Chapter 4: Chapter 4
"Kazuya, please don't tell me…"
Shisui pointed at Kazuya, opened his mouth several times as if trying to speak, but it was as if the words wouldn't come out of his mouth.
His mind was a mess at that moment. The fact that the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki appeared at Kazuya's house was a huge shock to him. After all, the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki was a unique war weapon of Konoha and a delicate issue for the elders like the Third Hokage!
What would be the complications for the clan, and what would be the village's stance...
Thousands of confused thoughts made it difficult to think clearly, almost causing his mind to freeze.
"Don't point fingers at me. I've already said I'm not planning anything. You should know better than anyone that the only one planning is the Third Hokage. Shisui, you belong to the ANBU; you must be aware of how many ANBU members are surrounding the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki, right? If the Third Hokage hadn't given the green light, do you think Ayame would really have been able to bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki to the clan?"
"Kazuya, this, this was an accident... Probably not even the ANBU expected Ayame to bring the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki to the clan."
Looking at Shisui, who was trying to find a way to defend the Third Hokage, Kazuya sighed and spoke calmly, "Whether it's an accident or not, the Third Hokage probably decided to seize the opportunity. Maybe he's planning to use this as a chance to keep pressuring our clan. After all, an opportunity like this is rare."
"And you? What do you plan to achieve by using the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki?"
Shisui took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "What do you intend to do?"
Kazuya didn't answer. It was impossible for him to say that he wanted to test the clan leader's will and the Third Hokage's intentions. Moreover, it was even more impossible for him to say that he wanted to personally take a look at the famous Nine-Tails beast.
He was interested in the Nine-Tails; even though it was an incomplete half, it still had enough power to destroy a village like Konoha. Of course, Kazuya had no plans to try to control the Nine-Tails because he knew that with his current eyes, it would be impossible. Besides, the methods for controlling a tailed beast had been lost by the Uchiha, or rather, it was taken away by Madara.
Looking at Shisui, who was waiting for an answer, Kazuya was about to give a lame excuse, but before he could, a voice came from the kitchen.
"Dinner is ready!"
Hearing his mother's voice, Kazuya smiled and said, "It looks like dinner is ready; let's eat."
"Ayame, it's dinner time!" Kazuya, standing on the side porch, shouted. And in just ten seconds, Ayame, accompanied by Naruto, ran out of the bamboo grove one after the other. But upon seeing Kazuya on the porch, Naruto clearly slowed down with a hint of fear.
"Why does he look a bit scared of me? Isn't this smile friendly enough?"
Kazuya wondered, holding his chin.
Of course, he didn't forget to annoy his little sister by holding her head and spinning her around like a top.
"Ayame, look at how dirty you are! Were you fighting with a pig in the mud?"
"Ah! You were the one fighting with a pig!"
Ayame, irritated, kicked Kazuya's leg.
The two siblings continued bickering on the porch, making noise at each other in a quite lively scene.
But this chaotic scene didn't last long, as both were scolded and told to calm down.
Uchiha Akemi gave her son a good slap on the back, who had no posture of an older brother, and as for her daughter, who had not a trace of the delicacy of a girl, she dragged her by the ear into the kitchen for a good reprimand. Hearing Ayame's fake cries, poor Naruto was scared, trembling under the porch.
After some time, the noisy family finally settled down for dinner.
The siblings, after washing their hands, sat obediently at the dining table, one on the left and the other on the right, facing each other. Shisui also stayed, sitting next to Kazuya, and Naruto didn't leave, sitting next to Ayame, right across from Shisui.
"Daddy, tonight's dinner smells so good!"
Ayame's eyes lit up at the sight of the fried chicken pieces piled on the large plate on the table. Naruto sitting beside her also swallowed hard; kids love fried chickens... well, so do adults.
"If you like it, eat plenty. I made a lot today, and if it's not enough, I can still make more!"
Takano said, smiling.
He had a face similar to Kazuya. Of course, saying it like that seemed wrong; it should be more like Kazuya closely resembled his father, inheriting the sharp black hair and eyes from the Uchiha family. Ayame, being a girl, resembled her mother, Uchiha Akemi, more, although she also had black hair and eyes and didn't inherit her mother's brown eyes.
"Naruto, eat up! Daddy's fried chicken is super, super delicious!"
Ayame generously invited her first and, for now, only subordinate.
Life at the ninja school wasn't as she initially imagined.
