Guys, I never thought it'd get this far. But dang! We've made it to 100 chapters. Like, seriously!
I honestly thought about dropping multiple times but now that we're here, I'd like to give you a spoiler.
Volume 1 will end with the beginning of Shippuden. And then I'm planning on taking a one month break to stock up, and then start volume 2 with a mass release and at least a month worth of chapters in stock. So during the next hiatus, please remember that I'm simply trying to start the next stage with a bang.
So I hope that you all stick around.
Anyways, back to the story:
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The morning light filtered gently into Kenshin's room as he stirred, sitting up with a small sigh. After a quick stretch, he stood and slid the door open, only to see Naoko standing quietly just outside.
"Good morning, Kenshin-sama," she greeted him with a warm yet composed smile. "Is there anything you require?"
Kenshin shook his head, a bit surprised by her early arrival. "No, Naoko, thank you. I just wanted to meet with everyone."
She nodded approvingly and led him through the estate. They passed through winding corridors and soon arrived at the courtyard, where Kaede and Kira were immersed in rigorous training. Kaede, in particular, seemed focused, coaching Kira with a disciplined intensity. Kenshin watched as Kaede corrected Kira's stance, instructing her to sharpen her strikes while adjusting her speed. Naoko glanced at Kenshin, a note of pride in her eyes as she saw the dedication Kaede poured into training his entourage.
As soon as Kaede noticed Kenshin's presence, her strict focus wavered. Her expression brightened, and she instinctively began rushing toward him, eyes filled with eagerness. But then, just as quickly, she paused, a flicker of Naoko's advice from the previous night restraining her impulse. She slowed, stopping a respectful distance from him, a rare hint of hesitation in her eyes as she fought to suppress her usual affectionate greeting.
Kenshin noticed her brief hesitation and gave her a faint, understanding smile, which seemed to reassure her.
Suddenly, a soft splat echoed in the courtyard as Katsuyu appeared, a small part of her splitting off and landing in front of Kenshin. The slug's voice was soft yet clear.
"Kenshin, I spoke to Tsunade-sama last night, and I believe you can return now. There's also the issue of the hidden grass, which must be addressed before the festival."
Kenshin's brow furrowed as he considered this. He hadn't expected Tsunade to reach out so soon, but then again, with all that was unfolding—it made sense for him to be present. He nodded slowly, a thought crossing his mind. If he used kotoamatsukami on Danzo, then he might be able to make him loyal just like Kaede.
Before he could dwell too much on the thought, Kaede stepped forward. "Master," she began, her voice strong and steady, "if you're returning, may I request to accompany you? I want to know more about you, and also look after you. Kira wishes the same."
Kira nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Kenshin paused, glancing between the two of them. He hadn't expected them to want to come along, but he couldn't deny the fact that his family would want to meet them.
After a moment of thought, he smiled and inclined his head. "Alright. I think it's time my family met you both. Just be prepared—the Leaf may be... different than what you're used to."
Kaede and Kira shared a quick look, excitement visible in their eyes, and Kenshin felt a subtle shift in the air.
At breakfast, Kenshin joined everyone around the low, polished table, where a spread of carefully prepared dishes awaited. Aruna sat across from him, with Kaede and Kira seated on either side of Kenshin, each savoring their food in their own way.
When a lull settled in the conversation, Kenshin looked up at Aruna. "Aruna-sama, I plan to return to the Hidden Leaf today."
Aruna's gaze softened, though there was no hesitation in her smile. "If that's your choice, Kenshin, I'm happy to hear it. I ask that you look after my daughter," she glanced fondly at Kira, "and… Kaede, of course."
At her name, Kaede glanced over with her usual untroubled expression, though her gaze was fixed on Kenshin as if waiting to see what he would say next.
Aruna then added with a thoughtful look, "And perhaps, one day, you might bring your sister here. I would love to meet her."
Kenshin inclined his head respectfully, both for the trust Aruna had shown in him and for the gentle request about his sister. "I'll do my best, Aruna-sama. Akane would find this place fascinating, I think."
With the meal finished and farewells made, Kenshin, Kaede, and Kira prepared for their journey. As they set out, a small fragment of Katsuyu clung to Kenshin's shoulder, guiding them through the unfamiliar paths.
Katsuyu's guidance led them to a secluded safe zone just on the edge of Shikkotsu Forest, where Tsunade waited in a small clearing, her arms folded in patient expectation.
When they arrived, Katsuyu respectfully addressed her, "Tsunade-sama."
Both Kaede and Kira immediately tensed, surprise flashing in their eyes. Kaede's gaze drifted skeptically from Katsuyu to Tsunade, a rare hint of confusion marring her usual confident demeanor.
She leaned toward Kenshin, lowering her voice slightly. "Katsuyu-sama addresses you with an honorific? Master, just who is this child?"
Tsunade's brows twitched in irritation as she fixed Kaede with an unimpressed stare. "Child? Just how old do you think you are?"
