Kakashi analyzed the situation and concluded they shouldn't reinforce Hiruzen Sarutobi. Raizen nodded in immediate agreement.
He had already offered to help; it was Kakashi who said no.
Raizen knew perfectly well that without outside interference, Hiruzen would likely die at Orochimaru's hands, just as in the original story. His offer to help wasn't genuine; it was merely a show of concern. As Hokage, Hiruzen had stood by while Danzo and the elders ordered the Uchiha massacre. For that alone, Raizen would never save him.
Moreover, if Hiruzen didn't die, Tsunade would have no reason to return. Raizen was counting on her! She had borrowed a hundred million from him years ago, and with interest, it had snowballed into a staggering sum. If she didn't come back, who would he collect from? Only once she became Hokage would it be awkward for her to keep dodging the debt.
If she really has no money, settling the debt by bearing children is an option. I don't mind the age; I'm a face-con!
Raizen had left several Wood Clones at home. Since none had dispelled to send news, the estate was safe. He wasn't worried.
"Sasuke-kun, are you okay?" Sakura Haruno asked from behind Kakashi, looking worriedly at Sasuke.
"I'm fine, just a bit low on chakra," Sasuke replied.
"I'm glad you're okay," Sakura smiled.
"If you're so worried, go check on Naruto," Sasuke said coldly. He found Sakura's fussing annoying. He'd rather she spent that energy training so she'd stop dragging the team down.
Thinking of training, Sasuke couldn't help but look at little Mirai. She was so much younger, yet she didn't flinch before a Jonin—she even stood protectively in front of Raizen. It shook him. At her age, he couldn't even perform a basic Great Fireball Technique, yet at four, she was instakilling Chunin. He used to hide behind his brother at that age; he was nowhere near her level.
"Raizen, your Mirai is truly incredible!" Might Guy gave a thumbs-up.
"Of course. My baby is the best," Raizen said, picking Mirai up.
"So strong at four... it's not impossible for her to become Hokage one day," Kakashi joked.
"Sweetie, Uncle Kakashi says you could be Hokage. Do you want to be?" Raizen asked.
Mirai thought for a moment, then shook her head. "No. If I'm Hokage, I won't have time for Papa. I want to stay with Papa forever."
"Hahaha!" Raizen burst into laughter.
"I want to stay with Raizen-sama forever, too," Karin added seriously.
"Alright! Stay as long as you want. I won't force you into anything; just do what makes you happy," Raizen said, patting both their heads.
Sasuke felt a twinge of jealousy. Raizen used to pat his head like that, but now it almost never happened.
"Raizen," Guy suddenly remarked, "I'm amazed that with so many wives, you're still this powerful. You instakilled two squads and you don't look 'deficient' at all. Don't you feel... drained?"
"Drained? A man should never be drained," Raizen smiled mysteriously. "Guy, are you feeling drained?"
"Guy is drained?" Kakashi's mind flashed back to Guy panting while fighting mere Chunin. It was unlike the "Blue Beast" who usually had infinite energy. "Guy... have you been 'saving lost sisters' too much lately?"
Guy laughed awkwardly. "Just... maybe once or twice a day."
"Brother Sasuke," Karin whispered, "who is this 'Lost Sister'? Why does Guy-sensei have to save her every day? Is she always in danger?"
Sasuke looked confused and shook his head. He didn't know either.
"Guy, have you been doing this for years?" Raizen asked. Guy nodded sheepishly.
"Impressive!" Raizen gave him a thumbs-up. Every single day? This guy was almost keeping up with him.
"Raizen, why aren't you drained?" Guy asked, bewildered. Raizen had far more wives; his frequency must be way higher. Yet he showed no signs of exhaustion.
"I am Raizen. You can't compare yourself to me," Raizen laughed. He had a system "cheat"; how could they compare?
"Here, Guy, take this," Raizen said, tossing a small vial.
"What's this?"
