The days passed quickly. Akihiro went to Miyuki’s house several times to go over a few things, while the rest of his time was spent with his mother and his friends. He knew he wouldn’t see them again for a long time, so he wanted to make the most of every moment with them.

  His mother didn’t say anything, but Akihiro could tell she had noticed something was off. Even so, she didn’t ask. She had probably sensed that he’d been assigned a mission that would keep him away from home for a long time… or maybe that he wouldn’t come back at all.

  Still, she had once been the wife of a shinobi, and she understood very well that now that Akihiro was a chūnin, he had responsibilities he couldn’t escape—whether he liked it or not.

  He was starting to wonder if taking this path had really been the right decision. Leaving his mother behind, worried, was the st thing he ever wanted. But now that he was here, there was no turning back.

  Finally, the st day at home arrived. Akihiro met with his mother before leaving. She was looking out the window.

  —Mom… I have to go… on a mission —he said slowly. The words caught in his throat, as if speaking them was tearing a piece of him apart.

  His mother looked at him in silence for a moment, then gave him a gentle nod. But he knew better than anyone that she wasn’t okay either.

  This wasn’t the same as going on a mission with Miyuki. This time, he would be alone in enemy territory, with no support or help from anyone.

  —It’s alright —she said with a sad smile. —I’ll keep your room clean… until you come back.

  Akihiro lowered his gaze, trying to hold back the emotion in his chest. —I’ll do my best. —They both knew he couldn’t promise more than that.

  He stepped forward and hugged her tightly, as if trying to etch the warmth of his mother into his very bones, so he wouldn’t forget it on this long journey.

  She stroked his hair gently, memories flooding her eyes. Her little boy, the one she had raised for so many years, was now a grown man… loved, brave, and ready to face the world on his own.

  You were always such an independent child. The kind that studied without being asked. Quiet, and you almost never caused trouble. Maybe a bit indifferent when it came to girls… which will probably bring you more trouble than you expect in the future.

  But even so, you were smart, determined, and always had that firm will to keep learning, to grow a little more every day. That’s why I know you’ll become a great shinobi. Greater than this vilge can even imagine. Maybe this journey will let you break past your own limits, reach your full potential… and go even further beyond.

  —I wish I could go with you on this journey, be by your side and see with my own eyes all the things you’ll achieve… but I know I’d only hold you back. So, as your mother, I’ll be the stronghold that waits for you. The shelter you can always return to when you fall and don’t know where to go. When you’re tired, exhausted, and feel like you can’t take another step, I’ll be here to hold you, comfort you, and remind you of who you are.

  I won’t let you lose yourself, because even from afar, I’ll always be with you. So, my son… go and follow your destiny. Chase your path with your head held high, without fear, without doubt. I’ll be here, always, waiting for your return.

  Their embrace came to an end, and without another word, Akihiro turned around and left the home he had lived in for so many years. His mother only smiled as she watched him leave, holding onto the certainty in her heart that one day… he would return home.