Chapter 328: Konan: He Said I Was the Most Special One; Tsunade's "Sentimentality" [HN]

Chiya’s figure silently moved across the rooftops of Konoha, like a wisp of smoke blending into the night.

He was heading toward the woman who was as cool and delicate as paper, yet had summoned immense courage that evening to send him that invitation.

Konan’s temporary residence was located in Konoha’s quiet district for visiting foreign guests, an elegant house with its own small courtyard.

Chiya landed in the courtyard.

Moonlight flowed like water, clearly illuminating the white stones and bamboo water fountain.

Warm lamplight spilled through the doorway, casting the slender shadow of a woman onto the door as she seemed to pace around somewhat anxiously.

Chiya took a deep breath and suppressed the complicated emotions surging in his heart before gently knocking on the door.

The footsteps inside abruptly stopped.

A moment later, the door was gently pulled open.

Konan stood inside, still wearing her simple robe.

However, unlike during the day, her blue purple hair was no longer tied up and instead fell softly over her shoulders.

The ends of her hair were still slightly damp, clearly showing that she had just bathed.

Her face was free of makeup.

Under the warm lamplight, she seemed less cold than usual and carried a little more warmth and softness.

When she saw Chiya, a flash of relief immediately appeared in her icy blue eyes.

But it was quickly replaced by deeper shyness and nervousness.

She moved slightly to the side to make way for him, her voice softer than usual.

“You’re here.”

Chiya stepped inside.

The air was filled with a faint, tranquil fragrance resembling sandalwood, the same kind of scent that seemed to linger around Konan herself.

The room was simply furnished but showed its owner’s attentiveness.

A plain white porcelain vase sat on the table, holding a freshly picked hydrangea still covered in dew.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Chiya spoke gently.

“It wasn’t long.”

Konan shook her head lightly, closed the door, and walked somewhat stiffly to the table.

She picked up the teapot.

“Would you… like some tea?”

Her fingertips suddenly trembled slightly, revealing that her heart was nowhere near as calm as she appeared.

At that moment, Konan’s thoughts were complicated.

‘The person I was waiting for has come…’

‘But will this invitation make me seem too impulsive?’

‘Will he think I’m being frivolous?’

‘Lady Tsunade has only just given birth, and Mikoto nee is also about to give birth, yet I’m doing this at a time like this…’

But when she looked at Chiya in front of her, she found it difficult to look away.

The longing that had quietly grown during those long and lonely years in the Land of Rain had grown wildly with every gentle smile he gave her after their reunion and every time he protected her without even thinking about it.

‘He said I was special…’

‘I want to hold on to that special place. I want to truly and completely belong to him.’

‘Even if it is only for one night, even if we still have to watch over each other from a great distance afterward.’

‘I do not ask to be together every day. I only ask that the place belonging to “Konan” in his heart leave the deepest possible mark.’

Chiya did not take the tea.

Instead, he stepped forward and gently held her slightly cool hand, stopping her somewhat uncertain movements.

“Konan.”

He called her name, his deep voice filled with reassuring strength.

“I understand how you feel. I treasure those feelings too. So don’t be nervous, and don’t feel uneasy about anything. Right now, here, there are only you and me.”

His words flowed into Konan’s uneasy heart like a warm current, slowly smoothing away the folds of anxiety.

She looked at him, and a thin layer of moisture gradually appeared in her eyes.

It was not sadness.

It was the release of emotions that had finally overflowed.

“Chiya nii…”

She whispered softly.

She was no longer the “Angel” who represented Amegakure and dealt with people from all sides.

She was simply an ordinary woman allowing herself to show vulnerability and dependence in front of the man she loved.

Chiya raised his hand and gently brushed aside a slightly damp strand of hair beside her cheek.

His fingertips touched skin that was delicate and slightly warm.

His movements were filled with immense tenderness, as though he were handling a priceless treasure.

Konan closed her eyes and felt the warmth from his fingertips.

That warmth seemed to carry an electric current, making her tremble slightly from the tips of her hair to her toes.

She gathered her courage and leaned forward slightly, resting her forehead against his shoulder while carefully wrapping both arms around his waist.

It was an embrace filled with hesitation, yet also deep attachment.

