"Karin, dear, you're finally awake?" Kushina exclaimed with a warm smile as she saw Karin enter, her expression softening at the sight of the sleepy girl.
"Mom Fuso, Kushina Mom, Aunt Mikoto~" Karin greeted, her voice still tinged with drowsiness as she rubbed her eyes, blinking sleepily. "Where are Big Brother Naruto and Big Brother Sasuke?"
"So cute," Kushina couldn't help but chuckle at Karin's adorable appearance, reaching out to pinch her cheek gently. She remarked fondly. "You know what? Karin is always adorable, but Sleepy Karin is especially cute."
She had always dreamed of having a daughter but was blessed with Naruto instead. Of course, Naruto was also incredibly cute in his own way.
"Alright, stop pinching her. Can't you see Karin's face is all red?" Mikoto said with a gentle smile. "Your Big Brother Naruto and Big Brother Sasuke went out to play. They'll be back soon and they promised to bring you a gift."
Initially, Mikoto had felt a bit awkward in this new setting, but the kindness of Akihiko, Kana, and Fuso, along with Karin's endearing nature, had made it easier for her to settle in. Speaking of which, Reflecting on Akihiko's leadership, Mikoto couldn't help but also admire his generosity and reliability.
Just then, she noticed Akihiko and Kana entering the room. With a warm smile, she greeted them, "Akihiko-san, Kana-san, welcome!"
Akihiko and Kana greeted everyone as they entered. Akihiko found a spot in the courtyard and sat down, feeling quite at home at Fuso's place. Before Kushina and Mikoto had arrived, he would often stay here, which speaks to his comfort level in this familiar environment.
Gazing at the flowers and plants now covered in snow and feeling the cold wind, Akihiko pulled his clothes tighter around himself. The chill in the air was biting today. He couldn't suppress a yawn, as he had stayed up too late the previous night and hadn't gotten enough rest, leaving him still feeling a bit tired.
At that moment, just as Akihiko was contemplating whether to return and catch up on some sleep later...
"Akihiko-sensei!" Three familiar voices rang out, instantly drawing a smile across Akihiko's face as he turned to see the approaching trio.
It was Konan, Yahiko, and Nagato. These three had been rarely seen at home in recent years.
Konan had been studying under Kakuzu, developing a keen interest in money akin to his mentor's. However, her experiences had tempered her, preventing her from becoming as extreme as Kakuzu. Eventually, she was invited by Hanzo to assist in managing the economy of the Land of Rain.
As for Yahiko, he had grown shrewd, spending considerable time with Mubuki. The once optimistic young man had evolved into someone increasingly cunning, perhaps influenced by the seasoned grass ninja.
Reflecting on this, Akihiko realized it wasn't a good development. He resolved to find an opportune moment to admonish Mubuki properly. After all, Yahiko was a good kid at heart.
Nagato, on the other hand, made sporadic visits but seldom lingered. He exuded a restless energy, seemingly unable to settle in one place for long.
However, as the three of them glanced inside and caught sight of a gentle-looking woman with black hair, they were taken aback. Another one? Could she also have a child with her?
Nagato, in particular, seemed struck by the sight. He glanced at his mother before turning back to Akihiko with a blank expression and let out a deep sigh.
Akihiko's expression darkened. Why was Nagato sighing like that for no apparent reason?
"Big Brother Nagato, Sister Konan, Brother Yahiko!" Just then, a girlish, sleepy voice chimed in.
"Karin!" Konan scooped up the sleepy Karin, rubbing her cheek affectionately. "Did you miss your sister Konan?"
As the youngest member of the family, Karin was the object of everyone's affection. Even Nagato managed a smile as he gently patted Karin's head, showing his fondness for her. And Karin, in turn, also likes her big brother Nagato.
When Kana, Fuso, and Kushina were preoccupied, Nagato often took on the role of caretaker, albeit when Karin was older. After all, caring for a baby was beyond Nagato's capability at the moment.
The trio exchanged greetings with everyone inside, instantly revitalizing the atmosphere within the hall. Observing the lively scene with contentment, Akihiko couldn't help but smile. It was remarkable to see how much the three youngsters had matured since their earlier days.
Choosing not to interrupt the jovial gathering indoors, Akihiko remained seated in the courtyard, observing the snowfall outside. The heavy snow from the previous night had transformed the Land of Grass into a winter wonderland, though now it had subsided to a gentle flurry of snowflakes.
Glancing over at Nagato and Yahiko nearby, Akihiko overheard Yahiko's grumbling. "Seriously, why doesn't Dad bring back a girl? They're all boys. I really want a little sister too." he muttered, expressing his desire for a younger sister.
Recently, Mubuki had introduced another addition to the family, a boy named Jugo. Despite his cheerful demeanor, Jugo harbored a troubled past—his clan had been tragically wiped out, leaving him as the sole survivor. Moreover, he struggled to control his unique abilities, which manifested destructively when provoked. There seemed to be some peculiar power in his body.
