Since Akio had decided to get involved, he asked Mikoto to explain everything that had happened recently, every detail.
Because of the shock of Little Akio's Sharingan awakening, the Uchiha clan's Great Elder had literally keeled over from excitement. News of the boy awakening his eyes spread through the Uchiha in no time.
Fortunately, with most of the Uchiha leadership stationed on distant battlefields, and the clan's acting leader having "exited the stage" so suddenly, the situation wasn't yet dire. Only a few clan members had been quietly trying to persuade Mikoto and the boy.
Akio sighed. "When Kagami returns from the front lines, I'll speak with him directly."
Mikoto let out a breath of relief. "I'll rely on you, Great-Ancestor."
Akio nodded, pleased. It seemed that by marrying Nawaki, Mikoto had truly seen herself as part of the Senju, no longer "Uchiha Mikoto" of old.
The heavy atmosphere eased, and Mikoto and Kushina were soon laughing together again.
"Kushina, now that you're back in the village, are you planning to enroll Naruto in the Academy?"
Kushina puffed her cheeks out. "I still haven't decided! Back then, that rat Danzo went way too far!"
Mikoto chuckled. "Didn't Great-Ancestor already punish him? He's fled the village. Isn't that enough for you?"
Kushina glanced at Akio. He shook his head slightly, signaling her not to reveal that Danzo was dead—not until he figured out why.
Mikoto looked around curiously. "Honestly, I thought you came today specifically to register Naruto."
"Register… today?"
Minato explained softly, "The Academy always opens registration exactly one week before classes start. Which is today."
Mikoto added, "If I hadn't heard you were visiting, I'd already have taken Little Akio to sign up."
"Hmm…" Kushina hesitated. "Let's think for a few more days. Late registration should still be fine, right?"
Akio felt himself relax. It sounded like Kushina was already leaning toward letting Naruto attend the Academy, she just needed time to accept it.
"No need to kidnap the kid anymore…"
Minato, who understood her best, flashed a warm smile. "Kushina, let's just go today. Together."
Kushina shot him a fierce glare and puffed her cheeks again, refusing to comment.
Mikoto laughed. "In that case, let's go. If we wait any longer, it'll be lunchtime."
Kushina was dragged out by Mikoto, and immediately saw Naruto, bruised from head to toe.
"Akio, you jerk! You said no hitting the face!"
Little Akio was dusty from their scuffle too, though his handsome face was untouched. He snorted. "Idiot Naruto, I told you, there's no way you can beat me."
"Damn it! Round two!"
Naruto really was a human punching bag.
"Round nothing!" Kushina grabbed him by the collar.
"Mom, let me go! Akio's about to collapse!"
"You're the one who's collapsing…" Little Akio muttered, shrinking under Mikoto's quiet stare.
"Enough!" Kushina's roar shut Naruto up instantly.
"We're going to enroll you in the Academy!"
Naruto froze, then grinned so wide his smile almost split his face.
First step to becoming Hokage: complete!
Akio pulled a wooden stick out of nowhere and bonked Naruto on the head.
"Ow! Why'd you hit me again?!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself. That's called a reality check."
Little Akio eyed the stick and mumbled, "No wonder idiot Naruto's gotten so tough lately…"
As the group approached the Ninja Academy, Akio felt a spark of anticipation, those familiar children he'd meet again.
Surprises always popped up in unexpected places… like turning a corner.
"Lord Fourth! Elder Akio!"
Akio nodded. The greeting came from a Hyūga branch member—someone who clearly knew him, though Akio didn't quite recognize the man. The face was vaguely familiar.
His attention went instead to the little girl holding the Hyūga man's hand.
She wore a white dress, had straight-cut bangs, and a soft, delicate face. Her eyes were pure, snowy-white, brighter than most Hyūga.
Under Akio's gaze, she shyly hid behind her escort.
"Young Lady, this is Elder Akio," the branch member explained. "He once taught the former clan head."
"H-hello… Elder Akio," she whispered. Then even more quietly, "Hello… Lord Fourth."
Akio smiled kindly. "You're here to enroll her? Let's go together."
Kushina, who was still pouting a little, stepped forward to inspect Hinata. A fond smile bloomed on her face. "The Hyūga heiress just keeps getting cuter."
Kushina had doted on girls even back when she lived in the Land of Whirlpools. Back in Konoha, she loved them even more, Hinata being one of her favorites.
Hinata bowed timidly. "Hello, Aunt Kushina…"
Then she ducked behind the Hyūga escort again, sneaking glances at bruised Naruto.
Not love at first sight—just the fact that Naruto, despite being beaten up, stood tall and defiant in front of Little Akio. Hard not to notice.
Akio chuckled inwardly.
Well, well… Naruto's already made an impression on his future goddess.
"Should the Elder arrange a little matchmaking…?" he mused, then suddenly froze, his face hardening.
"Great-Grandfather, what's wrong?"
Hinata squeaked, startled by his expression.
Kushina immediately asked, "What happened?"
Akio shook his head. "Something came up. You all go ahead and register. I'll explain later."
He vanished in a flash.
Kushina stared after him. "I rarely see him look like that…"
Minato's brow furrowed as he glanced southwest. "I've had the feeling we were being watched since earlier. I thought I was imagining it… Looks like the Elder sensed it too. He'll handle it. Let's get Naruto registered first."
…
Far southwest of Konoha, hidden above the forest, an odd-looking airborne craft hovered silently. Inside stood two figures one adult, one young using strange methods to observe the village from afar.
"Father, I think they've noticed us," the younger whispered.
"No need to worry, Toneri," the man replied calmly. "They only sensed a disturbance."
"But Father—"
"I said don't worry. Focus on what matters. I've already chosen your bride—the Hyūga princess, Hinata. When you grow older, your union will restore the purity of our bloodline and awaken the Tenseigan."
"But Father… someone is behind you."
The boy finally blurted it out.
The man stiffened, then spun sharply.
Behind him stood Akio, face dark as thunder. He had just been fantasizing about matchmaking Naruto and Hinata, only to find these two planning breeding arrangements?
"Who are you?!"
Akio waved dismissively. "Don't ask me where I'm from, or who I am, or why I wander and"
He coughed.
"Point is—since you're aliens, let the Elder escort you home."
---
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