Chiya was slightly startled, but he immediately tightened his arms and pulled her slender yet resilient body firmly into his embrace.

She was even lighter than he had imagined, almost like a paper butterfly that might be carried away by the wind at any moment.

It made Chiya want to hold her even tighter.

“I won’t let you regret your decision tonight.”

He whispered beside her ear, his words carrying the weight of a promise.

Konan gently shook her head in his arms.

Her voice was muffled against his clothes, yet it was unusually clear.

“I will never regret it.”

At that moment, all words seemed unnecessary.

Chiya lowered his head, brushing against the top of her fragrant hair.

Then he slowly moved down until he found her slightly cool and soft lips.

The first touch was a cautious and tentative exploration, like a butterfly lightly touching a flower.

But soon, the emotions that had been suppressed for so long surged forward like a flood breaking through a dam, sweeping away all restraint and hesitation.

Konan responded awkwardly but earnestly.

Her arms tightened unconsciously, as though she wanted to completely merge herself into his body.

She knew that from this moment on, she was no longer merely that “special presence” watching over him from afar.

She had entrusted herself to him completely.

Her body and soul now carried the mark of “Uchiha Chiya.”

Yet she was still the independent Konan, the Angel of the Land of Rain.

This relationship would not make her lose herself.

It would only give her a spiritual harbor while allowing her to walk her own path with even greater determination.

…

Moonlight quietly slipped through the gaps in the paper door, outlining the silhouettes of the two embracing in sleep.

Time passed quickly until dawn was near.

Only a faint trace of moonlight remained.

Konan curled up in Chiya’s arms, her cheek resting against his warm chest.

Listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, she had never felt so safe and content.

She slowly raised her head and opened her eyes.

Using the faint moonlight, she gazed at his sleeping profile.

Her fingertip traced his features in the air, and the corners of her lips curved into an extremely faint yet blissful smile.

‘Let it stay like this. This is enough.’

She gently closed her eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep surrounded by his reassuring presence.

…

The next morning, as the rising sunlight filled the room through the paper window, Chiya was already awake.

He lowered his head and looked at Konan, who was still sleeping peacefully in his arms.

Her sleeping face was serene, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath her eyes, while a barely perceptible smile remained at the corners of her lips.

He did not disturb her.

He rose as gently as possible and dressed himself.

Before leaving, he returned to the bedside and bent down to place a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead.

He also placed a paper crane beside her pillow.

…

By the time Chiya returned to his residence, the sky was already bright.

[Congratulations, Host. You have completed the mission to take Konan away first.]

[Mission Reward: Paper Style Technique.]

Paper Style Technique?

Chiya’s gaze sharpened.

He felt the information transmitted by the System.

The Paper Style Technique contained almost all of Konan’s paper manipulation abilities.

After absorbing it, Chiya’s thoughts stirred.

“System, open the character panel!”

[Name: Uchiha Chiya]

[Age: 27]

[Chakra: 226 Kaka]

[Special Abilities: Rinnegan, Uzumaki Clan Bloodline, Senju Clan Constitution, Sharingan (Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan), Storm Release, Ice Release, Lava Release, Boil Release, Steel Release, Dark Release, Dust Release (Kekkei Tota)]

[Skills: Divine Art: Fleeting Blossoms (Rinnegan Exclusive), Kagatsuchi

Rinnegan: Shinra Tensei, Super Shinra Tensei, Banshō Ten’in, Chibaku Tensei, Shape-Shifting Technique, Chakra Absorption, and other basic abilities.

Mangekyō Sharingan Techniques: The Far Shore of the Yellow Springs, Cycle of Cause and Effect, Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu, Kotoamatsukami, Kamui, Kagutsuchi

Forbidden Techniques: Izanagi, Izanami

Secret Techniques: Water Transformation Technique, Mind Transfer Puppet Curse Seal Technique, Paper Style Technique

Mastery of Sealing Techniques, Mastery of Swordsmanship, Susano’o, Mastery of Medical Ninjutsu, Mastery of Fire Style, Mastery of Genjutsu, Mastery of Bladed Weapons, High Speed Body Flicker Technique, Shadow Clone Jutsu, Three Bodies Technique, and so on.]

Another small boost!~

Chiya’s mind returned to reality.

