Konoha Year 36, December 18th
Akimichi BBQ
The BBQ inside the hotel had been a blast. Minato, Nawaki, Inoichi, Shikaku, Choza… and of course, me and the girls. Laughter, chatter, and the occasional food-fueled argument filled the air all evening.
But as the night wound down, the boys decided to leave—dragging Nawaki with them like a pack of hyenas hauling away their prey.
"Wait—what? Why are we leaving already?" Nawaki shouted, his arms flailing as Choza hoisted him by the collar.
"You've had enough fun for one night," Shikaku called back lazily, grinning.
"I didn't even get dessert!" Nawaki protested, trying to dig his heels in, but Inoichi and Choza were having none of it.
Minato chuckled beside me. "Don't worry, he'll survive. Eventually."
And just like that, they were gone, leaving behind the four of us—me, Kushina, Mikoto, and Tsume.
The night air outside was cool, the streets quiet except for the distant hum of cicadas. The lanterns lit our path as we walked slowly through the village.
"So," I said, hands in my pockets, "which one of you is brave enough to race me to the Inuzuka gate?"
Tsume's grin was immediate. "You're on, Ryo. Akira and I will leave you eating dust."
Akira barked once, tail wagging proudly.
"Oi, no fair!" Kushina pouted, folding her arms. "You've got a dog! That's cheating!"
Mikoto gave a small sigh, the kind that said I can't believe I hang out with these idiots. "You three are hopeless. We're supposed to be walking, not turning the village into a track."
"Walking's boring," I said with mock seriousness. "And besides, someone has to make the night memorable."
"Memorable?" Mikoto smirked. "You mean humiliating, when Tsume beats you in front of us all?"
I placed a hand over my heart dramatically. "You wound me, Mikoto. Truly."
Tsume chuckled, shaking her head. "You talk too much, Ryo."
Kushina nudged my arm with a grin. "He can't help it. It's his thing."
"Exactly," I said proudly. "Charm, confidence, and just enough arrogance to make life interesting."
Their laughter echoed softly down the quiet street. It felt warm, real. After everything, this moment of peace felt almost too good to be true.
We reached the Inuzuka compound first. Tsume stopped at the gate, Akira trotting beside her.
"Well, this is me. Try not to miss me too much," she teased.
"Wouldn't dream of it," I said with a grin.
"Liar," she snorted before giving me a quick hug and disappearing inside with Akira.
Next was the Uchiha compound. Mikoto paused at the entrance, the flickering lantern light reflecting in her dark eyes.
"Get some rest, Ryo," she said softly. "You'll need it."
"I always do," I replied, returning her small smile.
She gave a faint nod, then vanished through the tall gates.
Finally, it was just me and Kushina as we approached the Senju compound. The moonlight caught in her red hair, making it shimmer like fire.
"You're walking me home too, huh?" she asked with a smirk.
"Of course," I said, grinning. "I'd hate to lose my newly minted girlfriend to a rogue raccoon."
She giggled. "Smooth, Ryo. Real smooth."
By the time we reached the compound gates, the night had deepened into silence.
I stood there for a moment, smiling. "Well, here we are. Sleep well, Kushina."
She tilted her head. "You too." Then she gave me a mischievous grin. "Don't go brooding too much, okay?"
"Brooding? Me? Never."
We both laughed, and after she disappeared inside, I finally headed home.
Back in my room, I took off my Chūnin vest and forehead protector and lay back on the bed. The ceiling felt oddly distant tonight. My mind drifted through memories—the past year since completing my three-year training, the long evenings experimenting with chakra manipulation, and that fateful breakthrough.
The Rasengan.
The only ninjutsu shown in full detail from concept to perfection. A masterpiece of chakra control. Except, this time—it had been my creation.
