"—and then I did thrice as many laps as everyone else. You should've seen their faces. Even Mr. Iruka was surprised."
She glanced at Naruto as they walked, her mouth twitching yet again at the sight.
"Shouldn't you be taking those leaves off now?" He looked so silly with so many stuck to his face.
"Nuh-uh." He shook his head, the leaves not budging the slightest. "Kurama said he's gonna teach me how to walk on trees when I'm done with this," he said, grinning. "I can't wait!"
Karin blinked, forehead scrunching up in thought. Walk on trees? How did that even work?
"He's teaching you a lot of stuff, isn't he?" The fox was kinda like a dad to him, wasn't he?
"He can teach you, too, but you need to get better at the leaf exercise, y'know?"
She fought back a grimace as she heard that. Sticking a leaf to her forehead wasn't all that hard, but it was pretty boring. She didn't have much chakra, and doing it for just ten minutes made her tired…
A frown pulled at her lips. But learning how to walk on trees sounded fun…
Noticing the sign up ahead, she stopped right next to the entrance, Naruto giving her a curious look.
"Why'd you stop?"
"Mr. Iruka said to wait for him outside."
Naruto squinted, cheeks pulling up as he made a silly face. "But that's boooring. Let's go inside and introduce you to the others."
Karin looked at the door, thinking about it.
Well, it was a little boring just staying here and waiting. And the teacher was taking a bit too long, too. He'd understand if they went ahead of him, right?
"Come," Naruto said, gesturing with a hand as he walked past her.
Making up her mind, she quickly followed her cousin, looking around the large room as she stepped inside. A wide, black board on the right, and rows of seats on the left, many boys and girls around her age occupying them.
Some of the children stopped from whatever they were doing, looking at her curiously, but Naruto drew most of their attention as he sauntered ahead with a grin.
"Wow, he's added even more leaves to his face." A tall boy from the front row pointed a finger at them, his brown-haired neighbor quickly joining in.
"Maybe he's trying to turn into a tree."
The two of them laughed, but Naruto paid it no mind.
"Who's that with him?"
"Dunno. Her hair's kinda weird."
"Yeah, why is it so red?"
Her eyes went to the floor, ears burning as a sour feeling twisted in her stomach. Was it really a good idea to come here—
"Ignore them." Naruto's voice cut through her thoughts, and she glanced up, meeting his bright smile. "Your hair is super pretty, y'know?"
The knot in her stomach loosened a little as she smiled back, a flash of warmth filling her chest. He was right, she shouldn't care about their mean words—
"Oi, Naruto! Check this out!" A brown-haired boy, with red markings on his face, strutted to the front, pulling out three leaves from his pocket and sticking them to his forehead with a smirk.
Was everyone in the class doing this leaf exercise?
She closed her eyes, focusing inwardly as tiny flames lit up all around her, her cousin a blinding beacon among them. The wild-looking boy's chakra steadily dimmed as he kept pushing more to his forehead, nearly wavering for an instant. Why was he trying so hard for something this silly?
"Three already?" Naruto said, sounding impressed. "That's awesome, Kiba."
"I know, right?" Kiba smirked, breathing a little heavier as he took off the leaves and wiped some sweat off his forehead with an arm. He then paused, finally noticing her. "Who's she?"
"That's Karin, my cousin. She's joining the class today."
Kiba looked between the two of them, eyebrows climbing high. "Forreal?"
"Ya bet!" Naruto grinned, the introduction sparking loud chatter among some of the boys nearby.
"Cousin?"
"I thought he was an orphan?"
"Yeah, nobody ever picks him up in the evening."
Karin fought back a frown as she listened. There were a lot of mean boys in this class.
"That simply means he doesn't have parents. He could have other relatives for all we know." A dark-haired boy with black-tinted glasses spoke as he approached, stopping next to Kiba.
Another friend of her cousin, going by his smile.
"That's right, Shino! I have a family now, and they're awesome!"
She looked away, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment, despite the tiny smile on her face. He didn't have to say that so loud in front of everyone…
"That's good to hear." Shino said, adjusting his glasses. "Why? Because family is very important." The boy turned to her, inclining his head ever so slightly. "I'm Aburame Shino."
The heat crept to her ears as she felt even more attention on her, but she did her best to ignore it, hoping her face wasn't too red.
