Genji

"Seiji. My name is Seiji Otsutsuki," Seiji replied. The Chakra within him, which had instinctively begun to accelerate, gradually settled down.

Although he had been born into the Kaguya Clan, Seiji had never interacted with any other Kaguya clansmen apart from his parents since childhood. On top of that, his family had been exiled and had never received the Kaguya Clan's recognition. As such, Seiji had never felt any sense of belonging toward the Kaguya Clan. In fact, because they refused to acknowledge him, he had never considered inheriting the Kaguya surname.

With Otsutsuki Bloodline flowing through him, along with the gift bestowed by Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, and because his ultimate goal was to become a complete Otsutsuki, Seiji was far more willing to inherit the surname of his ancestor, Otsutsuki Hamura, and the source of his bloodline, Kaguya Otsutsuki.

"Then that's right. It seems Elder Genji knows you after all. Come with me. The elder wishes to see you!" After confirming that Seiji was indeed the person Genji wanted to meet, Ao extended an invitation.

Still somewhat puzzled, Seiji followed Ao toward Genji's home, continuously speculating about Genji's intentions.

In truth, Genji merely wished to look after the descendant of an old friend with whom he had once been close. At the same time, he wanted to assess Seiji's potential and current strength. If his talent proved exceptional, Kirigakure could gain another fighting force.

However, Genji had only told Seiji about some of his own past experiences and had given him only a cursory introduction to Kirigakure. Moreover, Seiji's memories from his previous life contained almost no knowledge of Kirigakure. His only two impressions were that a green-clad Konoha Genin had utterly crushed Kirigakure's signature force, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, who fit his tastes perfectly.

Genji had originally planned to wait until Seiji's strength had risen to the point where he could defeat a Jonin before bringing him back to Kirigakure, free from the Kaguya Clan's surveillance. Who could have expected Isshiki's sudden arrival to shatter those plans? Genji had also burned out his life while protecting Seiji.

Thus, Seiji knew nothing of the connection between his family and Elder Genji.

Before long, Seiji followed Ao to Genji's home and saw Genji reclining peacefully in a chair within the courtyard.

"Elder, may I ask why you summoned me? I don't believe we know each other," Seiji said. At this point, Seiji did not know Genji's name or exact identity, but he still showed the proper respect toward this old man, who was so deeply revered by the villagers.

"Child, come here. Closer," Genji sighed, pushing himself upright in his chair.

"Did that little brat Genji not tell you any of this? Is he well now?" Genji, now in his fifties, had practically watched Genji grow up, and his memories of him were still stuck in his twenties. It was only natural for him to call him a little brat. Besides, the southern frontier of the Land of Water had long fallen beyond Kirigakure's sphere of influence. Coupled with how Genji had gradually withdrawn from Kirigakure's many affairs over the years, he did not know Genji's recent circumstances.

Hearing Genji mention his father's name in such a nostalgic tone, Seiji's heart trembled. At the same time, memories of his time with his father resurfaced, making his eyes sting as sorrow appeared on his face.

"Father has already returned to the Pure Land," Seiji said in a low voice.

"Is that so?" Genji's voice was full of melancholy. A member of the younger generation he had once held in such high regard had passed away in the prime of his life. Knowing that Genji had been injured, Genji simply assumed he had succumbed to those wounds and did not ask further.

"I have yet to introduce myself. I am Genji, an elder of Kirigakure. Your father, Kaguya Genji, once served under me. Back then, he was also the one I thought most highly of as a successor to the title of Mizukage."

"Your maternal grandfather, Kaguya Sujin, was my friend. Your mother, Kaguya Yukiko, could also be said to have grown up under my watch."

"Lord Genji!" Hearing Genji's introduction, Seiji suddenly understood. Having no relatives left in this world, Seiji could not help but feel a hint of closeness toward this old man, who had shared such deep ties with his family.

