July 10th, 6:15 a.m.
Inside Samui's luxurious mansion.
Before the vanity mirror, Samui was applying makeup to Snow.
Akira and Hikari stood nearby. Under Samui's skillful hands, they had already been transformed into an aristocratic couple straight out of Victorian England.
Akira wore a black top hat, a monocle over his right eye, a carefully glued-on mustache, and carried a polished cane.
Hikari wore a wide-brimmed white hat and a light, breathable white formal dress.
Yes.
Akira had absolutely no intention of using Twin Blossoms to impersonate someone else for the Chūnin Exams.
If he couldn't even take his children out using his own body, then he would be a failure as the Shadow.
The disguises were merely for flair—and to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The goal today was simple: accompany the children. Combat, if possible, would be avoided.
…Unless Momoshiki appeared. That would be another matter entirely.
Snow's makeover was necessary because Naruto and Sasuke had seen Akira's family portrait.
Her hair was tied into a long straight ponytail, the tied portion tucked neatly into her collar, resembling Itachi's sleek black style.
Samui adjusted Snow's delicate facial structure with subtle contouring and lining.
Individually, the changes were almost imperceptible.
Together, they transformed her into a completely different beautiful girl.
Even Hikari found it pleasing to look at.
"Samui's makeup skills are insane…"
Samui, dressed in a sleeveless black-and-gold fitted lounge outfit, moved gracefully around the chair as she worked.
"If I don't refine my craft, these luxury cosmetics would go to waste~"
The eyebrow pencil she was using cost 400,000 ryō per stick. A full set cost five million.
That was just eyebrows.
Between foundation, eyes, lips, specialty contour tools, and high-end finishing sprays, the cosmetics on her vanity easily totaled 35 million ryō—roughly the bounty of 1.16 Chiriku heads.
Snow, wearing makeup for the first time in her life, asked nervously,
"Auntie… will it smear during battle?"
"Don't worry. Cutting-edge technology and advanced formulas~ Once set, even high-level Water Release won't wash it off."
She sprayed a 600,000-ryō setting mist across Snow's face.
"Done~"
"Auntie! I want makeup too!" Little Yue piped up.
"Of course~"
After giving Yue a classic traditional-style look, Samui applied her own makeup and changed into a black formal gown. A veil beneath her hat covered half her face. From afar, she looked like an impeccably maintained noblewoman.
They gathered in the mansion's courtyard by the large swimming pool.
Madara and Obito stood there in long samurai robes, swords at their waists, wearing red and blue oni masks respectively.
Their identities for today: hired samurai bodyguards of the wealthy noble Akira.
Even Akira himself had concealed his chakra with Severing Samsara. Unless he fought, no one would detect him.
Madara said, "We finally get to go outside."
Obito replied, "Be understanding. Samui barely slept, covering our Edo Tensei cracks under the clothes."
Madara chuckled. "I'm not complaining. Just reflecting. Humans can spend absurd amounts of time on things unrelated to battle. I didn't understand it before. Now… I understand a little."
"…Though understanding doesn't mean I agree."
Of course you don't. You're a battle maniac.
Obito thought dreamily: If Rin were putting on makeup for a date, I'd happily wait all day, hehehe.
Behind them stood Fusako (Yamato), Wind, Flower, and Kansuke.
"Wow, Snow looks like Snow White from a fairy tale," Flower whispered.
"I still think she looks better without makeup," Wind said honestly.
Wind and Flower were twins.
Wind inherited black hair from his father. Flower inherited golden hair from her mother.
They had left Kumogakure before age six and were now twelve. Their appearances had long since changed—no need for disguises.
Flower wouldn't compete but would attend as a spectator.
Kansuke, meanwhile, was staring curiously at the beautiful woman named Fusako behind him. He had never seen her before.
At the Gate of Peach Blossom.
Konan was already waiting.
So was Kakuzu.
"Shadow," Kakuzu said resentfully, "You've been back for days and didn't visit this old partner. I had to come find you myself."
Akira tapped his cane and approached.
"I didn't want to interrupt your money-making. The qualification matter for the exams—thank you. I didn't expect you to settle it in half a day."
"Hmph. The lord of the Land of Birds? A useless drunk. Easy to handle."
"Take care of the village with Konan while I'm gone."
"As long as a certain woman doesn't create unexpected expenses, I'll be grateful."
Konan ignored him and formed the hand seals.
The Gate of Peach Blossom opened.
"Go. I wish our three Darkshade young warriors victory."
"Thank you, Aunt Konan!"
"Thank you, Angel-sama!"
As the children passed, Kakuzu removed his money-scented black glove and patted Kansuke's head gently.
"Be confident. I'm counting on you, Darkshade's true future star."
"Yes, Lord Kakuzu!" Kansuke nodded shyly.
Why did Kakuzu favor him?
Because Kansuke had won Darkshade's "Model of Frugality" award three years in a row.
Kakuzu adored that.
He had even taught Kansuke several of his signature techniques:
Wind Release: Pressure DamageLightning Release: False DarknessFire Release: Searing MigraineWater Release: Water CurtainEarth Release: Earth Spear
If it weren't forbidden, he would have taught him Earth Grudge Fear too—and adopted him on the spot.
Kansuke inherited Yamato's Wood Release—but uniquely manifested it as bamboo.
He also possessed six chakra nature transformations.
Watching the boy's small figure walk forward, Kakuzu thought quietly:
I'm serious, Kansuke. It's not favoritism.
In this era filled with monster ninja offspring, you have the potential to shine.
You don't need to compete with those destined to become monsters like their parents.
Just define yourself as an ordinary ninja.
On that track—you'll blaze brilliantly.
Good kid.
I believe in you.
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