He turned around and went to Mikoto’s room.

After having breakfast with her, he carefully asked about her physical condition.

Only after confirming that everything was fine did he head to the place where Tsunade was staying.

When he opened the door, Tsunade was sitting against the headboard, holding Mirai in her arms and softly humming an off-key lullaby.

Sunlight fell across her slightly pale face and her daughter’s delicate cheeks, creating a warm and beautiful scene.

But Chiya keenly noticed a faint and barely perceptible weariness and gloom between Tsunade’s brows.

“Chiya.”

When she saw him enter, Tsunade raised her head and forced a smile.

But the smile did not completely reach her eyes.

“Sorry you’ve been working so hard.”

Chiya walked to the bedside and leaned down to look at little Mirai sleeping peacefully in her swaddling clothes.

Then his gaze fell on Tsunade’s face.

He reached out and gently smoothed the slight crease between her brows.

“Didn’t you get enough rest? You look a little pale.”

Tsunade instinctively turned her head slightly, seemingly wanting to avoid his touch, but ultimately did not move.

After a moment of silence, her voice came out somewhat hoarse.

“Nothing. I’m just… a little tired.”

Chiya sat beside her and held her hand, feeling the slight coolness of her fingertips.

He understood.

No matter how strong a woman was, after going through something as physically and mentally exhausting as childbirth, both her body and mind would enter a vulnerable period.

Changes in hormone levels, exhaustion from caring for a newborn, and…

Perhaps there was also a trace of disappointment at being unable to have her partner constantly by her side.

Although she had never said so and had tried her best to hide it.

“I’m sorry. During this time…”

Chiya’s voice was filled with guilt and concern.

“You don’t need to apologize.”

Tsunade interrupted him.

Her tone was somewhat stiff, but it soon softened and carried a trace of self-mockery.

“I’m not the kind of weak woman who needs a man constantly holding her in the palm of his hand. It’s just… sometimes when I look at Mirai, I suddenly think of Nawaki… If only he could see this…”

Her words stopped.

Pain and vulnerability flashed rapidly through her eyes.

Chiya’s heart shook.

He immediately understood the source of her low spirits.

The arrival of new life had stirred up the grief buried deep within her heart, bringing back memories of her younger brother Nawaki’s tragic death.

That trauma of losing someone she loved had never truly healed.

He pulled both Tsunade and their daughter into his arms, his embrace firm and warm.

“If Nawaki knew that he had such an amazing sister and such an adorable niece, he’d definitely be proud of you.”

He spoke softly beside her ear.

“You’re not alone, Tsunade. You have me, Mikoto, Shizune, and all of Konoha. We’ll protect Mirai together and watch her grow up safe and happy, carrying Nawaki’s share of that future with her.”

Tsunade buried her face in the crook of his neck, her body trembling slightly.

She said nothing, but Chiya could feel the warmth of tears against his shoulder.

This woman, who had always been strong, had finally removed every mask she wore and allowed her hidden vulnerability to show in front of him.

Chiya simply held her tightly, silently conveying his support and love.

After a long while, Tsunade finally calmed down.

She raised her head.

Her eyes were still slightly swollen, but the clarity and stubbornness of her usual gaze had returned.

She lightly punched Chiya’s shoulder.

The force was not strong.

“Idiot… now you’ve seen me looking awful.”

“You look beautiful.”

Chiya smiled and used his finger to wipe away the tears at the corner of her eye.

“To me, you look beautiful at any time.”

Tsunade glared at him, but the gloom from earlier was gone from her eyes.

Instead, there was more softness and dependence after being comforted.

She lowered her head and looked at her daughter, who was smacking her lips in her sleep.

“Mirai, look at your daddy. He only knows how to say sweet things…”

Seeing that Tsunade had recovered her spirits, Chiya finally relaxed.

He knew that Tsunade’s strength was carved into her very bones.

All she needed was a harbor where she could temporarily lean on someone and release what she had been holding inside.

And he was willing to be that harbor.

At the same time, at Konoha’s Third Training Ground, the atmosphere was completely different from the warm tranquility of the Hokage residence.

It was filled with youthful energy and fiery determination.

“Kakashi, feel the power of youth with me!!~ Ahaha!”