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The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 20:7

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Before long, the trio, Hayato, Naruto, and Karin, stood before a compelling infrastructure. The extravaganza dispelled the fatigue in the 2 children, revitalising them.

That's how it generally is after a long and tedious day, but when returning home, you suddenly feel stimulated.

The rambunctious yellow-haired youth rushed to the doorstep, unlocking the door that ushered into a cosy realm; truly a sharp juxtaposition to the hellhole he was in earlier (that is, the Academy). 

Karin followed suit, and the duo announced, "WE'RE HOME!"

Emerging from the tail end of the corridor illustrated a dazzling lady, her intoxicating eyes ensnared all with a single glare. Her endearing figure approached the children, and with an incandescent smile, she welcomed, "Welcome home."

Kneeling, she embraced the duo, who embraced her back, siphoning the warmth emanating from her body which cradled an addictive allure. Additionally, the flowery aroma of perfume floated in the air, infiltrating the nostrils of all.

The children indulged in the embrace, immersed in the sense of security Kaede provided...

Well, that's what it would look like to the naked eye, but upon closer inspection, one would notice a bubbly foam exiting the children's mouths.

"M-Mum," the duo groaned, only for it to go upon deaf ears. 

"Kaede!" 

Earning her attention, Hayato gestured with his hand, as though slitting his own throat.

Here, he was insinuating that Kaede was killing them!

Kaede immediately released herself, and her flustered self immediately shed tears at the pitiful state of her children.

"AHH, NARUTO, KARIN!"

Thankfully, Naruto and Karin were alive.

As usual, Hayato could only sweatdrop at Kaede's clumsiness, accompanied by a facepalm that suggested, 'If I'm not around, would you really kill off the children?'

Releasing from the "heartfelt" unity, Kaede looked at her endearing children, her obsidian pupils glimmering in affection... But that moment was only short-lived, as her motherly perception detected a flaw in Naruto's countenance; a lump on his cheek!

It was insignificant, and nothing to fawn over. However, the overly protective aunt mode within her emblazoned, and what she saw wasn't a mere lump tarnishing his delicate features. To her, that insignificant lump turned Naruto into a caricature!

Touching his swollen cheek, she rasped, "Oh dear, what happened here?"

"Agh!" Naruto flinched.

"It hurts? Who hurt you?!" Kaede inquired, her tone laced in trepidation, and an innate wrath bubbling to pinpoint the crux of the wound. Even her hair started to sprout outwardly!

Karin interjected, "Just sparring class mum."

Kaede immediately calmed, "Ahh, I see. That explains it." 

Her rage had immediately subsided.

"And I won ya know," Naruto announced vehemently, pointing at himself in a show of valiance, for he was the one and only, Uzumaki Naruto.

(The man, the myth, the legend!)

Hayato's lips curled in delight, "Ohh, you won?!"

Karin coldly corrected, "It was a draw."

"Ohh, so who did you fight Naruto?" Hayato probed, curiosity evident.

"Sasuke," Naruto answered bluntly, his tone laced with envy followed by lumbered shoulders.

"Sasuke you say? The prodigy child huh? Not bad, you drew with him huh." Hayato expressed his surprise.

Naruto bragged, standing akimbo, "See, I told ya, I'm amazing ya know."

"Well, as expected," Hayato acknowledged. Brushing past Naruto, he ruffled him on the head and proceeded, "Well, let's go and eat. You can talk us all about it as we eat."

"Y-Yeah," Naruto half-heartedly replied, mentally revising the duels in the past which ended in his pathetic defeat. He never held a candle against the prodigy! They were bouts that would end in less than 10 seconds. 

While Naruto stood aloof, the rest proceeded toward the living room to indulge in Kaede's lovely home-cooked meal. The air echoed with the laughs of Hayato and Kaede, and Karin followed, holding the hand of her father as they jubilantly made their way toward the dining table.

"O-Oji-chan!"

Naruto echoed, to which Hayato was taken aback. Startled, Hayato replied, "Yes?"

"Can you train me?" Naruto asserted.

Arching a brow, Hayato questioned, "Ohh, why the sudden question?"

Naruto confessed, "Well... I've never won against Sasuke. Before that, I always lost..." 

His tone was laced with frustration, and his fist tightened. He stared beneath at the unblemished carpet, before continuing; "... I wanna be stronger ya know. I wanna win. So please, oji-chan, can you train me?"

Hayato stared into the eyes of his nephew. The deep blue in Naruto's eyes was just like his...

More accurately...

An image of Minato abruptly mirrored Naruto in Hayato's head; the determination in Naruto's eyes proved unwavering, and seeing this, Hayato felt a strong sense of duty to tend to his nephew's pleas.

Raising a thumbs up, Hayato concurred, "Yes, I will gladly teach you Naruto."

Naruto's lips curled upward in satisfaction, but before he could express his excitement, he was met with a commanding finger, as Hayato raised his index finger. Suddenly, the aura shrouding Hayato magnified, hinting at the intensity of his next statement; 

"Don't get too excited Naruto. I believe I should also warn you that my training will be extremely harsh. I won't be going easy on you just cuz you're my nephew, okay?" Hayato warned, his tone hoarse. 

He was testing Naruto's fortitude. Should Naruto refrain for even a second, it would indicate his lack of resolve...

"Yes," Naruto replied immediately, seriousness etched on his face. 

Alas, Hayato had acquired his answer and was left impressed. Despite adhering to Hayato's stern implications, the youth was adamant, and that was all Hayato needed.

 Hayato intoned, "Perfect. We'll start this weekend."

With a smile, Naruto agreed with a loud, "YES!"

