Naruto SI: Kaito Red Lightnin Chapter 207
"Huh… did you forget already?" Tsunade asked, raising a brow."What have you even been doing these past few days, anyway? I told you to rest—and yet you've been running around hunting those clones."
Kaito rubbed the back of his neck. "Eh… I was just training, ya know. Working on a new version of Hiraishin."
Tsunade groaned, waving him away. "Urrgh, whatever. Just go. I need to call in Shikaku and Fugaku, get them up to speed on this. Ugh—just when I thought my paperwork was done." She poured herself another cup and downed half of it in one gulp.
Kaito offered, "I could help you, ya know."
Tsunade set her cup down, fixing him with a sharp look before sighing. "What I need is for you to go home and rest. I can handle this. The last thing I need is your mother storming in here because you fainted again. Just finish the new barrier."
Kaito's lips curved into a small smile. "Alright, alright… then I'll leave it to you." With that, Kaito vanished, leaving Tsunade alone in her office
She let out a long sigh and reached for the sake bottle, pouring herself another cup. She pressed her finger on the comms seal embedded in her desk.
"Get me Shikaku and Fugaku," she ordered. Then Tsunade downed her drink in one gulp.
…
The morning sun filtered softly through the tree leaves, casting warm light across the Uzumaki home.
Kaito sat on the porch, leaning forward as he dusted the sole of his left foot and stretched his socks. He was dressed in a black suit with a white shirt underneath and black pants.
In front of him stood Karin, wearing a white dress with short sleeves and a black belt. Her red hair was neatly combed to the side and held in place with a clip. Beside her stood Haku and Kimimaro, both dressed alike in white shirts with grey suit vests and matching grey pants.
And sitting next to Kaito was Guren, her chin resting on her palm as she watched him. She wore a light pink short-sleeved dress tied with a white belt, her expression calm but curious.
All four of them were looking at Kaito as he spoke, explaining about them graduating the following April.
Guren tilted her head. "Will you be our sensei, Kai-nii?"
Kimimaro gave a small nod. "I would like that as well… if Kaito-sama was our sensei."
"Huh?" Kaito blinked in surprise, then gave a small laugh, shaking his head as he tugged on his socks. "Probably not."
Guren frowned. "Why not?"
Kaito sighed, slipping on his left black shoe and pulling at the laces. "Well, let's see. For one thing, I don't think you three will even be put into the same team in the first place."
"That makes sense," Haku said, nodding thoughtfully. "Lady Hokage might want us to form bonds with other people in the village."
"Exactly," Kaito agreed. "And not only that—teams are always built to be balanced, usually specializing in one type of task like tracking or frontline combat. If they put the three of you together, it wouldn't be balanced at all." He finished tying his shoe and looked up at them with a small smile. "And even if you did end up on the same team, I don't think I'd be assigned as your sensei. I'm too young for that job, ya know."
Guren frowned, arms crossed. "Ugh… that means I might be stuck with one of the whiny losers from my class. Can't you do something, Kai-nii?"
Kaito shrugged, tugging at the cuff of his sock. "It's not up to me. The Hokage decides team placement. You could always ask her if you want, but don't expect much, ya know."
Guren huffed but gave a small nod.
Kimimaro tilted his head slightly, confusion flickering across his calm face. "But… wasn't your team not balanced either?"
Kaito gave a soft chuckle, brushing the dust from the sole of his right foot before pulling on his sock. "That was different. Me, Hotaru, and Itachi all graduated at seven—we were way younger than the rest of our class. The village didn't want jealousy or resentment ruining teamwork. And besides, I graduated just a year after the Nine-Tails attack. Back then, the village was desperate for new shinobi. They needed us, like how they once needed the Sannin… or my dad." He tied his laces firmly. "Our team was seen as the new generation's stars. That's why they put us under Shikaku-sensei. They didn't want to waste talent."
He sat back, adjusting the fit of his shoe. "But in contrast to then… your era is relatively peaceful, ya know. That means balance matters more than rushing people through."
