The two boys continued observing the village carefully from their elevated vantage point, as if committing the terrain to memory.
After a while, the narrow-eyed boy opened his eyes fully—revealing irises the color of emeralds.
"Brother, what should we do now? Should we go find Father?"
The blond boy thought for a moment before replying calmly,
"Yes. Let's go, Mai."
"Okay, Brother."
The two changed into different clothes, then took out a map. Following the address written on it, they soon arrived at Nagi's house.
Mai stepped forward and knocked lightly.
"Excuse me? Is anyone home?"
There was no response.
They tried again—several times—but still no answer.
"It looks like Father isn't home," Mai said quietly.
"He's probably at Uncle Orochimaru's," the blond boy guessed.
"That makes sense. Should we head to OtogaKūre… or wait here for Father to return?"
Meanwhile — Otoga Kūre
At that very moment, Nagi and Orochimaru were deep in discussion, researching Kimimaro's Dead Bone Pulse. The two conducted comprehensive examinations while Kabuto Ya Kūshi recorded and reviewed the data.
Nearby, Sasuke was battling the Sound Four.
His Sharingan spun with Three-Tomoe Sharingan, fully activated. Opposite him, the four had entered their Cursed Seal of Heaven Second State states.
Individually, Sasuke could defeat any one of them at his current level.
But against all four at once, he struggled.
Still, thanks to his constant sparring with Nagi—and the rather painful experience that came with it—he had developed considerable resilience. For now, he managed to hold out.
Across the shinobi world, it had already been more or less confirmed—
These two were Nagi's children from the future.
Hashirama Senju: "Hahaha! They really are my grand-disciple's children. Very good, very good. Both of them are adorable."
Mito Uzumaki: "Mm. At least Nagi didn't follow his teacher's example. I was worried about that."
Tsunade: "Uncle Orochimaru, huh? Looks like you and Nagi get along quite well in the future."
Orochimaru: "Naturally."
Kūshina Uzumaki: "Hehe… I wonder who their mother is!"
Minato Namikaze: "+1."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "+1."
Mei Terumi: "I'm curious too. +1."
…
Gossip is universal—especially when Nagi is the subject.
Tsunade smirked.
"Based on my many years of medical experience, judging by their hair colors, eye colors, and facial structures… these two likely have different mothers.
Nagi, you're quite impressive."
Jiraiya: "Master's uncle, teach me your ways!"
Orochimaru: "You only call her that when it suits you."
Kūra Haruno: "Hehe, Ino… the blond one… do you think maybe—"
Ino Yamanaka: "S- Kūra! Don't talk nonsense! Nagi hasn't even said anything!"
Even so, Ino was secretly delighted.
Nagi was more handsome—and stronger—than even Sasuke.
Rasa: "Ahem. My daughter is blond too. Perhaps that's my grandson."
Hashirama: "Hahaha! By that logic, Tsunade is also in the running!"
Tsunade: "Great-Grandfather! Do you know how big the age gap is?!"
Jiraiya: "Exactly! That would be absurd!"
Hashirama: "I'm just worried about you, Tsunade. You're not getting any—"
Tsunade: "Enough!"
Omoi and Karui exchanged subtle glances toward their captain, who had been unusually silent while watching the blond boy.
Interesting.
Kiba Inuzuka: "What about the black-haired one?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Black hair? That narrows nothing down."
Indeed—black hair was far too common. And green eyes weren't exactly rare either.
Speculation became uncertain once more.
Back in KonohagaKūre
Just as Mai and his brother were deciding whether to head to OtogaKūre or wait—
A voice called out behind them.
"Um… are you looking for someone at this house?"
They turned.
It was Naruto, who had come to invite Nagi out for IchiraKū Ramen—and instead found the two boys at the door.
The brothers were briefly startled, then quickly composed themselves.
"Yes," Mai replied smoothly. "We're distant relatives of the family. We came to visit without prior notice, but it seems no one's home."
"That explains it!" Naruto grinned. "You look so much like Nagi—I thought there had to be some connection!"
Hearing they were Nagi's relatives, Naruto immediately brightened.
"Hehe! My name's Naruto Uzumaki—Nagi's best friend! He's helped me out a lot."
He spoke with sincere politeness.
"My name is Mai. This is my older brother, Kū."
"Nice to meet you!"
Naruto glanced up at the sun.
"You haven't eaten yet, right? How about we grab something? If Nagi's not home at noon, he usually won't be back until evening.
I'll treat you to the best food in the village!"
"That… might be too much trouble," Mai replied.
"No worries! I've got a bunch of free coupons anyway. Let's go!"
Without waiting for protest, Naruto grabbed both their hands and dragged them along.
Mai chuckled softly and transmitted a quiet message to his brother.
"As expected of Uncle Naruto. He's this warm even when he was young."
"…Mm."
Ichira Kū Ramen
Naruto devoured his bowl enthusiastically.
Kū and Mai, meanwhile, ate with refined composure—yet no less speed.
Before long, all three bowls were empty.
Stepping out of IchiraKū, Naruto patted his stomach in satisfaction.
"See? Ichira Kū's the best, right?"
Mai smiled.
"It was excellent. You can tell the chef pours his heart into it. Thank you for the meal."
Kū nodded in agreement.
Naruto waved it off.
"You're Nagi's relatives. If he's not around, it's only natural I treat you! Besides, he's treated me plenty of times. Consider it repayment."
"You really are close to him," Mai observed.
"Of course! We're best friends!"
Naruto then took them on a tour around KonohagaKūre.
Until…
"Nagi's distant relatives?"
Tsunade stared at the two boys suspiciously.
Their appearance resembled Nagi's. Even their chakra felt similar. There was no sign of the Transformation Technique.
With Nagi absent—and Genma away on a mission—Tsunade couldn't draw a firm conclusion.
She grabbed Jiraiya by the collar.
"Jiraiya. Naruto. Until Nagi returns, the two of you are responsible for them."
"Got it! Leave it to me!" Naruto said instantly.
"I refuse," Jiraiya replied flatly. "They're not even cute girls."
"Shut up. Haven't you caused enough trouble today?"
"…Fine."
The moment Tsunade left, Jiraiya immediately wandered off to flirt with someone.
Left with little choice, the boys continued following Naruto.
Nightfall
They returned to Nagi's house.
Still no sign of him.
So Naruto brought them back to his own home for the night.
Lying on his bed, Naruto happily told stories about his adventures with Nagi.
Meanwhile, Kū and Mai listened quietly—while also remaining aware of the ANBU agents Tsunade had secretly stationed to monitor them.
OtogaKūre — Orochimaru's Laboratory
At that moment, Nagi and Orochimaru's research had reached a critical phase.
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