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"Hokage-sama, what kind of ninjutsu are you going to teach me?" Kurotsuchi asked eagerly as they stepped out of the Tsuchikage's Office.
Takuya looked at her with a slight smile. "What kind of ninjutsu are you interested in learning?"
"Well...the more powerful, the better! I want to impress my father," Kurotsuchi replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Alright, I have something in mind. But first, take me to a training ground," Takuya responded with a knowing grin.
"Okay!" Kurotsuchi quickly led him to a secluded training ground. The area was marked with scorch marks and scattered loess, with a lone wooden stake standing in the center.
"Is this where you usually train?" Takuya asked, somewhat taken aback. Given that Kurotsuchi was Iwagakure's 'little princess,' the training ground seemed quite rudimentary.
"Oh, it's not what you think. This used to be a decent training ground, but Deidara kept blowing things up here," Kurotsuchi explained. "He's a dangerous person. If someone doesn't appreciate his art, he can go a bit crazy. But with your strength, there's nothing to worry about."
"Kurotsuchi, are you here? I've got to tell you, today I met someone who created an art even more powerful than mine…" Deidara's voice trailed off as he noticed Senju Takuya.
"Deidara, what's wrong? This is Lord Hokage. Come over here," Kurotsuchi called out.
"You...you're the Hokage?!" Deidara asked, his disbelief evident.
"That's right. We meet again," Takuya nodded.
"You two have met before?" Kurotsuchi asked, intrigued.
"Yes, I encountered this brat on my way to Iwagakure. I gave him a little demonstration of what a real explosion is," Takuya said with a smile.
Deidara's expression grew serious. "No wonder you can create such incredible art. It turns out you're the strongest ninja in the world today."
Realizing Takuya's identity, Deidara felt a bit more at ease. Losing in art to someone like Takuya didn't seem so embarrassing anymore.
"Alright, enough talking. Lord Hokage, what ninjutsu are you going to teach me?" Kurotsuchi asked again, her excitement growing.
"I'll teach you some powerful Earth Release ninjutsu," Takuya said calmly as he began to instruct Kurotsuchi. The Earth Release techniques he shared were not only more powerful but also required less chakra and simpler hand seals, having been personally modified by Takuya.
Kurotsuchi was amazed. As the granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage, she knew a lot about Earth Release ninjutsu, but what Takuya taught her was far superior.
Under Takuya's personal guidance, Kurotsuchi quickly learned dozens of modified Earth Release techniques. Though she was still a bit unfamiliar with them, she knew that with practice, she would master them.
The training lasted until evening. Kurotsuchi clapped her hands together, her face alight with joy. "Lord Hokage, it's been an honor to train with you."
Normally, Kurotsuchi could only perform a few jutsu before running out of chakra, but today, Takuya continuously restored her chakra, making her feel like she had an endless supply.
"Lord Hokage, can I keep training with you?" Kurotsuchi asked, hopeful.
"If your father allows you to come to Konoha, you can stay at the Senju compound. I can train you every day," Takuya said calmly.
"Forget it. My father would never agree," Kurotsuchi sighed. Knowing Kitsuchi's strict nature, she knew he wouldn't let her go to Konoha.
"It's alright. I'll leave you some scrolls with powerful Earth Release jutsu. When you're older, come find me in Konoha," Takuya said, gently patting her head. Although he could have taken her to Konoha against Kitsuchi's wishes, Kurotsuchi was still too young. It was better to wait.
"Deal!" Kurotsuchi nodded happily.
"Hokage-sama, can you teach me something too? Just one technique! What about that massive explosive sphere you used earlier? Can you teach me that?" Deidara asked, his eyes filled with longing.
"Deidara, I can teach you ninjutsu, but I have a piece of advice for you," Takuya said.
"What advice?" Deidara asked, curious.
"You can pursue your art, but don't force others to acknowledge it. Art is often a lonely pursuit. But if you start causing destruction just to prove your art… I will kill you myself," Takuya said calmly.
Deidara felt an overwhelming sense of danger emanating from Takuya. Under that pressure, he didn't even dare to meet his gaze.
"Remember my words. This is my advice to you," Senju Takuya stated firmly.
With that, Takuya took Kurotsuchi's hand and began walking out. Tonight, he planned to treat her to a big dinner.
---
For the next few days, Takuya Senju remained in Iwagakure. Each day, he accompanied Kurotsuchi in her training and took her to various places around the village. The bond between them grew stronger, and Kurotsuchi's fondness for Takuya deepened with each passing day. She felt that these days had been the happiest of her life—not only could she enjoy herself without fear of her father's reproach, but her strength had also improved significantly.
Takuya was in high spirits as well, finding pleasure in their growing connection.