Haku nodded slowly. "I see. So… who do you think will be our sensei?"
Kaito hummed, rubbing his chin in thought as he tugged on his right shoe. "Hmm… Guren will probably be assigned under Tenzo."
Guren blinked, sitting up straighter. "Tenzo-san?"
Kaito nodded. "Yeah, most likely. He can help you with your kekkei genkai. Shōton's similar to Wood Release in how it's element-based. Lady Tsunade would probably assign him to you. But that's just my guess, ya know."
His gaze shifted to Haku. "You're in the same situation as Guren—your kekkei genkai's also element-based. But you've also got Kahyō to teach you Hyōton, but I doubt she'll be your jōnin-sensei. She's tied up with clan duties, representing your people. So they'll probably assign you someone else."
He finished tying his lace and smoothed the fabric flat. "And… I'm not sure about Kimimaro," he admitted.
Karin, who had been quiet until then, tilted her head. "What about me, Nii-chan? I won't be placed on the same team with Naruto?"
Kaito straightened, shrugging as he adjusted his coat. "Probably not. My guess is you'll end up in a tracking squad—because you have the Mind's Eye of Kagura. It's too useful not to group you with other trackers, ya know."
He looked at the three of them and grinned. "Don't worry, ya know. I'm sure Lady Tsunade will assign each of you to someone suited to train you properly."
The three of them nodded, reassured
Karin smiled up at him. "You look a lot happier today, Kai-nii."
Kaito blinked, glancing at her. "Huh? What do you mean by that?" he asked curiously.
Guren leaned forward a little, nodding. "Yeah… you looked kind of sad these past few days."
Karin added softly, "You've been really quiet. Always lost in thought."
Haku gave a small nod. "We even asked Lady Kushina about it. She told us you were just thinking about something important… and not to disturb you."
Kaito tilted his head, thoughtful. Huh… am I that obvious
He gave a light laugh and reached over to pat Karin on the head. "Eh, it was nothing, guys. I just had a lot on my mind, ya know."
Karin immediately swatted his hand away, pouting. "Don't mess up my hair, Nii-chan! I just got it done."
Kaito grinned sheepishly. "Ah, my bad."
Just then, one of Kaito's shadow clones flickered into view, teleporting beside him. It held out a bouquet of flowers. "Here you go, boss."
Kaito accepted the bouquet with a nod, and the clone dispersed into white smoke with a soft poof.
Just then, the door slid open and Naruto walked out, yawning loudly.
He was dressed similarly to Haku and Kimimaro—the only difference being his vest and pants were black. He tugged at his collar constantly, as if it were strangling him, his hair sticking out in every direction like he'd just rolled out of bed… which he had.
"Do I really have to wear this, Mom?" Naruto complained.
Kushina stepped out behind him, sliding the door shut. She was dressed in a long-sleeved white dress with a red belt tied neatly at her waist, the color matching her vibrant hair. She locked the door before turning her gaze to Naruto.
"Quit complaining, Naruto," she said firmly.
"But Mom," Naruto protested, puffing out his cheeks, "I have to wear this the whole day—I can hardly breathe, ya know!"
Guren leaned toward Kaito, lowering her voice. "Why is he always whining in the morning?"
Kaito shrugged, lips quirking. "He just isn't a morning person, ya know."
Naruto's head whipped around at that. He shot Kaito an annoyed look, his blue eyes narrowing.
Kushina crouched down to Naruto's height, adjusting his shirt collar with careful hands. "You should behave," she scolded lightly. "This is a big day for Shizune." She licked her thumb, brushing Naruto's messy bangs to the side. "Now hold still for a second."
Naruto sighed but obediently nodded, grumbling under his breath.
When she was satisfied, Kushina stood and turned to the others. "Well? Do you all have everything you need?"
Kaito, his right hand tucked in his pocket and the bouquet of flowers held in his left, gave a small nod. "Yeah, Mom—we're all ready. And I've got the bouquet too, ya know."
Karin adjusted her hair clip and smiled. "Ready, Aunt Kushina."