I could still remember the moment that spinning orb of pure chakra came to life in my hand. From there, I refined it, fusing it with elemental chakra—fire, wind, lightning, water, and earth. Each variation had its own personality, its own fury. Eventually, I shared the base form with Minato, Nawaki, Kushina, Mikoto, and Tsume. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio had politely declined, saying their clan arts were enough. Fair.
A sharp knock pulled me from my thoughts.
"Ryo Inazuma?"
I opened the door. An ANBU stood there, silent as the night.
"Mito-sama summons you," he said flatly.
My heart skipped. So it's today.
I quickly wore the chunin vest and the forehead protector, the weight of what was about to happen pressing against my chest.
When I arrived at the outskirts of the village, Mikoto and Tsume were already there—Akira by Tsume's side, tail low.
Then I saw her—Mito Uzumaki, calm and regal, the flicker of her chakra like a flame nearing its end.
"Come closer, child," she said softly.
I bowed my head. "Mito-sama."
Her lips curved faintly. "No need for formality. You may call me… Grandma Mito, if you wish."
I blinked, caught off guard. "Grandma Mito…"
She smiled gently. "Monkey has told me about you, Ryo. But strength alone is not enough. The path of a Jinchuriki is pain, fear, and solitude. Kushina will carry that burden now. Cherish her, and the others, always."
"I promise," I said, voice steady.
She handed me a scroll. "This contains all my attainments and experience on Uzumaki clan's sealing arts. Study them well—you'll need them when the time comes. And perhaps… think of it as my blessing to you."
She smiled softly as I accepted the scroll, her eyes glowing with pride. Then that warmth vanished, replaced by a quiet, commanding strength — the aura of the First Hokage's wife.
Her gaze swept over the ANBU and the barrier team. "We can begin," she said — her voice was soft, but it carried the authority of someone who had once stood beside gods.
The crimson barrier flared to life, the air vibrating under the surge of chakra.
Mito-sama's hands glowed with a deep, living red, the spirals of her seal expanding outward in dazzling precision.
Then, she released it.
Reality itself seemed to twist. A thunderous pulse of chakra erupted, thick and corrosive — ancient hatred made tangible. The sheer pressure sent cracks through the ground, shaking the forest to its roots.
The ANBU staggered. Even Hiruzen's chakra flared reflexively to keep his footing.
I just stood there. The pressure didn't reach me — my chakra flowed naturally, parting the suffocating tide like a rock in a raging sea. To me, it felt no heavier than a strong breeze.
And from that storm, the monster took form.
The Kyuubi's body rose like a living calamity, nine tails whipping through the air like thunderbolts, each swing strong enough to shatter mountains. Its roar carried the weight of years of hatred, vibrating through my bones — not because I couldn't endure it, but because the world itself trembled around it.
Its crimson eyes snapped open, like a burning torch full of malice.
Mito's Adamantine Chains flashed out instantly — golden brilliance cutting through the storm, slamming into the beast's limbs and chest with enough force to crater the earth. The Kyuubi snarled as the bindings locked tight, the ground groaning under its weight.
"FOOLS!" the Kyuubi thundered, its voice echoing like rolling thunder. "You dare bind me again?! These chains, this village — I will tear them all apart!"
Mito didn't even blink. "You've roared enough for one lifetime, Kyuubi," she said, tightening the chains again, her voice steady — resolute.
The fox snarled, its killing intent thickening. "You old hag… I'll crush this village! I'll drown your precious Leaf in blood before I bow again!"
Kushina trembled, her chakra flaring wildly as she began forming her adamantine chains, sweat pouring down her face.
"You?" the Kyuubi laughed, focusing its monstrous gaze on her. "A mere child dares cage me?! You'll break before I even breathe on you!"
Kushina gasped, her knees nearly buckling under the chakra pressure. I saw her chains falter — that was enough.
In a blur of motion, I was gone from the sidelines and appeared right on the fox's head, the ground beneath my feet cracking from the burst of force I released.
"Shut up… and stay down, you stupid fox."
