like restless spirits.
In the center, only three seats were occupied—Ōnoki, Himehanabachi, and the third seat meant for Malik. Daichi took his place near the exit, while Malik made his way to the seat left for him.
Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, wasted no time. His aged eyes locked onto Malik's as he asked, "So, you're leaving?"
Malik took a deep breath. "Yes, I am."
Himehanabachi leaned forward, her gray hair tied in a bun, bouncing slightly as she did. There was no anger in her tone, only curiosity. "Are Suzumebachi, Ayame, and Kurotsuchi not to your liking?"
Malik flashed her a knowing smile. "You may not like my answer."
Himehanabachi's expression remained composed, though a faint frown formed. "What didn't you like about them?" she pressed.
Malik shook his head. "Oh, I liked everything about them. They're all wonderful."
She raised an eyebrow. "Then why not choose? If there is one who has captured your heart, why push her away?"
Once again, Malik gave her the same response. "You won't like my answer."
Ōnoki's voice carried the weight of his authority as he spoke. "Tell us your true answer, Malik, even if we don't like it. We deserve to know."
Malik took a moment to collect his thoughts. His gaze traveled across the room, lingering briefly on Suzumebachi, Ayame, and Kurotsuchi, who all sat quietly, their expressions guarded. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady.
"To be honest," Malik began, "I think I'm not a greedy person... except when it comes to love." He glanced at each of the three women. "I love that Suzumebachi cares so deeply for her brothers. I admire that, despite the hatred and judgment this village has shown her, she remains loyal and steadfast. I love that Ayame is so connected to the traditions of the Kamizuru Clan. She might know more about this family than some of the elders. And I find it adorable how she balances her shyness with her pride."
He then turned to Kurotsuchi, his eyes reflecting his respect for her. "And Kurotsuchi... I love your boldness. Your stubbornness. Your strength. The way you throw yourself into everything you do, even if it means going against the grain. I know that, in some ways, you wish you were closer to your clan, and I respect you for never giving up on trying to bridge that gap."
Malik then looked back at Ōnoki and Himehanabachi. "You see, I am greedy when it comes to love. I couldn't choose just one because I don't want to. If they would have me, I would marry them all. I would love them all. I would raise children with them, should they wish for that future."
The room fell into a stunned silence. The entire Kamizuru Clan seemed to hold its collective breath, as if waiting for the elders to react.
Ōnoki and Himehanabachi's Response
Ōnoki's gaze shifted toward Himehanabachi, and the two exchanged a long look. It was a silent conversation between elders, one filled with shared history and understanding. Finally, Himehanabachi broke the silence with a small nod, her expression softening. "You have given us a surprising answer, Malik."
Ōnoki let out a low chuckle. "Perhaps it's the right answer after all."
Malik rose from his seat, his decision resolute. "I cannot stay. There are other places where I am needed. But know this—no matter where I go, the Kamizuru Clan and the Village Hidden in the Stones will always have my love. I will return. You can be sure of that."
With those final words, Malik turned and walked toward the exit, his back straight and his stride confident. As the doors closed behind him, the members of the Kamizuru Clan remained seated, processing the implications of his bold declaration. Daichi "The Boulder" Yamamoto followed closely behind, his loyalty unwavering.
Outside the meeting hall, Malik took a deep breath of the crisp morning air. It was time to leave Iwagakure, but a part of his heart would always remain with the three women he loved and the village he had come to care for. He could only hope that the future would bring them back together once more.
Chapter 203: The Decision Part 2
As the rising sun bathed the landscape in golden light, Malik and Daichi soared through the skies on the back of GrubGrub, the giant pink-and-gold tortoise beetle. Its shimmering wings beat steadily, carrying them far above the rugged terrain of Iwagakure as they made their way back to the Hidden Leaf Village. The air was crisp, and Malik breathed deeply, letting the cool wind whip across his face. There was something liberating about flying—something that always helped clear his head.
Daichi, seated behind him, broke the silence. "So, boss, what's next?"
Malik glanced back with a shrug. "Oh, you know, the usual. Lots of paperwork, meeting with a warlord who claims to have a magic stone—nothing out of the ordinary."
Daichi grinned and nodded. "Business as usual, then."
Malik gave a small chuckle, his gaze drifting back toward the horizon. "Pretty much. Sorry we didn't teleport back, though. I just needed this—flying always helps me figure out my next steps."
Daichi's expression softened. "Don't worry about it, boss. I get it. You've got a lot on your mind."
Malik appreciated Daichi's understanding, knowing that his loyal bodyguard would follow him anywhere without question. The truth was, Malik's decision at the Kamizuru Clan compound weighed heavily on him. He had opened himself up to the idea of loving more than one person and accepting all the complexities that came with it. Yet even with that declaration, he couldn't help but wonder if it was truly enough for the women he cared about.
As GrubGrub continued to glide over the landscape, the mountains of the Land of Earth slowly gave way to rolling hills and dense forests. Malik's thoughts wandered back to his time in Iwagakure—the people he had met, the bonds he had formed, and the promises he had made. The village was still in his thoughts, and leaving wasn't easy, but he knew he had done everything he could to set the Kamizuru Clan and the village on a path to prosperity.
Now, as they flew toward the Hidden Leaf Village, Malik's mind shifted to the tasks ahead. The meeting with the warlord who sought a magic stone would be one of the first challenges. He had dealt with warlords before, and they always came with their own brand of danger. But Malik had learned to navigate such situations with a mix of charm, strategy, and magic.
And then there was the paperwork—an endless sea of documents, contracts, and agreements that seemed to multiply no matter how many he signed. The mundane tasks were a necessary evil, ensuring that his business dealings ran smoothly and his various enterprises flourished. Even though Malik preferred grand adventures and personal connections over bureaucracy, he understood the importance of staying on top of things.
"Any specific plan for dealing with the warlord?" Daichi asked, snapping Malik out of his reverie.
"Not yet," Malik replied, "but we'll figure it out when we get there. We always do."
Daichi let out a low chuckle. "True enough, boss."
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, the rhythmic hum of GrubGrub's wings filling the air. As the Hidden Leaf Village drew closer, Malik felt a sense of calm settle over him. There was still much to do, many more people to help, and countless journeys ahead. But for now, he was content to fly on the back of his loyal GrubGrub, the open sky stretching out endlessly before them. It was a reminder that even when his path was uncertain, the world was full of possibilities.