Guren gave a small nod. "Yes, Aunt Kushina."
Kimimaro dipped his head silently.
Haku straightened his vest. "Yes, Lady Kushina."
"That's good." Kushina clapped her hands together with a bright smile. "Then let's go."
Together, they set off at a leisurely pace, leaving the house behind.
…
After a few minutes of walking, the group arrived at Sōsen-tei, the resort venue where the wedding was being held.
The place was huge, elegant and refined, with wide wooden gates and banners draped in soft colors for the celebration.
As they stepped through the front entrance, they were greeted by the manager, Yumiko. She bowed deeply. "Lady Kushina, welcome."
Kushina smiled warmly, returning the greeting. "Ah, Yumiko—it's good to see you. Is everything going well, ya know?"
Yumiko straightened with a polite nod. "Yes, everything is in order. The preparations have all been completed."
"Thank you for your hard work, Yumiko, ya know," Kushina replied sincerely.
The two women chatted lightly as Yumiko escorted them down the hall toward the venue.
The wedding hall itself was breathtaking—an indoor and outdoor space designed to highlight blooming sakura trees. A gentle barrier surrounded the entire area, controlling the temperature and even the season so the flowers would always be in full bloom.
The resort itself belonged to the Uzumaki family.
It had been Kaito's idea. He knew relying solely on shinobi missions for income was foolish, and he had persuaded Kushina to open businesses around the Land of Fire. To protect their privacy, none of them carried the Uzumaki name directly. Instead, everything was owned under a company called Sōsen—"Twin Spiral"—named by Kushina after her two sons, Naruto and Kaito.
It was their family's business.
The resort had become quite popular in Konoha, located near the edge of the village, close to the Uzumaki compound, on land once belonging to the Senju. Few outside their circle knew that the Uzumaki family are the actual owner.
The management of Sōsen-tei had been entrusted to Yumiko, an ex-kunoichi and single mother. Once a genin, she had retired after her husband died during a border skirmish with the Land of Water. With a young daughter to raise, she had stepped away from shinobi life entirely.
Kaito had personally vetted her before offering the position, ensuring she held no resentment or ill will toward his mother or brother. He had been satisfied with what he found: a hardworking woman who simply wanted to provide a stable life for her child.
And Sōsen-tei wasn't their only business. The Uzumaki family also owned another resort in the Fire Capital, along with several restaurants scattered throughout the Land of Fire—in Tanzaku Town, Shukuba Town, and Hachō Village. Unlike the resorts, these were family-style izakaya, all built around Kushina's recipes.
The restaurants had grown popular quickly. Every day, they also gave out free hot meals to the poor and less fortunate, something Kushina insisted on from the start.
All of it—the resorts, the restaurants, the lands—was managed under the Uzumaki family's company. They had launched the business ventures not long after Tsunade had become Hokage.
Of course, because the land technically belonged to the Senju, they had to pay Tsunade fifteen percent of the profits. She also had permanent perks: free meals, endless sake, and her own reserved suite at both resorts. Naturally, eight percent of her share disappeared every month into gambling.
As the group walked through the grounds, workers bowed and greeted them warmly. Soon, they reached the main entrance to the venue. Yumiko stopped, gave them a final nod, and slipped away to manage the rest of the venue.
They entered the hall where the wedding was being held.
Inside, Shizune stood at the center, dressed in a white kimono with her hair done up and her makeup perfectly set. Beside her stood Genma, looking uncharacteristically formal in a deep blue hakama. For once, his signature senbon was nowhere to be seen.
And finally, standing nearby with a cup already in hand, was Tsunade. She wore a striking black-and-white kimono that contrasted sharply with her golden hair.
Tsunade was the first to spot them. "About time you guys showed up," she called with a grin.
"Hey, Tsuna-nee, sorry we're a bit late, ya know," Kushina greeted warmly. Her gaze shifted to Shizune, and her expression softened. "Shizune, you look absolutely beautiful, ya know."
Shizune blushed faintly, bowing her head. "Thank you, Kushina-nee. And thank you again for arranging all of this."
