The gentle smile on the Third Hokage's face vanished the moment he stepped out of Ichiraku Ramen's line of sight.
He walked slowly through the night, replaying the conversation in his mind.
Good thing I saw him with my own eyes…
The ANBU couldn't perceive it at all, but as the "Professor of Ninjutsu," Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately sensed the dense Natural Energy emanating from Ruichi.
That level… couldn't be explained by talent alone.
Recalling Anko Mitarashi's report that Ruichi had somehow suppressed the effects of a Cursed Seal, the answer became obvious.
This boy's grasp of Natural Energy was likely already brushing the threshold of Sage Arts.
Anyone who truly mastered senjutsu was guaranteed to become a top-tier powerhouse—someone on the level of Jiraiya.
Add to that Ruichi's terrifying chakra control and learning ability…
If properly cultivated, he could become the next Yellow Flash, or even the next God of Shinobi, ensuring Konoha's stability for decades.
The older generation had withered away: the Fourth Hokage couple died, Orochimaru defected, and Tsunade and Jiraiya left the Village.
In the middle generation, Might Guy was a one-time ace, while Kakashi Hatake lacked the power to turn the tide alone.
The new generation finally produced Shisui Uchiha, who awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan—but he died young just as he began to shine.
Konoha desperately needed a supreme deterrent.
A talent like Ruichi could not be ignored—nor could he be allowed to slip away.
As for the woman from the Kaguya Clan… there was no time for that now. The Uchiha situation came first.
He had originally considered forcing the Taketori Clan out of the game, but now it was better not to rush.
Those two were currently living together. If mishandled and Ruichi ran away, the loss would be immeasurable.
Observe for now. First, determine the exact nature of their relationship.
---
After the Third Hokage's late-night "inspection," the following days were peaceful.
Aside from Feng occasionally reminding Ruichi that he was being watched, and Ruichi himself sometimes sensing unseen eyes on him, life passed quietly.
The Telescope Technique… Old man Hiruzen's got his eye on me too.
There was nothing shameful going on—but being watched all the time was still uncomfortable.
I'll learn barrier ninjutsu eventually and block you out.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and the year drew to a close.
Konoha, Year 59 — New Year's Eve
The small detached house Ruichi rented, complete with its own courtyard, was in utter chaos.
"Wow, Tayuya, what did you wrap in that one? Kiwi?"
"Huh? As long as it's edible, it's fine!"
She squeezed too hard and tore the dumpling wrapper open.
"Um… Tayuya, Brother Ruichi said it should be folded like this…"
By Konoha tradition, New Year's Eve meant soba noodles. But Ruichi's habits—etched into his DNA from a past life—kicked in, and he insisted on dumplings too.
In previous years, it was just Teuchi, Ayame, and Ruichi. This year, there were three more girls: Kin, Tayuya, and Feng.
Everyone gathered around the table making dumplings—it truly felt like a family.
"Brother Ruichi, you're going way too fast!" Ayame quickly called out, watching the table vanish under dumpling wrappers.
"No! I'm not fast at all!" Ruichi put down the rolling pin, a black vein popping on his forehead.
(Of course, no ninjutsu was allowed to ruin New Year's Eve dinner.)
"Why don't we test tonight whether Lord Ruichi is fast or not?" Taketori Kaede whispered teasingly into his ear.
Ruichi stepped aside, expressionless.
"You're getting bolder by the day. Don't do that in front of everyone."
To be fair, she was impressively capable—her housework skills were flawless. Even though it was her first time making dumplings, she picked it up quickly.
Dinner was ready in no time.
Teuchi came in carrying a huge bowl of freshly cooked soba, his face glowing like a proud father's.
"Alright, everyone sit. This year's really lively. Before, it was just me, Ayame, and Ruichi running the shop."
Ayame removed her apron and sat beside Ruichi. Looking at the table full of dishes and people, her eyes curved into crescents.
"Yeah… it feels like the house suddenly got bigger."
Kin obediently poured drinks. Though Tayuya looked grumpy, she still took Ruichi's bowl and served him noodles. Feng gracefully handed out chopsticks.
Seeing this, something tight in Ruichi's chest finally loosened.
That's right.
No fighting. No scheming. Just hot food—and this noisy but genuine "family."
A scene that only existed in childhood memories… even in his past life.
This was the peaceful life he had always dreamed of.
---
The next morning, all six of them went together for the New Year's shrine visit.
The moment they arrived, Ruichi regretted it.
A massive crowd.
The shrine was packed wall to wall, and you had to line up just to get in.
Looking at the long, dragon-like queue, Ruichi—never particularly devout—instantly wanted to turn back.
"How about we head home?" he suggested cautiously. "With this many people, who knows how long it'll take."
"No!" Ayame rejected him outright.
"The New Year's shrine visit is an important ritual. We can't skip it!"
"Yes!" Kin chimed in. "It's our first New Year together—we have to experience everything!"
Even Tayuya nodded, a rare sight.
"Big brother, I want to go in too. It's my first time at a shrine."
With all that said, Ruichi had no choice but to accept his fate.
Just as they inched forward at the back of the line, a familiar voice sounded behind him.
"Ruichi?"
He turned around to see Itachi Uchiha approaching, accompanied by a beautiful girl with long, straight black hair—Izumi Uchiha.
Itachi glanced at the group of girls around Ruichi, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"New Year's shrine visit?"
"Yeah. I was forced," Ruichi shrugged. "Went to bed late last night—I was planning to sleep until noon."
Izumi couldn't help laughing.
"Ruichi-kun is exactly the same as ever."
Back at the Ninja Academy, Izumi and Ruichi had been classmates. Unlike Itachi, they'd spent six real years together—but like Inuzuka Hana, they were only acquaintances. They hadn't met since graduation.
"Sorry to disappoint. But you—made any progress?" Ruichi raised an eyebrow with a mischievous grin.
"I—!"
Caught off guard, Izumi flushed and looked away.
"Oh my, there are so many people here today~"
Itachi looked at the endless line, thought for a moment, then said,
"The main shrine will take at least two hours. If you don't mind… would you like to visit Naka Shrine instead?"
Ruichi's instinct screamed no.
That place is basically the Uchiha clan's secret headquarters!
Why would an outsider like him go there?
Before he could refuse, Teuchi smiled warmly.
"Oh, thank you very much!"
Ayame nodded eagerly.
"Yes! I've never been to Naka Shrine before. This is a rare chance!"
When Ruichi looked back at Itachi, he found him watching expectantly.
He understood.
Itachi wanted an opportunity to talk.
ANBU couldn't enter Naka Shrine—and New Year's was the perfect excuse.
…Fine. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Ruichi took a deep breath and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"Then we'll be in your care," he said.
"One against seven."
------
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