CHAPTER 83
Guy, Ebisu, and Shiranui Genma followed the large force withdrawing to Konoha as they advanced toward the Village.
Since this was not a wartime forced march, the pace of the group was not particularly fast.
After walking for two full days, the silhouette of Konoha finally became visible at the edge of their vision.
Along the way, Ebisu chatted incessantly.
After returning to the Village, he planned to eat Ichiraku Ramen, enjoy a long soak at the bathhouse, and then sleep for three straight days.
Genma rarely took the initiative to speak, but when he did, his voice carried obvious nostalgia.
"I want to drink some red bean soup with mochi."
Hearing the words "red bean soup with mochi," Guy felt his heart gently tighten.
Half a year.
It had been a full half-year since he had last seen his father.
"That old man... how is he now?"
"He must have been taking missions during these past six months too. I wonder if he's been injured. I wonder if he's been eating properly..."
Longing quietly wrapped around his heart like vines.
The group gradually approached Konoha.
From a distance, they could already see the solemn faces of the Hokage Rock overlooking the Village.
When they reached the vicinity of the main gate, Guy's gaze suddenly froze.
Just inside the entrance stood a green figure waiting anxiously.
He paced back and forth constantly.
From time to time, he stood on tiptoe and looked toward the distant road.
Those thick eyebrows.
That anticipation that could be felt even from afar.
Who else could it be but Might Duy?
"Dad?"
Guy was stunned.
He had never expected Duy to be waiting for him here.
Almost the instant Guy saw him, Duy's eyes also found his son among the returning shinobi.
His body froze.
His mouth opened slightly.
Then, as though a dam had burst, his eyes immediately turned red.
Large tears welled up and spilled down his face.
"GUY!!!"
A familiar, earth-shaking roar exploded through the gate.
Even passersby nearby subconsciously covered their ears.
Duy was like a green cannonball.
He pushed through the crowd without hesitation and charged straight toward Guy.
Thud!
Guy was pulled into a crushing embrace.
The force was so great that he could barely breathe.
Duy hugged him tightly, as though he wanted to pour all the worry and longing of the past six months into this single embrace.
Tears and snot were smeared all over Guy's face without mercy.
Guy could see clearly.
Although Duy's green jumpsuit had faded considerably from washing, it was spotless.
His eyes were red and swollen.
It was obvious he had secretly cried more than once while waiting.
"It's good that you're okay... it's good that you're okay..."
"Dad was worried sick..."
Duy buried his face against Guy's shoulder.
His voice choked repeatedly as he spoke.
When his hand brushed against the bandages wrapped around Guy's arm, his entire body trembled.
Fresh tears immediately poured out again.
He cried even harder.
Guy found it difficult to breathe from the embrace.
But he did not struggle.
He raised his hand and awkwardly patted his father's broad yet trembling back.
When he left six months ago, he had only reached Duy's chest.
Although he had grown taller during this period, standing within this embrace still allowed him to feel that same burning, unconditional love.
"Dad."
Guy's voice was slightly hoarse.
Yet it carried a reassuring strength.
"I'm okay."
Duy loosened his embrace slightly.
Even so, his hands continued feeling around Guy's body.
Checking whether any limbs were missing.
After confirming that Guy's arms and legs were intact, his tense shoulders finally relaxed somewhat.
People came and went through the Village gate.
Villagers and shinobi passed by constantly.
Many stopped after noticing the reunion between father and son.
A passing Chunin recognized Guy and whispered to his companion:
"Look, that's Might Guy."
"I heard he made great contributions during the Battle of Mount Kikyo."
"He carried intelligence from the front lines and fought alongside Captain Akimichi Choza against the Sunagakure attack."
Another Jonin nodded.
His voice carried obvious admiration.
"A nine-year-old Chunin."
"In Konoha's history, aside from Kakashi Hatake, he's the second one."
"Quite remarkable."
A nearby auntie carrying groceries also joined the discussion.
"This child has been just like his father since he was little."
"He may seem a little silly, but his spirit is strong."
"His father raised him well."
"Even though Duy is only a Genin, his son has truly brought honor to the family."
Might Duy heard the surrounding conversations.
He released Guy and stepped back.
Using the back of his hand, he hastily wiped away the tears and snot on his face.
Then he suddenly straightened his back.
Giving a forceful thumbs-up toward the people speaking.
The sunlight reflected off his signature white teeth.
"THANK YOU!!!"
He roared loudly.
His voice was filled with pride and gratitude.
Then he added his classic declaration.
"YOUTH NEVER LIES!!"
Several people laughed.
A young shinobi grinned and joked:
"Senior Duy, Guy will definitely surpass you in the future!"
Someone beside him immediately laughed and corrected him.
"No, no, no."
"He already surpassed him!"
"Guy is a genuine Chunin now!"
Hearing those words, Duy froze once more.
Slowly, he turned his head.
He looked at his son.
Travel-worn.
Still recovering from injuries.
Yet standing tall with bright eyes and an unwavering posture.
Surpass him?
Perhaps.
But at this moment, there was not the slightest trace of jealousy or loss in Duy's heart.
Only pride.
Only happiness.
The emotions surged like a tide and nearly drowned him.
"GUY!!!"
His eyes turned red once more.
This time, however, they were tears of pure pride.
He opened his arms again, preparing for another bear hug.
Guy reacted quickly.
Taking a small step aside in advance, he avoided the incoming embrace.
For the first time since returning, a relaxed smile appeared on his face.
"Dad, I'm hungry."
"Right! Right! Right!"
Duy slapped his forehead.
The sadness on his face instantly disappeared and was replaced by a brilliant smile.
"Dad made red bean soup with mochi!"
"A huge pot!"
"I've been waiting for you to come back and eat it!"
Red bean soup with mochi.
Guy's eyes immediately lit up.
That was the taste of home.
The taste of his father.
He turned around and waved toward Ebisu and Genma, who were standing nearby with understanding smiles.
"I'm heading home first!"
"Go on, go on!"
Ebisu pushed up his sunglasses and waved with a grin.
Genma nodded while chewing on his senbon.
The two of them did not linger.
Guy followed the green figure who seemed determined to say six months' worth of words in a single day.
Together, they walked down the familiar road leading home.
The noise and bustle at the Village gate gradually faded behind them.
Sunlight shone upon the father and son.
Stretching their shadows long across the ground.
Side by side.
Close together.
Might Duy.
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