Unlike the two of them, Kitsuchi spent his days in turmoil. He wished to use Kurotsuchi to strengthen Iwagakure's ties with Takuya Senju, securing the village's future, but he was also wary of the idea of Kurotsuchi marrying Takuya, who already had several wives. This internal conflict left him with little motivation to focus on his duties.
Fortunately, after two weeks, Kitsuchi received news that Takuya was preparing to return to Konoha. Moreover, there was no sign that he intended to take Kurotsuchi with him. This news allowed Kitsuchi to breathe a sigh of relief. After all, Kurotsuchi was still young, and these matters could be pondered more thoroughly over time.
On the day of Takuya's departure, Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi came to see him off. Kurotsuchi cried, her tears flowing freely. After spending so much time together, she didn't want Takuya to leave. Seeing his daughter in such a state, Kitsuchi felt conflicted. He realized that his concerns might have been premature. When Kurotsuchi grew older, she might very well choose to marry Takuya of her own accord.
"Kitsuchi, after I return to Konoha, I will have someone contact you regarding the development of Iwagakure," Takuya said softly. "Kurotsuchi is very talented. After she graduates from the Ninja Academy, she should come to Konoha for further training."
"I understand, Hokage-sama," Kitsuchi replied respectfully, knowing he was in no position to refuse Takuya's suggestion.
"Master Hokage, you have to wait for me!" Kurotsuchi shouted, hugging Takuya's legs. "When I grow up, I'll definitely come to Konoha to find you!"
"I'll be waiting for you in Konoha," Takuya replied with a smile, patting her head gently. "When the time comes, I'll show you around Konoha. It's even more prosperous than Iwagakure."
"It's a promise!" Kurotsuchi said, finally letting go of Takuya after they made a pinky promise.
"I'm off," Takuya said, activating his Kamui and vanishing in an instant.
"Sigh... what a complicated situation,"Kitsuchi muttered as he walked away with Kurotsuchi. He realized he would need to spend more time with her from now on. If she were to marry into Konoha, there might not be many chances to see her.
Upon returning to Konoha, Takuya sat at his desk in the Hokage's office. The plan to collect the Tailed Beasts was progressing smoothly. So far, he had captured the One-Tail, Two-Tails, Three-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Nine-Tails. Only the Six-Tails, Seven-Tails, and Eight-Tails remained. He believed it wouldn't be long before he could resurrect the Ten-Tails.
"Honey, I brought you some food," Uzumaki Kushina said as she entered the office with a lunchbox.
Seeing Kushina, Takuya's face lit up with a warm smile. Kushina was his first wife in this world, his childhood sweetheart, and his greatest support from the beginning. Though he had many wives now, no one could replace Kushina's place in his heart.
"Kushina, thanks for taking care of me," Takuya said, seating her on his lap and gently wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Hey~ don't get any funny ideas," Kushina warned, giving him a playful yet wary look.
"Come on, am I really that kind of guy?" Takuya teased.
If he were any more laid-back, he wouldn't be human, Kushina thought to herself.
"How's the plan going?" Kushina asked.
"It's going well. Next, it's the Six-Tails' turn," Takuya replied calmly.
"Six-Tails? If I recall, its Jinchūriki is a guy named Utakata," Kushina said thoughtfully. "He's a rogue ninja from Kirigakure."
"Yes, he defected a few years before the Third Shinobi War and has kept a low profile ever since. Even in Kirigakure, there hasn't been any news about him for years," Takuya said casually.
"Really? That might be a problem," Kushina frowned. "No news for so many years... If he's dead, that could complicate things. The death of a Jinchūriki means the Tailed Beast dies as well, and although it can be resurrected, it takes time."
"Don't worry. As long as he's still on this planet, I'll find him," Takuya said confidently. With his current power, unless Utakata chose to live in total isolation forever, he wouldn't be able to hide.
"You always think you're so great," Kushina said, rolling her eyes as she opened the lunchbox, revealing Takuya's favorite dishes.
"Kushina, your cooking is incredible," Takuya praised.
"I just made it casually. No need to flatter me," Kushina replied, though her expectant gaze betrayed her true feelings. "Is it... really that good?"
"Tsundere isn't in style anymore, you know," Takuya chuckled. "It's better to be straightforward."
"Who's being tsundere? Do you still want to eat or not?" Kushina's face flushed red.
"Of course I do. Especially since my wife made it," Takuya smiled. "But... you have to feed me."
"Really, you're such a child," Kushina said with a sigh, picking up the chopsticks to feed him.
"Kushina, I think you misunderstood. I didn't mean with chopsticks," Takuya said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Ah! You pervert!" Kushina exclaimed, smacking him lightly. "I knew it!"
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