The sun was beginning to slip lower in the sky, casting long orange shadows across the Hidden Sand Village. The heat had begun to ebb, replaced by a dry breeze that kicked up soft curls of dust and swept them lazily across the park paths. Harry sat beneath a tall, spindly tree that offered sparse shade, little Teddy curled up in his arms, snoring gently.
The park had become their daily haven.
Shikamaru was sitting in the sand pit with Gaara again, the two of them engrossed in a game that involved burying small pebbles and then trying to find each other's with just sticks and guesses. Gaara was smiling — a strange, small sort of smile that didn't quite reach his eyes yet, but was getting closer each day.
Harry glanced up as Yashamaru approached, his gait slow and eyes a little distant, as they always were when they lingered on Gaara too long.
"Mind if I sit?" the man asked, already half-lowering himself beside Harry.
Harry shifted slightly to give him room. "Of course not."
They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the boys. Gaara's sand moved subtly around him, like it had developed a personality of its own — one that had finally grown curious rather than defensive. It rolled small stones into his hands and helped shape them into towers. He looked peaceful. Peaceful, and so very young.
"He seems... calmer these days," Yashamaru said finally, his voice quiet.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. He's still cautious. But he's trying."
Yashamaru smiled faintly. "That's more than I ever expected."
Another silence fell, deeper this time. When Yashamaru spoke again, his voice was a little tight. "You know, Gaara's mother... she died giving birth to him."
Harry turned to him gently, brows drawing in. "I didn't know. I'm sorry."
"She was my sister. Karura." Yashamaru's eyes didn't leave the boys. "She loved him. She really did. But... her death changed everything. His father—well. He's the Kazekage. Duty always came first to him. He saw Gaara as a... symbol. Of power. Of loss. He expected a lot."
There was an edge to the word "expected" that made Harry's stomach twist.
"Does he hurt him?" he asked quietly.
Yashamaru's lips twitched into a complicated smile. "No. He can't. Not physically. The sand protects Gaara, always. Even when he doesn't want it to. It has a will of its own. It lashes out sometimes. Especially when Gaara is scared or angry. But lately..."
His eyes flicked to Harry.
"It's been quiet. Softer. It responds to him more. He told me you make it calmer, make him feel safer."
Harry glanced down, one hand absentmindedly stroking Teddy's back. "It's not me. He's just feeling safe. Like he can breathe."
"Still. I haven't seen him like this since he was very, very little."
Harry hesitated, then said gently, "We can't stay long. A week or so, maybe. We're looking for someone. We'll have to move on."
Yashamaru gave a slow nod. "He mentioned it. But I don't think he understands what it'll feel like when you go. Not yet."
Harry looked down at his feet. "I don't think I want to be around when it hits him."
That evening, Gaara sat cross-legged in the warm sand beside Harry, while Shikamaru was busy collecting small sticks to make another pretend fortress. Teddy was down for the count, curled up in a sling against Harry's chest, thumb stuck firmly in his mouth.
Gaara had been quiet for a while, fingers drawing lazy patterns in the dirt.
Then, softly, "Uncle told me about love."
Harry glanced at him, noting the way Gaara's eyes didn't meet his. "Yeah?"
"He said... love is what heals people. When I make people hurt with my sand... I don't mean to. But he said I could heal pain with love instead."
Harry nodded, slow and careful. "He's not wrong."
"Do you think that too?"
Harry thought for a moment. "I think love is powerful. It can do a lot. It can soften things, make heavy things lighter. It helps you keep going, even when it's hard."
Gaara stared down at his hands. A small ball of sand was forming between his fingers, curling like a seashell.
"But..." Harry continued, "You don't owe it to anyone. That's important."
Gaara blinked and looked up. "What do you mean?"
"You can't force love. You can't make people give it, and you can't give it just because someone wants it. If someone doesn't love you, that's not your fault. Ever. And it's not your job to fix them."
Gaara frowned slightly. "But I want to. I want to make it better."
Harry gave a soft smile. "You have a kind heart, Gaara. But some pain isn't yours to carry."
The boy's shoulders hunched a little. "Sometimes my sand hurts people. I don't want it to. Maybe... if I gave enough love, it wouldn't anymore."
