TSSITWON Chapter 73: This Must Be a Coincidence

After eating, they all parted ways, one by one returning to their respective homes. Aoki also stepped homeward, his steps heavy yet calm.

The next morning, Aoki went through his routine with a slight change. Instead of the usual morning training, Aoki decided to enjoy a slower pace, as if giving his heart space to adapt to the changes that were to come. After showering, Aoki prepared a simple breakfast, eating it slowly, allowing each bite to serve as a reminder of the familiarity and routine in this village.

Once he finished eating, Aoki packed only the essential items he needed. Then he stepped out of his house with a hint of nostalgia hanging over him, and walked towards the graves of his parents, a place where Aoki always found peace.

There, Aoki gazed respectfully, reminiscing and speaking in his heart, promising to take care of himself and to fulfill all that he had promised them. After that, Aoki visited Aunt Nansa's grave, saying a quiet and sincere goodbye.

That day, Aoki wandered through various places, bidding farewell to the people who meant something to him. At work, Aoki said goodbye to his boss, Kuzan, who had taught him many lessons. Then there were Yono, Sakumo, and Minato—they were all important parts of Aoki's life, as well as Kakashi and the others, who greeted Aoki with a calm nod full of understanding.

However, after searching for Shizune in several places without success, Aoki finally headed to Ichiraku Ramen. Aoki picked up his ordered ramen, carefully storing it in a storage seal, then paid before stepping outside. As Aoki prepared to leave Konoha, his steps were suddenly halted by a soft yet firm voice calling him.

Aoki turned around in surprise, and there stood Shizune, her breath coming in gasps as if she had been running against time. Their gazes met, and for a moment, they both fell silent, caught in a stillness filled with everything left unsaid.

"I thought you didn't want to see me again," Aoki said casually, a small smile on his face. "But, Shizune... I'm leaving Konoha. Starting my own adventure." Aoki's voice wavered slightly, but his smile remained, as he tried to reassure both himself and Shizune. "When we meet again, you have to be someone great too, okay? Because if you become strong, then..." Aoki paused, swallowing the words he meant to say.

Shizune simply looked at Aoki, her smile fading a bit, but she knew, from the look in Aoki's eyes, what he wanted to say. Sometimes words don't always need to be spoken to be understood.

Slowly, Shizune handed over a package containing five lunch boxes, neatly wrapped in a piece of cloth. "This is for you, Aoki. You have to eat it every day, and remember, eat regularly. Don't be picky about food, okay? And make sure you eat nutritious and healthy meals," Shizune advised gently yet firmly, like a caring mother.

Aoki looked at Shizune for a moment, astonished and slightly chuckling to himself. 'Hmm, Kushina's last words to Naruto before she died? Ah, could this be a bad omen? No, no. This must be a coincidence,' Aoki thought, smiling wryly, amused at himself for imagining such far-fetched things.

After Shizune finished her advice, Aoki stepped closer to her, until there was only a few inches between them. Aoki gazed deeply into Shizune's eyes, and before she could realize what Aoki was about to do, he leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.

A warm feeling flowed from her forehead throughout Shizune's body, causing her face to flush. Shizune had never expected Aoki to do something like this. She froze instantly, as if the whole world had stopped for a moment.