My fist crashed down, a sonic boom tearing through the air. The Kyuubi's pupils shrank before its massive head slammed into the ground, the shockwave flattening the earth for meters around. The world fell silent except for the settling dust and the ringing in everyone's ears.
Even Hiruzen looked shaken — Enma halfway raised and forgotten in his grip.
Mito-sama stared at me for a long moment, then smiled faintly. "Looks like you have more power hidden than you have shown Ryo."
Without the Kyuubi's resistance, the sealing went far smoother. Mito guided the last of the chakra into Kushina's forming seal as her chains slowly dimmed. Kushina's body trembled, but her seal stabilized.
As the last traces of chakra faded, Mito's eyes softened, glimmering with quiet pride. She gestured toward me, Kushina, Mikoto, and Tsume, then gently took our hands in her frail ones, weaving mine together with all three of theirs.
Her smile was warm, motherly, carrying the weight of years and care. "Take care of them… all of them," she said softly, her voice steady yet tender. "You remind me of Hashirama's spirit — kind, yet reckless… and perhaps a little too charming for your own good."
Then, with a subtle nod, she held our hands united, forming a silent promise. Kushina, Mikoto, and Tsume pressed lightly into mine, the gesture carrying a vow unspoken yet deeply understood — protection, trust, and the unbreakable bond of those who stand together.
I felt warmth spread through my chest, a quiet resolve anchoring me. Whatever came next, whatever dangers we faced, this connection… this promise… would guide every step.
Tsunade and Nawaki stepped closer, their eyes already glistening.
Mito looked at them with deep affection. "Live well, all of you… the Will of Fire burns brightest in bonds like these…"
Her voice faded, and her hands slowly went still.
We all bowed our heads in silence.
Then Danzo, ever the vulture, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with greed. "Hiruzen… that boy's strength is wasted outside Root. Let me—"
Hiruzen's gaze cut him off. "That's enough, Danzo. I am the Hokage, and Ryo is not going to Root."
Danzo's single eye gleamed with fury. "Hiruzen… you'll regret this. That boy will be the spark that burns you down." He stormed away, his cloak snapping in anger.
Hiruzen sighed, turning to me with a reassuring smile. "Don't mind him. Learn well what Mito-sama left you, and help Kushina when the time comes."
After the rituals and arrangements, Tsunade walked toward me, folding her arms. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly. "Three girls, huh? You sure you're not some kind of scumbag, kid?"
I chuckled tiredly. "I can't help it. I'm too charming."
She blinked, then snorted, hiding the tiniest smile. "Cocky little brat."
Even Nawaki laughed. "Told you, sis, he's like an older me — just less dumb!"
Tsunade smacked him on the head, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I grinned, hands in my pockets. "Please, Nawaki, don't insult me like that — I could never reach your level of dumb."
"Oi!" he protested, rubbing his head while Tsunade snorted, barely hiding her laughter.
After some minor arrangements were settled, Tsunade walked up to me again, arms crossed. "You'll stay in the Senju compound from now on," she said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
I blinked. "Wait, just like that?"
Before I could protest further, Kushina grabbed my arm. "C'mon, Ryo! It's safer there, and you'll be closer to us too!"
Mikoto nodded, smiling softly. "She's right. You shouldn't stay alone after everything that's happened."
Even Tsume chimed in with a grin. "Yeah, besides, the compound's huge — plenty of space to train without blowing up your old house."
I sighed, glancing between the three of them — their eyes practically sparkling in sync. There was no winning this one.
"Fine, fine… I surrender," I muttered, making Kushina beam triumphantly.
After that, I accepted Tsunade's invitation to live in the Senju compound — though, honestly, it felt more like I'd been outvoted by the combined will of three very persuasive kunoichi.
Later that night, after helping me move into the Senju compound's courtyard, Mikoto and Tsume hugged me goodbye — both a little tired, both smiling softly.
