Karin Uzumaki's Reluctance

Inside the ruins of the Ancient Kingdom of Roran.

Kushina Uzumaki and Rin Nohara stayed together.

Su Yu had already departed, intending to pick them up later to head toward the Land of Waves.

Kushina Uzumaki did not fully believe everything Su Yu had said, but in her heart, she was actually beginning to waver.

If Su Yu's words were confirmed—that is, sending Karin Uzumaki to Konoha to be received by Tsunade—then the answer would be self-evident.

If Karin Uzumaki were sent to Konoha just as she had been in the past, there would be only one fate: to become the new Jinchuriki.

Su Yu traveled with the three of them, not stopping once along the way.

By the time they returned to the Land of Waves.

It was already the afternoon.

Uzuki Yugao was sparring with Karin Uzumaki, and her face lit up with joy when she saw Su Yu return.

However, her expression soon turned complex, for she had caught sight of Hinata Hyuga.

"Yugao, get them settled in. Neji, you are responsible for helping them train; that residence is yours. Karin, come with me, I have something to tell you," Su Yu commanded swiftly.

Uzuki Yugao approached Anko Mitarashi and Hinata Hyuga.

"Follow me."

Neji Hyuga looked at the nine children gathered around him.

"From today on, I am your taijutsu instructor. Only when you defeat me will you be qualified to become subordinates of Lord Su Yu. Lord Su Yu's status is beyond your imagination; only by becoming his subordinates will you be true ninja."

"Yes!" the nine children shouted in unison, their eyes filled with determination.

Karin Uzumaki followed Su Yu as he left.

The two walked all the way to Su Yu's courtyard.

Su Yu entered the living room and poured a cup of hot tea for Karin Uzumaki.

Karin Uzumaki felt somewhat restrained, sitting opposite Su Yu, feeling very nervous.

"At your current rate of progress, even if you trained for another ten years, you would never be able to help me," Su Yu began.

Karin Uzumaki's face turned pale upon hearing this.

"Don't be afraid. I'm not trying to chase you away; I want to give you an opportunity," Su Yu said softly.

Karin Uzumaki slowly raised her head to look at Su Yu.

"I have recommended you to the Fifth Hokage, giving you the chance to become a Jinchuriki," Su Yu said slowly.

"A Jinchuriki?" Karin Uzumaki blinked.

"Our Uzumaki Clan possesses a technique called the Adamantine Sealing Chains, which can seal a Tailed Beast within one's own body. This allows one to rapidly gain immense power," Su Yu said, watching Karin Uzumaki.

"Really?" A glimmer of anticipation appeared in Karin Uzumaki's eyes.

"I have already experimented with it. As of now, I possess strength not inferior to a peak Jonin, but even that is not enough to realize my plans," Su Yu said as he walked over to stand in front of Karin Uzumaki.

Karin Uzumaki looked at Su Yu, wondering what kind of plan he could possibly have.

"Your growth is limited while staying by my side. In Konoha, you can receive more guidance. Especially Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu; once you master it, you will have the qualifications to become her disciple. I want to restore the Uzumaki Clan, and that requires the two of us to be together. Do you understand what I mean?" Su Yu held Karin Uzumaki's small hand, looking at her with gentle eyes.

Karin Uzumaki's face flushed red instantly, and she nodded.

"Whether or not you become a Jinchuriki is not important; what matters most is that you become stronger. That is important to me. I need you, Karin," Su Yu said, lightly kissing the back of her hand.

"Lord Su Yu..." Karin Uzumaki felt a warmth in her heart.

"Go pack your things. We leave tomorrow; I will take you to Konoha," Su Yu released her hand.

"I... when will I be able to see you again?" Karin Uzumaki asked, feeling reluctant to part.

"Tomorrow, I will give you a kunai inscribed with the Flying Thunder God technique. As long as you keep it safe, I can appear before you in an instant. I have a residence in Konoha; that will be your home. You can stay in my room. That way, whenever I miss you, I can visit you instantly," Su Yu said with a smile.

"Lord Su Yu, I will definitely work hard to become stronger. If you visit me often, I... I will agree to anything you ask, including that kind of thing." When Karin Uzumaki mentioned "that kind of thing," she blushed and lowered her head.

Hearing this, Su Yu gently embraced her and whispered something into her ear.

Karin Uzumaki's face turned bright red instantly, yet she still managed to let out a soft "mm."

When night fell.

Su Yu personally prepared dinner.

Upon learning that Su Yu intended to send Karin Uzumaki to Konoha, Uzuki Yugao felt a pang of reluctance, yet she still smiled as she bid her farewell.

Anko Mitarashi was surprised to learn that Karin Uzumaki was a member of the Uzumaki Clan.

She had a good memory and recalled that Karin Uzumaki had participated in the Chunin Exams as a member of Kusagakure.

At that thought, she couldn't help but glance at Su Yu.

This was definitely someone Su Yu had snatched away from the hands of Kusagakure, wasn't it?

Hinata Hyuga was not familiar with Karin Uzumaki and could only watch from the sidelines.

Encouraged by everyone, Karin Uzumaki felt the warmth of a home for the very first time.

Finally, she leaned into Su Yu's embrace, reluctant to let go, and began to sob.

Su Yu held her, cast an apologetic glance at Hinata Hyuga, and then looked at Uzuki Yugao before stepping away from the dining table.

He accompanied Karin Uzumaki as they strolled through the night market in the Land of Waves, which was filled with various snacks—mostly seafood—along with some trinkets from other regions.

Su Yu bought a necklace for Karin Uzumaki and helped her fasten it around her neck.

The two of them then headed to the great bridge of the Land of Waves.

On the bridge.

Karin Uzumaki gazed at the night view, feeling the sea breeze brush against her, and rested her little head on Su Yu's shoulder.

Su Yu held her with one arm, looking out at the sea in silence.

Half an hour later.

Karin Uzumaki suddenly stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on Su Yu's cheek.

Su Yu neither refused nor took further liberties.

Once the kiss ended, Karin Uzumaki ran off, feeling somewhat shy.

Su Yu stood where he was for a few minutes before silently following behind her to see her back to her room.

Upon returning to his own room.

As soon as Su Yu pushed the door open, he saw Uzuki Yugao sitting at the low table.

"Have the two of them gone back to their rooms?" Su Yu asked casually.

"Yes, I've arranged for Lady Hinata and Anko to stay at the residence by the seaside," Uzuki Yugao nodded.

"I have mastered the Flying Thunder God technique, and I want to place a seal on your back; I'm just not entirely at ease using a Kunai," Su Yu said, looking at Uzuki Yugao.

"Really?" Uzuki Yugao asked in surprise.

"Turn around, and... the clothes... ahem," Su Yu stepped in front of Uzuki Yugao.

Blushing, Uzuki Yugao turned around and exposed her back to Su Yu.

Su Yu's marking process was very slow, taking a full ten minutes to complete.

Uzuki Yugao slowly put her clothes back on.

Once she was dressed.

Su Yu embraced Uzuki Yugao.

"Su Yu-kun..." Uzuki Yugao's face flushed hot.

"Yugao, I'm sorry," Su Yu whispered.

"It's alright. You and Hinata are a perfect match; as long as I can stay by your side, that is enough," Uzuki Yugao turned to look at Su Yu, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"Thank you, Yugao," Su Yu held her tighter.