---
After insisting that Uzuki Yugao rest for half a day, Senju Takuya led her to the Senju clan compound.
The compound housed the most luxurious training facilities in the ninja world—perfect for honing one's skills.
"As expected of the Senju clan, they truly live up to their reputation," Yugao marveled as they walked through the estate.
She had heard of the Senju family's immense wealth, but seeing it firsthand was a shock. Yugao felt that her home wasn't even comparable to the servants' quarters here.
The two eventually made their way to the backyard.
Suddenly, a group of children ran over, laughing and playing. Upon spotting Takuya, they quickly surrounded him.
"Dad, you're back early today!" a little girl exclaimed, a lollipop in her mouth.
"Yes, I finished my work ahead of schedule," Takuya replied, gently patting the girl's head with a smile.
"Dad, look! This is the new doll Mom bought for me. Isn't it pretty?"
"It's beautiful."
"Dad, Mom got me the latest game console! Do you want to play with me?"
"You're such a brat! If you keep scratching it, you'll get a scolding from me!" Takuya teased, but his tone remained warm.
The children surrounded him, chattering excitedly. Despite the noise, Takuya showed no signs of impatience, responding to each child with kindness.
Watching this, Uzuki Yugao was a little surprised. She had always imagined that a man like Hokage-sama would be a strict father. Yet here was Takuya, so gentle and affectionate with his children.
"Father, you're back?" Senju Kabuto approached, bowing respectfully.
"Yes."
"Kabuto, are you looking after your younger siblings again?" Takuya asked, smiling as he ruffled Kabuto's hair.
Kabuto, who had inherited Yakushi Nonou's gentle demeanor, was not only well-mannered and kind, but also had a particular fondness for children. Despite his young age, he already acted like a responsible adult.
"As your eldest son, it's my duty to take care of them," Kabuto replied with a gentle smile. Then, he noticed Yugao standing beside his father. "Father, are you busy? I don't want to interrupt."
After speaking, Kabuto bowed once more and ran off with the younger children.
"He's such a smart kid. Hokage-sama, you really know how to raise your children," Yugao remarked, unable to hide her admiration. Three years ago, Kabuto had already managed to defeat Hatake Kakashi in a sparring match. Now, at only nine years old, Kabuto was renowned as a prodigy throughout the ninja world.
Yugao hadn't expected someone with Kabuto's genius to be so humble and polite. Aren't geniuses usually more proud?
"Hahaha... Every child has their own personality. If you met Naruto or Sasuke, you wouldn't say that," Takuya laughed, continuing to walk with Yugao.
"But... just how strong is Kabuto now?" Yugao couldn't help but ask.
"Well, he's probably around Kage-level," Takuya answered casually. Despite Kabuto having awakened several powerful abilities, his lack of battle experience and physical limitations meant he could only display strength on par with a Kage.
Yugao was stunned. Did he just say "probably Kage-level" like it was nothing? He's only nine years old! What does it mean for a child to be Kage-level? She had trained tirelessly for years, yet was only a Special Jōnin, and that was considered an impressive achievement by her peers.
Yugao could only imagine the shock if this news spread—surely the entire ninja world would be in an uproar.
"Actually, it's not just Kabuto. Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi... They all have similar levels of strength," Takuya added nonchalantly.
"Haha... Hokage-sama, your children's talents are truly enviable," Yugao said with a forced smile. If she had such talent, she would train non-stop!
"There's nothing to envy," Takuya responded calmly. "After all... they've inherited my bloodline."
Yugao's mouth twitched at his words. Well, he wasn't wrong in saying that.
After chatting for a while, they reached one of the Senju clan's training grounds.
"Are you ready? In the coming days, I'll be putting you through special training. If you're not prepared to endure hardship, I suggest you give up now," Takuya said, his tone turning serious.
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama. I won't let you down!" Yugao replied eagerly. Being personally trained by the Hokage was an opportunity most ninja could only dream of. She was overjoyed, with no thoughts of quitting.
Takuya nodded at her determination.
And then,
Uzuki Yugao left the Senju compound in tears.
For the next several days,
Takuya subjected Yugao to intense special training. She quickly realized she was facing the toughest challenge of her life. Every day, she discovered just how inadequate she was, but it wasn't all in vain. Her strength improved rapidly. No matter how exhausted her body became, she recovered quickly under Takuya's guidance, allowing her to continue training without interruption.
And,
As she spent more time with Takuya,
Yugao's perception of him completely changed. The strongest man in the ninja world was surprisingly easygoing and approachable most days. Sometimes, when they weren't training, he even attempted to tell a few jokes, though none of them were particularly funny.
One evening,
Yugao left the Senju compound with a faint smile on her face. Although Hokage-sama criticized her mercilessly during training, he always made sure to help her recover afterward. He even offered words of encouragement when she felt disheartened.
To receive such attention from the Hokage himself,
In the entire ninja world,
Only she had this privilege, right?