Tsume grinned, scratching Akira behind the ears. "Don't go breaking any more legendary beasts, okay?"
"Can't promise," I said with a smirk.
Mikoto giggled, shaking her head. "Goodnight, Ryo. Don't stay up too late reading the scroll Grandma Mito gave."
I nodded, watching them leave before turning to Kushina. She stood there, arms crossed and eyes sparkling, trying to look confident.
"I'm staying with you from now on," she said boldly, but the faint redness creeping up her cheeks betrayed her true feelings.
I blinked, raising an eyebrow. "…Wait, what do you mean?"
"Where else?" she replied, clearly enjoying my hesitation, though she nervously shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I'm staying here… with you."
I shrugged, thinking she probably meant another bedroom in this huge villa. "Alright… fine. Just don't get in my way," I said with a smile.
She let out a soft, almost imperceptible sigh of relief, her blush deepening as she gave me a small, victorious grin.
I went to my bedroom, laid down on the bed, and stared at the moon through the window, enjoying the quiet.
A soft click of the door caught my attention. Kushina slid it open quietly, eyes flicking up at me, hesitant yet determined. Without a word, she climbed onto the bed, curling herself close against me.
I froze, my mind racing for a moment. "…You're serious," I murmured, half in disbelief.
She nuzzled her face into my arm, letting out a faint sigh. Her small hands rested lightly on my chest, almost as if testing whether I'd push her away.
I exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the moment settle around us. She wasn't just staying in another room — she was choosing to be here, with me.
A few silent tears slipped down her cheeks, and I felt my chest tighten. Memories of Grandma Mito, the events of the day, all the little shocks and joys that had brought her here — they lingered in her quiet sobs. I brushed them gently away with the back of my hand. "Hey… my Kushina, the brave one. Don't worry — you've got me, Mikoto, and Tsume. You're not alone."
Her body trembled slightly, but she relaxed a little against me, a shiver running down her spine. I kept my voice low, calm, but edged with teasing warmth. "And if that stupid fox ever tries to hurt you again, I'll give it a taste of my punch… only a little stronger this time."
She let out a soft, muffled giggle. "I'll hold you to that, Ryo," she whispered, her lips brushing the curve of my chest.
Before I could reply, she shot up slightly, her small hand landing gently on my cheek. A peck, quick and light, but enough to make my chest thrum. "Good night, you big dummy," she murmured, her breath warm against my skin, then rolled back into my chest, curling herself like a delicate, living weight.
I couldn't resist letting my fingers drift to the spot where she had kissed me, tracing it lightly. A quiet chuckle escaped my lips. "Guess you learned a little boldness from me," I murmured, shaking my head with a smile.
Leaning down, I pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. The skin there was warm, soft, and surprisingly comforting. "Good night, Kushina."
Her eyes widened in surprise at the contact, and I saw the blush bloom across her cheeks like dawn breaking over a quiet village. A tiny, startled squeak slipped past her lips, and she buried her face into my chest, hiding from the bold gesture and the rush of her own embarrassment.
I held her close, wrapping my arms securely around her, feeling the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against mine. Her warmth seeped into me, her soft breath rising and falling in time with my own. The world outside seemed to fade — no moonlight, no distant village sounds, only us. The night held us in its quiet embrace.
Finally, with Kushina curled safely against me, trusting, warm, and entirely present, I let sleep take me. Her presence was a promise, steady and unspoken, one I intended never to break.
(A/N): Sheesh… this chapter really wore me out, but honestly, it was worth every single second. I tried my best to pour more emotions into it — though, truth be told, my romance experience in real life is… well, let's just say I'm shedding single-man tears here. So everything you saw, all the feelings, had to come straight from my imagination.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! See you in the next one. And if you liked it, show some love — add it to your library, toss some power stones my way, or just leave a comment. Let me know what made you smile, what tugged at your heart, and what I can do better. Every bit of feedback means a lot!