Kaede returned her look with a faint, almost amused smile. "I stopped counting somewhere after I turned fifty thousand years… Or was it seventy? Hmm…" She tilted her head thoughtfully, as if trying to recall. "Possibly ninety. But after a while, it becomes quite pointless, don't you think?"
For a brief moment, silence hung between them, with Tsunade visibly trying to suppress her irritation.
Finally, with a deep breath, she looked at Kenshin. "I see your entourage is... interesting, katsuyu informed me of them." she muttered, giving Kaede one last incredulous glance.
"Kenshin, we have a lot to discuss back in the village, and—" She broke off, giving Kaede and Kira a grudging nod of acknowledgment. "I suppose the two of you are… welcome, for now. Katsuyu has asked me to be especially tolerant of you." She said, casting a scrutinizing glance at Kaede.
Kenshin nodded, casting a quiet glance at Kaede and Kira. He sensed Tsunade's caution, but also her willingness to tolerate his unusual allies—for his sake, if nothing else.
With a small nod from Tsunade, Katsuyu performed a reverse summoning, enveloping everyone in a flash of chakra and transporting them directly to Kenshin's house in the Uchiha compound.
As the aura faded, Kenshin recognized the familiar walls and soft light filtering through the sliding doors, immediately feeling the warmth of home.
Without a second thought, he hurried inside, his heart beating fast as he saw Kana standing there, already waiting for him. Without a word, he embraced her tightly, letting the warmth of her presence calm the energy from his journey.
Kana returned the hug just as warmly, her sensory abilities immediately noticing the subtle shifts in Kenshin's chakra—stronger, more tempered, and undeniably changed.
Her brows lifted slightly in surprise as she took in the nuances, sensing not only physical strength but also a newfound mental fortitude within him.
Kana's gentle voice broke the silence. "You've grown, Ken-chan… mommy can tell."
When she looked up and noticed Kaede and Kira behind him, a flicker of surprise crossed her expression. Kenshin pulled back, gesturing to the two with a smile. "Mom, these are my new… friends," he said, though Kaede immediately corrected him.
"Servants," she said, giving Kana a respectful nod.
Kira chimed in playfully, "But 'friend' isn't exactly wrong, either."
Kana's eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and amusement as she studied the cat-like features and unique auras of the two women. Kira stepped forward, her wide, inquisitive eyes examining Kana's face intently.
She leaned in close, inspecting every detail before turning to Kenshin with an approving nod. "You weren't lying, master. Your mother is prettier than mine. It's easy to see where you get your good looks."
Kana chuckled softly and shook her head. "Ken-chan may have my Uzumaki red hair, but the rest is all his father's doing," she said. "He inherited his father's Uchiha charm."
Kenshin smiled, feeling a wave of warmth at the playful exchange. But his mind quickly went to another family member. "Where's Nee-san?" he asked eagerly.
Kana tilted her head thoughtfully. "She's likely with Kakashi-san for training," she replied. "You know how focused she's been lately, especially after all that happened."
At this, Tsunade stepped forward, clearing her throat to catch Kenshin's attention. "I'll leave you to your family for now," she said, a small, rare smile softening her usual stern expression. "Spend some time with them. We can discuss the mission details tonight."
After Tsunade left, Kenshin turned to Kana. "Mom, where's Aunt Yukari?"
Kana motioned toward a nearby room. "She's in there resting. Sakura-chan has been taking care of her."
Without hesitation, Kenshin moved toward Yukari's room, sliding the door open quietly. Inside, he found Sakura sitting beside the bed, talking softly to Yukari.
He caught a few words—something about Sasuke and how he'd left the village. Sakura's voice carried a hint of sadness, and her eyes were downcast.
When Kenshin entered, Sakura blinked, startled out of her thoughts. "Kenshin-kun! Welcome back." she greeted, regaining her composure.
Yukari turned, offering Kenshin a warm smile, and greeted him, "Kenshin-sama."
Kenshin moved to Yukari's side, kneeling down gently. "Aunt Yukari… I'm glad to see you're recovering." His voice was soft, filled with genuine relief.
At that moment, Kaede's voice came through telepathically. "Master, would it be alright if Kira and I came over?"
Kenshin responded in kind, "Yes, but it might be better for you both to come in your cat forms."
Kaede understood, transforming herself into a sleek black cat. She walked to Yukari's room quietly, leaving Kira chatting animatedly with Kana. Once inside, she looked up at Yukari and Sakura with her sharp bright red eyes, gracefully leaping onto Kenshin's shoulder.
Kaede meowed softly, then greeted both Sakura and Yukari with a dignified nod. Kenshin introduced her, explaining, "This is Kaede, one of my new friends and also my summon." Both Sakura and Yukari looked curious, studying the cat with interest.
Kaede's gaze shifted to Yukari, and she seemed to take in the frailness that still clung to her, despite her recovery.
She turned to Kenshin, her thoughts reaching him telepathically again. "Master, if you permit, I could help her with my healing ability. I can share my regeneration, you know how. Is that okay?"
Kenshin gave a slight nod, his eyes meeting Kaede's with a calm trust. Kaede jumped onto the bed and approached Yukari, who was watching curiously.