"I'm Uzumaki Karin, nice to meet you," she told the two boys politely.
They seemed nice, even if Shino looked a little weird dressed like that and Kiba kinda smelled like dog from so up close.
"Inuzuka Kiba," the brown-haired boy said with a grin, though it vanished just as fast, his eyebrows drawing closer as he looked between her and Naruto. "Wait, Uzumaki? How come?"
"Because we're from the same clan," Naruto said proudly. "Isn't that cool?"
"You have a clan?"
"Yep!"
"Never heard about it."
"Maybe you should read more books." A muffled, sleepy voice came from somewhere nearby, Naruto barking out a laugh as he gave her a knowing look.
"That guy is super lazy, but he's actually the smartest in our class."
Really?
Kiba scoffed loudly. "Books are boring! Go back to your sleep, Shikamaru," he said, glaring somewhere at the middle rows, where a dark-haired boy raised his head from the desk with a smirk, only to lower it back after a moment, face down on his crossed arms.
Was he seriously just going back to sleep like that…?
"I don't buy it. Never heard about an Uzumaki clan." Came a skeptical voice from the same group of rude boys from before.
"Me neither," another one said.
"Is that even a real clan?" And another.
"I bet he made it up—
"'Course it is!" Naruto finally lost his patience, pointing a finger at them angrily. "My mom was an Uzumaki, y'know!"
"Really?"
"Yeah!"
"What's her name then?"
Naruto opened his mouth to say something, only to immediately close it, gaze veering to the floor.
Were his parents supposed to be a secret like Kurama?
"I don't know…" he said, voice much smaller than before, and Karin frowned, balling her fists.
Would she get in trouble if she punched those boys in the face?
"Then how do you even know she was an Uzumaki, huh?" the same boy taunted.
"Because Gramps said so!" Naruto said, frowning, while the mean boy looked at him in confusion.
"Gramps?"
"That's what he calls Lord Hokage." A raven-haired boy spoke up from his seat by the window, head propped lazily on his hand. He also had a leaf stuck to his forehead.
"Really? I don't believe you."
"I'm not lying!" Naruto glared at the boys, clenching his fists, and she stepped closer, tugging lightly at his shirt to get his attention.
"Just ignore him. He's being a dumbass."
Her cousin turned to her, shoulders drooping a little as he let out a sigh, only for Kiba to suddenly join in, baring his teeth at those boys in a sneer.
"Yeah, cut the crap, you jerks! What do you even know about clans?"
"Stay out of this, dog breath!"
"What'd you call me?" Kiba said, voice nearly a growl, but the other boy ignored him, leaving his seat and heading to the front, jabbing a finger in her direction.
"And who're you calling a dumbass, tomato girl?"
"Tomato girl?" Her tone took a dangerous edge as she glared at the approaching boy, though only got a sneer in return.
"Yeah. You look like a tomato with that round face and that hair." He pointed rudely at her face. "What'cha gonna do about it, tomato head?"
An angry heat flared in her chest, and she took a step forward, fists balled at her side. "I'm gonna kick your ass, that's what!"
"Yeah! Don't make fun of my cousin, or you're gonna get it!" Naruto shouted, making a cross seal, only to freeze a moment later when a familiar voice suddenly cut in from behind.
"Class." Mr. Iruka walked inside, a sickly-sweet smile on his face. "Mind explaining to me what's going on?"
"Nothing!" her cousin, along with nearly half of the class, said at once.
Was their teacher that scary?
Mr. Iruka's eyes narrowed at that rude boy, and he nodded stiffly.
"Yeah, nothing. We were just talking."
"Uh-huh." Mr. Iruka's gaze swept over the entire class. "Go back to your seats."
They all quickly got moving, that boy sending her one last glare on his way back. She met it with a smirk, sticking out her tongue as he sat down angrily.
While everyone else settled down, Mr. Iruka turned to her and Naruto, arms crossed. "This is why I told you to wait outside."
Her cousin smiled sheepishly while scratching at the back of his head. "Sorry, teach."
A tired sigh escaped the brown-haired man. "Go to your seat, Naruto."
As her cousin hurried back, she bowed in apology. "I'm sorry, Mr. Iruka."
"It's alright," he smiled. "I honestly expected him to not listen."
Then why did he tell them to wait outside?
Mr. Iruka faced the class, gesturing with a hand towards her. "This is Uzumaki Karin. She moved to our village two weeks ago, and she will be joining us starting today."
