At that moment, Kiyohara was reading a report regarding the tourism development project for the Land of Whirlpools.
The report had been delivered by Tanaka. It was a thick stack of documents, detailing every aspect of the project without leaving out a single point.
"Kid, this is the latest report."
Tsunade pushed open the office door while Kiyohara was reviewing paperwork.
Today she had not tied up her hair. Her long golden locks flowed naturally over her shoulders, with a few loose strands hanging in front of Kiyohara, gently rising and falling with each breath she took.
"Just leave it there."
Kiyohara replied without looking up.
Occasionally, he would create Shadow Clones to help process official business. Combined with his quick mind, he only needed a short amount of time each day to finish all of his administrative duties.
Compared to Naruto, Kiyohara felt that the real issue was simply Naruto's poor work efficiency.
That guy would even send a Shadow Clone to help an old lady cross the street.
Whenever a new shop opened somewhere in the village, Naruto would also dispatch a Shadow Clone to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
As time went on, even someone with Naruto's tremendous vitality could not withstand such a lifestyle, trapping himself in a vicious cycle.
The busier he became, the more exhausted he grew. The more exhausted he became, the lower his efficiency dropped. The lower his efficiency became, the more work piled up.
Kiyohara had no intention of living like that.
He simply ignored countless trivial matters altogether, leaving them to the ANBU or the Konoha Police Force to handle.
"So, how much longer until the casino is finished?"
Tsunade had been thinking about nothing but the casino's construction progress.
"Probably another month or two."
Kiyohara answered.
Tsunade really was getting impatient.
Most of the craftsmen were currently occupied with building the shrine for the Priestess, so work on the casino had naturally slowed down.
"I see."
Without caring about appearances in the slightest, Tsunade sat down in one of the Hokage Office chairs, crossed her legs, and even rested one foot on Kiyohara's desk.
From where Kiyohara sat, he had a clear view of her long, shapely legs and her full, curvaceous hips.
He could not help glancing a few extra times.
Tsunade had become increasingly less guarded around him.
"Oh, right."
She suddenly seemed to remember something.
"You've been spending quite a lot of time with Rin lately too."
Kiyohara put down the report and looked at her.
"What are you trying to say, Sensei?"
Tsunade remained silent for a moment before shaking her head.
"Nothing. I was just thinking that you're far too popular for a brat like you."
She shot Kiyohara a rather resentful look.
As his teacher, she should have been happy that her student was so well liked.
Yet the truth was the complete opposite.
Instead, Tsunade felt an inexplicable sense of urgency.
Although her appearance was virtually indistinguishable from that of an eighteen year old woman, she still possessed one fatal weakness.
Her age.
As the saying went, no woman could remain eighteen forever, but there would always be countless women who were eighteen.
"Are you jealous?"
Kiyohara chuckled.
"W... Who's jealous?"
Tsunade immediately replied stubbornly.
Although she truly did feel somewhat uncomfortable inside, reason continually reminded her of the considerable age difference between herself and Kiyohara.
"I'm leaving."
With those words, she disappeared in the blink of an eye.
'Hmm. If sensei ever finds out that I'm dating two women at the same time, I wonder if she'll just hit me with her Super Strength.'
Kiyohara stroked his chin thoughtfully.
And besides, two relationships clearly were not his limit.
Sooner or later there would probably be a third... and a fourth...
...
Meanwhile...
Kakuzu had already returned to the Akatsuki's hideout.
The wound on his shoulder still throbbed faintly.
The black tendrils that Kiyohara had torn apart would require time to regenerate, while the heart he had lost also needed to be replaced.
His body felt as though it had been dismantled piece by piece before being stitched back together.
Kakuzu was already accustomed to this sensation.
After all, his body really was held together by Earth Grudge Fear.
Following his battle with Kiyohara, his chakra pathway system had also suffered severe strain, slowing the speed at which the black threads could transmit chakra.
Had it not been for the Hashirama Cells accelerating his recovery, Kakuzu estimated that he would have needed several more days of rest before he could even begin the journey back to the Akatsuki base.
"You lost?"
A voice emerged from the darkness.
Kakuzu turned toward the speaker.
The newcomer was "Uchiha Madara."
A tiger-striped mask concealed his entire face, revealing only a single crimson Sharingan.
"Yeah."
Kakuzu nodded.
"How badly are you injured?"
"I won't die."
He paused briefly.
"But one of my hearts is ruined. I'll have to find another."
Obito frowned slightly before quickly relaxing his expression.
"What techniques did Kiyohara use?"
He was gathering intelligence on Kiyohara.
"He started with Fire Release, then used a spiritual attack based on a Yin Release secret technique."
"After that, he countered my Lightning Release with his own Lightning Release, buried me with Magnet Release, and finally overwhelmed my last resort using a Storm Release technique I'd never seen before."
