One year later, on their birthdays…
The caretakers and parents of the seven children noticed a strange pattern. Their development was unusually rapid—physically, mentally, and in chakra reserves. At first, there was concern that they might outpace their peers too quickly, leaving them isolated or unable to form friendships.
But those fears were misplaced.
Not only did the children form bonds within their respective clans, but they also connected across clan lines. Their accelerated growth didn't make them distant—it made them noticed.
Soon, they became the talk of the village. Each clan took pride in its own prodigy, but competition wasn't far behind. Rivalries formed, especially after the Nara clan publicly pointed out the odd coincidence that all seven children were born on the exact same day.
Among the most competitive were the Uchiha. As Uchiha Karasu's reputation grew, comparisons to Itachi began to surface. "Itachi wasn't this strong at three," some whispered. The murmurs eventually reached Uchiha Fugaku himself. Determined not to let his younger son fall behind, he began pushing Sasuke to outdo not just Karasu—but all seven children.
What started as casual comparisons escalated into organized clan competitions—sparring matches, tactical games, and chakra control challenges. Some turned into rivalries, others into deep friendships.
One day, a little blond-haired boy joined the fray—Naruto Uzumaki. Craving acknowledgment, he threw himself into the challenges. The clans saw no reason to turn him away. Unlike the civilians, many of the clan members bore no ill will toward the child or the burden he carried. Unfortunately, politics still shackled their support.
Despite his lack of formal training, Naruto surprised many. His stamina and raw determination allowed him to outperform many clan kids who hadn't yet begun serious training. Though he didn't reach the top ten, he earned the silent respect of a few watching clan members.
In the end, Karasu emerged victorious.
When his parents asked what he wanted as a reward, his answer was simple:
"A yo-yo. He wanted to use it for shuriken and string manipulation training."
A quiet, unassuming tool for a deadly purpose.
As the crowds dispersed, someone watched the young blond boy slink away from the park.
The next morning...
Aburame Shibi stood at the gate of the Aburame compound, watching a red-haired woman walk away.
Shibi: "Are you sure about this?"
Kyoi: "I don't have a choice."
Shibi: "And what about Kyuta?"
The woman—Uzumaki Kyoi—paused.
Kyoi: "He's strong. He has a loving family. Naruto doesn't."
Shibi handed her a sealed note. His tone was measured.
Shibi: "That's logical. But one day, he may see it differently. He may think his mother abandoned him. Especially with his father gone."
Kyoi smiled faintly as she accepted the letter.
Kyoi: "He'll understand. He's part of the Aburame. Logic will prevail."
As she walked away, her form flickered with a subtle Jutsu.
On the road to the Hokage's office, she was joined by Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi.
Kyoi: "Thank you for coming."
Shikaku (rubbing the back of his head): "What a drag…"
Inoichi: "Let's just get this over with."
Inside the Hokage's office...
Hiruzen: "Enter."
The four shinobi stepped forward.
All: "Good morning, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen: "Good morning. What brings the four of you here today?"
Kyoi stepped forward.
Kyoi: "I want to take custody of Naruto Uzumaki."
The Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly.
Hiruzen: "We've discussed this before, Kyoi. I cannot assign Naruto to any one clan."
Kyoi handed him the sealed document.
Kyoi: "That's why I left the Aburame Clan. This is Shibi's signed approval of my withdrawal. I am no longer affiliated. I'm willing to rebuild the Uzumaki Clan with just the two of us... or live as a clanless kunoichi. Whatever it takes. I'm prepared to undergo weekly psych evaluations, ANBU surveillance—anything. He needs a family. I'm the only one left who can give that to him."
Hiruzen studied her carefully.
Hiruzen: "You've clearly thought this through."
Kyoi: "I have."
He turned to the three men beside her.
Hiruzen: "And the rest of you?"
Shikaku: "We're here as Clan Heads, vouching for her. Personally, I think a Jinchūriki needs to feel loved and secure, not feared or isolated. Look at Kumo—Killer Bee is treated like a brother by the Raikage and is the strongest Jinchūriki alive. In contrast, Iwa treated theirs as tools—and they both defected."