Harry reached over, brushing the hair from Gaara's forehead. "I don't think it works that way, child. Your sand is part of you. Sometimes it reacts before you even know how you feel. But you can learn to understand it. Talk to it. Be patient with yourself. And more than anything... you get to choose what matters. If someone gets angry at you... you get to decide if their opinion is worth listening to."
Gaara tilted his head, thinking hard.
"At the end of the day," Harry went on, "the only person who can decide who you are... is you."
Gaara turned his eyes back to Harry. They were big and green and searching.
"I don't know who I want to be."
"That's okay," Harry said warmly. "You've got time."
"I think..." Gaara looked down at his hands again. "I think I want to be like you. And Uncle Yashamaru. You're good people."
Harry's heart clenched. He reached out and ruffled Gaara's hair, gentle and slow. Tendrils of sand curled around his wrist and fingers, light as air, like a curious cat.
Gaara startled and pulled back. "Sorry—!"
Harry shook his head. "What for?"
Gaara looked uncertain. "My sand. It always gets in the way."
Harry smiled, brushing the sand lightly. "It's beautiful. Just like you."
Gaara's eyes widened, and he blinked very fast, lips trembling slightly before he ducked his head. Then—
"GAARA!" Shikamaru called from across the park, waving a bundle of twigs. "COME SEE THIS! I MADE A WHEEL!"
Gaara stood up so fast he nearly tripped over his own sand. "Coming!"
He darted off, his sand trailing behind him, a few small streams lingering in the air like they didn't want to leave Harry's side. Harry watched him go, feeling the warmth of the moment settle deep in his chest.
Yashamaru appeared beside him a moment later, silent as always.
He didn't speak for a while.
Then, softly, barely above the breeze, "Thank you."
Harry didn't answer. He just smiled, eyes on the boys.
~
The streets of Suna had begun to empty, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows over the sandstone buildings and narrow alleys. From their room in the small inn tucked in one of the quieter districts of the village, Harry stood at the open window, watching the sky change colours. A breeze stirred the curtains, a welcome relief from the oppressive warmth of the day.
He heard soft steps behind him.
"I spoke to some merchants today," Yashamaru said, his tone conversational, but layered with significance. "They were passing through from the North. Said they overheard someone in Tanzaku Gai bragging about losing half their coin to a blonde woman who downed three bottles of sake and still walked out sober."
Harry's eyebrow rose. "Tsunade?"
"That's what it sounded like. The gambler's description was... vivid."
Harry's chest tightened with cautious hope. "How reliable are these merchants?"
Yashamaru tilted his head. "As reliable as merchants can be when they're half-drunk and gloating about their losses. But it's the best lead you've had."
Harry nodded slowly, his gaze drifting out again toward the sky where three boys were still playing in the nearby courtyard. Shikamaru's laughter carried on the breeze. Gaara sat beside him in the sand, sculpting little towers that rippled and flowed with chakra. Teddy, toddling now, giggled wildly every time a swirl of sand looped into a dancing figure just for him.
Yashamaru followed his gaze. "They've grown close."
Harry sighed. "Too close. It's not a bad thing, but it will always hurt losing a friend."
Yashamaru didn't deny it. He leaned beside him at the window, his eyes softening as they landed on his nephew. "Unless you're planning to file for Wind Country citizenship and settle here, you know you'll have to leave eventually."
"I know," Harry murmured. "I just don't know how to tell them. Especially Gaara."
The boy had bloomed under Shikamaru's easy acceptance, Teddy's clumsy affection, and Harry's quiet kindness. He was gentler now—softer at the edges, still cautious, still reserved, but no longer silent. He laughed sometimes. Smiled even. And every time Harry saw it, he felt a familiar ache in his chest—the ache of seeing a child learn what love meant for the first time.
"He adores you," Yashamaru said, his voice quieter now. "You... and your sons."
Harry's throat tightened. "He's a good boy."
"Too good for the life he's had."
"Has the Kazekage been—?" Harry couldn't finish the question. He didn't want to.
Yashamaru gave a grim smile. "He expects a lot. More than any child should be burdened with. But Gaara can't be harmed physically. His sand won't let it happen. Even when his father's anger... flares."
Harry's hands curled into fists at his sides. "That doesn't mean it's okay."
