Three Years in Seclusion

"What is it?" Kimimaro asked.

"It's nothing. I'm just giving them a chance to be together. You're all still young, but I know you'll become remarkable people in the future. I've been watching you grow up all along. You should find yourself a girl soon too. Want me to find one for you?" Lanhui Zi joked.

"Boring. Whose daughter is she?" Kimimaro replied coolly.

"Uh... well..." Lanhui Zi was momentarily speechless. She had not expected that answer at all. She casually said, "Whoever you like, I'll introduce her to you."

"Alright then, Aunt Lanhui Zi. You'd better remember that. Once I find someone, I'll definitely tell you." Young Kimimaro gave an eerie smile.

Why are all these children so mature? I just hope my child doesn't get led astray by them! Lanhui Zi prayed inwardly.

Three years had passed. Ever since Jin's battle with Sasori, he had not encountered another strong opponent. He spent all his time holed up in his room, researching ninjutsu. Konoha's villagers had also grown accustomed to the existence of the new clan—the Jin Clan. Over the past three years, the villagers often asked, "Has the young clan head still not come out?" Indeed, Jin had not stepped outside his home even once in three years, creating one ninjutsu after another.

During that time, Uchiha Fuchiu, the Third Naruto, and people from other major clans had all come by, but Jin had turned every one of them away. Of course, the Hyuga Clan's eldest daughter, Hinata Hyuga, could enter directly. Whenever that happened, Hiashi Hyuga would beat his chest and stomp his feet, shouting, "I'm the head of an entire clan, yet I have less face than my own daughter! This infuriates me!"

The heads of the major clans had actually come to probe for information about Jin's mysterious backer. Yet every time, they came away empty-handed. Seeing Hinata Hyuga freely entering and leaving the Jin residence, they all turned their steps toward Hiashi Hyuga instead. This forced Hiashi Hyuga to receive groups of visitors every few days, spending a little money to treat them to meals. Before long, Konoha's villagers were praising Lord Hiashi Hyuga as a friendly and hospitable clan head. Some villagers even said that as long as you visited his home, you could dine with Lord Hiashi Hyuga. After that, the Hyuga residence's threshold was practically worn away. Left with no choice, Hiashi Hyuga claimed to be too ill to get out of bed every day.

"Ah! The weather is wonderful! My strength has improved by another huge margin. Three years. A full three years. It's time to go out for a walk. I haven't had grilled meat in ages. Defeating the final big boss in Naruto is important, but life is even more important." Jin voiced his dream: to defeat the strongest being in the ninja world and stand at its peak. The road was long, but he had already decided to walk it.

"Jin, you finally came out! You've gotten so thin. You're not allowed to go into seclusion again!" White appeared before Jin, crying.

"Jin! You..." Hinata only got out half her sentence, but her pale eyes were brimming with tears.

What a sin! I'm such a damn sinner! I ignored two beautiful wives just to research some damn ninjutsu? I'm simply a beast—no, worse than a beast. Jin cursed himself inwardly. "I understand! White, Hinata, don't cry. I won't go into seclusion again. I'll definitely stay with you. Come on, let's gather everyone and go eat grilled meat."

"Aunt Lanhui Zi, we little kids are going to eat grilled meat! Organize a grilled meat feast for the clan members at noon too, and hold one every month from now on. Have a camping trip once every two months and train their wilderness survival skills while you're at it. I'll leave these matters to you," Jin said after finding Lanhui Zi.

Jin led seven-year-old Hinata, ten-year-old White, and Kimimaro out the front gate toward the grilled meat district.

"Boss, you finally came out! Am I really strong now?" Naruto suddenly popped out.

"Mhm, very strong. You're one step closer to your dream. Keep it up!" Jin encouraged him freely, while inwardly sighing, If I couldn't use leveling up to increase my strength—stamina and power—agility—speed—and intelligence—chakra—I really wouldn't be his match.

"Hahaha, I knew I was the strongest! As the future Fifth Naruto, I won't be defeated by you, Boss!" Naruto laughed.

"You're still putting on airs in front of me? Let me ask you something: do you want grilled meat? If you do, shut up!" Jin asked.

Naruto was instantly struck in his weak spot and obediently grinned at Jin. White and Kimimaro burst out laughing, while Hinata secretly smiled. Naruto looked at everyone and foolishly laughed as well.

Jin helplessly shook his head. "Hurry up. Lots of people are heading this way. If we get surrounded, we won't get to eat."

Konoha's villagers watched Jin's group, pointing at them from time to time. A large crowd was following behind them. Jin and the others simply could not understand why.

"Boss! You haven't left the house in three years. The villagers of Konoha have all been waiting for you to come out, to see what you've become after three years. Have you become even dumber, or even more of an idiot?" Naruto explained.

"How boring. Then I'll let them have a good look. Let's go!" Jin said expressionlessly.

The group arrived at the restaurant where Jin had first met Hinata. The owner recognized them and immediately greeted them warmly. Jin did not stand on ceremony and promptly ordered grilled meat. Beside him, Naruto listened while drooling. Jin was not much better, though his self-control was slightly stronger, and he swallowed all his drool. Waves of grilled meat fragrance drifted over, instantly stirring everyone's appetite. White and Kimimaro had eaten with Jin before, but this grilled meat smelled entirely different. Just from its aroma, they could tell how delicious it would be. Hinata, meanwhile, sank into memories of a beautiful moment.

"The grilled meat is here!" The owner personally brought the food over.

"Everyone, dig in! Today, we're eating until we're full!" Jin said first.

"Boss! Let's compete again. I'm definitely going to beat you today! As a man who will become Naruto, I won't lose to you!" Naruto said.

"Fine, begin!" Jin said.

"Come look! Come look! Konoha's two rice buckets are competing again!" a villager shouted loudly to the people around him.

With a whoosh, the small restaurant was immediately surrounded three layers deep inside and three layers deep outside.

"Owner! Pull the curtains shut! The people outside are affecting my performance!" Jin said to the owner standing guard nearby.

An hour later.

"Isn't this Uchiha Jin, head of the Jin Clan? Long time no see. You're already seven years old. You're becoming more handsome by the day," Hiashi Hyuga said with a smile.

Jin wiped his mouth. "So it's Lord Hiashi. Don't mention it. I was locked up at home for three years, and today I finally got to come out for some fresh air. May I ask what Lord Hiashi wants from me? You didn't come to treat me to a meal, did you?" If I weren't trying to win over your daughter, I really wouldn't bother talking to you so much. How nice would it be if Hinata were an orphan?

Hiashi Hyuga smiled. "No problem. May I sit beside Hinata?" Hiashi Hyuga felt incomparably stifled. As the dignified head of a clan, he actually had to shamelessly lower himself and discuss things with Jin in such a humble manner. But there was no helping it. Jin was a child and had a child's temper, so Hiashi could only go along with him. Besides, Jin had that powerful old man behind him. Hiashi Hyuga thought this to himself.