It had to be said that Ino Yamanaka was quite skilled at coaxing children.
She took what she had seen with her own eyes, embellished it, and spun it into a stirring tale for Crimson Lotus.
Crimson Lotus was just a kind, innocent child. What did she know?
In no time, she was left utterly bewildered by the wicked big sister's coaxing.
After hearing the story of "Young Master Akira Sarutobi's righteous radiance as he furiously defeated the evil female ninja of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi"... she walked over and immediately knelt before Akira Sarutobi.
"This kindness can never be repaid... I can only serve like an ox or horse... Oh, no, only by serving my young master can I repay the favor of avenging my family..."
Ino Yamanaka sighed and spoke with a gratified expression.
Akira Sarutobi glared at Ino Yamanaka, then looked at Crimson Lotus. "You know Fire Release. What else?"
"?"
Crimson Lotus looked up, somewhat lost.
Other than Fire Release... nothing.
"..."
Akira Sarutobi fell silent.
Just as the atmosphere became exceptionally awkward... Akira Sarutobi finally spoke again.
"My goal... is to become Hokage, change Konoha, and change this shinobi world... Simply put..."
Akira Sarutobi's gaze burned brightly, revealing an unimaginable divine light within.
"I want to make this world a better place, so tragedies like your parents being murdered by evil people will never happen again... Are you willing to help me bring about that future?"
"My lord... I am!" Crimson Lotus nodded firmly, willing to strive for that beautiful future.
Sometimes, there was no need for overly flowery words. All it took was sincerity, and clearly stating each other's thoughts and goals.
Akira Sarutobi said, "Very good... From today onward, you are my companion."
After Ino Yamanaka had someone bathe Crimson Lotus, feed her, and change her clothes, she returned to the hall.
"Young Master, aren't you letting her join Konoha?"
"..."
Akira Sarutobi shook his head. For the time being, he did not intend to let Crimson Lotus enter the village.
When the time was right in the future, he would arrange a Konoha Ninja identity for her, but not now.
"Konoha is a place that devours people without leaving even the bones... A child like her would enter it and be swallowed whole..."
Even someone as powerful as Hatake Sakumo had been schemed against by the Konoha High Command, let alone an outsider child.
Since Crimson Lotus was not native to Konoha, there was a high chance she would end up like Kabuto—recruited by Danzo into Root and led down a path of darkness.
Therefore...
"Let her grow up here."
The local gang could serve as both a foundation and a shelter, allowing Crimson Lotus to grow gradually.
When he had time, he would also regularly guide her training.
"Alright, I'm going to bathe and rest..."
Akira Sarutobi stood up, thinking about Crimson Lotus's abilities.
"So she only knows Fire Release right now..."
Crimson Lotus possessed the "Crystal Release" Kekkei Genkai in the original story.
Crystal Release was formed by fusing Fire Release and Earth Release.
"I'm looking forward to it..."
Akira Sarutobi thought.
He was greatly looking forward to the day Crimson Lotus matured and fused Crystal Release.
Her talent was far more than merely being chosen by Orochimaru as one of his reincarnation vessels.
Being able to manually fuse Crystal Release... that was her greatest value.
During that time, Crimson Lotus could gradually grow stronger and slowly help him manage the transport company here. Eventually... she would become his spokesperson, or even, outwardly... the owner of this transport company.
The Seed of Hope Given to Ruri Hyuga
By evening, Ruri had returned.
She did not seem to have bought anything. She had probably just spent some time outside, perhaps only enjoying the sea breeze.
Who?
The moment she entered, she saw Crimson Lotus sitting cross-legged on a chair, diligently refining Chakra.
The unfamiliar face made Ruri blink.
"Ruri, let me introduce her to you..."
Ino Yamanaka approached carrying dishes and began explaining the situation.
"Lady Ruri..." Crimson Lotus timidly greeted her, but the latter remained silent.
"Crimson Lotus, don't mind her. Ruri has always been like this, and her background is even more tragic than yours..." Ino Yamanaka waved a hand.