"No," Yashamaru agreed quietly. "But the sand... it listens more now. I've never seen it act like that around anyone. Not even me."
Harry swallowed hard, still watching the children play. "We'll be leaving in a few days. The journey to Tanzaku will take at least four. And if she's not there when we arrive... we could miss her entirely."
Yashamaru didn't respond, but the silence between them said enough. They both knew what it would mean to Gaara.
That night, after Teddy had fallen asleep and Shikamaru had been coaxed into his pyjamas, Harry sat beside his adopted son in their inn room, brushing his fingers through the boy's hair.
"Hey, Shika," he murmured. "Can we talk a minute?"
Shikamaru turned to him, eyes already suspicious.
"Yashamaru found something out today," Harry said, keeping his voice gentle. "He heard someone say they saw Tsunade. In Tanzaku."
Shikamaru froze. His face twisted for a moment—fear, uncertainty, then resignation. "That's in Fire Country, right?"
Harry nodded. "We don't have to go. Not if you don't want to. We can wait. Track her again in a few months, even a year."
Shikamaru looked down at his hands in his lap. "But what if she doesn't stop moving? What if we never find her again?"
"That's possible."
There was a pause. Then, "she's family now, right?"
"Yes."
"Then we have to make sure she's okay. Even if it's Fire Country."
Harry stared at him, pride swelling in his chest. "What did I do to deserve such a brave, kind son?"
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "You stole me."
Harry gasped, mock offended, and lunged forward to smother him in kisses.
"Maashah—stooop!" Shikamaru laughed, squirming.
Harry kissed his cheek one last time and pulled back, smile softening. "We'll leave the day after tomorrow. That gives us one more day with Gaara."
Shikamaru's laughter faded. "He's gonna be really sad."
"I know." Harry looked over at Teddy, still peacefully sleeping. "We can't take him with us though, it would cause a war."
"I wish we could."
"I know. But..." Harry tapped his chin. "What about a journal?"
"A journal?"
"Like the ones I use to talk to my friends. If I charm it properly, you and Gaara can write to each other. Like sending letters. But no birds. No one else would see."
Shikamaru grinned. "That's perfect!"
~
The next day was harder than Harry had imagined.
They told Gaara that morning, sitting with him on the park bench while Shikamaru held tightly to his hand.
"Are you leaving because of me?" Gaara whispered, voice trembling.
Harry's heart broke at the question. "No. Never because of you. We're looking for someone. A relative. Someone important."
"Will you come back?"
Harry cupped Gaara's cheek. "I don't know when. But one day. I promise."
Gaara nodded, biting his lip. His hands trembled in his lap, grains of sand swirling quietly around his shoes.
Then he burst into tears.
Shikamaru lips trembled, before he too cried with him, clutching his friend tightly, and even Teddy—who barely understood what was happening—started to wail. Harry gathered them all up in his arms, whispering soft apologies, rocking them as he felt Yashamaru's awkward presence hovering behind him.
He shot the man a pointed glare, silently demanding support.
Yashamaru lifted his hands helplessly. "What am I supposed to do?"
Harry huffed dramatically. "Useless."
Eventually the tears slowed. Gaara sniffled, eyes red. "I'll miss you."
"We'll miss you too."
"I'll be good. I won't let anyone take advan—adva—"
"Advantage?" Harry offered.
Gaara nodded. "I won't let them. I'll be kind... but not to people who don't deserve it."
Harry felt something twist in his chest. "That's very wise."
Gaara looked up at him. "I want to be like you. And Uncle Yasha."
Harry blinked hard, smiling through the ache in his throat. "I think you are much better than us already." He tickled the boy gently then. "You're the best sand sculptor in the entire nation."
Gaara giggled, cheeks red as he let a castle blossom from his palm and handed it to Shikamaru, who clutched it like treasure.
"Go play," Harry told them softly. "Make the most of today."
He collapsed beside Yashamaru on the bench, Teddy still sniffling against his shoulder.
"You're horrible with crying children," Harry muttered.
Yashamaru chuckled. "I'm a shinobi, not a babysitter."
"Idiot. You're both," Harry said, watching the boys. "Thanks for everything. For trusting me. For letting Gaara be with us."
"You helped him more than I ever could."
The next morning, they shared breakfast at the inn. Gaara was quiet, holding the enchanted journal in both hands as if it were a sacred artifact.