Kakuzu briefly summarized the battle.
Obito fell silent.
"From beginning to end... he never got serious."
That was Kakuzu's strongest impression.
After all, Kiyohara was rumored to be a second "Professor," just like the Third Hokage, who had mastered an enormous variety of ninjutsu.
Yet throughout the entire battle, Kiyohara had never even used those techniques.
After listening to Kakuzu for a while longer and collecting more details, Obito's body gradually vanished into thin air.
Elsewhere...
Obito reappeared inside a secluded cave.
His expression was grave.
"Kakuzu lost. Kiyohara is becoming stronger much faster than we anticipated."
He looked toward a pitch-black silhouette within the cave.
"Go inform Madara."
Obito continued.
"Madara is dead."
Black Zetsu looked at him calmly.
Obito's body stiffened slightly.
"When?"
"Just now."
Black Zetsu answered.
"His final words were... don't oppose Kiyohara. Stay hidden. Prioritize lying low above everything else."
Obito stood there silently, staring at Black Zetsu.
"Madara is nothing special after all."
He let out a cold sneer.
"He's gotten old. His courage has shrunk with his age."
Obito had absolutely no intention of allowing Kiyohara to continue growing stronger.
Who knew just how terrifying Kiyohara might become if he were allowed to keep developing?
"Then next..."
Black Zetsu had barely begun speaking before Obito interrupted him.
"We stick to the original plan."
"Kushina's due date is almost here. That will be the moment when the seal is at its weakest."
"The Nine Tails... will be mine. Not even Kiyohara can stop me!"
Obito declared confidently.
Black Zetsu remained silent for a long moment, looking at him with obvious disbelief.
Back then, they had deliberately used Kiyohara as a stimulus to push Obito into awakening his Sharingan.
But that strategy had always been a double edged sword.
Whenever Kiyohara was involved, Obito found it remarkably easy to lose his composure.
"As you wish."
Black Zetsu left.
He intended to make additional preparations himself, just in case Obito ended up doing something foolish.
...
The following evening.
When Kiyohara pushed open the door to Rin's house, the sound of rushing water echoed from the bathroom.
He changed into his indoor slippers in the entranceway, hung his coat on the rack, and walked into the living room.
After sensing where Rin was, he headed directly toward the bathroom.
He gently pushed open the door.
Warm steam rolled toward him, carrying the pleasant fragrance of body wash.
She stood before the mirror, drying her hair.
Droplets of water slid from the ends of her damp hair, tracing a path down her fair shoulders before disappearing beneath the edge of the bath towel wrapped around her body.
The towel was tied high enough to barely cover her chest.
Her skin had been flushed pink by the hot water, the rosy color spreading from her cheeks down to her shoulders.
Hearing the door open, she paused.
"Kiyohara-kun?"
She did not turn around, merely tilting her head slightly to look at him through the mirror's reflection.
Kiyohara walked over and wrapped his arms around her slender waist from behind.
A deeper blush spread across Rin's cheeks.
Her body stiffened slightly before gradually relaxing as she leaned back into his embrace.
"Why did you come so early today?"
"I finished work, so I came over."
Kiyohara rested his chin gently on her shoulder.
"Have you been tired lately?"
Rin shook her head.
"Not really... It's just that taking over Lady Tsunade's work takes quite a bit of time."
Her hand covered the back of his.
"There are far too many hospital records. Lady Tsunade never really organized them before..."
Kiyohara's hand slowly moved upward from her waist before coming to rest on her lower abdomen.
The skin beneath the towel was smooth and warm.
He could feel the subtle rise and fall of her stomach as she breathed.
Rin's breathing gradually became uneven.
"Kiyohara-kun..."
His hand did not stop.
He untied the knot securing the towel.
The white cloth slid gently from her body before pooling around her feet.
Rin's body trembled faintly.
Almost instinctively, she pressed her legs together.
She raised her arms as though intending to cover herself, but halfway through the motion, she slowly lowered them again.
Instead, she simply lowered her head and stared at her own toes.
From Kiyohara's angle, he could clearly see how red the tips of her ears had become.
He gently turned her around to face him.
Her face was completely flushed.
Her eyelashes trembled ever so slightly.
She repeatedly pressed her lips together, unable to bring herself to meet his gaze.
Kiyohara lowered his head and kissed her.
Rin slowly wrapped both arms around his neck, her fingers slipping into his hair.
Kiyohara lifted her into his arms.
Almost instinctively, Rin wrapped her legs around his waist, burying her face against the crook of his shoulder.
She could feel his palms supporting her hips.
His fingers pressed gently into the soft flesh of her thighs, warmth spreading through the thin layer of skin where they touched.
She bit her lower lip without making a sound.
No one knew how much time had passed.