Ruri: "..."
Soon, Akira Sarutobi walked out from the bedroom next door.
After getting a good rest, Akira Sarutobi was energetic once more. "Ruri, you're here... You've worked hard these past few days."
"..."
Ruri Hyuga gave a slight nod. The expressionless girl's behavior made Crimson Lotus very curious.
"Dinner's ready~~~"
As Ino Yamanaka brought out the last dish, the group meal officially began.
At the dining table.
Akira Sarutobi instructed Crimson Lotus on her future arrangements.
These matters had also been recorded on a scroll, in case she forgot.
And the first ninjutsu Akira Sarutobi taught her was the B-Rank Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Crimson Lotus was indeed young, and she did not have much Chakra, but at her age, creating one Shadow Clone was still possible.
One Shadow Clone could double one's efficiency in life. It was the strongest training cheat.
The key was... ordinary shinobi could use it too. No bloodline was required.
The only requirement was B-Rank learning aptitude.
Because the Shadow Clone Jutsu was a B-Rank ninjutsu.
And with Crimson Lotus's talent to fuse "Crystal Release" in the original story, learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu, which required only one hand seal, would not be difficult.
"My lord, rest assured. I will work hard to fulfill every requirement."
Seeing Crimson Lotus's earnest little face, Akira Sarutobi felt greatly comforted.
In the original story.
Crimson Lotus had been captured by Orochimaru, helped him commit evil, and become a tool in every sense of the word.
But at heart, she was a kind person.
Now, he had given her the right home and the right environment.
From this moment onward, her life had completely changed.
"..."
His gaze shifted, and Akira Sarutobi looked toward the silent Ruri beside him.
The gloomy, expressionless girl seemed no different from before.
[Infuse Ruri Hyuga with the Will of Fire] [Current Progress: 1%]
After all... something had changed.
Akira Sarutobi's eyes lit up.
Perhaps... it was because of everything he had done here. He had even inadvertently avenged Crimson Lotus and settled her in.
That was why Ruri Hyuga had quietly undergone a slight change in her heart.
Even if it was only [1%], Akira Sarutobi believed that one day, she would smile and ultimately change her fate.
There was far too much injustice in this world.
So what?
Step by step, eventually... he would spread the true Will of Fire across the entire shinobi world!
At the docks late at night, lights flickered as waves crashed against the shore.
The ship's hold was filled with cargo.
Of course, the crates being loaded were indeed crates, but there was no real merchandise inside.
Akira Sarutobi had never intended to genuinely trade with the people of Kirigakure.
"Young Master Ryo, that is the situation..."
Nonō stood at the bow, adjusting her glasses as she explained the situation to Akira Sarutobi.
There were currently no signs of Kirigakure shinobi activity in the Land of Waves, so they likely did not know about the changes in the port town.
The hunting operation... could proceed.
"Lord Danzo said... this will be your first mission after joining the Anbu, Young Master Ryo..."
Nonō said solemnly.
This meant Akira Sarutobi had officially become a member of the Anbu.
"Very good... Then let's depart."
Soon, the female ninja of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi emerged from the ship's hold.
She raised her head and stared arrogantly at everyone.
The familiar face caused the Root shinobi to tense up involuntarily.
Until "she" suddenly laughed. "Well, Young Master? Was my imitation convincing enough...?"
Their former enemy was now under Ino Yamanaka's control. By using the Yamanaka Clan's secret Mind Transfer Jutsu to transfer her consciousness into that body, she could pass as the real thing. No one would be able to spot the flaw.
Hearing that laughter, everyone finally relaxed.
Nonō's eyes flickered, and she could not help but marvel at how convenient the Yamanaka Clan's mind techniques were.
With just one jutsu, they could accomplish intelligence work others could never manage.
As expected of... Lord Inoichi's cousin.
"Then... move out!"
Akira Sarutobi waved a hand, and the sailors immediately raised the sails, heading out across the sea.
The sky was filled with stars, and the waves swayed.
Before you continue