Her dream of recruiting a group of subordinates at school and dominating the ninja school suffered a major setback. Except for Naruto, she couldn't recruit a second subordinate. For some reason, everyone avoided her and Naruto, except for Sasuke, an acquaintance who wasn't afraid of her.
But she didn't have much consideration for this boy who only talked about his 'brother.' To her, siblings were annoying. Moreover, for some reason, the girls in the class always surrounded Sasuke, chirping like chickens in the coop nonstop.
Fortunately, Naruto, her little subordinate, didn't avoid her like the other students.
That's why Ayame specially invited Naruto to play at her house. She even shared her favorite pieces of fried chicken with him. Even her brother didn't have that privilege.
"Thank you!"
Naruto nervously picked up the chopsticks and glanced at Kazuya on the other side of the table, leaving Kazuya feeling down. Was he that scary? Why was Naruto so afraid of him? Could it be that Kurama was warning him that he was thinking of using Naruto? Or did Naruto himself realize that something was amiss?
"Delicious!"
Naruto was amazed by the taste of the fried chicken, his beautiful blue eyes shining like stars.
"Daddy's fried chicken is the best in Konoha!"
Ayame said proudly, raising her chin.
Uchiha Takano was happy to hear that. Since he wasn't a ninja and was unaware of certain family matters, he didn't know that the blond, blue-eyed boy in front of him was the Nine-Tails' Jinchuuriki; he just saw him as a friend his daughter had made at ninja school.
Dinner was very lively.
Mainly due to the playful banter between siblings Kazuya and Ayame.
Even after being scolded by their mother, they continued to play without stopping, having chopstick duels on the table and causing a "whirlwind" under the table.
After dinner, Kazuya and Shisui sat on the side veranda where they could look up and see the starry night sky and, of course, have a more private conversation.
"Did you see it?"
"See what?"
Shisui looked at the countless stars in the sky, puzzled.
"I'm not talking about the stars." Kazuya rolled his eyes. "I'm talking about Naruto, that kid... did you notice anything strange about him?"
"No..."
Shisui thought carefully and didn't think there was anything wrong.
"That kid... he lives a very tough life! Despite being the same age as Ayame, he's much shorter. It seems like he's never had fried chicken before either... Don't you think the life of our Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki is very harsh?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Shisui frowned.
"That kid's identity, don't tell me you don't know?" Kazuya chuckled coldly.
"He's the orphan of the Fourth Hokage, technically the Third Hokage's great-grandson. As a descendant of a hero, instead of receiving special care, he's become the object of fear for the villagers, like the Nine-Tails fox. He grew up without eating good things, despite inheriting the blood of the Uzumaki Clan, he's much shorter than other kids his age... Don't you think the Third Hokage is very cruel?
If he were born in another village, don't you think he would be treated with all the care and respect he deserves?"
Kazuya no longer beat around the bush and openly criticized the Third Hokage in front of Shisui.
Shisui remained silent.
About this issue...
He... had nothing to say.
There were things he knew but instinctively chose to avoid and close his eyes, just like the other intelligent people in the village who pretended not to know anything. Naruto's identity wasn't a secret to many. Were all those who knew the Fourth Hokage just blind?
Of course not; they simply chose to pretend to be blind.
Perhaps there were people who internally criticized the methods employed by the Third Hokage, but it remained at the grumbling level; no one ever dared to openly voice an objection.
"The son of a hero ended up like this, do you still expect the Third Hokage to truly accept our Uchiha clan? Especially after everything that happened." Kazuya continued to press, seizing the advantage.
"Kazuya, the situation of the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki... is different, they are two distinct things, we can't mix them like this." Shisui's response was weak and unconvincing; he really didn't know how to defend the Third Hokage.
"What's the difference? The Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki only has a high utility value. I'm sure the Third Hokage plans to play the cat and mouse game, becoming the only person to reach out to that kid, keeping the Jinchuuriki under his control through this method."
Kazuya internally praised the Third Hokage for employing such a manipulation technique. Looking at Shisui, whose eyes were slightly unfocused, Kazuya became excited and continued to smear the Third Hokage.
Of course, maybe he didn't need to keep saying these things; after all, the discrimination and abuse that Naruto had suffered so far were the best proof, right?
"Shisui, think about it! Maybe you respect that great ninja that the Third Hokage once was, but honestly, I don't like that old man at all. If instead of the Fourth Hokage, it had been the Third Hokage who sacrificed himself at that time, how much better it would be!" Kazuya's final sigh was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, disturbing Shisui's peace.