Inoichi stepped forward, handing the Hokage a folder.
Inoichi: "Here are the results from my psych evaluations of Kyoi. The only spikes were emotional related to leaving her son. Nothing concerning."
Hiruzen reviewed the files in silence. Then, he reached into his drawer and laid out two forms.
Hiruzen: "You have a choice. This is a mission contract—acting as Naruto's caretaker. You'll be paid for the next ten years. The second... is a retirement form. Your chakra will be sealed. You'll live as a civilian."
Without hesitation, Kyoi reached for the retirement form.
Kyoi: "Like I said. He needs a mother. Not a guardian."
But Hiruzen held the form firm, not letting go.
His tone dropped.
Hiruzen (quietly): "Don't make me regret this."
Kyoi straightened her back.
Kyoi: "You won't. I promise."
The Hokage held her gaze, then smirked and reached for a third form.
Hiruzen: "Fine. You're officially on paid leave. Indefinitely."
He signed the document and handed it to her.
As she accepted it, a trace of killing intent brushed her spine—a final test.
She stood her ground.
Kyoi: "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Later that evening, Aburame Compound...
Kyuta sat in the corner of the greenhouse, watching a colony of kikaichū crawl across a log, shifting with purpose and precision. He didn't blink as his caretaker, Shibi, entered quietly.
Shibi: "You've heard."
Kyuta nodded once, eyes fixed on the insects.
Kyuta: "She's gone."
Shibi didn't confirm it. He didn't need to.
The silence lingered for a few moments—still and cool, like the shade beneath the trees outside.
Kyuta: "Did she even say goodbye?"
Shibi: "She didn't want you to feel abandoned. She believed you would understand her reasoning better without her trying to explain it with emotion."
Kyuta's expression remained unreadable, but his kikaichū buzzed slightly louder.
Kyuta: "She thought I'd use logic to justify it."
Shibi (gently): "You already are."
Another pause.
Kyuta: "She chose him over me."
Shibi kneeled next to his son, placing a steady hand on his shoulder.
Shibi: "She chose a child who had no one. She believed you had a family that would remain by your side."
Kyuta: "I am not angry."
Shibi: "No. But you are hurt."
Kyuta finally turned his head toward his father, his eyes sharp and thoughtful—too mature for a three-year-old.
Kyuta: "Will she come back?"
Shibi: "Perhaps. But she's not the same woman who lived in this house. And you will not be the same boy when she does."
The insects quieted.
Kyuta: "I will become someone worth coming back to."
Shibi allowed the faintest smile.
Shibi: "Then let us begin."
Meanwhile, across the village...
Kyoi knelt in front of a confused but smiling Naruto. His small hands clutched a steaming bowl of ramen as she wiped a bit of broth from his cheek.
Naruto: "So… are you my mom now?"
Kyoi paused, then ruffled his hair with a fond sigh.
Kyoi: "Not exactly. But I'm someone who will never let you be alone again."
Naruto's eyes sparkled with something unfamiliar, safety.
Naruto: "Can I call you?"
Her throat tightened.
Kyoi: "You can call me anything you like."
He beamed.
Naruto: "Then... you're Kaa-chan!"
She smiled, even as her heart ached for the child she left behind.
Weeks Later – A Different Part of Town
A little, white-eyed boy wiped sweat from his brow after training. As he poured himself a cup of water, he glanced at his father.
Kogi: "Dad… will I get the same mark on my forehead as my brother next year?"
Hyuga Hizashi: (pauses, then softly) "I'm afraid so, son."
Kogi: "How do I earn enough points for the clan to remove it?"
Hizashi: "There's no such thing. It's just the way things are."
Kogi: (voice firm) "So the branch house is destined to be caged birds forever?"
Hizashi: (sighs) "That's the reality."
Kogi: "I don't accept that."
Hizashi: (smiling sadly) "Well, I look forward to seeing how far that belief takes you."