Hayato advised, "But for now, let's eat, okay," and Naruto nodded in consensus.

... 

And so, the table was enveloped in idle chatter between the family members, and the clanking of chopsticks against the dishes. Naruto was brimming with ecstasy as usual, while Karin was more laidback. While everything played out smoothly to the naked eye, Hayato and Kaede engaged in a completely separate dialogue; 

Hayato tapped the floor 4 times with his feet while blending in with the conversation.

Kaede followed suit, tapping the floor 2 times, but the adults maintained steadfast reactions as not to arouse suspicion. 

Both of them were aware they were being watched!

***

In the outskirts of Konoha, the impeccable layout of the terrain retained traditional lore, formatted in detached residences crafted out of wood. This place was home to the Uchihas, a notorious clan, and an absolute powerhouse of Konoha. 

In a specific house, numerous thuds could be heard, hinting at incoming proximity. His small feet hobbled over until finally, he halted before the entrance of his house. His obsidian black eyes, usually devoid of care, cradled affection as he stared at his older brother who was busy equipping footwear.

The little youth was Uchiha Sasuke, and the teenager standing beside the archway leading to the outside world was his older brother, Uchiha Itachi. Sasuke's lips curled into a delicate grin, and he announced, "Nii-chan!"

Itachi turned to his brother, and quipped, "Ahh, Sasuke. What is it?"

Earning his brother's attention, Sasuke rushed to his brother with an adamant request; "Train me!"

Itachi sheepishly scratched his head, and apologised, "Sorry Sasuke, maybe next time."

With hunched shoulders, Sasuke was immediately crestfallen. He murmured, "Nii-chan, you always say tha- OUCH!"

Unable to complete his sentence, Sasuke suddenly hollered in anguish, holding his forehead in pain. His eyes were invited by Itachi's finger, and the pain was caused by his flick. Itachi smiled, and said, "I'm sorry Sasuke."

Sasuke couldn't help but watch his brother's departing figure, and mulled to himself with a pouting expression, 'You always say that!'

Itachi ceased his movement, noticing something tarnishing Sasuke's facial features; a plaster on his cheek. Gesturing with his hand, he inquired, "What happened here?"

Sasuke caressed his cheek, reminded of the spar with Naruto, and bluntly responded, "Sparring."

"Ohh, I see. Keep it up Sasuke," Itachi bid farewell, exiting the establishment.

Sasuke vocalised, embarrassment etched in his tone, "T-Today, I didn't win."

Itachi halted, raising a brow, and probed, "Ohh, you lost?"

"It was a draw," Sasuke corrected.

Itachi questioned, "So who was it?"

"Naruto," Sasuke answered flippantly. 

Itachi, without a care, intoned, "Great, so you have a rival then."

"Nii-chan, when will you train me?" Sasuke pestered.

"Maybe next time Sasuke. I'm sorry." Itachi turned, departing the residence.

As usual, Sasuke was left peeved by this dilemma. 

It's always been like this.

***

The day flew by quickly, and the night had arrived. The myriads of stars ornating the navy-blue sky were truly a sight to behold. The universe is truly full of wonders, and those who delve into it will find themselves captivated by its unparalleled allure.

The lively day soon came to a close, and the moon bore silent witness to the deteriorating bustle as the denizens returned home, recharging themselves for the arduous day ahead. 

In a separate establishment, one notorious at that, darkness prevailed. 2 indiscernible silhouettes could be verified, one assuming a kneeling posture, while the other stood, exuding an authoritative aura.

Before long, the clouds obscuring the moonlight drifted asunder, exposing the moon in all of its majesty. Its radiance illuminated the realm, filtering through the oriel panes hung above, and highlighting the mysterious silhouettes in this lonely realm. 

One was an aged man, clad in dull, baggy attire, and a bandage concealing his left eye. He had a cane on his right hand to assist with his stance, and his usually composed self expressed dismay as he absorbed the words of his servant kneeling before him. 

Lips agape, Danzo expressed his alarm, "The Jinchuruki is adopted you say?"

The person who kneeled, affirmed resolutely, "Yes, Danzo-sama." Obscuring his facial features was a bird mask, signifying his loyal integration into the ROOT foundation led by Shimura Danzo.

Extending an arm, Danzo commanded, "Information."

"Yes," the ROOT member remained firm, reaching for his scroll in his jacket, thus, handing it over to his leader.

With an examining gaze, Danzo's obsidian, slit eyes scanned the dockets, and his pupils rapidly registered the data. In a hoarse tone, he muttered, "Uzumaki Saruto, huh?"

Etched on the top right corner of the reports portrayed an adult man, seemingly in his early twenties with long crimson hair, and enchanting vermilion eyes. Indeed, these were prominent traits of the Uzumaki clan.

Danzo mumbled inaudibly, "So there's still another Uzumaki around?"

His eyes widened even more when a picture of Kaede appeared, exposing her Uchiha heritage, one of whom he should be wary of.

Upon completion of analysis, Danzo snapped his tongue, and chided, "Hiruzen, why have I not been informed about any of this?"

The ROOT member remained kneeling, awaiting the command of his leader.

Turning to the diligent ROOT member, Danzo brazenly ordered, "He's not very high ranked, and also has an Uchiha with him. Keep a watchful eye on them in case of any suspicious activity. This is to be taken in highest regard."

The ROOT member affirmed, "Yes."

The ROOT member's body flickered away, leaving Danzo suspended in the darkness. He continued to read, noting their daughter, Uzumaki Karin.

The psychotic man devised a ploy, as he seemed to sense promise within the timid Uzumaki girl.