"Kazuya, you really know how to speak!"
Shisui smiled bitterly.
He knew that Kazuya had exaggerated in his words, but even if you removed the slander, the remaining facts were really... disheartening.
Shisui realized that what Kazuya was saying was indeed... true!
If even the son of the late Fourth Hokage was living with such difficulty, how could they truly expect acceptance from the Third Hokage?
"It's not that I take pleasure in defaming the Third Hokage and the village elders, but it's just that they have taken various actions against us. If it weren't for their actions, what purpose would there be for me to say all this? Shisui, I know you're not the type to change your mind just because you've heard a few words, but...
Why don't you see another possibility? You've been pretending not to know all this time."
Kazuya looked at Shisui, now pale, and suddenly even admired himself. Had he, without realizing it, developed the supreme art of persuasion in the ninja world? If that were true, then in the future, he could convince many villains to join him, just like Naruto did.
Setting the jest aside, the words he spoke to Shisui were genuinely Kazuya's thoughts.
"Well... I won't force you to make a decision now. You're on vacation for a few days, so take the time to look around and understand the sentiment of our clan. Then... please give me an answer. Now, I need to go help take the children home."
Kazuya stood up.
It was impossible for Naruto to spend the night in Uchiha clan territory. If he dared to stay... the Third Hokage and the village's top brass would probably come to kill him during the night.
"I'll go with you..."
"No need, the mess my sister caused, naturally, I should be the one to resolve it. Besides, it's just taking a child home; are you afraid something will happen? Even if something happens, it's not like they're going to kill me over it, right?"
"Of course not!"
Shisui awkwardly laughed, thinking that the conflicts between the village and the clan would never reach the point of an armed confrontation.
At least that's what he thought.
...
The Uchiha clan territory is located to the northeast of Konoha, a considerable distance from the village center. This means that the way to Naruto's house is quite long. Leaving a five-year-old child to go back home alone for such a long distance is clearly irresponsible.
Even more so when Naruto is the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki.
If something happened on the way, the Uchiha clan would have a hard time explaining themselves.
For safety, Kazuya decided to personally take Naruto home.
"Kazuya, be careful on the way."
The nearly seventy-year-old elder, still vigorous, with a back as straight as a forged blade, stood at the door looking at his grandson, who exceeded his expectations, and advised him seriously: "It's already dark, be careful walking at night."
"Don't worry, Grandpa, I'll be careful."
Kazuya smiled lightly. "Besides, I'm bringing my sword with me." He was wearing a black shirt with a high, partially open collar that contained the clan symbol on his back, blue pants, and bandages around his shins. Around his waist was a white sash that held his sword, which seemed to have been crafted by an excellent blacksmith.
The clothes Kazuya wore were the same as the ones Madara used in battles when he was still young. The reason was that these clothes matched his style perfectly. Despite his teasing, he was very popular due to his handsome appearance, and combined with his attire, he became a magnet for women.
"Very well, have a safe journey."
Nodding, Uchiha Yoshiaki didn't say anything more and went inside the house.
For someone who survived the battlefield, a simple warning was enough; there was no need for more words.
"Naruto, see you tomorrow at school."
Ayame also came to say goodbye to her only subordinate, or rather, friend, from the ninja school.
She waved to bid Naruto farewell.
"Yes, see you at school."
Naruto vigorously nodded his head; he was very happy.
It was the first time he sat at the table for such an lively meal, and the food wasn't instant noodles or ramen, which made him extremely happy... Even in front of Kazuya, he no longer felt the same fear and caution as before, although he still had a little way to go to feel close.
When Takano and Akemi came home with their daughter, only Kazuya and Naruto remained at the door.
"All right, Naruto, it's time for you to go home."
Kazuya reached out and ruffled Naruto's head, whose wild hair grew haphazardly. Despite appearing malnourished, his hair had good quality. Perhaps due to the Uzumaki clan's genes.
Walking back home, Naruto often looked at Kazuya beside him. After about a hundred steps, he finally gathered the courage to speak: "Uh, Ayame's brother... I mean..."
"What is it? Don't tell me you need to go to the bathroom? Tell me, is it for... poop?"
"Of course not!"
"Haha!"
Seeing Naruto's intense reaction, Kazuya had fun.
