8 Chapter Eight: Minato I
August 19th, Year 65, Namikaze Residence
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It had been a tough few days with the new reforms and the task of getting everything in order after the recent war. So, when Shikaku offered to handle the Jonin meeting for me, allowing me to go home early, I was incredibly grateful.
As I walked through the door, however, I could hear the heated argument between none other than the love of my life, Kushina, and the young boy who often visited our house to keep her company.
"How dare you say barbecue is better than ramen, you brat?" Kushina's voice carried her indignation.
But the boy in question seemed unfazed, completely engrossed in his calligraphy set and a scroll that looked suspiciously like Kushina's beginner fuinjutsu scroll. He retorted without even looking at her, "I'm not daring anything. I'm simply stating facts. Ramen is too heavy to eat all the time. It's troublesome."
"And you think you can eat barbecue all the time?" Kushina's voice dripped with anger.
"Huh? What does being able to eat all the time have to do with anything?" The boy replied, still focused on his calligraphy.
Kushina's anger seemed to grow at his nonchalant response. "You brat! You just—"
Before she could continue her tirade, the boy interrupted her. "Oh, Aunt Kushina, look! I've got the calligraphy down. I think I can make some awesome seals now."
Instantly, Kushina's attention shifted to his work, completely forgetting the argument they were just having moments ago. Damn, that kid's got skills... Maybe I need to learn how to divert her ire like that.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched them, realizing that even in the midst of disagreements, they were developing a strong bond. It was moments like these that reminded me of the importance of family and the joy they brought into my life.
"Hmmm... not bad, Kuro-chan. You've got all the strokes right. But I still don't think you're ready for an actual seal... not just yet," Kushina said, her smile indicating a mix of approval and caution.
The boy shrugged nonchalantly. "Meh, I can wait a few days to start making the seals. I wonder if I can create a seal that can work as wings." He began pondering his dreams, his innocence shining through.
If I didn't know the immense power and danger he possessed when necessary, I would find him genuinely innocent and adorable. But he was far from that.
However, one thing I couldn't deny was his loyalty and love for his family, friends, and even Kushina, who has somehow managed to squeeze her way into his little group of adored individuals. And that, at least, was a positive sign.
The Nara clan held a significant position among the noble clans, known for their political astuteness and the unwavering support they received from the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans. They were staunchly loyal to the village.
In fact, after conducting a thorough behavioral analysis on Nara Shikakuro, it was concluded that he shared the same sentiments. While not necessarily for the entire village, he was undoubtedly dedicated to his clan, the alliance, and those he held dear.
If we could introduce and instill the concept of the whole village being dear to him, then Konoha would gain an additional layer of protection. And I believed that both Kushina and I could help bring him into the fold, nurturing his loyalty and expanding his sense of responsibility towards the village as a whole.
It wouldn't be an easy task, but with patience, guidance, and a little bit of luck, we could shape him into a formidable guardian in the future, someone who would protect Konoha with everything he had.
I walked in with a smile and greeted them, "Kushina, Kuro-kun, how was your day?"
Kushina finally noticed me and beamed, rushing over for a hug. She began excitedly recounting her day, mentioning how she went shopping with Mikoto and baby Sasuke, and how they unexpectedly ran into Kuro and Izuna. She practically kidnapped Kuro to continue teaching him Fuinjutsu, fulfilling her job as his self-proclaimed tutor.
Although the full story of how she started teaching him was more extensive, that's how Kushina usually drags the boy to teach her as he seemed to have a penchant for running away.
Kushina had been hosting Kuro a few days a week for over a month now. Well, whenever she could catch him really. And it was evident that she had grown attached to him.
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed your day, honey. How about we have dinner and then I can take Kuro-kun home?" I suggested with a smile.
Kushina suddenly remembered that she was in the middle of preparing dinner and rushed off to the kitchen. I couldn't help but chuckle at her distracted nature.
Kuro, on the other hand, lounged on the couch, half-lying as he read a scroll on modern Fuinjutsu and its uses. With a bored tone, he remarked, "Sigh... She's always getting sidetracked like that. I really worry about the kid, you know. Maybe you should hire a babysitter for Aunt Kushina or something."
I couldn't resist a playful retort, "I'm sure she'll have plenty of help. After all, the kid will have a good older brother to take care of him, won't he?"