They returned to training under the fading sun.
Hinata's Third Birthday
The Hyuga compound was filled with polite conversation and veiled politics.
Clan members whispered praise for Hinata, currying favor with the main house. Another group talked about the Kumo delegation currently visiting Konoha.
Hiashi, calm and composed, spoke with Kugi and Hizashi, complimenting Kugi's potential as Hinata's future protector.
Hiashi: "Well then, why don't we make it official? Let me introduce you to my daughter, the Hyuga princess."
Kugi bowed deeply before Hinata, then spent the evening playing with her under the watchful eyes of the main house.
That Night – Hinata's Room
As she was about to enter her room, Kugi gently stopped her.
Kugi: "Wait. I feel someone lurking outside your bedroom. Something's wrong."
He quickly improvised a plan.
Kugi: "Hide in the closet. I'll take your place in bed. I'll protect you. I promise."
Though hesitant, Hinata agreed.
Kugi slipped under the covers. Minutes passed. Then the window creaked open.
A masked Kumo shinobi slipped inside, throwing the bundled child into a sack and leaping out of the compound, sprinting toward the forests beyond Konoha.
Inside the bag, Kugi waited, biding his time. As the shinobi began to slow from exhaustion, Kugi saw his chance.
With a grim determination, he extended a sharpened bone from his hand—the Shikotsumyaku—and pierced through the sack straight into the shinobi's heart.
The enemy faltered, gasping for breath, trying to take Kugi with him—but found himself drained of chakra.
A single kikaichu flew from the man's collar.
Kugi: (whispering) "Thanks, Kyuta… handle the cleanup."
A swarm of beetles emerged, surrounding the body and dragging it deeper into the woods, not a single drop of blood remains.
Returning to the Compound
Running back, Kugi was met by a panicked Hizashi and a grim Hiashi.
Hizashi: "What happened?! Are you hurt? Where's the kidnapper?!"
Hiashi: (raising a hand) "Calm down. He's unharmed."
Kugi: "Someone was fighting the kidnapper. You should help them, Father."
Hizashi vanished into the night.
Hiashi crouched beside the boy.
Hiashi: "Hinata said you took her place in bed because you sensed danger. Is that true?"
Kugi: "Yes, Hiashi-Sama."
Hiashi: "You knew you'd be putting your life at risk."
Kugi: "Yes, Hiashi-Sama."
Hiashi: "Then why?"
Kugi: (calmly) "Because I was assigned as Hinata-Sama's bodyguard."
Hiashi blinked.
Hiashi: "That was a joke, Kugi."
Kugi: "Not when her life was in danger, sir."
Hiashi stood, both astonished and impressed.
Hiashi: "Let's get you home. What happened to the attacker?"
Kugi: "I heard fighting. He dropped me. I ran."
Hiashi nodded. "Your father will handle the rest."
Back in Bed – Kugi's Awakening
As Hiashi tucked him in, Kugi stared at the ceiling. The memory of the bone sprouting from his hand burned in his mind.
A whisper from his past life echoed:
Josh: "Too late to back out now. Let's finish this.", The third kid will have the Hyuga and Kaguya bloodlines
Chat: "Hyuga and Kaguya bloodlines aren't exactly… compatible."
Josh: "They are with the style I've got in mind."
Chat: I guess we will see how that goes
Josh: You mean to tell me that this Questionnaire has fighting scenarios.
Chat: we will find out won't we.
Josh: Interesting, let's continue, since this one will focus on Tijutsu I want him to have ___ and ___
Chat: "Now that's more compatible, What about the bloodline disease?"
Josh: "Rare, and the Byakugan might mitigate it. Like how Senju bloodlines delay Mangekyo blindness."
Chat: "Unconfirmed theories."
Josh: "We'll figure it out when we get there."
Chat: "Fine. Who's the fourth kid?"
Kugi blinked, pulled the covers closer, and closed his eyes.
Hiashi: (from the doorway) "You've got a long day tomorrow. Sleep well."