"Dad!"
It was rare for Sarutobi to have breakfast with his family, so when he suddenly appeared at the dining table that morning, his youngest son, Asuma Sarutobi, was surprised.
I actually get to eat with Dad today!
Sarutobi Biwako smiled, and only after Asuma left did she ask, "Are you off today?"
Sarutobi nodded. "Yes. I'm giving myself a three-day break."
"Can you really take a break? What about those young ones?"
Sarutobi chuckled. "Why not? Remember when we came back from the Hidden Cloud Village? That wasn't exactly safe either."
"At some point, we won't be as capable as the young generation."
Biwako thought for a moment. "That's true. If you believe it's fine, then I won't question it."
...
The sudden death of Danzo, along with the fall of the Shimura, Nemigu, and Mito clans, shocked the entire ninja world.
This was a major upheaval in the Hidden Leaf Village!
Missions from the Hidden Cloud Village were already en route. The Sand and Stone villages were also preparing to relocate forces.
...
The next day, Takayama Haru showed up for work as usual.
Of course, it was a shadow clone doing the job.
His clone had also brought along Mei Terumi and the two Yuzuki sisters, as well as the Root defector Yamato, to train with Team 7.
Though the Yuzuki sisters had their tailed beasts extracted from them, Tsunade's treatment had kept them alive.
Still, she remained cautious of Haru. After all, he had been forcibly taken from the Hidden Cloud by Danzo.
Mei, on the other hand, was in much better spirits. No more terrifying stares from Orochimaru, no more blood extractions. Just being able to attend the Ninja Academy was a huge relief for her.
Jiraiya, seeing Haru bringing in the three of them, decided to form a new squad—Team 9.
It turned out there was an original Team 9, taught by Uchiha Mikoto. But upon returning from a mission, all three students had suffered severe psychological trauma and were still under treatment. The team was temporarily disbanded.
Now it was being re-formed with Mei, the Yuzuki sisters, and Yamato.
Mikoto also returned, having had no students since then. She now effectively served as Haru's teaching assistant.
As the students trained, Mikoto watched Haru with a curious gaze and struck up a conversation with him.
"Haru, how did you become so strong?"
"Mmhmm."
She studied him carefully. "You're a shadow clone, aren't you?"
Haru frowned. "So what if I am?"
The clone wasn't pleased. He was a shadow clone—serious business!
How dare this long-haired woman underestimate him?
Seeing his reaction, Mikoto paused, then smiled. "Sorry, I was just curious. Your clone feels so real—I can't even tell the difference."
"Shadow clones are real," he retorted.
By now, the training battle between Team 7 and Team 9 had concluded.
After their experience in the Land of Water, Team 7 had developed an incredible level of cooperation.
More importantly, Obito unlocking his Sharingan had been the key to their victory.
Haru hadn't expected it, but he had completely altered Obito's destiny.
Now wielding the Sharingan, Obito had become the team's big brother.
As for Kakashi—well, no matter how much of a prodigy you are, you can't beat a Kekkei Genkai. That's the harsh reality of the ninja world.
You could have amazing talent, invent the Chidori yourself, but when facing illusion-based chakra techniques, you'll still be forced to yield.
Unless you're someone like Takayama Haru, whose unique physique is immune to control.
That's also why Uchiha Madara lost to Hashirama Senju. It wasn't just about strength—Madara was badly countered.
You could say the system was unbalanced.
Hashirama's Wood Release not only countered illusions but was even immune to fire. Considering Uchiha are famous for their fire techniques, it's no wonder Madara struggled.
After two rounds of combat, Haru's clone began offering feedback.
Having inherited all of Hashirama's skills, Takayama Haru was more than qualified to critique not just these kids—but even the Third Hokage himself.
Mikoto looked at Haru with admiration, curious to hear his insights.
From her point of view, these students were all excellent—Obito, Kakashi, Mei, Yamato. None of them were lacking.
Even Rin, as a medical ninja, had an important role.
As for the Yuzuki sisters, perhaps due to being suppressed, they hadn't fully displayed their potential.
"Kakashi, I noticed your speed is good, but you're too impatient. If you follow through properly with your strikes, the results will be much better. Don't rush—your teammates have your back."
"Yes, sensei!"
"Obito, there's not much to say. Using genjutsu in a spar like this is just bullying. You're practicing anti-fire techniques, right? If I'm not mistaken, you haven't even learned a proper Fire Release jutsu yet!"
Obito blushed, his moment of pride immediately shattered.
"Sensei, you're making things up! I'm angry now!"
"Oh really? Heh. Go train harder."
