The mandarin ducks played in the water; joy and harmony filled the air. That night, Raizen unlocked yet another "Secret Technique."
The following morning, Raizen stopped pretending. Now that he possessed Sōnga, he no longer felt the need to keep such a low profile or hide his growth. In front of all his women, he took Tsukishime and their children into his arms and directly activated the Flying Thunder God, teleporting straight to the Capital of the Land of Fire.
The women left behind were rooted to the spot, paralyzed by shock.
Kurenai Yūhi stared at the space where Raizen and Tsukishime had just been, her eyes wide. "Was that... Raizen-kun just used the Flying Thunder God?"
Anko Mitarashi's jaw dropped as well. "There's no mistake. That's the jutsu the Fourth Hokage used to dominate the battlefield! But how is that possible? Kurenai, didn't you say your husband was just a 'weakling Genin' who was only talented at... well, that? How can he use the Flying Thunder God?"
"It seems Raizen-kun has been keeping many secrets from us," Kurenai murmured, recovering from her initial stupor.
Suddenly, she paused. "Wait a minute! Anko, what did you just say? How do you know Raizen-kun is 'talented at that aspect'?" Kurenai turned a sharp, suspicious gaze toward her best friend. "Anko... don't tell me you and Raizen-kun..."
Anko's heart skipped a beat. A flash of panic crossed her face, but she forced herself to stay cool, letting out a boisterous laugh. "I mean, look at him! He's sired dozens of 'squads' worth of kids! Isn't it obvious he's talented?"
Kurenai looked at Anko with half-believing eyes. She hadn't missed that flicker of panic. However, considering Raizen already had so many women, adding Anko wouldn't exactly be a world-ending event. Kurenai had long since come to terms with the situation.
She had seen how hard Raizen worked to revive the Uchiha clan, so she was deeply understanding and forgiving of his "efforts." If the two really did have a secret underground romance, she wouldn't be petty enough to pick a fight. She was mostly just a little annoyed that they had been "exchanging Taijutsu secrets" behind her back, as if she were some kind of jealous guard.
"Anko, if you like Raizen-kun, just admit it," Kurenai said with a small smile. "I don't mind. One more of you won't change much, and one less wouldn't either."
"Ah!" Anko blinked, stunned by Kurenai's bluntness. She was too embarrassed to admit what had actually happened between her and Raizen—what if Kurenai was just baiting her? "Kurenai, you've got it all wrong! There's nothing between us! Don't overthink things, okay?"
"Hehe. Whether I'm overthinking it or not, only you know the truth," Kurenai rolled her eyes and turned away. "It seems Raizen-kun has been hiding his strength all along. But given his cautious nature, the fact that he's showing it now must mean he finally has absolute confidence in his power."
"Raizen-kun is handsome, wealthy, and now his strength is immeasurable... Kurenai, marrying him was the best decision of your life," Anko sighed.
"Since you're so envious, why don't you marry him too?" Kurenai teased. "That way, we best friends can live together forever."
Anko shook her head vigorously, putting on a serious face. "I'm used to the single life! I'd never marry him. Your Raizen-kun holds zero attraction for me."
"Is that so?" Kurenai gave her a look that said I don't believe you for a second. Anko shifted uncomfortably under the gaze.
"Mama Anko, huggy!" Mirai Uchiha came bouncing over, acting spoiled as she reached for Anko.
"Mirai! I'm your mama and I'm right here, but you're running to Mama Anko for a hug? You're breaking my heart!" Kurenai feigned a look of deep sadness.
"Mama, huggy!" A little boy ran up to Kurenai, demanding her attention.
"Mama, you should just hug brother," Mirai stuck her tongue out at Kurenai and giggled. "You can't hold both of us at once!"
Anko laughed and scooped Mirai up. "Mirai, have you been doing the lessons Mama Kurenai gave you?"
Mirai nodded, her ruby-red eyes sparkling. "Yes, Mama Anko! I can already summon a little snakie!"
"Really?" Anko looked at the girl skeptically. Mirai was barely four years old.
"If you don't believe me, I'll show you!" Mirai said confidently. Anko set her down, and both she and Kurenai (still holding the boy) watched with curious smiles. They didn't truly believe a child that young could master the Summoning Jutsu.
Mirai bit her finger, drew a bit of blood, formed the hand seals, and slammed her palm onto the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!" she shouted in her tiny, high-pitched voice.
POOF!
A cloud of white smoke erupted. As it cleared, a small, pale-green snake appeared.
"Midori, come here," Mirai held out her small hand. The snake flicked its tongue and obediently slithered into Mirai's palm.
"She actually did it!"
Kurenai and Anko were floored. Anko had only taught Mirai the jutsu as a joke, never expecting her to actually learn it at this age. They had vastly underestimated the talent of Raizen's children.
"Mirai, how did you do that?" After the shock wore off, Kurenai was overcome with maternal pride. Her daughter was a genius!
"I just played around with it until it worked," Mirai giggled, stroking the snake's head. The little snake, Midori, seemed to enjoy the affection, coiling comfortably in her hand.
"That's incredible! Good job, little Mirai!" Anko patted her shoulder.
"Your father will be so happy when he hears about this," Kurenai added. "He's always wanted to restore the Uchiha. You're so talented, he'll definitely be impressed."
"Speaking of Papa... where did he go?" Mirai looked around, realizing Raizen was gone.
"He went to the Capital with Mama Tsukishime and your other siblings to visit family," Kurenai explained gently.
Mirai's eyes clouded with a bit of sadness. "How long will he be gone? I'll miss him if he's away for a long time."
"He'll be back soon, don't you worry," Kurenai soothed, cupping Mirai's cheek. Midori the snake seemed to sense its master's mood and licked her palm as if trying to comfort her.
The Capital
Raizen appeared with Tsukishime and the children inside the Ninja Cat stronghold in the Capital.
"Meow! Raizen-sama, you've arrived!" Kohana (the ninja cat) chirped happily, jumping onto his shoulder and affectionately licking his cheek.
"Mhm," Raizen petted her head.
"Little kitty!!" A small girl standing next to Tsukishime stared at Kohana with wide, curious eyes.
"Kohana greets the Princess," the cat said, bowing slightly to Tsukishime.
"Hello, Kohana," Tsukishime said, gently stroking the cat's fur.
"Mama, I want to pet it too!" the girl tugged at Tsukishime's sleeve.
"Mama, me too!" a little boy added, his eyes full of excitement.
"Here, let them pet you," Raizen said, picking Kohana up and holding her out so his children could reach.