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"Hinata, thank your brother Sasame."
Hyūga Rinka gently patted Hyūga Hinata's head and nudged her forward. "If it weren't for him that night on your birthday, something terrible might have happened to you."
"Th… Thank you."
Hinata glanced at Sasame before quickly lowering her head, barely managing to squeeze out the words.
"Don't mind her, Sasame," Rinka said with an apologetic smile. "Hinata's just shy by nature. How about you try some of my cooking today?"
She unpacked several food containers, revealing an array of meticulously prepared dishes.
Sasame had suggested a picnic outing to spend time with Hinata. Though Rinka found it a little unusual, she couldn't refuse the request of the boy who had saved her daughter. Not only did she agree, but she also personally prepared the meal—something she hadn't done for any man other than her husband, Hyūga Hiashi, since becoming the Hyūga clan's matriarch.
"Thank you, Auntie," Sasame said with genuine warmth. "I'm sure your cooking is amazing."
"Try it first before praising me." Rinka's lips curled slightly, clearly pleased.
"Of course."
Sasame picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of braised pork.
"Well? Does it suit your taste?" Rinka asked expectantly.
"It's incredible!" Sasame gave a thumbs-up. "Out of everyone I know, your cooking is the best."
"Such a sweet talker." Rinka smiled gently. "Eat as much as you like. Make yourself at home."
She was the epitome of a Yamato Nadeshiko—graceful, kind, and traditional. Hinata had clearly inherited her temperament.
But as the heiress of the main family, this gentle nature would only harm her in the long run.
Sasame enjoyed the meal, though he regretted not having any alone time with Hinata. Still, she seemed to be in good spirits, occasionally smiling to herself.
He often caught her stealing glances at him, but the moment their eyes met, she'd immediately blush and look away—a perfect example of "all bark and no bite."
It was amusing.
Rinka noticed their interactions but said nothing. She had always worried that Hinata's shyness would make it hard for her to make friends. But now, it seemed she had at least one.
The thought of romance never crossed her mind. As part of the Hyūga main family, Hinata was expected to marry within the clan to preserve their bloodline. Outsiders had little chance—unless, perhaps, Sasame became Hokage one day.
And if that happened, Rinka wouldn't—couldn—stand in their way.
"Goodbye, Brother Sasame." Hinata waved reluctantly.
"See you next time." Sasame winked, his tone carrying a hidden meaning.
Hinata's face turned crimson, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her kimono as she avoided his gaze.
Given her small appetite, she likely hadn't eaten much. Sasame planned to sneak her some food later that night.
After parting ways with the mother and daughter, he returned home.
The moment he opened the door, he noticed Tsunade was missing. But the sound of rhythmic thuds from the backyard caught his attention.
He slid open the window.
There she was—Tsunade, relentlessly punching a wooden training post. With every strike, her unrestrained assets swayed dangerously. But unlike her usual cheerful demeanor, her expression was fierce.
Sasame's eyes narrowed.
Something's wrong.
In the three years since she'd adopted him, he'd never once seen her train. She was too lazy, and ordinary exercises did nothing for her—her strength had already plateaued.
He approached silently.
Tsunade kept going, as if unaware of his presence. She wasn't using chakra or ninjutsu, just pure physical power.
The prolonged workout had left her drenched in sweat, her clothes clinging to her body, accentuating every curve. But Sasame's attention was drawn to something even more captivating.
Her skin glowed faintly pink under the exertion, her cheeks, neck, and collarbones glistening with moisture—like a freshly washed peach, tempting him to take a bite.
He waited patiently.
Ten minutes later, Tsunade finally stopped.
"Tired, sis?"
Sasame immediately stepped forward, using his sleeve to wipe the sweat from her face without hesitation.
Tsunade's lips twitched upward, the tension in her brows easing as the lingering frustration in her heart dissipated.
"Did you have fun today?"
"It was alright." Sasame shrugged. "Why didn't you come with me?"
"I can't always be by your side. Some things, you need to do on your own."
She sighed, ruffling his hair.
