"How are Naruto and Sasuke?"
Kushina stepped forward anxiously. With that commotion just now, and the two boys fainting directly afterward, it hardly looked like everything was fine.
"They're fine. Their emotions won't be affected by those two Chakras anymore. Sasuke won't be so obsessed, and Naruto won't be so foolish. Even if someone dies, I can bring them back, so don't worry."
"Naruto isn't foolish!" Kushina quickly retorted before rushing over to check on Naruto's condition.
After calming the two women, Hyuga Mirai retracted the Truth-Seeking Orbs into his body. He had to maintain four of them to seal Indra's and Ashura's Chakra, so he couldn't yet dismiss them.
For Chakra to endure so powerfully even after a thousand years of reincarnation, Hyuga Mirai could only admire the third generation of the Otsutsuki Clan, whose Chakra naturally possessed such longevity.
After a while, Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha slowly regained consciousness. But when they awoke, they were still holding hands. Once they both realized it, they pulled away in mutual disgust.
"Looks like nothing serious happened. How do you feel?" Hyuga Mirai came over and used Yin-Yang Release to check them. Physically and mentally, neither had any serious problems.
Naruto scratched his head and grinned. "Other than dreaming about Uncle Mirai and Sasuke just now, I don't feel anything strange."
"Same here," Sasuke muttered. He felt a little weak, but since Naruto said he was fine—and Mirai had already healed him—he didn't want to appear inferior.
"That's good." Mirai withdrew his hand and sat back at the round table, motioning for them to join him.
Naruto and Sasuke hurried over and sat down. Naruto even reached out for some snacks, ready to eat while listening.
"This time, I gained a great benefit from you both. As compensation, you can each make one request. As long as it's within my ability, I will grant it."
Mirai chuckled. He had essentially stripped away their future golden fingers, so offering something in return wasn't unreasonable.
"To remind you, I can help you perfectly control the Nine-Tails, or even grant the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. What you choose is up to you. Now, you may state your requests."
At his words, Naruto and Sasuke showed little reaction, but Kushina and Mikoto became excited. The children might not understand the true value of what Mirai offered, but the mothers certainly did.
Even Kushina herself had never achieved perfect control over the Nine-Tails. At best, she could extract its Chakra with sealing techniques. Grandma Mito was stronger, but whether she achieved true perfection was unclear. If Naruto could succeed, he would surpass even Kushina.
Uchiha Mikoto, meanwhile, knew well the value of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. After opening her Mangekyo with Mirai's help, she had asked him much about the Sharingan. Odd as it was to consult a Hyuga on Uchiha eyes, she soon realized Mirai understood them better than most Uchiha themselves.
Only Madara had ever awakened the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Its rarity spoke for itself.
The two mothers almost blurted out an answer on their sons' behalf, but one stern look from Mirai made them sit back down. Still, they kept glancing toward Naruto and Sasuke, hoping their eyes would convey the hint.
"I…"
Naruto thought for a while, then looked up at Mirai. "Uncle Mirai, can I save my request for later?"
"Save it? You haven't decided yet?" Mirai gave him a look. "That's fine. When you decide, come find me."
Kushina couldn't hold back. "Naruto, let Mom give you a suggestion, you—" But before she could finish, Mirai chopped her lightly on the head.
"Let Naruto decide for himself. Don't interfere."
Seeing Kushina silenced, Mikoto also refrained from speaking. She only smiled gently at Sasuke.
"I won't make my request yet either. I'll wait until later," Naruto said more firmly, sneaking a glance at Kushina.
"I'm the same as Naruto. I'll hold onto mine for now," Sasuke followed. It wasn't about copying Naruto; he simply didn't want strength gained this way. Even if it surpassed Naruto's, it wouldn't feel like a true victory.
Back in Konoha, Naruto wasn't bottom-ranked in everything. Aside from academics, he and Sasuke were fairly even in practical skills. To surpass Naruto, Sasuke wanted to rely on his own training, or else Naruto would mock him.
Since both had decided, Mirai nodded. "Very well. When you're ready, come find me anytime."
That matter settled, Mikoto asked a few questions about schooling. Mirai mentioned that future top graduates would receive a bloodline ninja tool, sparking competitive glares between Naruto and Sasuke.
But becoming top graduate wouldn't be easy. Their peer Gaara, disciple of the Kazekage, had both the protection of Shukaku and Karura's sand. He also received the most intensive education and training in the Federation. When Pakura was busy, two jonin still trained Gaara and his siblings.
Right now, Gaara had about a ninety percent chance of claiming top graduate.
They chatted until noon. After lunch at Mirai's place, everyone went home. Mirai turned to studying Indra's and Ashura's Chakra, while also checking progress on other matters.
"Kabuto, call Kimimaro here."
Not long after Tsunade left the Hokage office, she stormed back in. At first, Kabuto thought she had come to help with paperwork. Instead, she sent him on an errand.