"Where did she come from?" A pink haired girl asked from the back, hand raised.
"A small town in the South," Mr. Iruka said, just like the Hokage had suggested. "You can talk to her during recess if you—
"See! I told you!" Naruto spoke loudly, finger pointed at that rude boy, getting a glare in return.
"Indoors voice, Naruto."
"Sorry, Mr. Iruka." Naruto smiled sheepishly under the flat gaze of their teacher, quickly settling down.
Shaking his head, Mr. Iruka looked at her, the smile returning to his face. "Go take a seat, Karin."
Bowing her head politely, she made her way briskly across the room, glancing around as she climbed up between the rows of seats. A smile came to her face when she saw a familiar face seated on the left side, all the way to the back.
Stopping next to Hinata's desk, she took the empty seat and smiled at the girl.
"Hi, Hinata."
It's been over a week since her visit, and she wanted to ask her a lot of things. Maybe they could even play together again?
Hinata shyly returned the smile, whispering a soft greeting, but sadly, Mr. Iruka had already started talking, so it had to wait a little longer.
Smile dimming, Karin looked at the front of the classroom, paying attention to what the teacher said.
__________________________________________
He took a puff from his pipe, the bittersweet aroma filling his mouth as he pored over the scrolls unfurled atop his desk.
For such a terrifying technique, Lord Second had never intended it to last longer than a few days at the most. An expendable tool of war meant to annihilate the enemy without any real losses, and the most fearsome of the tailed beasts would have it used to reunite a child with his long-departed mother.
Hiruzen's mouth twitched with a fleeting smile. Life continued to surprise him even in his old age. Perhaps a little too much, even.
Picking up his cup, he took a sip of lukewarm tea as his gaze drifted aimlessly out the window.
It has been a while since his last meeting with the fox…
Part of him dreaded what other revelation the Nine Tails might bestow upon him, but his knowledge proved too useful to ignore. His willing aid even more so, especially at a time like this.
From what he had glimpsed over the past weeks, Naruto had been steadily improving his chakra control far beyond what was expected at his age, and he even motivated some of his peers to try and catch up.
He was making good use of the shadow clones to supplement his training, even if he employed them in equal measure to cause mischief.
Another smile tugged at his lips. Anko might never live that down once she found out the truth.
Taking a longer pull from his pipe, he sank deeper into the chair, exhaling a plume of smoke as he thought back to the fox's words.
This wasn't a decision he could make lightly, though he had to make one soon. Plenty of other issues kept piling on his desk lately, and he couldn't forgo rest as much as he used to do in his youth.
Going through with this plan would bring him a headache and a half, but he couldn't deny that it had some benefits, too.
Even without much straightforward combat potential, Kushina still had her expertise in the sealing arts. Her knowledge was valuable enough, especially if she was willing to teach.
The Leaf had never seen a military branch dedicated to the sealing arts, and founding such a division could be the edge they needed to turn the tide in their favor.
Though even without…
A pang tightened in his chest, mouth pressing thinly as he closed his eyes.
He could've done more for Naruto. He'd made a promise to Minato and Kushina, and yet, what did he do? The boy grew up lonely and isolated, scorned by the village that his parents had given their lives to protect.
Letting him meet his mother, no matter how briefly… that would be a start to making some amends, wouldn't it?
Hiruzen breathed out a heavy sigh, gaze returning to the scrolls on his desk.
If only Minato hadn't used that Reaper Seal… he could've brought him back instead.
Taking a long pull from his pipe, he rubbed the tiredness out of his eyes and grabbed an empty scroll, unfurling it with a hand as he picked up a brush. He dipped it in ink, and, with another, quieter sigh, began drawing.
He was getting too old for this…
__________________________________________
Naruto skidded to a stop, eyes widening as he pointed at the old-looking building in the distance. "Look, Kurama, I found it!"
Good job, kid. You've successfully completed your first unofficial mission.
He couldn't hold back the wide grin, pumping his fist in excitement. "Aww, yeah! I'm awesome, aren't I?"
You're doing great so far, but don't get too big of a head. Kurama's rough voice rang in his head. Overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer.
Naruto blinked, face scrunching up as he walked closer. What's insidious?
Something bad that happens steadily but subtly.
