Shinki's laughter echoed as she collapsed onto the sofa, her eyes watering from amusement. Kushina's complaints had hit Tsunade right in her pride.
When they were kids, Tsunade and Jiraiya were known for their less-than-stellar study habits. While Tsunade managed average grades, Jiraiya consistently landed at the bottom of the class. They couldn't hold a candle to Orochimaru, the academic prodigy. To make matters worse, the three of them had graduated early, starting their ninja careers at an age when most children were still learning basic arithmetic. Tsunade had barely completed second grade by the time she became a genin.
Kushina's remark about third-grade homework being easy stung more than Tsunade cared to admit.
"You little rascal, I'm done caring about you," Tsunade said, clutching her chest dramatically.
It was utterly frustrating. Here she was, taking responsibility for Kushina and enduring the backlash, only for the little redhead to complain.
Kushina, unbothered, grinned mischievously. "That's okay, Shizune-senpai can look after me."
"You... Never mind," Tsunade sighed, sitting back on the sofa in resignation, her will to scold Nawaki evaporating.
She made a mental note to speak with Kushina's homeroom teacher about assigning extra holiday homework.
Just then, Uchiha Mikoto arrived, offering a polite greeting. "Tsunade-senpai, Shizune-senpai."
"Welcome, Mikoto," Tsunade said warmly, genuinely fond of the young Uchiha.
Mikoto was different—gentle, intelligent, and responsible, with a kindness that made her beloved by everyone who knew her. Even her Uchiha lineage, often eyed with suspicion, didn't affect how others felt about her.
"Hi," Shinki said with a smile, noticing the sparkle in Mikoto's eyes. There was admiration there, something he hadn't seen before.
Kushina, perched in his lap, began her excited chatter. "Shinki, you're amazing! Did you know? Everyone's calling you 'God Slayer' now. Even our teachers say you're one of the village's strongest!"
Shinki chuckled and pinched her nose lightly. "Do you admire me too?"
Kushina, laughing through the nose pinch, nodded. "Of course, I do! Even Sister Mikoto admires you."
Mikoto's cheeks turned a soft pink, and she nodded shyly. "Yes, it's true."
After nearly a year apart, Kushina had an endless supply of stories and updates to share. She kept talking until her stomach rumbled, and she pouted. "Shinki, I'm hungry."
He sighed, feigning exasperation. "You say you admire me, but you make me cook as soon as I'm back from the battlefield?"
Kushina's puppy-dog eyes were impossible to resist. "Alright, I'll cook. You stay here and entertain Mikoto."
Shinki gently set Kushina on the sofa and made his way to the kitchen.
Mikoto smiled. "I'm fine, really."
"See? Mikoto's the best," Kushina said with a proud smile.
Tsunade watched the scene and sighed. If only Kushina were half as sensible as Mikoto, things would be easier.
Shinki put together a simple meal from what he found in the fridge. "Eat slowly. I'm heading upstairs to rest," he said, stretching. The journey back had been exhausting, and he was on high alert for potential ambushes along the way.
"Go on," Tsunade waved dismissively, too busy fighting Kushina and Nawaki for food to pay him much mind. Mikoto, as always, ate quietly and gracefully.
Back in his room, Shinki changed into comfortable clothes and quickly fell asleep.
***
In the Hyuga main family's residence, Hyuga Hiashi knelt before his father and the elders. Their expectant eyes were fixed on him.
"Father, Shinki accepted my apology, but he said the family needs to show true sincerity if we want to choose a side."
One of the main family's elders, embittered by past losses, muttered, "Not holding him accountable is already showing enough sincerity."
Hiashi's father, who had lost a son to Shinki, looked bitter. His grief made it even harder to accept that he needed to appease the man responsible. But with the power Shinki wielded and the possibility that he had found a way around the Caged Bird Seal, the family had no choice.
The clan leader's gaze swept over the assembled elders. "I understand everyone's dissatisfaction, but remember the lesson we learned. The village will not support us. Shinki's rumored ability to bypass the Caged Bird Seal is vital."
The seal was the main family's means of control, and the thought of its power being nullified made them uneasy. If Shinki's secret spread, their dominance over the branch family could crumble.
An elder scoffed. "What if he's lying?"
Another chimed in, "We must act preemptively. The branch family cannot overthrow us if we stay vigilant."
When the room finally quieted, the clan leader turned to Hiashi. "You've spoken with him. What is your judgment?"
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 280 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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