"Kid, don't be so formal; I'm not a bad person. I'm glad you want to be friends with Ayame. She's ten years younger than me and the youngest in the family, and she's a girl. Grandpa, Dad, and all of us have always spoiled her since she was little, which has resulted in her indomitable personality now..."
At this moment, Kazuya's expression turned serious, and he said, "I was worried that she wouldn't make friends in ninja school, that she would be isolated or face bullying... the fact that you can endure Ayame's temperament and be her friend really relieved me! Thank you, Naruto!"
"Oh, Ayame's brother, I should be the one thanking you!"
Naruto, who was walking and kicking small stones on the ground, spoke with a soft voice, "Today was a special day for me. I made my first friend in ninja school, was invited to play at a friend's house for the first time, and even had delicious fried chicken in the evening... I should be the one thanking you!"
Kazuya looked surprised at Naruto, who had his head down.
Was this really the future stubborn and awkward protagonist? He was even more sensitive than Ayame, a girl!
"Besides, I'm sorry... Ayame really considers me a friend! But the truth is, all the other students at school run away from me... I'm the one making Ayame unable to make other friends, I..."
"You're Ayame's friend, and she's the one who invited you to our house. Tell that to her, not me. Listen carefully! I hate passing messages for others; if you have something to say, say it yourself, don't ask others to deliver the message."
"Ayame's brother, you, you don't mind that I'm friends with Ayame?"
Naruto looked at Kazuya incredulously.
Until now, he played in the park near his house with many children his age, but most of the time, it was a one-time encounter. Whenever a parent saw him, they immediately took their child away, and then they never appeared at the park again.
"I've already said, what you and Ayame do is not my concern. It's not me you're making friends with. But, kid... Ayame is my dear little sister, so don't think of anything wrong!" Kazuya warned, although for some reason, the warning didn't seem very effective.
Naruto wasn't yet the mischievous boy who would later develop spicy ninja techniques to attract attention.
At this age, a five-year-old child could still sleep in the same bed without gender distinction!
Naruto didn't understand the last part of what Kazuya said, but he understood the first part. He could be friends with Ayame. As a child who grew up under strange looks, Naruto could vaguely feel the malice directed at him by other people.
He didn't feel that contempt and aversion from Kazuya's parents.
Even before, his fear of Kazuya... was another kind of instinct, an instinct to perceive danger, like when he encountered a water snake in the forest last summer. Of course, it was just similar, the feelings weren't exactly the same.
From start to finish, Naruto didn't feel that discouraging and despairing malice in Ayame's family.
"Ayame's brother, thank you!!"
"Thank you for what? You're just a child; you don't need to act like an adult. Children should act like children." Kazuya, without ceremony, gave Naruto a playful punch on the head, and instead of getting upset, Naruto just laughed and rubbed his head.
"Oh, right! Ayame's brother, Ayame said that you're a very, very strong ninja, is that true?"
"Of course."
Kazuya puffed out his chest proudly.
Hearing Kazuya's confirmation, Naruto seemed to get excited and asked, "Awesome! So, between you and the old man, who's stronger?"
"The old man? You mean the Third Hokage?"
"Yeah, him!"
Looking at Naruto's expectant gaze, Kazuya gave a sly smile. "In his current state, he would give me a tough time..."
"So, you'd lose?"
"Don't get carried away." Kazuya patted Naruto on the head and continued walking, leaving the boy behind with a bright and eager look on his face.
Watching Kazuya's back, Naruto felt like he was looking at an impenetrable wall. Shaking his head, he realized that Kazuya was already a few meters ahead, so with a smile on his face, he caught up with him while bombarding him with questions.
"Is it true that a snake bit you, and after three days of agony, the snake died?"
"Is your sword made of flowers? Can it really hurt enemies?"
"Oh, that... that..."
The veins on Kazuya's temple visibly pulsed as he was bothered by the boy's many questions. His mouth seemed like an endless ammunition-loaded machine gun.
Moreover, what the heck had Ayame told Naruto, anyway? They had only known each other for less than a day. How did it seem like he, her brother, had already been completely exposed?
So, they continued chatting and walking, quickly leaving the Uchiha clan territory.
Walking along a deserted road without seeing a third person, the territory where the Uchiha family had moved to was indeed isolated. Besides the Uchiha clan members, there were no other residents nearby. After leaving the clan territory, there was a long stretch of uninhabited forest before reaching a more populated area.
Kazuya looked around and narrowed his eyes.
This place...
It was perfect for an accident to happen.
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