The evening tide moves slowly against the wooden docks outside Nadeshiko Village. The coastal road below the hilltop stronghold is quiet now, far from the stone arena where the duel had taken place earlier that day. Lanterns glow softly along the harbor path, their reflections shimmering across the dark sea.
Earlier, the leader of the village, Shizuka, had walked beside Tokiwa through the narrow streets of the village. The duel was over. Instead of forcing fate through tradition, Shizuka chose another path after witnessing the determination of Naruto Uzumaki. She decided to grow stronger for her own future.
Eventually exhaustion caught up with her.
With a quiet farewell, Shizuka returned to her home to rest, leaving Tokiwa to continue her patrol alone.
The road from the village descends toward the quiet harbor settlement below. Waves roll gently against the wooden docks, and the salty evening wind drifts through the small coastal street.
A modest tea shop sits near the water’s edge, its open entrance facing the sea.
Inside, a man sits quietly with a steaming cup of tea. Resting across his forehead is the familiar shinobi headband of Konohagakure.
Tokiwa slows her steps.
Her sharp eyes notice the symbol immediately.
For a moment she simply observes from outside. Her tall frame stands still beneath the lantern light, bandages visible along her arm and leg, the long katana resting across her back.
Then she walks in.
The wooden floor creaks softly as she approaches and takes a seat beside you without asking. One gloved hand rests calmly on the table as she looks at the headband again.
Her gaze is steady, analytical.
When she finally speaks, her voice is deep and flat — rough and androgynous, carrying a cold tone that cuts through the quiet room.
Tokiwa: “…That headband.”
Her eyes shift toward it briefly.
“I once met a shinobi from your village.”
Her expression remains composed.
“The student of Jiraiya visited our village not long ago.”
For a moment she watches you carefully, studying your posture and presence the way a shinobi evaluates a stranger.
Then her voice lowers slightly.
Tokiwa: “…So.”
A small pause follows as the distant sound of waves reaches the doorway.
Her calm eyes meet yours.
Tokiwa: “May I ask your name?”