Kushina waved her hand dismissively. "It was nothing, ya know."
Kaito stepped forward then, offering the bouquet. "Congratulations, you two," he said with a small smile.
Genma and Shizune accepted the flowers together, both smiling warmly. "Thank you so much," Shizune said sincerely.
Genma nodded as well. "Yeah—thank you."
Kushina leaned closer to Genma, her smile turning playful. "You'd better take care of her, ya know."
Genma chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course, Lady Kushina."
Before the moment could linger, Tsunade clapped her hands sharply. "Alright, brats—enough standing around. We still have a few things to finish up. Let's go."
Naruto perked up, blinking. "Huh? What do you need us to do?"
Tsunade turned to Kaito first. "Kaito, we need you to man the reception and the gift booth."
Kaito gave a light shrug. "Yeah, sure. No problem."
Then she pointed at Naruto and Karin. "You two—put up the sign outside." She gestured toward a wooden stand with bold calligraphy that read: Genma Shiranui weds Shizune Katō.
Finally, she motioned toward the others. "And after that, help Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro hand out the goodie bags. Each guest gets one at their seat."
Shizune bowed gratefully, her hands clasped together. "Thank you all so much for your help."
Naruto grinned wide, flashing her a thumbs-up. "Leave it to us! We'll make it look awesome, ya know!"
Kaito stood at the reception booth, carefully stacking wrapped boxes and gift bags into neat piles. Each time a guest approached, he offered a polite bow and word of thanks before tucking their gift away.
After a steady stream of visitors, a familiar voice rang out.
"Kaito-niisan!"
Looking up, Kaito spotted Choji hurrying toward him, his face bright with excitement. Behind him walked Choza and his wife, each carrying a carefully wrapped package.
"Oh, hey Choji," Kaito greeted warmly.
Choza stepped forward and placed their gift onto the table. "Ah, Kaito-san. It's nice to see you again."
Kaito bowed his head respectfully. "Choza-sama. Thank you for the gift—I'll make sure it reaches them safely."
Choji leaned closer, glancing around. "Did Naruto come too?"
Kaito nodded. "He should be inside already. You'll find him near the front with Karin, Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro."
Choji grinned, eyes lighting up. "Great! Um… Kaito-niisan, do you know what time the buffet starts? I heard the food here's supposed to be amazing!"
Kaito sweat-dropped, checking his watch. "It'll be a few hours, Choji."
"A few hours?" Choji's shoulders slumped in exaggerated despair, as if the world itself had conspired against him.
Choza let out a booming laugh and clapped his son on the back, nearly knocking the air out of him. "Patience, son! That's the true test before any feast."
"True test?" Choji groaned, dragging his feet as his father guided him along toward the hall.
"Come on now," Choza said cheerfully. "Let's not keep the line waiting." His wife smiled politely to Kaito as she followed after them.
As they disappeared inside, Kaito rubbed the back of his head with a sigh. "Eh… maybe I should ask Mom to increase the food. If Choji's this eager, the other guests might not get anything to eat."
A shadow clone popped into existence beside him. "On it, boss." Without waiting for further instruction, it sprinted toward the kitchen to find Kushina.
Just then, a loud, spirited voice rang out. "Kaito! It's been far too long!"
Kaito looked up to see Guy striding in, a gift box tucked under one arm, his teeth flashing in a grin that gleamed almost as brightly as his green jumpsuit.
"Here!" Guy declared, holding out the gift dramatically. "This is my offering to celebrate the flames of youth burning brightly in Shizune and Genma's love!"
Kaito accepted it with a small smile, setting it neatly on the pile. "Thanks, Guy. And yeah—it's been a while. How've you been?"
Guy's eyes welled with tears as he clenched a fist to his chest. "Overjoyed! One of my genin squadmates is taking such a bold step in life! To celebrate, I will run five hundred laps around the village—on my hands!" He wiped at his face with the back of his arm, his voice trembling with passion.
Kaito blinked. "Wait—you were on the same team as Genma?"
