Morning sunlight filtered through the window, warm and golden. Naruto sat cross-legged on the floor, humming happily while eating breakfast—rice, eggs, and miso soup. Well, "eating" was a generous term. Half of it was smeared across his cheeks, and the other half… on the table.
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Naruto. Do you know food goes inside your mouth?"
He puffed his cheeks. "I'm practicing my battle face! Hokage needs to eat strong!"
"…with soy sauce dripping off your chin?"
He nodded proudly.
I laughed despite myself, ruffling his hair. The boy was impossible. Yet somehow, every day with him felt like a quiet treasure. The system panel floated faintly in the corner of my vision—data, timers, chakra flow charts. But when Naruto smiled like that, all the glowing numbers meant nothing.
Still… they were a weapon. And I'd need them.
Later, outside in the clearing, I watched Naruto focus. He was working on balancing a leaf on his forehead—a basic chakra control exercise.
"Steady," I guided softly. "Don't push too much chakra… just let it flow."
The panel shimmered as I glanced at him.
Observation Mode Activated– Chakra Flow: Unstable– Efficiency: 32%– Suggestion: Lower output by 15%
I almost choked. The system… could analyze others too?
A smirk tugged at my lips. This was dangerous. Wonderful. Perfect.
"Alright, Naruto. Relax your breathing a little… yes, that's it. Now hold."
The leaf stopped trembling. Naruto's grin nearly split his face in two. "Akari! I did it!"
"Yes, you did," I said softly, pride blooming in my chest. For a fleeting moment, I wished Minato and Kushina could see this. Then again… they'd entrusted him to me. And I wouldn't fail.
That night, when Naruto was asleep, I slipped away into the woods. The panel unfolded again.
Sunlight Resistance: 999,999 minutes
Mangekyō Sharingan: Active
Wood Release: Advancing
Jutsus Known: 54 (catalogued)
System Functions: Observation, Analysis, Efficiency Boost
The possibilities were endless. With Mangekyō glowing faintly, I tried weaving Wood Release hand seals. The panel gave subtle adjustments, optimizing my chakra flow. Roots erupted from the ground, snaking around trees with precision I had never managed before.
I exhaled. This system… it isn't just keeping me alive. It's teaching me how to perfect myself.
But peace never lasts.
The next day, while walking back from the market with Naruto clinging to my hand and yammering about wanting more ramen, I felt it. A flicker of intent. Cold. Calculating. Watching.
Danzo.
From the corner of my eye, I caught the faintest movement—Root operatives, hidden expertly. They weren't here for Naruto. Not yet. Their gazes were fixed on me.
I smiled sweetly at Naruto, masking the storm inside. "Come on, little one. Let's get you home."
As he ran ahead, the panel shimmered faintly again, warning me:
Detected: Hostile Observation– Unknown Shinobi (4)– Tracking distance: 120 meters– Recommended Action: Evasion / Counter-Surveillance
My smile widened. For years, I had hidden in the light of Konoha, pretending to be weak. Pretending to be just Kushina's sister.
If Danzo thought he could use me as a tool…
Well. He'd learn what kind of monster he was staring at.
That night, as Naruto slept peacefully, I sat at his bedside, brushing stray hair from his forehead. My voice dropped to a whisper.
"Little one… if you want… do you want to see your parents?"
His sleepy blue eyes blinked at me. "…Mama? Papa?"
"Yes," I said gently. "But it has to be our secret. Not even Hokage Grandpa can know. Can you keep that promise for me?"
His small hands curled into mine. He nodded fiercely, eyes shining. "I promise!"
I smiled, a pang tightening my chest. Soon, I'd bring him to Minato and Kushina. Soon, he'd feel what true family was.
And between my system, my seals, and my resolve… I would make sure nothing—not Danzo, not Root, not even fate itself—would take it away from him.