Haru didn't mean to embarrass him.
Mikoto was stunned. How could Haru tell Obito hadn't learned fire jutsu yet?
"Mei, I think you're at the Second Bloodline Awakening level, but don't rely only on your Boil Release."
"Yuzuki twins, your right leg is injured, isn't it?"
They gasped. "Sensei, how did you know?"
"The force behind your last kick was off. If your leg were fine, you could've won."
His detailed feedback left everyone awestruck.
Mikoto turned into a total fangirl, staring at Haru in adoration. He was simply amazing.
...
The Shimura, Mito, and Dormitory clans had now been sent back to their own territories.
All investigations were complete.
All three clans were demoted from nobility, stripped of public office, and ordered to pay 10 million ryo each to the Leaf as compensation. The funds would go toward public education at the Ninja Academy.
This move won Haru a lot of favor with the villagers and lower-ranked shinobi.
The Shimura, Mito, and Dormitory clans were escorted back under the supervision of the Uchiha Guard.
The Uchiha were quietly pleased. Other clans had always overseen them, but now they had the chance to supervise those who once looked down on them.
Their favor toward Haru grew. Some elders even believed that if Haru became Hokage, it might be a new beginning for the Uchiha.
Besides, Haru wasn't married yet. Although he was engaged to Kyushinai, the Uchiha still saw hope…
At the same time, even the Hyuga and Akimichi clans were thinking of using their prettiest daughters on Haru.
In the administrative office, Haru's clone nearly choked on his drink upon seeing the massive "beauty" the Akimichi sent over.
...
Meanwhile, the real Haru was at home, napping on Kyushinai's lap, basking in her scent.
She gently stroked his hair, cheeks flushed.
This guy… he leaves everything to his clones.
But being able to stay by his side like this made her feel blessed.
"You're leaving the day after tomorrow?"
Haru nodded. "Yes. I don't understand what the Hidden Cloud is afraid of. They wouldn't come to the Leaf, so we're meeting in the Land of Hot Springs instead."
Kyushinai scoffed. "Of course they're afraid. You killed the Third Mizukage, Danzo, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. The rumors have spread. Even the Third Raikage, who's said to be invincible, is wary of you."
Originally, the envoy was supposed to come to the Leaf. But now, the meeting between the two nations had been moved to neutral ground.
Small countries like the Land of Hot Springs often served as buffers between great powers, preventing direct conflict.
But buffers don't always work.
Like when Kyushinai was kidnapped—the Raikage bypassed the Hot Springs border and entered the Land of Fire directly.
The second time, he was driven back by the Third Hokage.
This time, the meeting location was again set in the Land of Hot Springs.
Takayama Haru was leading the delegation.
"Haru, have you decided who's going with you?"
He smiled, holding Kyushinai's soft hand. "How about I take you to enjoy a mixed-gender hot spring?"
Her face turned bright red as she glared at him.
Time flew, and two days passed quickly.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was receiving a report from an ANBU.
"Hokage-sama, Lord Sakumo Hatake sent a letter. The recent events in the Sand Village may be related to the Third Kazekage."
"Based on his intel, the Third Kazekage has disappeared."
Hiruzen stopped smoking and looked up. "The Kazekage has vanished?"
For a village leader to go missing was unprecedented.
A Kage would always have guards. Even if something happened, ANBU would ensure the news reached the village.
This wasn't a normal disappearance.
"Any changes on the Wind Country's border?"
"Sir, the Chiyo clan has seized control of the Sand Village. Ninja numbers at the Fire-Wind border are rising. They suspect that the Leaf might've had a hand in the Kazekage's disappearance and are preparing for war."
Hiruzen sighed.
Everyone knew Takayama Haru killed the Third Mizukage.
It had been years since anyone killed a Kage.
Now people suspected Haru of taking out the Kazekage too.
Rumors spread that the Leaf trained elite assassins.
Five years ago, Sakumo killed Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law.
Now Haru had killed the Mizukage.
Hiruzen asked, "Has Haru departed yet?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. He's on his way."
"Who's on the team?"
"Alongside Lord Haru: Kushina Uzumaki, Kakashi, Obito, Rin, and Minato Namikaze."
Hiruzen frowned. "I heard Team 7 are all prodigies. It's good for them to gain experience. But why is Kyushinai going?"
"Uh, Lord Haru said he wanted to… soak in a hot spring with her along the way."
Hiruzen was speechless.
"And Minato? Why bring him?"
"Lord Haru said… in case fighting breaks out, Minato will be useful for carrying corpses quickly…"