Of course, neither Yahiko nor his father viewed him with apprehension. After all, if they weren't afraid of tailed beasts, why fear Jugo? Furthermore, with the Uzumaki clan's seal in place, any potential outbursts from Jugo were effectively contained. With time and guidance, perhaps he could learn to harness his powers more effectively.
Hearing Yahiko's complaints, Akihiko shook his head helplessly. It seemed that Mubuki had developed quite a penchant for adopting children. Was he aspiring to become the 'Whitebeard of the Ninja World'?
As Yahiko and Nagato conversed about recent events, Akihiko found solace in their familiar banter, silently listening as his heart gradually settled. However, Nagato's occasional disdainful glances towards him left Akihiko unsure of how to respond.
"Akihiko-sensei!" Yahiko exclaimed, looking behind him before sighing and addressing Akihiko, "At this rate, we'll probably have to expand the house."
Before he could finish, however, Yahiko noticed Akihiko's hand moving to slap his head. With lightning reflexes learned from Mubuki, Yahiko swiftly dodged, puffing out his chest in defiance. "Hmph! Don't underestimate me."
His swift evasion mirrored the agility learned from Mubuki, reflecting the tenacity of the old grass ninja spirit when detecting danger.
With a chuckle, Yahiko announced his departure. "It's about time I head back. Dad's probably waiting for me. Nagato, let's hang out later."
Observing Yahiko's departure, Akihiko couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. It seemed that their wings were spreading, and mere homework was no longer sufficient to keep them in line.
Resuming his seat, Akihiko accepted the cup of hot tea poured by Konan and took a sip, feeling its warmth soothe him. As he gazed ahead with Nagato by his side, wrapped snugly in his coat, a sense of drowsiness crept over him once more.
At that moment, two more voices echoed through the courtyard. "We're back!" came the simultaneous announcement.
"Idiot, I told you that guy was a trafficker! How could you still want to follow him?" one voice exclaimed in frustration.
"I... I knew that! Stupid Sasuke, I was just tricking him!" retorted the other.
"Idiot Naruto!"
"Stupid Sasuke!"
As the two walked in, the previously quiet courtyard was once again filled with their familiar banter. It seemed they had encountered something outside, and as usual, they were engaged in their playful bickering. Everyone had grown accustomed to this dynamic.
Naruto bounded over cheerfully. "Uncle Akihiko! Brother Nagato is back too?" he exclaimed, clearly excited to see the familiar face of Nagato.
Sasuke, after a moment's hesitation, approached with his usual stoic expression. "Leader," he greeted, then turned his attention to Nagato. "Nagato-senpai," he acknowledged respectfully.
As an aspiring strong ninja, Sasuke was well aware of Nagato's formidable reputation and the impact he had on Konoha.
"You're back?" Akihiko smiled and nodded. "Seems like you ran into something outside?"
Naruto eagerly raised his hand. "Let me tell you! We met a scammer outside. He was actually nice, played with us, and bought us food. But Sasuke said he was a bad guy trying to kidnap us."
"A trafficker?" Kushina and Mikoto hurried over, relieved to see the boys safe. "Are there traffickers in the Grass Village? Were they from another village? Are you two alright?"
"We're fine," Naruto declared proudly. "With me and Sasuke, how could we be fooled? We secretly told the guard unit. He should be caught by now."
Sasuke rolled his eyes. 'I was the one who called them.' This idiot was happily eating at that time.
"I'll inform the security department to increase their vigilance," Akihiko reassured the worried Kushina and Mikoto before patting Naruto's head. "Well done. But remember, don't listen to strangers, don't eat anything they give you, and don't go with them."
"Got it, Uncle Akihiko!" Naruto nodded enthusiastically, pleased with the praise.
"And don't be afraid either," Akihiko added, giving them a special reminder. Of course... It seems they would need to pay more attention to education in the future.
Akihiko observed the now-serious Naruto and Sasuke with a smile. "It's the end of the year, so enjoy yourselves. Tonight… there will be a very exciting event."
He noticed Naruto's eager expression and Sasuke's feigned disinterest, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity.
Akihiko seemed to recall something and inquired, "By the way, what did this kidnapper look like?"
"What did he look like?" Naruto furrowed his small brows, contemplating. "He had white hair, wore red clothes, had weird markings on his face, and his smile… seemed a bit creepy. Huh, what's wrong, Uncle Akihiko?"
"…Nothing, nothing at all," Akihiko shook his head, though internally, he couldn't shake off a sense of familiarity with that description.
…
As winter waned and the new year dawned, life slowly returned to its usual rhythm in the Grass and Rain nations. Production activities resumed, and the hustle and bustle of daily life picked up once more. After two peaceful months, it was soon time for Obito's graduation ceremony.