---
Late at night, Yugao was walking home under the moonlit sky.
"Yugao!" A voice called out, breaking the stillness of the night.
Yugao turned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she recognized the figure of Hayate Gekkō. "I thought I made myself clear, Hayate. What more is there to say?" Her tone was cold, carrying a hint of impatience.
"Yugao, it's not what you think. I just wanted to talk," Hayate said, trying to maintain a calm demeanor.
"Talk? About what?" Yugao asked, her expression unchanging.
"Yugao, I've noticed you've been staying late at the Senju compound every night. Why?" Hayate's concern was evident, even as he struggled to keep his voice steady.
"You've been spying on me?" Yugao's frown deepened.
"No, I just have questions. Has Hokage-sama done something to you?" Hayate couldn't help but ask, his worry growing.
Yugao had indeed been leaving the Senju compound late every night, sometimes with tears in her eyes. Hayate was desperate to understand what was going on within the Senju compound.
"My personal affairs are none of your business. Move aside," Yugao's voice was cold as ice.
"Tell me, did Lord Hokage coerce you? If that's the case, I swear I'll seek justice for you," Hayate pressed on.
The more Yugao stayed silent, the more convinced Hayate became of his suspicion. The rumors about the Hokage's intentions towards skilled kunoichi had been circulating, and someone as talented and beautiful as Yugao was bound to attract attention.
"Enough! How dare you slander Lord Hokage? Do you have a death wish?" Yugao's expression turned steely, her killing intent rising. Slandering a figure as respected as the Hokage was beyond unacceptable.
"Yugao, you don't have to be afraid. Not even the Hokage can force something like this!" Hayate's voice grew louder, trying to persuade her.
Yugao didn't respond with words but slowly drew her sword instead. Seeing this, Hayate gritted his teeth.
"Yugao, you're no match for me."
"Enough talk," Yugao's eyes were like ice as her chakra flared.
"It seems I have to subdue you first," Hayate sighed, drawing his own blade.
Both were practitioners of Konoha's kenjutsu, and Hayate had always considered himself the superior swordsman. He wasn't afraid of her anger.
"Konoha-ryū: Mikazuki no Mai!" Hayate's form split into multiple afterimages, each one darting towards Yugao.
Yugao met his attack head-on, her blade flashing as she countered with her own technique. "Konoha-ryū: Mikazuki no Mai!"
In the darkness, the two figures clashed violently, their swords striking with deadly precision. In an instant, they exchanged dozens of blows, each one testing the other's skill and resolve.
When the dust settled, Yugao's blade was pressed against Hayate's neck.
"How... how is this possible?" Hayate gasped, staring in disbelief at the edge of her sword. He couldn't fathom how he'd been defeated so easily.
"You're too weak now," Yugao said coldly. Her recent training had sharpened her skills to a new level, and a special jōnin like Hayate was no longer a challenge.
She made a shallow cut on his neck, just enough to draw blood. "Consider this a warning. Next time you slander Lord Hokage, I won't be so lenient."
With that, Yugao turned and walked away. Despite his infuriating behavior, she wouldn't kill a fellow shinobi without just cause. Hopefully, he would learn from this lesson.
"Damn it," Hayate muttered darkly as he watched her leave. Her sudden strength, her involvement with the Senju clan—it all made him uneasy. After bandaging his wound, he glanced back toward the Senju compound.
"Senju Takuya, you have enough women already. Why go after Yugao? This time, I won't let you succeed. I'll protect her happiness, even if it costs me my life," Hayate vowed, determination burning in his eyes.
Just then, a sound from the shadows caught Hayate's attention. Emerging from the darkness was a boy, his face betraying a maturity beyond his years.
"Who are you? What did you hear?" Hayate asked, his voice low and dangerous.
The boy simply shook his head, his expression calm. "I intended to let you live. But now, you leave me no choice."
"What?" Hayate tensed, realizing too late that this child wasn't ordinary.
"My name is Itachi," the boy continued, his tone devoid of emotion. "My brother asked me to ensure Yugao got home safely."
"Itachi... Senju Itachi?" Hayate's eyes widened in shock. The rumors about this prodigious ninja were true, and he knew he was in serious trouble.
"Stealth Jutsu!" Hayate's form shimmered and began to blend into the surroundings, a technique he hoped would buy him time to escape.
"It's futile," Itachi remarked, his Sharingan flaring to life. In an instant, he pinpointed Hayate's location.
The next moment, Itachi vanished, reappearing behind Hayate with a kunai thrust into his heart.
"Ugh... ugh..." Hayate coughed up blood, clutching his chest as darkness overtook him. He had known Itachi was strong, but he hadn't expected this overwhelming power. It was his last thought before he fell into oblivion.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!" Itachi incinerated the body, leaving no trace behind. Then, without a second thought, he continued after Yugao.
For Itachi, anyone who opposed the Senju clan was an enemy, and enemies were dealt with swiftly.
---