Ah… He looked around, finding nothing aside from that dusty temple as he scratched idly at his cheek. What now? Can we go inside? I bet there's super cool ninja stuff in there!
His stomach flipped in excitement as he stopped next to the entrance, peeking inside but not seeing much with all that darkness. Maybe he'd find an awesome weapon or a scroll with some super cool jutsu, and—
Now, we leave.
Ehh? But why?
Because the stuff that's inside there is very dangerous, especially to little brats who haven't even finished the Academy yet.
Shoulders slumping, Naruto turned away from the entrance with a pout. I'm not a brat…
Say that in five years.
Why did you want me to look for this if I can't even go inside?
It might be useful to know this location in the future. You can go inside when you're older.
He threw another curious glance at the entrance. Like when?
Maybe he wouldn't have to wait too long?
Maybe when you're ten.
He couldn't stop the annoyed groan as he slumped on himself even further. But that's four years from now!
A long sigh echoed through his head. Naruto, this place isn't going anywhere. It'll be here, exactly the same, even in four years.
But what if someone else gets inside? They'd just take away all the cool stuff!
So unfair…
Trust me, they won't. Kurama's voice answered firmly.
How are you so sure?
Because anyone who knows what this place is, also knows how dangerous it can be, so they won't mess with anything that's inside.
If you say so…
Have I ever steered you wrong?
No, he didn't.
Naruto shook his head, a tiny smile coming to his face. No, you didn't.
Then trust me and be patient.
Okay. He nodded, throwing one last look over his shoulder before walking away. So… what are we doing next?
You could try looking again for someone to teach you Henge. Kurama spoke up after a moment, nearly making Naruto stumble mid-step, a frown scrunching up his face at the reminder.
Ahh, I don't get why Mr. Iruka doesn't wanna teach me…
Maybe he doesn't think you're ready yet. Henge isn't something that you'd normally learn in your first year. The civilian kids can't even properly infuse chakra yet.
But I can almost walk on trees!
He doesn't know that.
Ugh… Naruto sighed, shoulders slumping.
It's also likely that he sees it as showing favoritism, and with so many clan heirs in the class… well, I wouldn't blame him.
Favoritism? Whazzat?
Well, you see…
__________________________________________
Triple-checking the last of the paper tags, Jiraiya stood up with a sigh, sharing a brief look with the Tiger masked ANBU to his right. Those seals should suppress up to five tails worth of chakra, but if it somehow came to worst, Tenzō would handle it.
With how tight the Eight Trigrams Seal currently was, even the Nine Tails wouldn't—
"Are you done yet, Toad Gramps?"
Jiraiya's brow twitched, mouth thinning as he glanced to the side. "You really need to learn more patience, kid." Maybe it was just the age, but Minato wouldn't have asked even once, let alone five times. "A shinobi always waits until he's certain that the time is right," he said with a tight-lipped smile, though sadly, this sage advice washed over the brat like water over rocks.
"But I'm patient enough," Naruto said, face scrunched up in confusion. "I always wait the full three minutes until my instant ramen is ready."
Jiraiya sighed, fighting down the urge to face-palm. The kid was still too young. He'd understand his wisdom in a few more years. Hopefully.
"Alright, let's get started."
"Awesome!" Naruto pumped a fist excitedly in the air. "You gonna teach me another cool jutsu?"
"Maybe later." Jiraiya shook his head, the kid deflating like a balloon.
"Aww… why not now?"
"Because we're here for something else, remember?"
Naruto perked up almost instantly, a grin pulling at his cheeks. "Ah, right! I'm gonna train with Ku—the Nine Tails' chakra! Yeah, I'm super ready. Let's do it! C'mon, Toad Gramps—
Jiraiya held up an outstretched hand, forestalling the word vomit. "First, I want you to listen closely." He crossed his arms, looking sternly at the kid. "This could get very dangerous. The Nine Tails' chakra could overpower you, and the fox might take that chance to weaken the seal, but that's why we have Tiger here with us." He briefly gestured at Tenzō, who nodded curtly in return. "If you feel anything weird, you must—
"Why?" Naruto frowned. "The fox is super nice. He wouldn't do that."
So far.
Jiraiya's mouth drew a thin line, eyes narrowing. Maybe it was his usual paranoia at work, but the kid was still too naive, and the Nine Tails could easily take advantage of that.
This could prove troublesome…
A sigh escaped him. "Let's get started. Ask the fox to give you some chakra."
