"Little Ryoha still cares about me," Bulma exclaimed as she jumped into Ryoha's arms. She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent that had been with Ryoha since he was a baby. This scent gave her a magical sense of security and reassurance. Previously, she was the one holding Ryoha like this, but now the roles had reversed.
"I don't care about you. Who cares about you? Come on, tell me, what invention do you want to play with this time?" Ryoha said, showing a gentle smile filled with deep affection. Hinata, who was watching, felt envious. She also wanted to be in Ryoha's arms, but as soon as this thought crossed her mind, her face turned bright red, and she lowered her head, too embarrassed to show her face. She scolded herself internally for having such embarrassing thoughts.
"Invention? Got it!" Bulma suddenly turned her gaze toward Tsunade, staring at her intently, making Tsunade immediately become alert and look back at Bulma.
"Hey, Bulma, you're not thinking of researching me, are you? Let me tell you, I'm not interested in being researched as a living person or being treated like a living subject for research."
"Who said I want to research you? Do you think I'm some kind of perverted like Orochimaru, who enjoys dissecting bodies for research? As a genius like me, I don't need to do such low-level things. With just a scan using the instruments, I can find all the answers. Why would I need to dissect someone in such a twisted way? Besides, I don't like using living people for research. Just a scan is enough. Moreover, you're too narcissistic. When did I say I wanted to research you?"
"I was thinking that until now, the descendants of the Sage of Six Paths should include the Senju Clan, Uchiha Clan, and Uzumaki Clan. I know a lot about the abilities of the Senju and Uchiha. I want to see what the Uzumaki Clan can do. Ryoha, can you find a member of the Uzumaki Clan for me?"
"Now you've stumped your Ryoha. It seems like most of the Uzumaki Clan is either dead or in hiding. Even if there are some who are alive, we don't know where they are," Tsunade said, with a look of anticipation. She was curious to see how Ryoha would solve the challenge given by Bulma.
"Hmph, I thought as much. If you ask me to find someone from the Senju Clan other than Tsunade, it might be difficult, but there happens to be one from the Uzumaki Clan."
Ryoha chuckled. In the past, he was in Team 7 with Sasuke, who had been defeated by him multiple times. Sasuke had trained day and night to surpass him, so during the Chunin Exam, he had no time to pass by and save Karin as it happened in the original story.
Instead, knowing that Karin would be there, Ryoha secretly followed her and observed her abilities using his Sharingan. Of course, he ended up saving Karin as a reward for observing her abilities. Afterward, Ryoha left and had no intention of contacting Karin. In Ryoha's eyes, Karin was just a passerby, and there was no need to care or establish contact.
Perhaps Karin's abilities were valuable and precious to others, but for Ryoha, they were nothing special. However, since Bulma wanted it, he didn't mind bringing Karin over. Ryoha remembered that Karin seemed to be from the Uzumaki Clan, so that should fulfill Bulma's request.
"Hiraishin No Jutsu!" Ryoha disappeared instantly from his original position, and Bulma, who was still sitting in his arms, landed on the sofa.
"This kid is quite confident. When did he meet someone from the Uzumaki Clan? Why didn't I know?" Bulma asked curiously. Honestly, she had no idea when Ryoha had met someone from the Uzumaki Clan.
"You're a classic case of throwing stones at your own feet. It seems like most of the people your little husband knows are women. Now you've gained another sister for yourself."
Although Tsunade enjoyed teasing Bulma, if one paid close attention, they would notice Tsunade's delicate and translucent cherry lips slightly pouting, indicating a hint of jealousy.
About half an hour later, Ryoha returned with another person. Tsunade's guess was spot-on. It was indeed a woman. Seeing this, Bulma couldn't help but give Tsunade a disdainful look, cursing her bad luck under her breath. She also cursed herself for wanting to study the Uzumaki people. It was all just for entertainment anyway, and she could easily find another subject. But now it was too late for regrets.
"Hello... everyone. My name is Karin," said Karin, a stubborn and peculiar character. Suddenly finding herself in this place, facing so many unfamiliar faces, many of whom were legendary figures like Tsunade, Karin, with her keen sensory perception from her Sage ransformation, could clearly sense that everyone present, except Bulma, possessed far greater strength than her. Even the weakest among them, like Hinata, gave her a sense of threat, not to mention Tsunade, Kurenai, and others.
It felt as if she was facing an unfathomable abyss, an immense pressure that seemed substantial but didn't emanate outward. However, Karin sensed it clearly and dared not display any peculiar behavior. Being intelligent, she understood that she might have to live here in the future, alongside these people. Therefore, it was essential to leave a good impression.
"See? I knew it would be like this," Tsunade sighed, patting her forehead with a look of "I knew this would happen." Hinata and the others couldn't help but chuckle, leaving Karin confused. Did she behave strangely just now?
"Well, Karin, since I brought you back from Orochimaru, I don't think you can go back now. As compensation, you can live here. As long as you don't wander around, I can guarantee your safety, at least better than with Orochimaru. There's no need to be so tense. Treat this place as your own home. Let me introduce everyone. This is my wife, Bulma, Haku, Kurenai, Tsunade, Yakumo, and this tiger, you can call her Byakko. And this is Hinata. Lastly, she is Tsunade's assistant, Shizune. Take the time to get acquainted," Ryoha said.
When Karin heard the mention of Ryoha's wife, a trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she quickly hid it. It was clear that while she had some admiration for Ryoha for saving her, they hadn't lived together or performed missions together. Their connection was merely based on gratitude, and there was a slight emptiness in her heart, which made her uncomfortable. However, she greeted everyone politely on the surface.