Kushina was frantically "training" the Nine-Tails in the consciousness space, yet she still wore a kind smile on her face.
Yamato, who had been silently following behind Kazashiro, suddenly felt his eyelids twitch involuntarily.
For some reason, he always felt that the smiling older sister in front of him was somewhat dangerous.
As a product of Wood Release experiments, he was naturally more sensitive than ordinary ninjas.
Therefore, he keenly sensed the danger emanating from Kushina and subtly moved a few steps closer to where Kazashiro was, pressing himself tightly against Kazashiro's legs, afraid that something bad might happen.
Completely unaware of Yamato's unusual Kazashiro beside him, Kazeha simply assumed that the children were just being affectionate because they hadn't seen each other in a long time, and happily introduced the two little ones to Kushina.
"This is Yamato, and this is Kabuto Yakushi. They're my underlings. Quick, call them Kushina- nee!"
Pushing the two of them in front of him, Kazashiro completely failed to notice the resistance in Yamato's eyes.
"What adorable little ones! This is a rare opportunity. Why don't you stay for dinner tonight? It'll be a perfect chance for you to try your sister's cooking!"
Kushina swung the Nine-Tails' iron chain hard before leaving the consciousness space, refusing to let go of the two little ones.
"But..." Kabuto Yakushi wanted to refuse, after all, he would rather spend time with the director and everyone in the orphanage than have dinner with Kushina, whom he had just met.
But Kazashiro clearly wouldn't give him that chance. "It's okay, Kabuto. I'll talk to Nonō, and I'll also call Itachi over."
And just like that, the matter was decided amicably.
However, this decision truly brought Fugaku quite a "surprise".
Fugaku Uchiha is very busy.
Because he was both the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan and the captain of the Military Police Force.
During his work hours, he had to both appease the discontent of the extremist groups and deal with the endless complaints from Konoha who were subjected to brutal enforcement by some of the extremists.
I'm so tired, but thankfully I still have my beautiful wife and adorable son.
Having finally made it to the end of his shift, Fugaku eagerly left the Military Police Force headquarters and headed home with great joy.
Then I saw a face on the street that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
That little girl standing in front of my house looks so familiar...
Could it be another case of some troublemaker being too embarrassed to come themselves, so they've sent their own child to file a complaint?
In all honesty, since the Fourth Generation took office, the extremist forces within the Uchiha Clan have significantly diminished.
The number of incidents of police brutality has also decreased from three digits per day to two digits.
What a remarkable achievement!
Honestly, why can't these troublemakers be a little more considerate of themselves? They're making things difficult for themselves after get off work!
Fugaku felt that if things continued like this, he, as the Clan Head, would soon be driven to become an extremist within the Uchiha Clan!
Also, what are the guards at the gate of the clan's territory doing? How can they let just anyone into the clan's territory?!
They even let the other party come right to their doorstep!
"Ah, isn't this Captain Fugaku? It's been a long time!"
Just as Fugaku was pondering how to get rid of the brat in front of him, Kazashiro greeted him in a neutral voice typical of his age.
"Hmm? Long time no see? You are...?" Fugaku was somewhat speechless. He could count the number of times he had met Kazashiro on one hand, so naturally he couldn't remember the other's name.
"You really have a bad memory. I am Shimura Kazashiro. Thank you for sending Shisui as my bodyguard."
Seeing that Fugaku genuinely didn't recognize him, Kazashiro didn't keep him in suspense and directly stated his name.
[Tsk tsk, Isobu, look at this guy. He's not much older Mikoto, but when they stand together, they look like father and daughter.]
[Isobu: Hmm, let me see, indeed.]
It was uncharacteristic of Isobu to agree with Kazashiro's idea.
Shimura, Kazashiro?
Even without hearing the full name, just hearing the surname Shimura almost made Fugaku's back buckle.
No wonder the guards at the gate let them in so easily. Even if it were Uchiha Wada, who had already disappeared, returning to guard the gate, he would have to obediently let them in.
You should take a look at the titles they hold.
The Third Hokage's disciple, son of the Hokage Assistant, one of the youngest Jonin in Konoha, a hero of the Third Shinobi World War, and the destroyer of the Kannabi Bridge —any one of these qualities alone would have made him Jonin.
Not to mention--
His own people had even ambushed him on the battlefield.
The thought of this made Fugaku's already aching head throb even more.
To appease Danzo, he not only offered up Shisui, a genius from his clan, but also his own son.
He was initially happy that Kazashiro had left the village after the war, and that his son would still be his own, no longer having to follow the Shimura Clan around. But he never expected that in just one year, the brat would return from outside the village.
Fugaku, his inner turmoil churning, maintained his expressionless face, but his voice cracked. "So it's Kazashiro. It has been a long time indeed; I didn't even recognize you."
Just as Fugaku was pondering what to say next, his son Uchiha Itachi, had already dressed and bid farewell to his mother, walking to Kazashiro's side.
Kazashiro naturally took Itachi's hand, waved goodbye to Mikoto with his other free hand, and then nodded in the direction of Fugaku, thus ending their conversation.
Fugaku:???
What happened?
Why did my son leave with a stranger without saying hello to me?
Although the other party isn't exactly a stranger in a strict sense.
But this also...
Moreover, Fugaku knew his son's temperament very well.
Their precocious son, even when traveling with them, never intended to hold their hands.
There are cows!
As he watched the two figures walk further and further away, Fugaku could only stand helplessly at his own doorstep, completely oblivious to his wife's anxious calls from the side.
"Today I'm taking you to meet an older sister. Her name is Kushina Uzumaki. Remember, you absolutely mustn't make her angry, understand?"
On the way, Kazashiro patiently introduced Kushina to Itachi.
"Um."
Itachi agreed, trying to break free from Kazashiro's grasp.
He doesn't really like physical contact with others, especially on the street, and he felt a little embarrassed.
But Kazashiro showed no intention of letting go; whether it was intentional or not, he tightened his grip even more.
Seeing that he couldn't break free without leaving a trace, Itachi sighed inwardly and had no choice but to submit.
[Hmph, trying to mess with me.]
Kazashiro, who had been closely watching Itachi's subtle movements, turned his face and revealed a victorious expression.
Isobu: Am I being a bit too naive, thinking I'm Jinchuriki?