Smile returning to his face, Naruto quickly made the Ram seal while Jiraiya tensed in anticipation. For a while, nothing seemed to happen, but then, a tidal wave swept over his senses, making the hair on his neck bristle.
Thick, red chakra surged forth, pouring out of Naruto and swirling around his body like hungry-looking snakes. His whisker marks deepened, eyes turning red, and Jiraiya reached a hand in his pocket, fingers brushing against the paper tags. Body coiled like a spring, he watched the frothing chakra as it wrapped around the kid in a half-formed shroud.
Jiraiya's brow furrowed as he kept watching. This chakra felt nothing like what he remembered. Thick and heavy, but not trying to suffocate him, and there was none of that skin-prickling malice he still so vividly remembered.
It even felt oddly warm…
Jiraiya's hands twitched as Naruto moved his arms around, watching that bubbling chakra in wonder.
"Everything alright, kid?"
"Woah… this feels pretty great," Naruto said, an eager smile pulling at his cheeks, the sharp fangs and those deep marks making him look as wild as an Inuzuka. "I bet I could run laps around the whole village!"
"Don't get too excited," Jiraiya said, letting out a breath he didn't even notice he'd been holding, shoulders loosening slightly. "For now, you're only training to get a feel of this chakra."
"Yeah, it feels awesome!"
Jiraiya felt his mouth twitch in amusement, leaving the paper tags in his pocket as he crossed his arms. "That's not what I meant, but it's good to know."
It seemed the fox had kept his word. Maybe he shouldn't have doubted so much, but, well—
"What now, Toad Gramps?"
Jiraiya pushed the thoughts away with a sigh. Later.
"Alright, kid, try making some shadow clones with all that chakra," he said, Naruto's hands already forming a cross seal as he grinned, a cloud of smoke suddenly covering him from view.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Did he make a habit of shouting out loud the jutsu names—
Jiraiya's eyes widened as the smoke cleared, a small army of blonds meeting his stare with cheeky smiles.
Twenty, thirty—no, forty of them.
Yikes. Another decade or so, and anyone fighting this kid would be in for a surprise.
"So, how did I do?" A cacophony of noise filled the place as Naruto, along with all his clones spoke at the same time.
Jiraiya held back a grimace, flashing the kid a smirk. "Not bad for a first try." Unexpectedly good, even, but he wasn't going to let it get to the kid's head. "Dismiss your clones and take a short break. You'll do this a few more times until you're tired."
"Gotcha!" Breathing heavier, Naruto wiped his forehead with the back of his hand as the shadow clones popped into smoke one after the other. "Are you gonna teach me a jutsu now?"
"You're going to keep asking until I do, aren't you?" Jiraiya pinned the kid with a flat look, getting a wide grin in return.
"Ya bet!"
This little brat…
"Well, there aren't many jutsu that I could teach you at this point," Jiraiya said, arms crossed as Naruto pouted. "Don't give me that look. What were you even expecting to learn?"
"I wanna learn Henge!" Naruto whined in frustration. "I've been looking for someone to teach me for two months!"
Seriously? He couldn't find anyone in the whole village to teach him Henge? It was a mere Academy jutsu…
Was it because of the fox?
Jiraiya fought back a frown, a quiet sigh leaving him. It was so easy for people to find a scapegoat, if it made them feel just a little better…
"Okay, I'll teach you after you're done."
"Yes! Finally!" Naruto jumped with an excited shout, Jiraiya shaking his head with a wan smile.
This kid had a long road ahead of him, though, hopefully, he wouldn't have to walk it alone.
__________________________________________
Loud giggles filled my prison as I sat at the front of my cage, two of my tails curled all the way to the front, reaching out between the tall bars.
"You were right, they are sooo fluffy~" Karin said from atop a tail as she rolled around in my fur.
"Told ya!" Naruto exclaimed from the other tail, a wide smile on his face.
I cracked an eye open, doing my best to appear dignified. They might be the textbook definition of cute, but I couldn't afford losing my street cred.
"What story do you want to hear today?"
They stopped playing as soon as I spoke, heads swiveling around nearly in sync.
"The one where Ashura went on his journey to help a lot of people," Naruto answered quickly, making Karin pout, but she still looked cute even when upset.
"Didn't I already tell you that one?"
