It was raining outside, the droplets pattering against the eaves and windows. Kushina was in the living room, mopping the floor and cleaning the house.
Meanwhile, Yue was sitting at the small desk in his room, reading a book. Since it was raining today, he hadn't gone out and instead stayed home reading until nighttime.
The book in his hands documented various bloodline clans of the ninja world. As Yue read, he made notes in the margins.
"Wood Release, Ice Release, Lava Release—all these can be used to materialize chakra for combat. But Wood Release stands out as the most powerful. Is it truly the strongest because of Senju Hashirama's personal abilities, or does it have its own unique life force?"
"However, the book doesn't record any other Senju members awakening Wood Release apart from Hashirama. The Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, was called the man who made a pact with the sea. Given his mastery of Water Release, as long as one possesses an immense chakra pool and a natural affinity for water, it isn't too far-fetched. But Wood Release…"
According to records, Hashirama's Wood Release wasn't just lifeless matter—it was living, breathing wood capable of absorbing an enemy's chakra.
Yue found this bloodline particularly fascinating. He believed it was worth researching the Senju clan's cells in the future.
However, as far as he knew, the Senju bloodline was nearly extinct. Only Tsunade remained, and she was one of the legendary Sannin, along with Jiraiya, Minato's teacher, and Orochimaru.
In the short term, Yue had no way of obtaining tissue samples from such a powerful figure…
Moreover, there was another major obstacle—medical equipment in the ninja world was incredibly rare and valuable. Even a simple microscope was treated like a treasure in Konoha, and borrowing one was out of the question.
"There are so many things I can't do right now…"
After finishing the book, Yue locked his room door and drew the curtains.
He turned on the light and retrieved a notebook from a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards under his bed.
This notebook contained important information Yue didn't want to forget, mostly experimental data from his past life. He had also started jotting down future objectives—like the note he was now adding: "Obtain Tsunade's tissue samples."
Instead of writing in plain Japanese, he used a mix of Chinese, English, and Japanese characters.
Earlier sections of the notebook contained an even more complex mix, incorporating French, Russian, and Spanish—six languages in total.
Originally, Yue hadn't been this cautious. But once, during a casual conversation between Minato and Kushina, Minato mentioned the Cipher Division. Out of curiosity, Yue asked about it, and Minato shared some basic information, which deeply impressed him.
Feeling uneasy, Yue rewrote his notes using five different languages and then destroyed the original notebook. He even analyzed whether someone could decipher the notes based on key grammar structures and concluded it was safe.
From then on, he recorded all his information this way.
"Hmm?"
While writing, Yue had been keeping his Kagura Mind's Eye active. Within his perception, a large group of Anbu was moving toward the village outskirts, led by none other than the former Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He adjusted his sensory focus toward the Hokage building, extending his range as much as possible.
This was a technique Yue had developed—by narrowing his 360-degree perception into a straight line, he could extend his range up to three kilometers.
"The former Hokage is moving with such a large force, and he hasn't informed Father. Is this a personal matter? And why bring so many Anbu… Looks like Father's position as Hokage isn't as secure as it seems."
If there were a real threat to the village, it wouldn't make sense for Hiruzen to act alone while Minato remained in his office.
Moreover, Yue sensed at least two full Anbu squads following Sarutobi—possibly more beyond his range.
This suggested it wasn't an external threat but rather an internal matter—one that they didn't want Minato to know about.
Rubbing his chin, Yue found the situation quite interesting. He had already anticipated something like this.
Minato had become Hokage at just twenty-three, while Sarutobi had been the first Hokage in history to retire rather than die in office. After ruling for over thirty years, his influence ran deep. Power transitions were always complicated.
"Where there are people, there is conflict." Yue understood this all too well—back in his past life, he had engaged in countless political battles just to secure research resources.
He shifted his sensory focus entirely onto Hiruzen, but before long, the former Hokage and his Anbu disappeared from Yue's range.
"Looks like their destination is far outside the village."
Yue was curious about what was happening, but with his limited perception range, there was nothing more he could do. He decided to let it go for now.
He carefully put away his notebook, opened the curtains, and stepped out of his room.
"Yue, finished reading? Want to watch TV with Mom for a bit?"
Kushina had finished cleaning and was now sitting on the couch, watching a romance drama so cheesy that Yue's scalp tingled.
Still, he walked over and sat beside her. Since he had nothing else to do, he might as well keep her company while waiting for Minato to return.
With Yue sitting beside her, Kushina happily held his small hand, enjoying the show even more.
The two sat together for about half an hour. Yue's mind wandered aimlessly, his gaze blank, but the corny dialogue from the show still made his skin crawl.
Just as he was about to tell Kushina he was heading to bed, Minato finally returned.
"Sorry for coming home late again today."
"I saved some food for you, please wait a moment."
Yue remained seated on the couch and simply exchanged a glance with Minato—a silent greeting they were both accustomed to.
Once Minato finished eating, he walked over and sat beside Yue.
"Still not asleep? It's past your usual bedtime."
Minato asked curiously. Yue's daily routine was stricter than even his parents'. Something must have been on his mind.
"Father, did anything happen today?"
"Just the usual paperwork, nothing unusual. Why do you ask?"
"I sensed the Third Hokage leading two full Anbu squads out of the village."
Yue decided to give Minato a subtle warning. His father was kind and straightforward, but definitely not stupid.
Minato immediately understood Yue's implication. His expression darkened slightly, but after a moment, he gave a reassuring answer.
"I'm sure the Third Hokage will explain it to me tomorrow. It's nothing serious. Also, Yue, in the future, be careful about sensing others in the village—it might offend them."
"Got it. I'm going to bed now."
Minato's reaction was exactly as Yue had expected.
Looking at his father, Yue thought to himself: He's really not suited to be Hokage. His personality is too bright, too optimistic—like he truly believes that sunlight can drive away all darkness.
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