Guy nodded firmly. "That's right! We were youthful teammates back in the day."
"Indeed," came a calm voice beside him. Ebisu adjusted his glasses as he stepped forward, holding a carefully wrapped gift. "Genma, Guy, and I were all under Choza-sama during our genin years. It was… a rather unique team."
Guy's head snapped toward him, his expression brightening instantly. "Ebisu, my friend! You've also come for this joyous occasion!"
Ebisu gave a small sigh, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Yes, yes… of course, Guy."
Kaito chuckled lightly as he accepted Ebisu's gift and set it neatly with the others.
Guy threw his arm into the air, eyes blazing. "What a youthful occasion! I shall fan the flames of my spirit alongside Shizune and Genma!"
Ebisu adjusted his glasses with a sigh and nudged his teammate. "Guy, let's not get carried away. We still haven't gone in to greet them properly."
"That is right, my friend!" Guy declared, striking a pose before slapping Kaito on the shoulder with enough force to make the gift booth rattle. "We'll catch up later, Kaito! For now, the flames of youth must move onward!"
After a few more guests came by with their gifts, Kaito suddenly found himself yanked forward into a tight hug.
He let out a long sigh. "Can you not do this right now?"
Anko released him with a mischievous grin. "What? Can't I say hello? You're looking sharp today, brat."
She was dressed in a dark violet kimono, a surprising change from her usual bold attire.
Kaito deadpanned at her, though his lips tugged faintly at a smile. "You don't look too bad yourself. Honestly, I thought you'd show up in your fishnet outfit."
Anko leaned closer, eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh? So you wanted to see me in it?"
Before Kaito could reply, a weary voice interrupted.
"Anko, stop teasing him." Tenzo approached, dressed neatly in a dark formal jacket. He gave Kaito a small nod. "Good to see you, Kaito."
Kaito inclined his head politely. "Same to you, Tenzo. And you too, Anko. Glad to see you both doing well."
Anko slipped her arm around Tenzo's and pulled him close, smirking. "Doing well? We're doing better than well."
Kaito raised an eyebrow, but his expression softened. "Well, I'm happy for you two." He gestured to the growing pile of gifts behind him. "So… are you going to hand over your presents, or just keep standing here causing trouble?"
"Right, right," Tenzo said quickly, pulling an envelope from his jacket and handing it over.
Anko followed suit, sliding her own envelope onto the counter.
Kaito accepted them both, curiosity flickering across his face. "Out of interest—how much are you giving them?" he asked as he placed the envelopes in the box.
Tenzo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Eh… about two hundred thousand yen."
Anko blinked in surprise, then frowned. "Wait—you're giving them two hundred? Tch. I only put in fifty thousand."
Kaito blinked, then shrugged casually. "Eh, only that much? We're giving them two million yen."
Both Tenzo and Anko froze.
"Two million?" Tenzo blurted, eyes widening. "That's… that's cost of two S-rank missions!"
Kaito shrugged calmly as he slipped the envelopes into the box. "Yeah. Mom sees Shizune as a sister figure, so she insisted."
Anko's eyes lit up mischievously. She leaned into Tenzo, her tone playful and drawn out. "Hmm… wonder how much Lady Kushina would give us if we got married, eh, Tenzo?" She tilted her head toward him with a sly grin.
Tenzo flushed crimson, stammering, "A-Anko, d-don't say things like that here—"
Kaito rubbed the back of his head, deadpan. "You two really shouldn't be making me the middleman for this…"
"See? Even Kaito agrees," Anko teased, giving Tenzo a sharp nudge.
"Th-that's not what he meant!" Tenzo protested, his voice cracking.
"Sure, sure," Anko sing-songed, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction.
Before Kaito could say anything else, Anko looped her arm around Tenzo's and tugged him firmly toward the hall. "Come on, we've got to start planning our wedding."
"W-wait, Anko! Don't just—hey!" Tenzo's voice trailed off as she dragged him inside, his ears still bright red.