Without hesitation, Kaede leaned close, and, in a gentle motion, licked Yukari's open mouth, transferring her regenerative energy.
A soft, warm glow enveloped Yukari as Kaede's energy took hold. Her frail form began to regain strength, her skin becoming more youthful, and her once-white hair transforming back to its original vibrant red.
The visible change was swift yet serene, leaving Yukari looking decades younger, her body revitalized with health and strength.
Sakura's eyes widened, astonished at the transformation. "Yukari-san… You…, but how?" she murmured, barely able to believe what she was seeing.
Yukari blinked, flexing her hands in surprise, and looked down at herself with wide eyes.
Kaede settled down contentedly on the bed, curling her tail around herself, looking up at Kenshin with a smug, satisfied gleam.
Yukari took a deep breath, steadying herself before attempting to rise. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, and Sakura quickly moved to her side, gently helping her up.
Kaede leapt down from the bed, her lithe cat form moving gracefully, and then climbed up onto Kenshin's shoulder, her tail curling comfortably around his neck.
Yukari wobbled slightly as she stood, her muscles remembering strength they hadn't held in years. With Sakura's support on one side and Kenshin's on the other, she took her first few steps, feeling a renewed energy coursing through her.
Sakura, awed by Yukari's transformation, turned to Kenshin with wide eyes. "Kenshin-kun… how is this possible?"
Kenshin met her gaze with a calm smile. "Kaede has a unique regenerative ability," he explained. "She's able to temporarily share it through… well, through contact." He gave a small nod towards Kaede on his shoulder, who looked back at Sakura with a quiet, proud glint in her bright red eyes.
With careful steps, they guided Yukari out of the room and into the hallway, making their way toward the living room. As they walked, Kenshin reached out telepathically to Kira. "Kira, it's best if you transform into your cat form."
Kana, who had already sensed the approach of Yukari's newly invigorated chakra, turned, her eyes widening in disbelief. A tear escaped as she took in her friend's restored form, and without a moment's pause, she rushed forward, enveloping Yukari in a warm embrace.
"Yukari… you're…" Kana's voice was thick with emotion. She pulled back slightly to look into her friend's face, her fingers brushing over Yukari's once-frail arms, now vibrant with health. "You're completely recovered…"
Kenshin stepped forward, gently explaining, "It was Kaede's doing. She healed Yukari."
Kana looked puzzled, glancing around. "But… where is Kaede?"
Kenshin pointed to his shoulder, where Kaede sat in her small, confident cat form. "She's here. Kaede has two forms—and so does Kira."
Kana's eyes widened as she looked at the small cat with newfound appreciation, her gaze shifting to Kenshin in amazement. Kenshin then spoke telepathically to Kaede and Kira, instructing them both, "Transform, both of you."
At his silent command, Kaede leapt gracefully from his shoulder, landing with a delicate step as she transformed back into her human form. Just moments later, Kira, in a similar shimmer of chakra, took on her humanoid form as well, her catlike ears and tail accentuating her youthful, curious expression.
Kana took in their forms with a mixture of surprise and delight. Her gaze softened as she turned back to Kenshin, marveling at the extraordinary allies he had brought home.
Kana's arms wrapped around Kenshin tightly, pulling him close as if trying to convey all her love and pride through her embrace.
She held him there for a moment, then leaned back just enough to place a gentle, affectionate kiss on his forehead, her fingers lightly brushing his hair.
Her eyes shimmered with tears, barely held back. "Ken-chan… my incredible son…" she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "You always find a way to make miracles happen. Even now, the moment you return home, you do something amazing."
She brushed her hand gently along his cheek, looking at him with a mother's unwavering love and pride. "I couldn't be prouder of you," she whispered.
Kenshin felt his own heart swell at her words, the warmth of home and family surrounding him. He returned her smile with one of his own, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.
Kira and Kaede, watching the tender scene, exchanged a soft glance, respecting the moment between mother and son. Kira's tail flicked with amusement as she whispered to Kaede, "Looks like a certain someone made herself useful."
Kaede gave a small nod, looking at Kira will a teasing smirk. "At least one of us did. You'll just get in the way all the time now that I'm here."
Kana noticed their exchange and offered them a kind smile, then gently released Kenshin, brushing a hand through his hair one last time. "Now," she said, her voice more composed, "let's all sit together. I want to hear everything."
She turned to Yukari and offered her a gentle hand, gesturing for her to take a seat beside her on the cushions. "Yukari… it's been so long since we could simply sit and talk like this."
As everyone gathered, Kenshin felt a sense of ease settle over him, a calm he only felt in the presence of family. With Kana beside him, Yukari nearby, and his new allies close, he knew this moment would stay with him as a reminder of what he fought for.
Kira, not one to stay too serious for long, sidled up to Kenshin. "So, master," she whispered with a mischievous grin, "will your dear servants get to meet your sister anytime soon?"
Kenshin chuckled, looking at her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Maybe, but let's let the lady finish her training for now. We'll go to meet her in a bit."
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Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support and power stones. And as always, please give me your power stones and comment your opinions. They make a big difference and motivate me to write more.