Naruto SI: Kaito Red Lightnin Chapter 194
Kushina kept brushing his hair, her eyes soft.
She looked down at him, asleep on her lap—his expression calm, peaceful.
Leaning forward slightly, she pressed a kiss to his forehead.
"Thank you, Kai-kun," she whispered.
And under the full moon, with the village fast asleep, Kushina stayed right there—watching over her son, just like she always had.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the house…
The pale light of the moon poured through a bedroom window, casting a soft glow over Naruto as he lay asleep in his bed.
But his face was tense—his brow scrunched, sweat beading on his skin.
He squirmed beneath the blanket, his breath shallow.
"No… no…" Naruto muttered in his sleep, gripping his pillow tightly, his head twitching from side to side.
Then, suddenly, he jolted upright with a loud gasp, chest heaving as he panted for breath. His eyes darted around the room, wide and filled with lingering fear.
"Wha… what was that…?" he whispered to himself, swallowing hard.
He looked around again, slowly realizing he was still in his room. Safe.
Letting out a shaky sigh, Naruto lay back down, his arms resting over his stomach as he stared up at the ceiling. "Was that… real?"
…
The sun rose gently over the Village Hidden in the Leaves, casting a warm golden light across the rooftops.
In the backyard garden patio, Kushina sat peacefully, her back resting against the porch pillar. Kaito was still fast asleep in her lap, his head rising and falling gently with her breathing.
Kushina smiled down at him and brushed a hand through his hair. Then she leaned in slightly and nudged him softly. "Kai-kun, wake up," she said, voice gentle.
Kaito frowned in his sleep and buried his face a little deeper into her stomach.
Kushina giggled. "The sun's already up, and breakfast won't cook itself, ya know."
Kaito stirred, eyes blinking open slowly. His vision was greeted by his mother's soft smile as she looked down at him.
He blinked again, fully waking up, then slowly sat up, yawning and rubbing at his eyes. "Mmph… what time is it?" he mumbled, then paused as he looked around. "Wait—did I stay here all night? Oh, I'm sorry, ya know… that must've been really uncomfortable."
Kushina stood up, stretching her arms over her head with a content sigh. "You did. And no, it wasn't uncomfortable at all."
Kaito stood as well, yawning as he stretched. "Sorry, Mom. You should've woken me. Your legs must be numb, ya know."
Kushina smiled and ruffled his hair. "They're fine. It's been ages since my little boy fell asleep in my lap, ya know. I wasn't about to ruin the moment."
Kaito chuckled and nodded, following behind her as they walked back inside the house.
Once they stepped into the kitchen, Kushina glanced over her shoulder. "I'd better jump in the bath and get breakfast going. Naruto and the others will be up soon."
Kaito snorted and shook his head. "I don't think they will be. You ran them into the ground yesterday, ya know. I doubt Haku and the others will even move today."
Kushina gave him a light smack on the arm. "I wasn't that bad! You make it sound like I was torturing them or something."
Kaito laughed. "Anyway, I'm off for my morning workout, ya know."
He turned and headed to the bathroom, washing his face and brushing his teeth. After drying off, he slung the towel over the rack, cracked his neck, and took a deep breath.
"Alright… let's go," he muttered to himself. with that Kaito vanished teleporting out the house
…
An hour later…
The door to Kushina's room slid open as she stepped out, fully dressed for the day in her a yellow short-sleeve dress with a white T-shirt underneath. Her long red hair was tied up neatly, swaying slightly as she walked.
She hummed a light tune to herself as she made her way down the hallway, heading toward Naruto and Karin's rooms.
Reaching Karin's door first, Kushina knocked gently. "I'm coming in, ya know," she said, and slid the door open.
Inside, Karin was still fast asleep—face down on the bed, arms curled around a pillow. A bit of drool had soaked into her pillow, and the blanket was wrapped messily around her like a cocoon.
Kushina sighed with a soft smile and walked over, gently shaking Karin's shoulder. "Time to wake up, honey. You've got to get ready for the Academy, ya know."
Karin stirred, letting out a groggy groan as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Good morning…"
"Good morning," Kushina replied, then playfully scolded, "Hey, stop rubbing your eyes like that. You'll ruin your eyesight, ya know."
Karin yawned and stretched. "Hai, Aunt Kushina…"
"Good. Now get ready—I'm going to wake up Naru-chan and start breakfast," Kushina said as she headed out of the room.
She walked further down the hall and stopped in front of Naruto's door. Knocking gently, she called out, "I'm coming in, ya know," before sliding the door open.
"Rise and shine, Naru-cha—"
Kushina stopped mid-sentence.
The bed was empty.
The blanket had been kicked onto the floor, the sheets were messy, and there was no sign of Naruto anywhere.
She blinked in surprise, tilting her head. "Huh…? He's already up? That's… unexpected."
Still a little puzzled, she walked over to the bathroom door nearby and gave it a knock.