As Kabuto left, he secretly wished Orochimaru would summon him back, or else his most capable subordinate might collapse from overwork.
Soon, Kimimaro arrived. He had been busy rebuilding Root, which already showed structure. Aside from former Root members and some reassigned Sarutobi clan shinobi, the others bore no curse marks.
Tsunade went straight to the point. "Kimimaro, Danzo has escaped. I'm assigning you a long-term mission. Whenever Root members go on outside missions, also investigate Danzo's whereabouts. Question the old Root members about his possible hiding places. No matter what, he must be found."
"I understand, Lady Tsunade."
Kimimaro bowed and left to make arrangements.
"Lady Tsunade, how did Danzo escape?" Kabuto asked curiously. With his power crushed and two layers of curse seals on him, he shouldn't have been able to use any jutsu.
"Izanagi. This confirms Uchiha Shisui's death is tied to Danzo. Such a prolonged Izanagi must have been a Mangekyo."
Tsunade bit her finger thoughtfully. Danzo must have passed messages outside while imprisoned. She trusted Kimimaro absolutely. Besides Danzo's men, only her teacher had visited him.
"Hmph. Old man, you've gone too far!"
Tsunade slammed her fist into the Hokage desk. Other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, no one could have freed Danzo. The day before, Danzo had even been sealed.
She wanted to deal with Hiruzen, but since her suspicion lacked proof, and their bond as teacher and student remained, she decided not to pursue it this time. But if he dared another stunt, she wouldn't hold back.
After Tsunade's mood calmed, Kabuto cautiously spoke. "Lady Tsunade, since you're back, these pending documents—"
"Ahem, Kabuto, I have something later. I'll be meeting with the Hyuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka clan heads about the police force. Please handle these for now."
Tsunade coughed and turned away, a little guilty.
Since Kabuto's arrival, her work as Hokage had grown easy. Ninety percent of the chores went to him, leaving her more time to train, drink, or even sneak into Konoha's casinos.
She now relied heavily on Kabuto and Kimimaro. If Orochimaru tried to reclaim them, Tsunade would shamelessly cry to Mirai to get them back—even if it meant embarrassing herself.
She wasn't lying either. Soon after, the three clan heads indeed arrived at the Hokage office. If not for this police force matter, Tsunade likely would have gone to Root instead of the office.
Kiyo Hyuga, Inuzuka Nin, and Aburame Shibi entered.
"Lady Hokage."
After greeting them, Tsunade handed them the police force reformation plan.
"I plan to rebuild Konoha's Police Force. Unlike the Uchiha Police Force, this version adjusts roles and responsibilities. I'd like your three clans to provide members. Please review the plan and share your thoughts."
Kiyo Hyuga read it carefully. Since becoming clan head, this was her first time leaving the compound. She had been busy with internal affairs. After the funerals of the First and Second Elders, the Third Elder stayed silent, and Hiashi shut himself away. With nearly forty percent of the branch family's loyalty, Kiyo handled much of the clan's business.
Branch family chunin and jonin had begun training in secret techniques like Rotation. Talented ones would soon succeed. Mastering these techniques patched their former weaknesses, raising their strength greatly. Some experienced branch members were already at elite jonin level.
For chunin, the improvement was greatest. Techniques like Rotation and Air Palm boosted them far more than any standard A-rank ninjutsu. Hyuga clan jutsu, developed for the Byakugan, suited them perfectly—though formerly restricted to the main house.
Kiyo had already known about the police plan from the Land of Rain battlefield. After reading the details, she had no objections.
"Lady Tsunade, the Hyuga clan accepts this plan. In three days, I will select members to report."
Inuzuka Nin and Aburame Shibi, seeing her decisive response, also agreed. "Lady Hokage, the Inuzuka clan supports this plan."
"The Aburame clan as well."
Tsunade smiled. "Good. I'll also select other shinobi to join. The headquarters is already prepared."
"Hyuga clan head, please stay."
She stopped Kiyo from leaving.
Once the others were gone, Tsunade addressed her more personally. "Kiyo, thank you for your help with the police force. I've heard about your clan's situation. Personally, I think you've handled it well. If you need anything, just ask me."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade. For now, I can manage. But if needed, I will seek your help." Kiyo straightened her posture and replied formally.
"If possible, could Lady Tsunade guide my training?"
"…What?"
Tsunade froze at the request, then asked, "But what about your clan affairs?"
"They're mostly settled. I only need to spend some time daily to manage them. Clan business is my duty, but personally, I want to grow stronger."
"Very well, since you insist." Tsunade nodded, suddenly realizing she now had another excuse to hand off paperwork to Kabuto. Maintaining bonds between the Hokage and clans was also part of her role.
"Tomorrow afternoon at Training Ground Two, then. Bring Jonin Kurenai as well—I promised to guide her last time."
"Understood, Lady Tsunade."
(End of Chapter)