As Fuso and Karin strolled through the bustling market, they were greeted warmly by familiar faces of vendors and townsfolk, each eager to share their latest wares and bits of news.
"Fuso-san, are you shopping with your daughter today? We just got fresh fish in this morning!"
"What a cute child! She looks just like you!"
"These vegetables were harvested today. Would you like some, Fuso-san?"
"Oh dear, I heard rumors of a war in the Land of Wind! Is it true?"
Responding with her usual warm smile, Fuso acknowledged each greeting graciously while guiding Karin through the market. This routine was familiar to her; whenever she visited the market, it unfolded much the same way. She never corrected anyone who mistook Karin for her biological daughter because she truly treated Karin as such.
Today was a little different, though. With Naruto and Sasuke at school and everyone else occupied, she relished this moment of mother-daughter time alone with Karin.
After accepting a bag of fresh vegetables from a friendly vendor, Fuso expressed her gratitude and gently led Karin away, who was still a bit groggy but beginning to wake up.
Aware of the growing concerns about the situation in the Land of Wind, especially since Akihiko had mentioned his upcoming business trip there, Fuso felt a twinge of worry. However, whenever the topic arose in conversation, she kept her responses light and reassuring. "Akihiko will handle it, no need to worry," she would say, or "I'm sorry, I haven't heard much," careful not to divulge more than necessary.
Looking down at Karin, Fuso asked with a gentle smile, "Ready to head home, sweetie? Is there anything else you'd like to eat?"
Perking up with curiosity, Karin's eyes sparkled as she glanced around. "I love everything you cook, Fuso-mom," she replied enthusiastically.
Chuckling softly, Fuso playfully teased, "You little troublemaker," She gently tweaked Karin's nose, feeling a wave of affection for the spirited girl who reminded her so much of Kushina.
As they continued walking, Fuso noticed Karin sniffing the air with interest. Following her gaze, she spotted a newly opened pancake shop with a unique fan symbol on its sign. "Homemade Pancakes?" Fuso murmured to herself, recognizing the emblem of Mikoto's clan.
Reflecting on the Uchiha clan's history, which she had learned through Sasuke and Mikoto, Fuso thought about their tragic decline. Once a prestigious clan akin to the Senju, they had faced near extinction. If not for Akihiko's intervention, the Uchiha might have faded into history. Now, they were akin to the Uzumaki, barely surviving in Grass Village.
"This shop must be new," she thought, considering how recently it must have opened.
Seeing Karin's curious gaze fixed on the cake shop, Fuso smiled and asked, "Want to try some?"
"Yes, yes. It smells so good," Karin nodded eagerly.
"Alright, we have time," Fuso said with a playful wink. "How about we keep this our little secret and enjoy one before heading home?"
"Yay! I love you, Fuso-mama!" Karin hugged her tightly, her voice filled with sweetness and joy.
Fuso smiled warmly as she patted Karin's head gently. "This little girl, She is just like Kushina." Leading Karin towards the "Homemade cakes," they entered to find an elderly couple managing the place. Fuso placed an order for two cheesecakes without much ado.
When Karin affectionately called them "grandpa and grandma," the owners were touched and offered her an Onigiri for free, earning a sweet "thank you" from Karin and hearty laughter from the couple. It was evident that they were slowly settling into life in Grass Village, a scene Fuso thought Mikoto would appreciate upon her return.
The elderly woman, a member of the Uchiha clan, chuckled warmly. "Your daughter is so well-behaved and adorable."
"Thank you," Fuso replied warmly, expressing gratitude before leaving with Karin, who happily held onto her Onigiri.
They found a quiet spot on a grassy patch and settled down to enjoy their treats together. Today was another lovely morning.
Fuso felt deeply content with her life in Grass Village now. Since the fall of Uzushio, she had wandered without peace, even during their time in the Land of Rain, always hiding and fearful. But now, with Nagato grown up and her clan and family by her side, she found joy in the simple, peaceful life they led. Fuso knew she lacked talent for ninja skills or clan management like Mikoto, but being an ordinary housewife who could care for everyone and lend a helping hand made her immensely happy.