"Naru-chan? Are you in there?" she asked, pressing her ear lightly to the door.
But there was no sound.
Nothing.
Kushina's brows furrowed
Kushina knocked on the bathroom door again, her tone growing more impatient. "Naru-chan, are you in there?"
Still no answer.
Frowning, she sighed. "I'm coming in, ya know," she said, and slowly opened the door—only to find the bathroom completely empty.
Kushina blinked in confusion. "Huh? Where could that boy have gone to?"
She walked back over to Naruto's room, eyes narrowing at the messy bed. "He hasn't even made his bed yet," she muttered, shaking her head. She picked the blanket up off the floor, folded it neatly, and placed it back on the bed. Her eyes landed on the pile of clothes scattered across the ground.
"Look at all these clothes on the floor, ya know…"
With a sigh, Kushina formed a single seal and summoned a shadow clone.
"Can you clean this up, please? I've gotta get started on breakfast, ya know."
The clone gave a quick nod and immediately got to work tidying the room.
Meanwhile, the real Kushina walked out into the hallway, frown still on her face. She looked around—no sign of Naruto.
Peeking into the kitchen, she called out, "Naruto…?"
But her voice trailed off. The kitchen was empty too.
"Huh… not here either."
Kushina headed toward the back, sliding open the patio door to check the garden.
"Naru-chan?" she called out.
Nothing. The space was quiet and empty.
Now visibly puzzled, Kushina rubbed her chin. "Where could that boy have gone off to?"
She paused, then smacked a fist into her open palm. "Ah! Maybe Naru-chan went with Kai-kun!"
She nodded to herself, satisfied with the theory. "Yeah, that must be it. He probably woke up early and went to train with his big brother."
Smiling now, Kushina walked back inside and headed for the kitchen. She grabbed the apron hanging by the wall and slipped it over her head.
Opening the fridge, she hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm… what should I make today? I made pancakes yesterday…"
She tapped her chin before reaching in and grabbing a few ingredients.
"Alright, rice with tamagoyaki and miso soup. Something healthy, ya know," she said with a smile, picking up eggs and miso paste.
Closing the fridge, she walked over to the counter, still humming, and started preparing breakfast—her usual warmth slowly filling the kitchen.
Kushina stood at the stove, carefully flipping the golden tamagoyaki rolls in the pan when she heard footsteps behind her.
Karin walked into the kitchen, fully dressed and ready for the day. "Good morning, Aunt Kushina. Need any help?"
Kushina glanced over her shoulder with a smile. "No thank you, honey. I'm almost done, ya know."
Karin stepped closer, peering curiously at the stove. "What are you making?"
"Tamago-yaki with rice and miso soup," Kushina replied, a proud smile on her face.
Karin nodded and took a deep breath. "Mmm… smells delicious."
Kushina chuckled. "Of course it does. Who do you think's making it, ya know?"
Just then, they heard knocking at the front door.
Kushina looked up toward the sound. "Oh, that must be the others." She turned to Karin. "Karin-chan, be a dear and get the door, will you?"
Karin was already walking out of the kitchen. "Hai!"
As she left, Kushina let out a sigh. "No matter how many times I tell them they don't have to knock, they keep doing it, ya know." She shook her head and turned back to her pan.
She gently rolled one last tamagoyaki and placed it onto the growing stack in a bowl nearby.
A moment later, Karin returned, followed by Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro.
"Morning, Aunt Kushina," Guren said with a small wave.
Haku bowed politely. "Good morning, Lady Kushina. Do you need any help?"
Kimimaro gave a small nod. "Good morning, Kushina-sama."
Kushina turned from the stove, setting down her spatula, and smiled warmly at them. "Good morning, you guys."
She picked up the bowl of tamagoyaki and said, "Haku, be a dear and grab some bowls for everyone from the rack, will you?"
Haku nodded without hesitation, walked over to the dish rack, and gathered a neat stack of bowls. He brought them over and handed them to her.
Kushina accepted them with a grateful smile. "Thanks."
She placed the bowls on the table and gestured to the food. "Now come sit. Eat while it's still hot, ya know."
As Haku took a seat at the table, she glanced around. "lady kushina if you dont mind me asking Where's Naruto-kun?"
Guren snorted. "Where else? He's probably still drooling on his pillow."
Kushina shook her head with a small chuckle. "Nope. Actually, Naru-chan woke up early today, ya know." She began plating rice and tamagoyaki for everyone.
Karin, who was ladling soup into small bowls, paused mid-scoop. "Huh? Naruto woke up early?" she asked, looking up at Kushina in surprise.
"Yep," Kushina nodded. "He went out with Kai-kun to train."
Kimimaro, seated quietly at the table, looked toward her. "They're not back yet? Kaito-niisama is usually home by now."
Kushina smiled as she passed him a bowl. "Well, Kai-kun slept in today, so he's running a bit late, ya know."