"It won't run out of pages," Harry told him. "You can write or draw whatever you want. And if you write in it... Shikamaru will see it in his copy."
Gaara's eyes widened. "Like magic?"
Harry winked. "Exactly."
Shikamaru hugged him then, fiercely. "I'll always be your friend, okay? And if you ever need help, Maashah will come and defeat your enemies!"
Harry blinked. "...absolutely."
Yashamaru's eyebrows nearly flew off his face and Harry could see realisation dawning on his face as he whispered the word to himself. "Maashah?"
Harry gave him an uncertain look, but Yashamaru —after some intense staring— let it go, only giving him a small nod.
They walked to the edge of the village together. Harry paused, pressing one final kiss to Gaara's forehead.
"You're brave. And kind. And strong. Never forget that."
"I won't."
As they walked further away from the village gates and the village shrank beneath them, Harry looked back to see Gaara waving—small and steady, the journal clutched to his chest.
Beside him, Yashamaru smiled, one hand raised in farewell, and the other pressed to his heart.
Harry wasn't sure what would become of Gaara, but he would always remember the red-haired boy in the desert who made castles out of sand and offered his heart to strangers.
~
The heat of the Land of Wind faded into the dry, cooler air of the River Country as the carpet glided low over rocky outcrops and pale dunes. Harry kept the magical veil pulled tight around them, shielding them from prying eyes. Shikamaru sat cross-legged at the front of the flying carpet, the journal open in his lap, scribbling furiously with a charcoal pencil while calling out the occasional landmark.
"I think that's Mount Kirei on our right," he said, barely looking up as he sketched a crooked mountain silhouette in the margins. "Gaara said it's shaped like a sideways potato, but I think it looks more like a sleeping frog."
Harry grinned. "I think it depends on how hungry you are."
Teddy let out a cheerful babble from the harness against Harry's chest. He was chewing on his dragon plush, meant to keep him entertained, but his curious eyes kept flicking toward the journal. Occasionally, Harry would hear little squeals and see Shikamaru draw some absurd doodle in response. A bird mid-sneeze, a cactus that had sprouted a face, or a dramatic rendering of them being attacked by a sandstorm.
The boy was still subdued, quieter than usual since they'd left Suna behind. But Harry could tell the journaling helped. It gave Shikamaru purpose, a way to keep connected to the red-haired boy they'd left behind.
By mid-afternoon, the carpet swept into River Country. The air felt different here—cooler, and carrying the scent of distant water. Harry angled them toward the small rise beyond the capital city of Tani and set them down just beyond view. He unrolled the enchanted tent, sent up the privacy wards, and cast a perimeter notice-repellent that would send curious minds elsewhere.
As night fell, Shikamaru curled beside Teddy with one of the dragon rearing books open across his knees.
"You know," the boy said, yawning, "Nox said that she could hear your voice whileshe was still in her egg. I'm going to speak to mine every day."
Harry, brushing his hair gently, smiled. "And you plan to give it motivational speeches while it's still shell-bound?"
"I'm going to read it my best shogi moves," Shikamaru said proudly.
Harry huffed a laugh. "That'll be one clever dragon, then."
The next day, they landed just outside the town of Tanzaku Gai.
Shikamaru hesitated as they walked through the town gates, tugging his loose hair forward.
"Do I look like a Nara?" he asked, worry flickering in his voice.
Harry placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and cast a subtle Notice-Me-Not over his features. "To anyone paying attention? No. But just in case, try not to mention Nara or Konoha stuff out loud."
Shikamaru nodded and stuck close to Harry's side. Teddy, wide awake now, squirmed in his harness, chirping nonsense syllables.
The town was loud, filled with clinking coins, drunken laughter, and the sharp scent of sake. The streets were tight with vendors and gamblers, open air shops selling everything from cheap charms to rice crackers.
Harry was just starting to wonder if they had arrived too late, if Tsunade had already moved on, when Shikamaru gasped.
"Your necklace!"
Harry blinked, looking down.
The crystal around his neck was glowing.
Not just glowing—but vibrating with an intensity that made the hairs on his arms stand up. A soft hum filled the space between them, low and resonant. He held it in his hand, turning slowly.
The glow intensified to the east.
