When Tō and Kabuto emerged from ROOT's underground base, both wore strangely satisfied smiles. Tō's grin came from knowing Danzo believed his control tag had dominated Tō entirely. Kabuto's smile reflected Danzo's foolishness—did Danzo truly think Orochimaru would share his real findings? Or were both Orochimaru and Danzo too naive to catch each other's schemes?
"Kabuto, from now on we'll move together," Tō said, stepping onto the bustling streets of Konoha. Kabuto replied softly, almost to himself, "I never thought I'd return to Konoha… I wonder how my brother is doing."
Tō was momentarily taken aback; earlier, he'd playfully nudged Kabuto's direction—now that gesture felt heavier. He shook his head. "Step by step. Hide ourselves until we gather enough intel."
They shared a knowing glance before parting ways. Tō watched Konoha's calm streets, mindful that beneath the peace, every dark scheme churned beneath the surface. Tsunade's predecessor's policies lived on, but with the Uchiha unrest and factional tension, the Third Hokage seemed powerless. Imagine pairing the Third with Danzo's ruthless edge—like Hagoromo reincarnated as a leader.
Shaking off his dark thoughts, Tō instinctively headed for home, his hidden sanctuary. He sighed to himself as he crossed the threshold—finally, peace. Moments later, a blurred figure charged at him—
Too slow.
Tō lifted his right fist just as the figure's punch approached, landing a crisp blow that sent the intruder flying across the room. Tō looked closer—it was none other than Naruto!
Naruto, struggling to the edge of consciousness, staggered to his feet. Tō glared. "You little thief! Did you break in to steal? And who do you think you are?"
In an instant, several ANBU operatives materialized around the room; Uchiha clan members also watched warily. Tō flexed his fist threateningly, wanting to test the ANBU's response.
Naruto shook his head earnestly. "I'm not a thief! …It was Aunt Hikari who brought me. Who are you?"
Naruto's surprise came after witnessing Tō's strength, stronger than that of many older genin. Tō was nine, four years his senior. Naruto's blue eyes widened further when another voice cut in.
"Tō, put Naruto down—he's the child I invited to stay here."
Chastened, Tō relaxed. Naruto gasped: "That's Tō-nii?!" Tō scowled—his mother's calm authority had made the ANBU melt away.
Once composed on the front yard, Tō watched Naruto's cheek deflate—it had been puffed up after their scuffle, but already was settling. Impressive healing—true for a tailed beast jinchūriki.
Naruto grinned. "Aunt Hikari, Tō-nii's so strong! But I will surpass you—I swear I'll be stronger than every Hokage!"
Tō smiled at such boundless optimism, though inwardly he sighed—Naruto's recklessness needed training. "Right now, you couldn't beat me, let alone any Hokage. I finished the academy when I was seven."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Teach me then! Teach me ninja techniques that can defeat anyone! I'm a genius too!"
Tō chuckled. "Do you know the Shadow Clone and Rasengan?" Naruto fizzed with excitement. Tō decided to train Naruto, starting with a simple jutsu.
Dragging Naruto to the yard, Tō smirked, "Try the Wind Release: Gale Palm. Wrist signs first." He formed mudra in under a heartbeat, expelled a gust so strong that trees bent and branches cracked.
Naruto gasped and tried to copy—but froze halfway, forgetting the sequence. "I… I forgot…" he admitted sheepishly.
"Talen-ty!" Tō joked. He helped guide Naruto's hand seals and showed chakra control, but Naruto's chakra, though abundant, was erratic. After a full afternoon, Tō sighed—it hadn't worked. Naruto's Gale Palm felt like a breeze.
Naruto deflated. Tō patted his head, "That's enough for today. We'll train properly tomorrow, starting with chakra control. Without that, no jutsu works. You need years to reach my level."
Naruto nodded, determinedly. Hikari smiled at the sight. Dinner was ready, and Naruto, exhausted, collapsed into bed. Later, Tō calmly paged through jutsu scrolls.
Hikari watched from the kitchen, touched by the simple joy of family. She opened her mouth to speak—a rare moment of seriousness.
"He's the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, you know…"
Tō laughed softly, "The Hokage would've sealed him away if that mattered. He's just the Fourth's son."
Hikari blinked. "Really?" She seemed stunned but also relieved.
Tō chuckled, touching his surname. "We both share the Uzumaki name—so we're kin too. I'm glad, though I never expected you to accept Naruto."
They laughed together.
Hikari asked quietly, "Does the boy have talent?"
Tō nodded, glancing at Naruto's sleeping form. "Yes. Talent plus perseverance—and Naruto's determined. Just like me, I could've been a failure without willpower. But I kept going—and that made all the difference."
Hikari pulled him into a hug. "To me, you'll always be the best son and strongest ninja."
Together they smiled, the evening closing around them in warmth.