Watching Karin enthusiastically devour her onigiri, Fuso smiled gently and wiped her face clean after each bite.
Fuso couldn't help but find Karin utterly adorable. Her thoughts drifted momentarily, and a faint blush crept over her cheeks as she remembered her conversation with Nagato. Her eyes softened with a gentle glow as she murmured to herself, "Nagato, really..."
Suddenly, Karin piped up beside her, "Fuso-mama, you look so pretty today!"
Surprised by the compliment, Fuso raised an eyebrow and teased gently, "Oh? Is it your mama who's pretty, or Fuso-mama, or Kushina-mama?"
Karin tilted her head cutely and replied, "All of you are pretty. But today, Fuso-mama is the prettiest."
Chuckling at Karin's innocent sincerity, Fuso remarked, "Hahaha, you really are becoming more like Kushina."
"Heeheehee!" Karin giggled in response, her laughter ringing out like pure joy.
After finishing their treats, Fuso checked the time and noticed Karin had also completed her snack. "It's time to head back now," she said gently.
"Okay~" Karin stood up and spoke in her soft, sweet voice, "I wonder if Naruto-nii and Sasuke-nii are back yet. They came back so late last night. The cheesecake was so good; next time, we should bring Naruto-nii and Sasuke-nii to try it too."
"Naruto and Sasuke? They're still in school," Fuso replied, smiling at the thought.
On their first day of school, Naruto and Sasuke had planned a fight with some classmates. However, when they arrived at the grove behind the academy, Naruto, Sasuke, and Jugo were all prepared, but their opponents never showed up. Instead, someone reported them to the teachers for planning a fight, and all three of them got caught.
Kushina had laughed so hard last night when she heard about it, which embarrassed Naruto and Sasuke deeply. They even vowed to get back at the school bully.
Watching Karin bounce around happily, Fuso's smile widened. She murmured to herself, "I wonder what your father would think if he heard about this. He'd probably laugh just as much as Kushina."
…
"Now, how would you handle this, Leader Akihiko?" Danzo muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the sand-swept landscape of Sand Village. Memories of past grievances with the Grass Village leader flitted through his mind, fueling his resolve.
The abrupt announcement from the Land of Wind Daimyo, demanding the dissolution of Sand Village, had sent shockwaves throughout the ninja world. Many villages were now poised for action, eyeing the strategic assets held by the declining Sand Village, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
Despite its diminished state, Sand Village still possessed resources that were highly coveted. Yet, amid ongoing conflicts and the abrupt nature of the Daimyo's demand, most villages were cautious and unprepared for immediate military engagement.
Konoha, under the leadership of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, prioritized recovery and stability. Hiruzen sought to bolster the village's defenses and avoid entanglement in new conflicts. However, following the Daimyo's proclamation, it seemed that Cloud Village and Stone Village were already making covert maneuvers. Therefore, Hiruzen's ultimate decision remained uncertain.
For Danzo, this trip held personal motives beyond the political turmoil. He sought to exploit the chaos to benefit his Root organization, aiming to secure resources, resume experiments, and bolster Konoha's industries while others were caught off guard.
"Lord Danzo, we've arrived at Sand Village," the Sand ninja guiding him said respectfully. "Advisor Chiyo is waiting for you inside."
With recent tragedies weighing heavily on Sand Village, they were in no position to entertain further conflict. Seeking peace, they approached their former adversaries, Konoha, with caution.
Just as the guide finished speaking, Danzo scoffed dismissively, "I've seen enough. This Sand Village—" His words trailed off abruptly as he looked up and noticed something peculiar.
A banner caught his eye, bearing an oddly familiar insignia: "Welcome Friends from Grass Village!"
Confused, Danzo stared at the banner incredulously. 'What in the world? Why is Grass Village here too?'