"Why not? I'm never leaving you."
His hand trailed down, brushing over her collarbone to wipe away the lingering droplets.
Tsunade hesitated.
When you're older, things won't be so simple.
But she couldn't bring herself to say it.
"Or… do you not want me anymore?" Sasame looked up at her with pitiful eyes.
"Don't be ridiculous." She flicked his forehead. "That's never happening."
"Good."
He hugged her tightly, burying his face in her warmth. "Then we'll stay together forever."
Tsunade stiffened.
A complicated expression crossed her face.
Forever… but as what? A mother? A sister? A teacher?
Unlike Sasame, who came from a world where boundaries were fluid, her mindset was still bound by tradition.
"Alright, enough." She patted his head. "I'm all sweaty. Let me go take a shower."
"Mm."
He reluctantly released her, though he couldn't deny the allure of her damp, clinging clothes.
Back in the living room, Sasame found himself with nothing to do.
Damn, I miss my phone.
The sound of running water eventually stopped.
The bathroom door creaked open.
Tsunade stepped out, her usually tied-up hair now a cascade of wet gold, straight and sleek—a rare sight that gave her an entirely different charm.
"Let me help, sis."
Sasame snatched the towel from her hands before she could protest.
She didn't resist, letting him dry her hair in silence.
"The Chunin Exams are in three months."
"Got it."
As he worked, the faint scent of her shampoo—or maybe it was just her—drifted into his senses.
"You, Yakushi Kabuto, and Inuzuka Hana will form a new team. Spend these months training together to build coordination."
Her eyes stayed fixed on the TV. "With your skills, passing shouldn't be hard. Don't stress over it."
Even without using Wood Release, Sasame was already at jonin level. Kabuto and Hana were no slackers either.
If they did fail, Tsunade would have some strong words for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I'll do my best." Sasame grinned. "I'll make sure everyone knows what an amazing student you trained."
Tsunade smirked. "I don't need the fame. Just keep yourselves safe."
While the two enjoyed their sibling bonding, Jiraiya was having a far less pleasant time.
After returning to Konoha, he'd indulged in hot springs and a good meal at his favorite… establishment before turning his attention to Naruto Uzumaki.
What he saw left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Instead of the hero's welcome he'd expected, Naruto lived like a stray—shunned, neglected, and despised.
Jiraiya couldn't bring himself to face the boy. Not when he'd failed Minato and Kushina so utterly.
After some discreet inquiries, he learned exactly how Naruto had spent the last three years.
Hokage's Office
The door slammed open.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nearly dropped his crystal ball.
Who dares—?
"Jiraiya?"
His surprise quickly turned to delight. "What brings you back?"
"Old man, what the hell is going on with Naruto?" Jiraiya demanded, cutting straight to the point. "Why does everyone call him a demon fox?"
Hiruzen's smile faded. "It was Danzo's doing."
He sighed, regret heavy in his voice. "By the time I found out, the rumors had already spread. I ordered them stopped, but…"
"Why not just reveal he's the Fourth's son?" Jiraiya pressed. "The kid doesn't deserve this."
He knew better than to mention the Nine-Tails, but Naruto's parentage was another matter.
"Minato had many enemies," Hiruzen said grimly. "If they knew Naruto was his heir, they'd target him. A jinchūriki losing control would be catastrophic."
"…"
Jiraiya clenched his fists. "Then let me take him."
"No."
Hiruzen's refusal was firm. "It's not time yet."
"Give me one good reason!"
Jiraiya's glare could have melted stone.
"He's three, Jiraiya. You really want to drag him across the continent while you chase prophecies and ghosts?"
Hiruzen's retort struck home. "Could you even raise him properly?"
"…"
Jiraiya had no rebuttal. His mission—to find the Child of Prophecy and the one destined to destroy Mount Myōboku—left no room for childcare.
"Don't worry. Naruto's situation will improve."
Hiruzen's tone softened. "I've already enrolled him in the Academy. Once he graduates, you can train him then."
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 110 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 110 power stones I will publish the next chapter.
(Give me all your power stones)