"My own secret medicine. It cures all forms of 'deficiency.' One bottle guarantees you won't be drained for three days and nights. No side effects. You'll be like a pillar, never falling. It also strengthens the physique over time."
"That powerful? Raizen, have you been drinking this all along?" Guy's eyes lit up, clutching the bottle as if his life depended on it.
Raizen shook his head. "I'm a man among men. I don't need it."
Guy didn't believe a word of it. If you didn't drink this, how did you have a hundred kids without collapsing? But aloud he said, "Raizen, you're not being a good bro! Why didn't you bring this out sooner?"
"Better late than never, right?" Raizen chuckled.
"True, true! This is like rain during a drought," Guy grinned, tucking the vial away. "How much, Raizen? I'll buy the next ones from you."
Waiting for that, Raizen thought. "Guy, we're brothers. Money ruins the vibe. If you want more, I'll give it to you for free."
Guy shook his head. "No, business is business. How much?"
Raizen pretended to hesitate. "Well... just the cost of materials then. Ten thousand Ryō a bottle." (He bought them from the system for five hundred each. What a profiteer!)
"Understood. I'll come find you when this is gone," Guy said excitedly.
"Guy, break's over. Let's go clear out more enemies," Kakashi suggested.
"Right!" Guy turned serious.
Kakashi looked at Raizen. "Raizen, please look after Sakura for a bit while Guy and I thin the ranks."
"Don't worry, I'll protect her. Be careful out there."
"See ya, Raizen!" Guy gave a thumbs-up and followed Kakashi as they vanished.
Once they were gone, Karin asked, "Raizen-sama, who is the 'Lost Sister'? Why is she always in danger?"
Sasuke, Sakura, and Mirai all looked at Raizen with intense curiosity.
"Ahem!" Raizen was stumped by the sudden question. "Uh... well... the Lost Sister... she likes to walk on tightropes. She's always at risk of falling, so she needs saving."
"Why can't she just stop walking on tightropes?" Mirai asked.
"Well... she needs to earn money for food. If she doesn't perform, she'll starve, get sick, and... you know. She does it to survive."
Mirai looked sympathetic. "The Lost Sister is so pitiful! Papa, you must save her! You can't let her go hungry."
Raizen: "..." I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Guy-uncle will save her, don't worry," Raizen laughed awkwardly. If Mirai ever finds out what that actually means, she might come after me with that sword...
Sakura stared at Raizen, her heart thumping. She suddenly realized this "eighteen-year-old" looking big brother was incredibly handsome—even more so than Sasuke.
Internal Sakura: Raizen-kun is so handsome! I love him!Inner Sakura: But I love Sasuke! I can't be unfaithful!Internal Sakura: Idiot! Raizen is way cooler! Take him down and you'll be the Uchiha Clan Head's wife!Inner Sakura: One of the wives?Internal Sakura: You think you'd be the only one? Look at him, he's a legend! And look how he pampers Mirai!
Sakura stood dazed, her two personalities having a fierce mental war.
"Sakura? Are you okay?" Raizen's gentle voice snapped her out of it. Seeing his face so close, her own turned bright red. "I-I'm fine!"
"Good. Kakashi asked me to protect you." Raizen turned to Sasuke. "Sasuke, how's your chakra? Want to find some weaker enemies to practice on?"
"I'm at half. I can try," Sasuke nodded.
"Papa, I want to practice too! I'm fully recovered!" Mirai chirped.
"Alright!" Raizen smiled. Real combat was the best teacher. "Karin, you know sensory ninjutsu. You find the weak chakra signatures for us to hunt."
Karin nodded and began her sensory sweep.
"Raizen-kun, what about me? I can help too!" Sakura asked eagerly.
Raizen looked at her and paused. Honestly, right now, she's a bit useless. No wonder Sasuke isn't interested. No 'assets,' a billboard forehead, and constantly fangirling. Naruto... if you really don't want Hinata, I might have to 'save' her myself when she grows up!