The steam inside the bathroom had completely dissipated, and outside the window, the sky had become fully dark.
Rin curled up quietly in Kiyohara's embrace, resting her face against his chest as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Her hair was scattered across his arm.
The ends were still damp, soaking part of his sleeve.
Just then...
A knock sounded at the front door.
"Rin, are you home?"
It was Kurenai's voice.
Rin's body immediately froze.
She raised her head, panic filling her warm brown eyes.
"K... Kur... Kurenai is here..."
She spoke in a tiny whisper while tightly clutching Kiyohara's collar.
Kiyohara gently patted her back.
With a reassuring gesture, he signaled that there was nothing to worry about.
"Should we answer the door?"
"N... No, no..."
Rin frantically shook her head.
She hurriedly climbed out of his arms, grabbed the bath towel from the floor, and wrapped it tightly around herself.
She ran toward the bathroom door, then suddenly rushed back.
She kicked Kiyohara's shoes underneath the cabinet, snatched his coat off the rack and stuffed it into the wardrobe, then took a deep breath before finally walking toward the entrance.
The door opened.
Kurenai stood outside, wearing a crimson dress. Her long, slightly curled hair flowed naturally over her shoulders.
She carried a paper bag in one hand, with two boxes of dango neatly packed inside.
"Rin, why is your face so red?"
Kurenai looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"I... I just finished taking a bath..."
Rin replied awkwardly.
"Oh."
Kurenai did not think much of it. She simply raised the paper bag in her hand.
"Do you want to go shopping? That new store just started a sale."
Rin gripped the doorknob so tightly that her fingers turned slightly pale.
"T... Today isn't very convenient..."
"What's wrong?"
Kurenai blinked.
"Not feeling well?"
"Mm... I'm just a little tired..."
Rin's voice grew quieter and quieter.
Kurenai studied her carefully, feeling that something seemed slightly off.
"Alright then. Get some rest."
She turned around and walked several steps before suddenly looking back.
"What about tomorrow? Are you free tomorrow?"
"I should be..."
"Then I'll come find you tomorrow afternoon."
Kurenai waved before turning and leaving.
Her footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Rin gently closed the door, leaned her back against it, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Kiyohara emerged from the bathroom, already fully dressed.
"She left?"
"She did."
Rin glared at him, her warm brown eyes filled with gentle reproach.
"It's all your fault..."
She muttered softly as she walked over and lightly punched him in the chest.
Kiyohara caught her hand and brought it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the back of it.
"What if Kurenai had found out?"
There was a hint of grievance in Rin's voice.
Kiyohara smiled.
"Then we'd all sleep together."
Rin froze.
The next instant, her face flushed even deeper than before.
"Y... You... What kind of nonsense are you talking about?!"
She pulled her hand back and smacked his shoulder once more.
Kiyohara made no attempt to dodge, allowing her to hit him.
"I'm serious."
"Impossible!"
Rin immediately turned around so her back faced him.
"Kurenai would kill me..."
She murmured in a muffled voice.
Kiyohara wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Leaning against his embrace, Rin's heartbeat raced so violently that it felt as though it might burst from her chest.
Kiyohara guessed that Rin thought he was simply joking.
But in reality, he genuinely meant it.
Of course, now was not the right time.
The two women still needed more opportunities to interact with each other. They needed time to become familiar with one another, to gradually build trust and understanding before everything could naturally fall into place.
Looking at the woman in his arms, the corners of Kiyohara's lips curved upward slightly.
The next morning.
The sky had only just begun to brighten when Kiyohara woke up.
Rin was still asleep.
She was curled beneath the blanket, with only the tip of her nose and a few scattered strands of hair peeking out.
The quilt rose and fell gently with each of her breaths.
The faint blush on her face had not completely faded.
Kiyohara quietly climbed out of bed, carefully tucked the blanket around her, then retrieved his coat from the wardrobe.
As he reached the doorway, he turned back for one last look.
Rin rolled over in her sleep, mumbled something completely unintelligible, and drifted back into a deeper slumber.
...
The Hokage's Office.
When Kiyohara pushed open the door, Kurenai was already inside.
She stood before the desk holding a thick stack of documents while reading through them attentively.
Today she was dressed in her secretary's uniform.
She wore a black skirt, a white blouse, and a dark navy jacket.
Her long hair had been pinned into an elegant bun with a hairpin, exposing her fair, graceful neck.
Hearing the door open, she looked up.
"You're here?"
She placed the documents on the desk and walked over.
"So, why are you here so early today?"
"I woke up early."
Kiyohara sat down in his chair and gently rubbed the space between his eyebrows.
Kurenai stepped behind him, placing both hands on his shoulders.
"Tired?"
she asked softly as her fingers gently kneaded his shoulders.
"Would you like me to give you a massage?"
Kiyohara leaned back against the chair and closed his eyes.