Kuro scrunched his brows in annoyance and replied, "Why are you adults so troublesome? I already have my hands full with three babies who are almost always handed over to me for babysitting. And then there's Izuna, who keeps seeking advice on Sasuke. And now you're even roping me into taking care of your kid. Come on, man. You guys are not cool at all."
His complaints made me laugh. Kuro may grumble, but deep down, he cared for his siblings and friends. I knew he enjoyed spending time with them, even if he didn't always admit it.
I smiled and said, "You know, Kuro-kun, everyone can see how much you enjoy being with your little siblings. We've all seen your smile."
Kuro turned away, pretending disinterest as he returned to his scroll. But I knew that my words had reached him on some level, and that was enough for me.
I felt a sense of relief as I observed Kuro's positive emotional growth towards his siblings and friends.
Despite his unique circumstances, he was forging meaningful connections and experiencing a fulfilling childhood surrounded by trusted friends and loved ones. It was the best path for his progress, which both Lord Third and I agreed on.
After all, not every exceptional child was allowed to have a normal childhood...
Satisfied, I settled into my chair, ready to unwind, when Kuro suddenly sat up straight and fixed me with a serious gaze. I recognized that look—it was one Kakashi had described to me in great detail, reserved for those who posed a threat to his cherished ones.
"There's something unsettling happening in the village," he began, dropping a bombshell. Instantly, my demeanor shifted, and I demanded, "Explain."
Kuro scrunched his nose as he pondered, before continuing, "There's a peculiar shadow lurking around the graveyard. Initially, I thought it might be some of those 'extra' creepy ANBU guys. However, this distinct presence I occasionally sense is likely tailing your former student, Kakashi."
His revelation startled me, and I couldn't help but inquire, "But why would someone follow Kakashi?"
"How should I know?" Kuro retorted with a hint of frustration. "I only noticed this peculiarity due to its proximity and the familiarity I have with Kakashi's aura. The fact that it's happening repeatedly without Kakashi seemingly aware of it raises suspicions in my book."
Deep in thought, I absorbed the gravity of the situation. If someone was covertly shadowing Kakashi, it signified a potential threat to the village and its inhabitants. As both his former sensei and the Hokage, it was my duty to ensure their safety.
"That's concerning... But how have we not discovered this yet? This is a huge security breach," I expressed with a tinge of annoyance.
Kuro contemplated the situation and provided several possibilities, showcasing the intelligence inherent in the Nara clan. "Well, what can I tell you?"
He began, "From what I understand, it could mean a couple of things. One, the person could be an exceptional spy who managed to evade all our security measures. Two, they might have been raised here in Konoha and later turned into a spy for someone else. Three, maybe I'm finally gaining awesome powers to see dead people. Four, this person could be connected to Kakashi and possess teleportation abilities like yours."
As I listened, I considered each possibility carefully. The first seemed possible, but unlikely, given Kakashi's skills and the village's robust barrier system. It would be incredibly challenging for someone to infiltrate in such a manner.
The second possibility held greater weight, as members of an organization might take an interest in Kakashi, viewing him as an unpredictable factor. However, if that were the case, they should have informed me, as Kakashi falls directly under my jurisdiction.
As for the third option, I remained sceptical and had no comment.
Regarding the final possibility, I found it difficult to believe, as I was the only one who had perfected Lord Second's teleportation ability. If someone else possessed similar powers, there would likely be noticeable chakra fluctuations. Therefore, that seemed unlikely.
Nevertheless, I resolved to increase security measures and set up a trap to apprehend the intruder. While there was a chance that Kuro's instincts might be incorrect, I trusted his extraordinary abilities and intuition. If he believed there was an infiltrator, it was likely the case.
I nodded to Kuro, acknowledging his insights. "Thank you, Kuro-kun. Your perception and analytical skills are impressive. We will take your concerns seriously and bolster our defences. I have no doubt that your observations hold merit."
He nodded nonchalantly, suggesting, "I think it's best if you bait him with Kakashi. I mean, he is already following the guy, so why not use that as an opportunity?"
I smiled at his suggestion, appreciating his strategic thinking. It seemed that we would be occupied with this matter starting tomorrow. However, before we delved into the planning, Kushina called out to us, urging us to join her in the dining room.
I chuckled softly and replied, "It can wait for now. Dinner with my family takes priority."
With that, we made our way to the dining room, leaving our discussions and preparations for later.
…
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Lumi- Ok we are getting into the midst of the first big event.
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