Shikamaru grabbed his wrist. "Come on! This way!"
Harry didn't argue.
They followed the glowing crystal through the bustling streets, weaving through crowds. A few people glanced their way, but they soon turned their attention elsewhere. The light from the necklace grew brighter and brighter until it was nearly blinding. Harry could barely keep his eyes on the path.
And then the crowd parted.
A woman stood in the open plaza beyond the stalls, golden hair caught in the breeze, eyes fixed not on him but the crystal in her hand—an identical crystal, glowing in tandem with his own. Her eyes were amber, piercing, and wary.
Beside her stood a girl a few years older than Harry.
Tsunade. It has to be her…
Harry stopped short, staring.
The woman took a step forward, her hand trembling slightly.
Their crystals pulsed.
Harry met her eyes.
She looked shocked, disbelieving.
He smiled, slowly.
Shikamaru pulled at his coat. "Is that her? Is that really her?"
"I think so," Harry whispered.
They stepped forward. One foot, then another. Tsunade mirrored the motion.
When they were less than a foot apart, the crystals pulsed a final time.
Clink.
The two pendants met and touched.
The glow vanished.
Harry smiled at the older woman. "Are you Tsunade Senju?"
She blinked. Then her eyes narrowed. "Where did you get that necklace? That's impossible."
Harry tilted his head. "There's a lot to discuss. But first—you are Tsunade Senju?"
"Yes," she said slowly.
Harry nodded. "Well met, cousin. You're a difficult woman to find."
Her eyes widened.
Then her face twisted into a scowl.
"The Senju clan is extinct. I'm the last. Who the hell are you to dare take that name?"
Harry held up both hands. "Not the Senju name. I said cousin, not because of the Senju, but because of where the necklace comes from. Your clan may have carried it—but it didn't start there."
She looked furious.
But before she could say anything else, Harry gestured at the crowd gathering. "Maybe we should speak somewhere quieter. Do you know of an inn nearby? Somewhere my sons and I can stay?"
Tsunade seemed startled for the first time, glancing down at Teddy in the harness, then at Shikamaru, who was doing his best to look calm and responsible.
She huffed.
Then turned on her heel and Harry's heart dropped for a moment.
Then she glanced over her shoulder and smirked. "You coming or not?"
Shizune, the girl beside her, gaped. "Tsunade-sama?!"
"Don't start," the blonde muttered. "I've got questions and I don't want to yell them in a market square."
Harry fell into step beside her, motioning for Shikamaru to follow.
Tsunade led them through the winding streets to a quieter part of Tanzaku Gai, where an elegant inn stood with an attached café, lanterns swaying gently in the dusk breeze. It was nicer than Harry expected—carved wood beams, polished floors, an open veranda lined with flowering pots. The air smelled faintly of roasted tea and sweet bread.
"This place is nice," Harry remarked, adjusting Teddy against his chest as they stepped inside.
"Don't get used to it," Tsunade muttered. "Expensive as hell."
Harry gave a lopsided smile. "Would it be alright if we went somewhere private? I'd rather not have people overhearing... family business."
Tsunade sighed, visibly annoyed but ultimately relenting. "Fine. Follow me."
She led them upstairs to her own room—spacious, with a low table set before a screen window, a large futon rolled up against one wall, and a cosy nest of cushions in the corner.
Harry unstrapped Teddy and set him down. The baby wobbled forward with glee, plopping himself into Shikamaru's lap and immediately offering the ear of his dragon plush toy. Shikamaru grimaced at the drool but accepted it with a heroic sigh.
The awkwardness thickened like fog.
Finally, Tsunade broke it. She pointed at Harry's necklace, her voice flat. "That should be impossible."
Harry nodded, already expecting the disbelief. "I suppose it would be if you don't know its story."
"Explain," she said sharply. "My grandfather told me—this necklace—was one of a kind. Passed down from his grandmother."
"You're right. And you're wrong," Harry said gently. "It wasn't truly one of a kind, there were only three that came to this land. And yours didn't originally come from the Senju line."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
"Have you ever heard of the Peverell name? Perhaps, three brothers?" Harry asked.
There was a flicker of recognition across Tsunade's face—small but there.
