"Well," Kaguya hesitated, her face showing a troubled expression, "Actually, there's something I've been keeping from you all, I..."
"You're leaving, aren't you?" Mei Terumi placed her hand on Kaguya's shoulder and smiled gently.
"Ah..."
Everyone's gaze fell on Kaguya's face, but they didn't seem too surprised. Only the cat-eared loli looked around at everyone, seemingly not understanding what they were talking about.
"You all..." Kaguya was a bit shocked as she looked at them, suddenly at a loss for words.
"We guessed it a while ago," said Yuya, feigning anger, "Such an important matter, and you didn't tell us in advance."
"Mother, are you really leaving?" Black Zetsu girl bit her lip, her face full of grievance, her large eyes brimming with tears, saying reluctantly, "Can't you stay?"
"I'm sorry, there are things I must do, so I can't stay here," Kaguya said apologetically, then added, "But I promise I will come back, and it will be soon."
"What's so important that you must leave in such a hurry? If possible, we can help you," Mei Terumi said anxiously, "Although we may not be as strong as you, we can still help."
"You should go," Konan suddenly spoke up from the side, smiling slightly, "Just remember to come back soon."
"How can you say that?" Mei Terumi said to Konan discontentedly, "Don't you want to be with her?"
"It's not like that," Konan shook her head, "Although I don't know where Kaguya is going or what she's going to do, it must be important. I don't want her to be distracted. Besides, I know Kaguya will keep her promise and come back, right?"
Konan said this, squinting her eyes and smiling at Kaguya, her clear and bright eyes seeming to see through to her heart.
"Yes, I will definitely come back," Kaguya nodded solemnly, saying earnestly, "And it will be very soon, I promise."
"What?!" Mei Terumi pouted unhappily, "Aren't you all going to try to make her stay? You're making me look like the only bad guy here."
"Because we trust you, sister." Hinata gently wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, her face blooming with a radiant smile.
"Sometimes, being simple-minded is a form of happiness," Mei Terumi said helplessly, then opened her arms.
Kaguya looked puzzled, not understanding.
"Silly, you're leaving, aren't you going to give me a hug?" Mei Terumi blinked and said.
Kaguya hurried over, extending her white arms, and hugged Mei Terumi tightly.
Mei Terumi's mouth curved into a slight smile, her moist eyes gazing at the silver-haired girl before her, a doting look on her face.
She didn't know why, but ever since she first saw her at the docks of the Land of Water, the beautiful yet seemingly fragile silver-haired girl felt very close, like a friend she had known for a long time. It was as if it was destiny, and their fates were intertwined like invisible threads from then on.
Could this be destiny?
While Mei Terumi was still immersed in her emotions, she suddenly felt something odd in her embrace. She looked down to see the silver-haired girl rubbing her face against her chest with an expression of enjoyment.
Mei Terumi's eyelid twitched a few times, a vein popping on her forehead, and she reached out, pinching Kaguya's cheek.
"Ouch, ouch!"
"Hey, hey, what are you doing taking advantage of me at a time like this?" Mei Terumi said, frustrated with her lack of decorum, rubbing Kaguya's cheeks hard as if she couldn't get enough, "Please, mind the occasion, alright?"
"Understood," Kaguya mumbled indistinctly, her pretty face already scrunched up from Mei Terumi's pinching.
For a moment, the tense atmosphere eased considerably.
However, happy times always seem to pass quickly, much like summer vacations during elementary school; the more you cherish them, the faster they seem to fly by. After playing and chatting with the girls for a while, the time gradually came for Kaguya to leave.
It was time for her to go.
The previously relaxed atmosphere suddenly turned heavy again, and everyone stood in silence, not knowing what to say. A faint feeling of parting sorrow lingered in the air.
Black Zetsu's dainty nose twitched a few times, her clear, big eyes red and looking very sad, as were the others around her. Kaguya felt an urge to stay, but she knew it was meaningless; eventually, she would have to leave.
"I'm leaving."
Kaguya hardened her heart and turned away, not looking at them again, fearing she might be unable to resist staying if she did.
"Please come back."
"We'll be waiting for you."
Hearing the voices behind her, Kaguya didn't say anything more and just nodded gently.
Suddenly, her body emitted a pure white light that enveloped her, soft and serene like a gentle breeze.
The white light grew brighter, and finally, with a flash, she disappeared, along with the stunning silver-haired girl.
The group stood in place for a long time, silently gazing at where Kaguya had vanished, a sense of melancholy lingering in their hearts.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.
"Alright, Kaguya is gone. Let's head back," Mei Terumi said, a beautiful smile blooming on her face, her crescent moon-shaped eyes twinkling, "If she sees us like this, she might be chuckling somewhere."
"Yes, let's go back." Konan also said softly, glancing at the overcast sky, "It might rain soon."
"Hey, let's open a dango shop," Mei Terumi suddenly suggested as they walked.
"Yes, yes! I love eating dango!" The cat-eared loli's eyes sparkled at the mention of dango. Her childlike innocence seemed to keep her unaware of what had just transpired, not fully understanding the meaning of Kaguya's departure.
"What made you think of opening a dango shop?" Yuya asked curiously, blinking her eyes.
"That girl loves dango, right? If we make the best dango, she'll definitely come back for them." Mei Terumi smiled brightly.
"But do you know how to make dango?"
"Nope."
""
Everyone gradually left, except for one who remained, her twin golden ponytails swaying in the breeze.
"Mother," Black Zetsu murmured, looking at the spot where Kaguya had vanished. Her flawless face still bore traces of tears, but a determined look flashed in her eyes, "No matter where you are, I'll find you."
Meanwhile, the cat-eared loli, being led by Konan, suddenly turned her head to glance at the Black Zetsu standing motionless in the distance, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly into an almost imperceptible smile.