Kimimaro accepted the bowl with a nod. "Thank you."
Just then, Kaito walked into the kitchen, towel draped around his neck, drying his hair."Morning, guys," he said casually.
"I'm starving," he said, letting out a yawn. "What'd you make, Mom?"
Kushina looked up and smiled warmly. "Tamagoyaki with rice and miso soup. Come eat, I just finished cooking, ya know."
Haku greeted him politely as Kushina handed him a bowl. "Morning, Naruto-nii."
Karin smiled. "Morning, nii-san."
Kimimaro gave a small bow. "Good morning, nii-sama."
Guren gave a lazy wave. "Morning."
Kaito sat down in his usual seat—next to Naruto's, which was still empty.
Kushina walked over and placed a bowl of rice and tamagoyaki in front of him. "Here you go, Kai-kun."
Kaito took the bowl and smiled. "Thanks, Mom."
Karin came over and set a small bowl of miso soup next to him. Kaito looked up and grinned. "Thanks, Karin."
Kaito took the bowl of rice and tamagoyaki, grinning as he picked up his chopsticks. "I'm starving, ya know. Itadakimasu," he said, and started eating.
Haku, Guren, Karin, and Kimimaro echoed together, "Itadakimasu," and began their breakfast as well.
After a few bites, Kaito lowered his bowl and swallowed, then looked toward his mom. "So… where's Naruto, Mom?"
Kushina blinked, confused. "Huh? What do you mean? He was with you, right?" She tilted her head. "He's probably just taking a bath after your morning workout."
Kaito froze mid-bite. "Wait… what do you mean Naruto was with me? I haven't seen him at all this morning, ya know."
Kushina's eyes widened. "Wait—what?! You didn't take Naruto with you?!"
She stood up abruptly, startling everyone at the table.
Kaito stood as well, his expression growing serious. "No… I thought he was still asleep or something."
Kushina looked at him, worry rapidly growing on her face. "No—his room was empty this morning. I thought he went with you, ya know…" Her voice shook slightly. "D-Did something happen to my baby?"
Breakfast was completely forgotten.
Karin, Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro looked up, confused and now visibly worried.
Kaito placed his bowl down and stepped toward her. "Mom, did you check the whole house?"
Kushina nodded quickly. "Yes, I looked everywhere. His bed was empty, the bathroom was empty… I didn't see him at all, ya know. That's why I thought he left early with you!"
Kaito's eyes widened, a tight feeling settling in his chest. Did something happen to Naruto? he thought anxiously.
Kushina followed him, worry etched on her face. "Your clone—didn't it see where Naruto went?"
Kaito shook his head. "The clone dispelled when I fell asleep last night… I didn't even realize until you asked, Mom."
Without wasting another second, Kaito closed his eyes and focused, sensing for the Hiraishin marker he had placed on Naruto.
A moment later, he let out a small sigh of relief. "He's nearby…"
Activating the Mind's Eye of Kagura, Kaito focused extending his chakra senses outward. His brows narrowed as he pinpointed Naruto's location.
Kushina leaned in slightly, her voice hopeful but still filled with worry. "Did you find him, Kai-kun?"
Kaito nodded. "Yeah. He's not in danger… he's at the Hokage Monument. He's alone, actually." But his brows furrowed.
Kushina let out a long sigh of relief. "Oh my… that's a relief," she said, placing a hand over her chest. But in the very next second, her expression shifted—her brows furrowed, and her eyes lit up with fire."When I get my hands on that kid—! What was he thinking, making me worry like that, ya know?!"
Karin and Guren sweatdropped at her sudden mood swing. Haku smiled nervously, already feeling bad for Naruto. Kimimaro just crossed his arms and nodded.
Kushina growled, clenching her fists. "Wait till I get my hands on you, brat!" she said, stomping the ground before turning to storm out of the house.
"Wait, Mom!" Kaito called, stopping her in her tracks.
She turned back, confused. "What is it, Kai-kun?"
Kaito's expression turned serious. "Naruto's chakra… it feels off. Like he's… sad."
Kushina blinked, her anger fading into confusion. "Sad? But… why would he be sad?"
Kaito shrugged. "I don't know. But I'm coming with you."
Kushina nodded, her expression softening with concern again.
Kaito quickly created a shadow clone, then turned to the others. "I'll leave this clone behind. Just in case we're late, he'll walk you guys to the Academy, okay?"
Before any of them could respond, Kaito placed his palm on Kushina's back, and in a flash—they vanished.
Karin stared at the spot where they'd been. "Is Naruto really okay…?" she asked, worry clear on her face. This was the first time something like this had ever happened—Naruto had always been cheerful and full of energy. She couldn't remember ever seeing him sad… not since that time they were all hospitalized.
Kaito's clone nodded with a calm smile. "Yeah. He should be fine. Now come on—finish your breakfast. Mom and boss will bring him back soon, ya know."
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