Harry continued. "The Peverell brothers came to this land… during the Warring States era as its now called. They had just witnessed their father's death—" he paused, remembering the bitter pain in Ignotus' stories, "—and were thrown into another conflict the moment they arrived."
Tsunade's frown deepened but she didn't interrupt.
"For a time, the brothers travelled," Harry said. "Offering healing in exchange for shelter and information. Most clans were wary. Outsiders are hard to trust, especially during a war. But each brother had a special ability. Antioch had power, unmatched in battle. Ignotus, my many-great-grandfather, had the power to heal through the soul."
Harry paused, letting that settle before he leaned forward.
"But Cadmus… Cadmus had the power over Earth itself. He could grow trees and crops with just a thought and a touch of his hand."
Tsunade's eyes went wide.
Behind her, Shizune gasped. "That's a Senju gift...!"
"It wasn't originally," Harry said gently. "Cadmus' ability to manipulate earth was seen as a miracle. In a land ravaged by endless fighting, Cadmus could make crops grow with a touch. Fields burnt by war would bloom anew under his hands."
Tsunade's mouth opened, but no words came out.
"He and his brothers earned the trust of one clan and Cadmus fell in love with a woman from it. Her name was Hina Senju."
Tsunade finally spoke, voice hoarse. "She died… in a fire… set by her husband."
Harry's expression darkened, sharp as a blade. "No. She wasn't killed by Cadmus."
Tsunade stiffened.
Harry's voice grew harder. "Cadmus adored Hina. Her death broke him. He nearly went mad from grief, did go mad from it later on when he killed himself. He didn't kill her. It was the usurper of the Senju clan who did."
Tsunade's fists clenched.
"The real leader of the Senju clan—Hina's father—was murdered by his cousin, who seized control. This new head claimed the brothers were corrupting outsiders. He put a bounty on them. Ordered their deaths."
Harry's voice softened. "Cadmus ran to save Hina… but by the time he arrived, their house was aflame. A servant—loyal to the usurper—told him she was already dead."
Tsunade's face twisted in horror.
"He tried to reach her anyway," Harry said. "Tried to tear the burning house apart with his bare hands. Ignotus had to sedate him to save him."
There was silence in the room. Only Teddy's soft chatter could be heard.
"Later," Harry continued quietly, "Ignotus, guilt-ridden, created an artifact to speak with the dead. And through it, they learned the truth. Hina wasn't killed by the fire."
Tsunade's breath caught.
"She went into early labour. Members of her own clan cut the child from her womb. Then they killed her. I suppose they couldn't leave the only child of the previous clan head alive. Her child though, was fair game."
Shizune choked back a noise of horror.
"The usurper took Cadmus' daughter—Ami—and betrothed her to his son, Batsuma. Hoping their bloodlines would create children of unmatched power."
Harry's mouth twisted bitterly. "And it worked from what I've heard of Hashirama and Tobirama Senju." He had done a lot of research over the last month, finding everything he could about the Senju clan.
Tsunade closed her eyes, whispering, "Grandfather..."
"Hashirama inherited Cadmus' gift," Harry said. "The ability to bend the earth—to grow forests."
Tsunade let out a shaky laugh. "So our power… wasn't even ours."
"It became yours," Harry said gently. "Blood and choice make a family. Not origin."
Tsunade slumped onto a cushion, rubbing her face. "A kinslayer's curse," she muttered. "It makes sense. Our clan... they hunted for power. And now? Extinct."
Harry shook his head. "There's no curse. Only choices. Loss happens."
Tsunade barked a rough laugh. "There is only one Senju left, and you're looking them. Me."
Harry frowned. "But what about your nephew? Tenzo?"
Tsunade's face twisted into confusion, then anger. "I don't have a nephew! I had one brother. Nawaki. He died when he was twelve. There's no way he could have—!"
Harry rummaged through his bag quickly, pulling out a thick roll of parchment. It unfurled like a waterfall, spilling across half the room.
Both women gawked.
"This is a family tree," Harry explained, "going back at least twelve centuries. It shows all living and deceased relatives, updates itself every time a child is born."
He traced it with a finger. "Here's Cadmus. Here's Hina. Their daughter, Ami. Hashirama."
He moved down.
"Here's your father. Here's you."
He traced from Nawaki's name—and down.