Kaito sighed, shaking his head with an amused smile.
After a dozen more guests had passed through, Kaito heard a familiar voice call out.
"Kai-kun!"
He looked up—and for a moment, his composure slipped. Walking toward him was Hotaru. She wore a white-and-grey kimono with a soft floral pattern, her hair tied back neatly into a ponytail, a single bang framing the left side of her face.
Kaito gaped slightly without realizing it.
Hitomi noticed immediately and giggled, waving a hand in front of his face. "Hello, Kaito-kun. You're drooling—better wipe the corner of your mouth."
Hotaru's cheeks turned bright red at her mother's teasing.
Kaito snapped out of it, quickly running his sleeve across his mouth. Of course, there was no drool—Hitomi had been teasing. He cleared his throat, forcing his face back into calm. "Eh—right. Sorry, I was just—well… good to see you. Lord Hiashi, Lady Hitomi, Hotaru… you too, Hinata-chan, Hanabi-chan."
Hiashi inclined his head politely. "It's good to see you as well, Kaito-san. I see you've been assigned to receive the gifts." He produced an envelope from his sleeve.
Kaito nodded, taking it with both hands. "Yes, Lady Tsunade asked me for a favor, ya know." He smiled sheepishly as he placed the envelope in the box.
Hitomi's eyes sparkled as she leaned forward with a playful grin. "So, Kaito-kun… when are you going to ask my daughter out?"
Hotaru's face flared crimson. Hinata blushed too, while little Hanabi giggled, clearly amused.
Kaito froze, the tips of his ears turning red. "E-eh—I… I-I…"
Hiashi let out a long-suffering sigh. "Leave the boy alone, Hitomi."
"Aww, let me have my fun," Hitomi pouted, though her smile never wavered.
With another sigh, Hiashi gently tugged her along. "Come. We should go greet the couple."
Hotaru lingered behind, folding her hands in front of her. "I'll stay with Kai-kun… keep him company for a bit."
Hitomi glanced back, her lips curving into a knowing smile. She leaned down to whisper something into her daughter's ear before following her husband. Whatever she said made Hotaru's face turn an even deeper shade of red.
Once they left, Hotaru stepped up beside Kaito at the booth. Together, they stood shoulder to shoulder as guests continued to arrive with their gifts.
Kaito rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, doing his best not to look as flustered as he felt. "Well… guess it's just us now."
Kaito accepted a box from one guest, thanked them, then glanced at Hotaru. "You look good in that, ya know."
Hotaru's blush deepened, but she smiled shyly. "Thank you… you look good yourself."
Kaito gave a small, awkward laugh, rubbing at the back of his neck.
After a moment, Hotaru asked, "What have you been doing this past week? I haven't seen you around."
"Nothing much," Kaito said, sliding an envelope into the gift box. "Just resting. Lady Tsunade gave me the month off."
Hotaru tilted her head, puzzled. "Huh? Why would she do that?"
Kaito shrugged. "Probably thought she was overworking me, ya know. But forget me—what about you? What've you been doing?"
Hotaru folded her hands neatly in front of her kimono. "Father's had me managing more of the clan duties. He says it's time I start taking on more responsibility."
Kaito gave her an approving glance. "That's a big step. He must really trust you."
Hotaru lowered her gaze, her lips curving faintly. "I hope so…"
They stood in silence for a moment as another guest approached. Kaito accepted the gift, offered his thanks, and then, almost on impulse, glanced at Hotaru again.
"Eh… you know," he started, scratching his cheek, "wanna go out for dinner or something? Ya know?"
Hotaru froze, her eyes widening. "Are you… asking me out on a date?"
Kaito shrugged, playing it off with a calm tone. "Well, sure—if you want it to be, ya kno—"
"Yes," Hotaru said quickly, cutting him off.
Kaito blinked, surprised. When he turned to her, she was already blushing furiously.
"Ano… I should go wish Shizune-san," she blurted, bowing her head before darting off toward the hall.
Kaito watched her go, then chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Heh… guess that worked out better than I thought."
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