Watching Kaguya's departing figure, Tenten couldn't help but ask Lee, "You used to like Kaguya a lot, didn't you? Why didn't you say a word today?"
"I'm still not strong enough. I'm still far behind her," Lee said, his thick eyebrows drooping and a look of dejection on his face. Then, clenching his fist, he said firmly, "But I will work hard to catch up with her."
"I think it's better if you give up," Tenten sighed, spreading her hands, "She's just too far out of reach for us." But seeing Lee's passionate expression, it was clear he hadn't listened.
In the bustling street, the two walked hand in hand, drawing the attention of many passersby. Some young boys, just beginning to understand love, stared blankly at the two beautiful girls, which made Kaguya feel a bit uncomfortable. She quickly put on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, which made things better.
"Yugao-sister, what are you giggling about?" Kaguya's watery eyes looked at her in confusion, noticing that she had been smiling since earlier.
"It's nothing," Yugao laughed and pinched Kaguya's cheek, "It just reminds me of when you were little. You were always so charming, and now your allure has only grown. Look at how those boys are staring at you."
"Thank you for the compliment," Kaguya said expressionlessly, "I'd be happier if you left out that last sentence."
"You still have that aloof look, just like before," Yugao smiled and tapped Kaguya's forehead.
"Hey, hey, don't keep tapping my head. I'm not a kid anymore," Kaguya said unhappily.
"Yes, you've grown up now," Yugao said softly, her face showing a gentle expression, "I used to think I'd never see you again. I'm so happy we can meet again."
Kaguya was slightly taken aback, then she reached out and held Yugao's hand, saying softly, "Me too."
Kaguya felt quite guilty. Over the years she had been away, she was always preoccupied with her own matters and plans, seldom thinking of Yugao. Even the last time she infiltrated Konoha, she didn't visit her.
Sensing Kaguya's mood, Yugao squeezed her small face and said with a smile, "If you dare forget me, you're dead meat, understand?"
"Ouch, ouch, I get it."
The two went to a supermarket, walked around, and bought a bunch of miscellaneous daily necessities, including cleaning tools, vegetables, fruits, tissues, and even new underwear. Over time, most of the things at home had become unusable—either decayed or broken. As for underwear, it certainly couldn't be worn anymore since Kaguya was no longer flat-chested.
By the time they finished shopping, it was almost noon. Carrying large bags, they leisurely walked back home.
When they reached the door, Yugao suddenly said, "I'm not going in. I have other things to do."
"What's up? Is it an Anbu matter?" Kaguya asked, puzzled, then shrugged. "But whatever, let the Anbu bosses handle it. You can take a day off; Konoha won't fall apart."
"What are you saying?" Yugao put down the bags and lightly patted Kaguya's head. "Do you really want Konoha to fall apart? Besides, I'm the Anbu boss you mentioned."
"What?" Kaguya was dumbfounded, almost dropping her bags. "No way, when did you become the Anbu captain?"
"Why? Are you looking down on me?" Yugao pretended to be angry. "You've been working hard outside all these years, but I haven't been slacking off."
"No, it's just a bit unbelievable," Kaguya said, a lightbulb going off in her head. "Were those Konoha ninja following me a few years ago your orders?"
"Knowing that you knocked them all out," Yugao playfully tapped Kaguya on the forehead.
"I thought it was Danzo who sent them," Kaguya smiled softly, her eyelids drooping slightly. "Thank you... Ouch!"
"Don't make that face. Is this the carefree Kaguya I know?" Yugao's fingers pinched Kaguya's cheek.
"What? I was genuinely touched for a moment." Kaguya glared at her.
"Alright, I really have to go," Yugao said with a gentle smile, waving her hand. "See you later."
"Okay, see you. I'll visit you someday," Kaguya smiled and waved back.
After Yugao's figure disappeared into the street, Kaguya came back to her senses. What should she do with all these things on the ground?
Kaguya gathered the large bags and packages into her arms, resembling a small mountain, wobbling precariously. She couldn't help but grumble about Yugao not helping her carry the stuff home before leaving.
Finally, laden with a mountain of items, Kaguya returned home, opened the door, and walked inside. Her eyes widened in surprise.
The room was much tidier than before. Not only were the overturned chairs and tables set upright, but they had also been carefully wiped clean. The dust on the walls had been swept away, revealing the white base color, and the cobwebs in the corners were gone. The trash on the floor was neatly packed and placed in the corner.
"You're back," Konan said, emerging from the interior.
Kaguya was taken aback by Konan's appearance.
Konan wore a paper hat on her head, an apron around her waist, and held a feather duster in her hand. Kaguya couldn't help but associate her with a housewife. Perhaps the stark contrast to Kaguya's image of Konan was too much; she couldn't help but want to laugh.
After working together diligently, they finally finished cleaning the house by evening. Kaguya had never felt so exhausted; if given the choice, she would rather fight someone than clean. However, looking at the refreshed room, she felt a sense of accomplishment.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A clear knocking sound came from outside the door.
Kaguya had just returned not long ago, so who could it be?
"Hinata!" Kaguya exclaimed in surprise when she opened the door to see a gentle and beautiful girl standing there. It was Hinata.
"Sister..." Hinata didn't finish her sentence before Kaguya pulled her into a tight hug, rubbing her cheek against hers. "Teacher is here too."
Only then did Kaguya notice the other person standing outside. With long black hair and red eyes exuding a charm unique to her, it was Kurenai Yuhi, whom Kaguya hadn't seen for a long time.