"Here. Nawaki's son. Tenzo. Born Kinoe, renamed Tenzo."
Tsunade's face went pale.
"Impossible," she hissed. "Nawaki died twenty years ago. This boy's nearly seventeen!"
Harry grimaced. "I assumed… surrogacy? Maybe stored sperm samples? I don't know much about this land, but I've noticed people tend to marry early."
Tsunade surged to her feet, fists trembling. "Someone... someone took from him. Without his consent. He would never—"
The walls shook.
With a roar, Tsunade punched the wall. The wooden beam exploded into dust.
Teddy burst into terrified sobs and a wide-eyed Shikamaru instinctively hugged him tight.
Harry stood swiftly, throwing a protective arm around them, heart racing.
Tsunade froze, realising what she'd done.
"I'm sorry," she said brokenly. "I'm sorry, kids."
Harry made sure the kids were okay, then crossed the room to Tsunade.
She was trembling, hands limp at her sides.
"They… they violated him," she whispered. "My baby brother..."
Tears spilled freely down her face.
Harry reached out, offering silent comfort.
She sank into his embrace, fists clutching his robe.
"I failed him," she sobbed. "I couldn't save him."
Harry closed his eyes, holding her as the storm passed.
"You didn't fail," he murmured. "You loved him. You still do. That's what matters."
Tsunade cried harder, until there was nothing left but shuddering breaths.
Shikamaru rocked Teddy gently nearby, his small face grave.
Harry just stroked Tsunade's hair softly, as the woman broke.
Family, he thought. No matter how broken, how scattered—they were still family.
Tsunade slowly composed herself after the storm of emotions had passed. Her breathing evened out and she wiped the remnants of tears from her cheeks. There was a new steel in her spine now, a simmering determination that reminded Harry keenly of himself.
"This Tenzo," she said firmly, voice low but brimming with purpose. "He's still Nawaki's blood. He's family. And if he's being used or controlled... we need to find him. We need to save him."
Harry nodded. "I agree."
He took Teddy into his arms and sat back onto a cushion. Shikamaru scooted closer, clearly still a bit unsettled but trying to be brave.
"I'll admit," Harry said, scratching the back of his neck, "I don't know much about the customs here. I'm not a ninja. I've only been in these lands for just over two months."
Tsunade's eyebrows rose slightly.
"Our clan," Harry continued, "is from very, very far away. You and Tenzo are our only blood relatives in this land. I searched for you first because—" he gave her a small smile, "—I thought you might have known about Tenzo. Being his aunt and all."
Tsunade blinked. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. A real one.
"I'm an aunt," she said, almost in wonder.
Shizune beamed. "You still have family left, Tsunade-sama!"
The blonde woman chuckled softly, some of the sharpness in her expression melting.
The moment passed, and Tsunade grew serious again. "If he's family, we find him. That's that."
"Good," Harry said, his voice warm. "I know he's alive—the lineage spell on the family tree would have marked him otherwise. But whenever I try to pin his location… it keeps changing directions too fast."
Shikamaru, quiet until now, spoke up. "He must be a ninja. Civilians wouldn't move that fast."
Harry turned to his boy with a proud smile, standing up and giving Shikamaru a kiss to his forehead. "Good thinking, Maru."
Shikamaru flushed bright red but looked pleased.
Harry chuckled, then turned back to Tsunade. "Allow me to properly introduce ourselves."
He gestured toward the boys.
"This little mischief is Teddy, and this brilliant strategist here is Maru. And I…" he gave a half-bow, "am Hari Peverell."
Tsunade snorted. "It's a weird clan name. You might want to consider changing it if you want to fit in here."
Harry grinned. "Technically, I have four clan names that I am the head of. But Peverell was the only one that might be known in these lands."
"Four clans?" Shizune repeated, blinking.
Harry shrugged sheepishly. "Long story."
Tsunade leaned back on her hands. "Alright, mister 'four clans.' Explain this—you said something about the wood release not being the only thing in our bloodline?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. The Peverells were… special. They had magic. Real magic."
Tsunade scoffed. "Magic isn't real."
Harry raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Chakra is real, but magic isn't?"
She opened her mouth, then paused.
"From what I've heard so far, chakra is limited towards elemental jutsu or healing," Harry said. "Magic is… more. It can do almost anything."