"There's no need to be so reserved. I watched your father grow step by step. I was the one who recommended him when he joined the Second Mizukage's Shadow Guard, not to mention your mother and grandfather." Genji smiled as he explained.

"I am nearly sixty now, already considered advanced in age within the Ninja World. I know you no longer have many relatives in this world. I have no children, and I devoted my entire life to the village. If you do not mind, you may call me Grandfather." Though he had yet to test Seiji's talent, seeing the sorrowful expression on Seiji's face, Genji—childless and nearing sixty—still offered him his goodwill.

"Grandfather Genji!" Faced with Genji's kindly, benevolent expression, Seiji felt no resistance in his heart. He had had no family in his previous life, while in this life, he had lost his mother as a child and his father in his youth. The words came out with complete naturalness.

"Good child! Your name is Kaguya Seiji, correct? From now on, treat this place as your home. Gonbei, prepare a room for little Seiji," Genji said to another guard beside him.

"No, Grandfather Genji. My surname is not Kaguya. The Kaguya Clan no longer has anyone named Seiji, and even Father and Mother were not acknowledged by the clan," Seiji said calmly, though his words were filled with hatred.

"My name is Seiji Otsutsuki." After calming himself, Seiji continued.

"Otsutsuki?" Genji was somewhat puzzled. He did not know this surname and had never heard it in the Ninja World. He simply assumed that Seiji had chosen it for himself because he did not wish to return to the Kaguya Clan.

Seiji did not explain. The truth about the Otsutsuki Clan was far too terrifying for the current Ninja World. Until he had grown strong enough, it was better not to reveal it.

"Very well." Having filled in the blanks himself, Genji nodded in acceptance. "Then from now on, little Seiji will live in Kirigakure under the name Otsutsuki."

"Gonbei, take little Seiji to his room to rest. It's getting late. We can discuss everything else tomorrow," Genji instructed Gonbei, who had just returned.

"Oh, right. Release your Transformation Technique. You can be completely at ease here with me!" Having confirmed Seiji's identity and noticing the absence of the distinctive twin horns on his forehead, Genji knew that he had used a Transformation Technique.

"Young Master Seiji, this way, please!" Gonbei led Seiji to the room prepared for him. "Then I shall take my leave, Young Master Seiji. If you need anything, feel free to call for me at any time."

Once inside the room, Seiji's emotions were still slightly stirred. He had only come out to get some air and clear his mind because his plans had stalled and left him frustrated, yet he had somehow gained an elder grandfather who had once been his father's superior. Seiji felt that the day's events were almost surreal. Still, he did not reject having another elder in his life. He had been an orphan in his previous life, and in this life, he had lost his mother in childhood and his father in adolescence. Deep down, Seiji still longed for familial affection.

Early the next morning, Seiji rose at dawn and officially began his life in Kirigakure.

After having breakfast with Genji, Genji brought Seiji and two guards to the rear courtyard. As an elder who could be said to hold the highest status in Kirigakure, Genji's residence was extremely spacious. The rear courtyard had been specifically built for his Subordinates and guards to train in.

"Little Seiji, you are nine years old now, correct? I can sense that you possess quite a bit of Chakra, but I do not know how strong you are at present," Genji asked.

"I should barely be able to fight a Jonin," Seiji answered modestly. He had no desire or need to conceal his strength from this grandfather, whom he had only known for a day but who had treated him so kindly.

Genji froze upon hearing Seiji's answer, then a trace of shock appeared on his aged face.

"A nine-year-old Jonin? If he can barely match a Jonin, then that is still Jonin-level combat power." Genji was secretly astonished by Seiji's talent.

But then Genji recalled that Seiji had grown up in such a remote place and might not have an accurate understanding of what a Jonin truly was.

As an elder, it would not be appropriate for him to openly express doubt about Seiji's strength. Thus, he could only have Ao, the guard behind him, test Seiji's abilities.

"Young Master Seiji, excuse me!" Ao stepped before Seiji and formed the Seal of Confrontation.