"Yeah, but Karin hasn't heard it yet," the sneaky brat said with a smirk, the frown on his cousin's face turning upside down.
Smooth.
Maybe I wasn't that bad at raising kids after all?
"Alright," I said, the two of them watching me eagerly. "A long time ago, the Sage had his two sons leave on a journey to deepen their understanding of life. Ashura decided to do it by sharing his chakra with people and teaching them ninshū."
"How does this chakra share thing even work?"
I pointed a finger at the brat, meeting his question with a smirk. "You've already been doing it to an extent."
Naruto blinked owlishly, face scrunching up. "Eh? I did?"
My brow rose a fraction. Really? He hadn't noticed at all?
"It's essentially ninshū, but nowadays, people are doing it wrong and only use half of the process. That's why they are having such a hard time getting it right, and you only see med-nin being the most skilled at it."
"Uhhh… I see?" Naruto said, scratching at his head, while Karin listened intently. She was going to be the brains of this duo, for sure.
"To successfully transfer chakra, you must perfectly match it to the recipient's, and to do so, you must first understand their chakra through ninshū."
"What's a recipient?"
I held back the urge to face palm, a quiet sigh escaping me. I'd told him this one before. Goldfish attention span…
Before I could give an answer, Karin quickly spoke, "Something that holds something else, but in this case, it means the person whom you are transferring the chakra to."
A beat of silence passed while Karin glanced up, meeting my gaze, her cheeks slightly red. "Right?" she spoke again, voice quieter as I grinned.
Well, wasn't she a smart cookie. I could see why Roachy put her in charge of an entire base.
"Very good, Karin."
"Yeah, you're super smart, ya know!"
She preened at the praise, adjusting her glasses smugly.
Yeah, this was going to get to her head real fast.
"But that sounds pretty cool!" Naruto jumped to his feet, flashing me a grin. "I wanna be like Ashura! I wanna learn how to transfer chakra, too!"
My mouth twitched in amusement at his words. "Settle down. I'll show you how to do it tomorrow. I'm supposed to be telling you a story now."
He quieted down at that, sitting back on my fluffy tail and waiting patiently for me to continue.
They might be cute, but in times like these, it felt like I was herding cats…
__________________________________________
Hiruzen signaled with a hand, waiting grim faced as the hidden ANBU vanished from his office within moments.
"Have you found anything else?"
Fugaku shook his head, a deep frown lining his face. "Nothing since the last time, I'm afraid. On one hand, we have several dead, whose corpses had never been found to date, but on the other, I cannot deny the possibility of a traitor. An investigation of that magnitude would take time, however, even with the assistance of a team from the Intelligence Division."
Over three months, and still no concrete lead…
Hiruzen couldn't hold back a weary sigh. "It pains me to say this, but it would be wise to assume that any other member of your Clan could have been compromised."
Fugaku's gaze narrowed. "Even my family, then."
"We cannot treat this matter lightly." Hiruzen leaned forward, hands folded atop his desk. "That masked man has the Mangekyō, and only an eye of equal power can resist it."
There was no sign as Fugaku stood there like a statue, not a single twitch of muscle on his stony face apart from a slightly raised brow. "Are you implying that I possess the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
"Come now, Fugaku." Hiruzen smiled knowingly. "I wouldn't be Hokage if I couldn't tell such things." He was beginning to see why the Nine Tails took such joy in making those unsettling revelations.
"Hm. Assuming that I do," Fugaku said, seemingly unperturbed, "wouldn't you count me a potential suspect?"
For this in particular? No.
Hiruzen shook his head. "I've known you for decades, and you were Minato's best friend. The Will of Fire burns strongly in you, Fugaku, and you've raised a wise son who might one day wear this hat," he said, tapping a finger on the brim of his Hokage hat. "I cannot see you turning like that against the village."
Those words hung in the air for a moment before Fugaku gave a nearly imperceptible nod, the room going quiet as Hiruzen leaned back in his chair.
"That's high praise, Lord Third."
Hiruzen met the man's steady gaze with the ghost of a smile. "But not undeserved."
He'd have to speak to the barrier team, too. It has been close to a decade since they'd last updated the entry protocols, and even a late warning was better than nothing in the face of that terrifying space-time ability.
The steadily growing unrest among the Uchiha was becoming quite worrying, too. He could only hope that it wasn't already too late to solve matters peacefully…
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