As he adapted to his stronger muscles, faster legs, and tougher skin and bones, his consciousness wavered for a moment before returning to reality. It was a strange sensation that couldn't be explained with words…
After creating a clone, he noticed that not only had his strength changed, but his appearance as well. If he was already considered handsome before—now he had become a movie star. His hair had a unique shine that made his previously spiked red hair grow strangely long, reaching slightly below his shoulders. His bangs hovered just above his eyes.
Moreover, his skin appeared healthier, and he had grown a few centimeters, now standing at 188 cm tall. His muscles had also changed, though he hadn't become a bulky bodybuilder full of muscles and veins; instead, he had the ideal physique of a swimmer.
'Hmm, I know it's me, but I have to admit, I've become quite a catch, haven't I?'
He began to worry that now, not only would he be treated as the hero who saved the village, but he might also be approached because of his appearance. Before, he was already above average, but now…
'Well, it doesn't really matter.' Despite not wanting to be constantly bothered, it didn't mean he was unhappy. It would be hypocritical to say he didn't like it at all. However, being constantly approached could be annoying.
Of course, it would be different if he were the playboy type and wanted to go out with anyone who showed interest in him...
Putting that aside, he had the clone activate the Sharingan.
"... Why do I feel like I got even more handsome?" he murmured.
The addition of a pair of golden eyes with Sharingan-patterned pupils added an extra charm to his appearance.
As for the Byakugan, it gave him a wilder look. In any case, neither made him look unattractive or strange, and both ended up enhancing his charm.
[1+2=3]
When Tanaka appeared in the living room, Akane was the first to notice that it wasn't a shadow clone.
"You're back!" she exclaimed loudly.
"Oniichan?" Kushina, who was sitting at the table, turned to him, looking surprised at her mother's exclamation.
"Yes, I'm back," Tanaka said, smiling slightly.
His refreshing smile captivated his audience. Both Kushina and Akane were affected by his smile.
"Oniichan, your smile is so beautiful now—Dattebane~" Kushina said, innocently expressing what she truly thought.
"Fufufu~" Akane, who had snapped out of her trance, chuckled and said meaningfully, "It seems someone has changed a lot in a short span of two weeks. And I agree with my daughter; your smile just now was very handsome. You should smile more, Tanaka-kun."
"Haha." Tanaka scratched his face as he laughed awkwardly at being praised so much. He spoke quickly, without going into detail, "My lineage improved a bit, so that might be the reason for the change."
Akane was perceptive enough to notice that he was implying his 'Kekkei Genkai' had improved.
'So magical...' She knew that some Kekkei Genkai could bring significant changes, although rare, but she felt that Tanaka's was rare even among the rarest.
The fact that she felt pressured in his presence, even when he did nothing, was the greatest proof of that...
"Are you here to stay?" Akane raised an eyebrow as she approached and hugged him.
"Me too~" Kushina got up, ran to him, and hugged his thigh.
After thinking for a bit, Tanaka replied, "I don't know for how long, but... It seems I don't need to worry about the distance. Even when I'm far away, I can summon myself here."
Releasing her embrace, Akane, who was holding his shoulders, looked surprised: "You can already do that?"
"Yes, and it wasn't as difficult as it seemed." Tanaka spoke a little about his experience trying: "First, I tried it with a clone; seeing that it worked, I tried it with myself, and the fact that I'm here is the result."
"Amazing? Oniichan is amazing?" Kushina looked at her mother.
"Yes, he is." Akane sighed, gently touching her daughter's head and smiling beautifully.
"Hehee~ Just as expected from Oniichan—Dattebane~!" Kushina clapped her hands excitedly.
Smiling a little, Tanaka said, "Akane-san, is there anything to eat? I'm a bit hungry and... I also want to take a bath."
"Sure, sure." Akane replied, "Take a bath first, I'll prepare something for you to eat."
"Thank you." Grateful, before leaving, he thought for a moment and then took out 1kg of Orc meat and handed it to her.
Even without him saying anything, she understood his intention in giving it to her. And, although not frequent, his clone would still occasionally share some Orc meat, and she had already become proficient in cooking with this type of meat, making it even more delicious.
Rolling up her sleeves, she spoke confidently, "Leave it to me, I'll prepare something delicious—Dattekane~!"
Kushina mimicked her mother, exclaiming, 'Dattebane~!' while striking a cute pose, rolling up her sleeves, with her right hand over the bicep of her left arm, which was flexed upward.
Laughing a little, Tanaka then left.
[V+II= VII]
On February 3rd, Saturday in the Land of Fire, in the Daimyō's meeting room of the Land of Fire, four advisors and a masked ninja stood by the Daimyō alongside four members from Konoha.
It was a large, high-ceilinged room with windows aligned around the top, featuring an equally large table with a purple throne where the Daimyō of the Land of Fire sat, bearing the symbol of the Land of Fire.
On Konoha's side were Tsunade, Shikakou Nara (Shikaku's father), Hisuke Hyuga (Hiashi's father), and Fudo Uchiha (Fugaku Uchiha's father).
Normally, Konoha's current advisors should have been present, but after what happened... None of them got away unscathed. With Hiruzen on the run, even the other two, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, were arrested after a thorough investigation.
Although their crimes weren't as severe as Danzo's and Hiruzen's, they were still complicit in some things they knew about but did nothing to stop, and they also embezzled a lot of money over the years.
"Now, we will begin the meeting to decide who will be the next Hokage," the Daimyō said, opening his fan to cover his face.
As soon as the Daimyō's words fell, the previously silent room began to buzz as they conversed among themselves.
"I recommend Sakumo Hatake as Hokage," said Shikakou Nara.
"I would also like to recommend him," Tsunade said. "His strength has already been proven. He has more than enough merit for the position, and his loyalty is unquestionable."
The Daimyō seemed surprised as he said, "I see, the boy who's been gaining fame as Konoha's White Fang, right? Interesting, he seems like a good choice. What do you all think?" He looked at his advisors.
"Konoha's White Fang? I think I've heard that name before..."
"Though he isn't very old, his strength is undeniable."
"Now that Konoha is going through difficult times, the sooner a Hokage is chosen, the better."
"But... isn't he a bit too young?"
"No, that's not so important right now. Besides him, there's hardly anyone as capable at this moment..."
The discussion was overwhelmingly in his favor.
The real issue was that, besides Sakumo Hatake, there wasn't a better candidate.
"So, is everyone in agreement that Sakumo Hatake will be the Fourth Hokage?" the Daimyō asked, closing his fan.
One by one, they nodded, even the heads of the Hyuga and Uchiha clans agreed.
[2+3=V]
When Tanaka came out of the bath, a table full of delicious food was served.
Kushina was already drooling in anticipation.
Noticing his arrival, she turned to him and said eagerly, "Oniichan, you took so long—Dattebane! Hurry, hurry, let's eat~"
"Mm." Giving a faint smile, he approached the table and sat in seiza at the end while Akane served him a bowl of rice.
||- Note -||
If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to cast your vote with a Power Stone! Your support means the world and keeps me motivated to bring you new chapters.
Chapter 86 is already released on Pa treon!
patre on.com/Tozoku