Before she could argue further, Harry lifted his palm and aimed it at the destroyed section of wall she'd shattered earlier. Whispering, "Reparo," the wood and plaster shimmered and knit itself back together seamlessly.
The stunned silence in the room was palpable.
Shizune gaped openly.
Tsunade whistled lowly. "You could make a killing in a ninja village. Pimp yourself out to the civilians. Fix a few roofs, patch a few walls..."
Harry laughed, the sound easy. "Tempting. But magic..."
His face turned serious again.
"Magic is a wondrous thing. But I've seen the greed of men here. Especially the Daimyos."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes.
"We heard a rumour back in Suna," Harry admitted. "That you were here. We couldn't pass up the chance to find you. Even if it meant risking a lot."
Shizune's eyes sharpened. "Why would it be dangerous?"
Harry shifted. "Because there's a bounty on my head by the Fire Daimyo right now."
Tsunade stiffened.
"The most recent bounty," Shizune said slowly, "was for a man with… a dragon."
Both Harry and Shikamaru shifted guiltily.
And Tsunade burst out laughing, startling them.
"Of course," she crowed. "Of course my cousin rides a dragon. Only the best contracts for my blood!"
She grinned wickedly. "Tell me, how old are you? Eighteen? Nineteen?"
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Seventeen, actually."
Tsunade's eyebrows rose.
"And they're your sons? A bit too young for a son his age…" she said, nodding to Shikamaru.
Harry nodded firmly. "Magic makes blood adoption possible. I gave them my bloodline—my magic. They are mine, by blood, magic and choice."
He looked proudly at Shikamaru, who blushed again.
"Maru is coming into his magic very nicely," Harry said, beaming.
Tsunade softened a little. "How did they come to be yours?"
Harry hesitated, then launched into it.
"I'm Lord Black back home. A noble house. One of the daughters of the family… she tried to use Teddy to gain control of the lordship. I suspect she would have poisoned me eventually and used Teddy as a puppet heir."
Tsunade's expression darkened.
"Teddy can…"
Harry hesitated, then said it gently. "He can turn into a wolf cub."
Tsunade's mouth opened slightly in surprise.
"His birth mother found it disgusting. Refused him. I took him in. Made him mine."
Harry's voice was fierce, loving.
Tsunade looked impressed. "Good."
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Maru…"
Surprisingly, it was Shikamaru who spoke up, voice proud.
"Maashah saved me," he said firmly. "My birth mother sold me to missing-nin. I was on a ship with them during a storm, they were taking me to Kumo."
Tsunade's eyes widened.
"I jumped," Shikamaru continued. "Into the sea. Maashah jumped too. He saved me."
He grinned. "Now he's my real parent. And Teddy's my brother. And soon I'll have my own dragon too!"
Harry beamed at him, ruffling his hair.
Tsunade looked at Shikamaru, looking closely as if seeing through the charms Harry placed on him, frowning slightly. "You were from a clan, weren't you?"
Shikamaru stiffened.
"I'm not going back!" he shouted, voice shaking. "They sold me! They didn't want me! If I go back, they'll sell me again!"
Harry immediately pulled the boy into his arms, murmuring soothing words.
"You're not going anywhere," Harry promised fiercely. "You're mine. Always."
Tsunade watched them for a long moment. Then she sighed.
"I ran away from my village," she said gruffly. "Who am I to judge you?"
Harry shot her a grateful smile.
"It's been hard," he admitted. "But Maru is strong. He's getting better every day."
Teddy yawned widely, tugging at Harry's robe. "Maashah..."
Harry smiled.
"Looks like it's bedtime," he said.
He stood, lifting Teddy into his arms.
"I'll go book another room."
He hesitated, glancing at Tsunade.
"Will you still be here tomorrow?"
Tsunade smirked. "I've got questions for you, cousin."
She pointed at him. "It doesn't make sense. How are you—" she waved a hand towards the family tree still laying on the floor, "over ten generations removed from Ignotus, while I'm only four from Cadmus?"
Harry grinned. "Time… is a funny thing, no? Our family has a lot of secrets."
Tsunade laughed, shaking her head —probably thinking Harry was crazy.
But as Harry left to secure their room, he could feel something light and precious building between them—something tentative, but real.
Family.