"Sure."
Kurenai's slender fingers moved skillfully along his shoulders and neck, applying just the right amount of pressure.
"Is this part of a secretary's duties?"
Kiyohara opened one eye and looked back at her.
Kurenai pursed her lips into a faint smile.
"Of course."
Her hands gradually moved from his shoulders to the back of his neck before slowly tracing downward along his spine.
"The Hokage's health is also within a secretary's responsibilities."
Kiyohara laughed.
"Your responsibilities seem surprisingly broad."
Kurenai gave a soft snort before lightly pinching his shoulder.
"If you think they're too broad, you can always hire someone else."
"I don't mind."
Kiyohara closed his eyes again.
"It's actually pretty nice."
Kurenai said nothing further.
Her fingers continued gliding across his neck and shoulders.
Compared to earlier, her touch had become gentler, feeling less like a massage and more like a slow, affectionate caress.
After quite some time, she suddenly spoke.
"Kiyohara."
"Hm?"
"Have you noticed..."
She hesitated for a moment.
"...that Rin has been acting a little strangely lately?"
Kiyohara's eyelid twitched ever so slightly, though his voice remained perfectly calm.
"Strangely? In what way?"
"I can't really explain it."
Kurenai paused briefly before continuing to massage him.
"It's just... she seems to have a much healthier complexion recently. Her skin looks better too. The whole feeling she gives off..."
She thought for a moment before finding the right word.
"...is that she's become even prettier."
Kiyohara remained silent.
Kurenai lowered her head and looked directly at him.
"Do you know why?"
Kiyohara slowly opened his eyes and met her gaze.
"Maybe the hospital's food has improved."
Kurenai blinked.
"Really..."
She did not press the matter any further, simply continuing her massage.
Kiyohara reached into his coat and took out a small box before handing it to her.
Kurenai accepted it and opened the lid.
Inside was a complete set of cosmetics.
"This is..."
"A gift for you."
Kiyohara smiled.
"You wear makeup sometimes. I thought you'd be able to make good use of it."
Kurenai stood there blankly for a moment.
"Kiyohara..."
She bent down and gently kissed his cheek.
"Thank you."
Kiyohara touched the spot she had kissed.
"Just one kiss?"
Kurenai glared at him playfully before leaning closer once again, this time lightly brushing her lips against his.
"Is that enough?"
"Barely."
Kurenai let out another soft snort before carefully placing the box inside one of her desk drawers.
Just then...
Someone knocked on the office door.
Kurenai immediately stepped back.
The affectionate expression on her face instantly disappeared, replaced by the composed and dignified demeanor expected of the Hokage's secretary.
"Come in."
The door opened.
Akimichi Choza walked inside.
He was wearing the standard green Konoha flak jacket.
His broad frame nearly filled the entire doorway.
Although his round face carried a respectful expression, his slightly furrowed brows suggested that something was weighing heavily on his mind.
"Hokage-sama."
He stopped before the desk and bowed slightly.
Kiyohara leaned comfortably against the back of his chair as he looked at him.
"Choza, have a seat."
Choza sat down.
The chair immediately let out a strained creak, visibly bending beneath his considerable weight.
"Hokage-sama, did you summon me because there's a mission?"
"There isn't a mission."
Kiyohara shook his head.
"But there is something I'd like to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
"I want the Akimichi Clan's secret techniques."
Choza's brows knitted together even tighter.
"Our secret techniques?"
"That's right."
Kiyohara nodded.
"I need every Yang Release secret technique possessed by the Akimichi Clan."
Today, he intended to finally complete the conditions of the final will.
He wanted to first observe what kind of changes would occur after inheriting a small portion of the Otsutsuki bloodline.
Hearing Kiyohara's request, Choza's expression darkened.
"Hokage-sama... these techniques have been passed down within the Akimichi Clan for generations. They have never been taught to outsiders."
"I know."
Kiyohara nodded.
The Akimichi Clan's position was nearly identical to that of the Yamanaka Clan.
Their secret techniques had indeed never been shared outside the clan.
However, exceptions could always be made.
"In exchange, the Akimichi Clan may choose any one ninjutsu that I personally know, or any technique contained within Konoha's ninjutsu archives."
Kiyohara's offer was exceptionally generous.
For example, if someone could master the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, they could exchange their own life for that of an immensely powerful opponent. It was undoubtedly one of the strongest techniques in existence.
Naturally, techniques of that caliber also came with extraordinarily high requirements.
"This matter... I'll need to return to the clan and discuss it first..."
Choza was still hesitant.
"The Yamanaka Clan has already agreed."
Kiyohara interrupted him.
The surprise on Choza's round face slowly transformed into hesitation.
"Inoichi... he..."
"I exchanged one of my Yin Release secret techniques for theirs."
(End of Chapter)