Hokage's Office.
Hiding behind Musashi, Karin timidly peeked at the kind-looking old man in front of her.
Although his smile was gentle, her innate talent as an Uzumaki descendant allowed her to sense his terrifyingly powerful chakra.
"Karin, say hello to Grandpa Hokage," Musashi prompted.
"...Grandpa Hokage, my name is Karin," she said softly.
The little girl's soft, sweet voice immediately deepened the wrinkles on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face. He looked like an old farmer who had found a prize melon in his field.
"Good, very good."
"Karin, feel free to live in Konoha with peace of mind."
"From now on, this is your home."
"Musashi, I'll make arrangements for Karin's enrollment in the Academy as you mentioned."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage. That sets my mind at ease," Musashi said with a grateful expression.
"What a wonderful little girl," Hiruzen said, looking at her with a smile. "Karin, if you have any trouble in the future, just come to Grandpa. Okay?"
"Okay, Grandpa Hokage."
After a few more words of concern from Hiruzen, Musashi left with Karin.
Regarding Karin, he simply claimed he found her by chance and recognized her as a relative of Kushina Uzumaki.
He explained he rescued her because she was being abused in the Grass Village.
As for minor details like arson and murder, there was no need to be too specific.
For Karin to integrate into Konoha and even enroll in the Ninja Academy, he had to get Hiruzen's approval beforehand.
Unless she changed her name and dyed her hair, there was no hiding her lineage.
If he had brought someone back from one of the Five Great Nations like the Cloud or Stone, Musashi might have actually considered hiding her.
After all, he couldn't predict if Hiruzen would worry about the diplomatic impact.
But the Grass Village?
What's that?
Hiruzen Sarutobi indicated he hadn't heard of it; not familiar.
Just as Musashi expected.
Hiruzen was naturally delighted by Karin's arrival.
Getting an Uzumaki clan member for free was a joyous occasion.
His affectionate tone made his attitude clear.
This girl, just like Musashi, was now branded as the Hokage's person.
It was foreseeable that during her future studies and life at the Academy, Karin would definitely receive "kind care" from Grandpa Hokage.
That was enough.
Musashi only needed to guard against Danzo.
---
Musashi's House.
Aoi Uchiha, wearing a small apron and holding cleaning tools, was scrubbing every corner of the room inside and out.
After busying herself for a long time, a layer of fine sweat covered her small forehead.
She was clearly in a good mood, humming a happy tune.
One moment she felt the table could be wiped again; the next, she thought the chair armrest still had a bit of dust.
A small white dog watched helplessly from the side, its two round eyebrows drooping listlessly.
"Little Munchkin, stop spinning around. You're making me dizzy."
"And it's already clean enough. This place is tiny, and you've scrubbed it until it reflects light."
Aoi put down her tools, wiping her sweat as she complained, "Pete, I told you, don't call me Little Munchkin."
"My name is Aoi Uchiha! Besides, you're the one who's little."
Pete turned his dog head away arrogantly. "I am a mature and powerful Ninja Dog. When I was conquering the ninja world, you weren't even born yet."
Aoi obviously didn't believe him. "You're bluffing."
"I don't know what Big Brother Musashi sees in you. All day long, it's either eat or sleep, sleep or eat."
"For the past two years, I haven't seen you do anything else."
Pete's dog eyes widened; for a moment, he couldn't refute her.
As Musashi's contracted ninja beast, his mission was to stay at home and protect Ayame and the others.
If he discovered an emergency, he could summon Musashi back.
However, Konoha was a relatively peaceful village after all.
Where would there be danger on a normal day?
This led to him having nothing to do for several years except hiding in the house eating high-end dog food and watching the house.
Other ninja dogs of his clan were somewhat envious, secretly slandering him for getting more than a few sizes rounder these past few years.
"You... what does a kid know."
"These past few years, I have excellently completed Musashi's mission."
"If you weren't so small, I'd definitely let you witness this great one's power."
Aoi pouted.
She felt she wasn't a child anymore and shouldn't argue with a 'puppy', so she said, "Fine, fine, fine, you're right, you're amazing."
Pete: "..."
I feel zero sincerity from you.
The sound of the door opening rang out.
Aoi's eyes lit up, and she ran skipping and jumping towards the door.
"Big Brother Musashi!~"
The door opened.
Aoi was surprised to find that it wasn't just Musashi outside.
There was also a little red-haired girl wearing glasses.
"Aoi, you're here. Why didn't you go out to play today?"
"Big Brother Musashi, I saw you were out on a mission for several days, so I figured the house must be dusty and came to clean up."
"Is that so? Aoi is amazing. Take a break quickly." Seeing Aoi's gaze focused on Karin, Musashi introduced her.
"Let me introduce you. This is Karin Uzumaki. She'll be living here from now on. You two can play together."
"Hello, I'm Karin." Karin greeted politely, still wondering about the relationship between the little girl in front of her and Musashi.
Opposite her, Aoi remained silent for a moment, a glint flashing through her big eyes.
This girl... her relationship with Big Brother Musashi isn't simple!
She began to scrutinize the other party seriously.
Bright red hair, though lacking care.
Plain black-rimmed glasses.
Fingers nervously clasped together in front of a stranger.
She didn't look very threatening.
Where did Big Brother Musashi bring this girl back from?
"Hello, I'm Aoi." Aoi responded, then asked Musashi.
"Big Brother Musashi, why is Big Sister Karin living here? Doesn't she have a place to stay?"
"Yeah."
"Karin is all alone. From now on, she's my family."
"Aoi, you two get along well, okay? I'm going to buy some ingredients. Tonight, we'll call Izumi over and eat together."
Musashi went out, and Aoi's eyes instantly became sharp.
Looking at Karin, she lifted her chin slightly.
"What are you to Big Brother Musashi? Why are you living with him?"
Karin also realized the little girl in front of her seemed hostile.
"You heard him just now. I'm his family. Who are you?"
Aoi thought for a moment and said proudly, "My sister is Big Brother's girlfriend!"
"Is that so~" A gleam of light flashed across Karin's glasses. "I thought you liked Big Brother."
Panic flashed through Aoi's eyes for a fleeting second.