August.
Leaves shed their green and painted the forests in hues of red, orange, and gold. The strests of Konoha overflowed with harvest – fruits, foods, and laughter. The economic boom of autum was visible to all.
But this year, the joy was doubled.
The birth of Senju Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage, brough celebration to every corner of the village.
Senju Hashirama had declared a banquet at the Senju compound. All clans were invited. However, to avoid overcrowding the event, only the clan heads and select family members attended to offer their congratulations.
From the Uchiha clan came:
Uchiha Sosuke and Aiko; their son Eisuke and fiancée Asami; their second son Kagami; And Fukashi's family, including Shinichi and little Kaito.
---
Shinichi carried his three-year-old brother Kaito on his back.
"Niichan, do you know where we're going?" Katio asked.
"We're going to enemy territory! AGHCK!" Fukashi joked only to be met with a sharp jab to his ribs.
"F.U.K.A.S.H.I." Minami hissed, her hair fluttering ominously as chakra began to leak from her body.
Shinichi quickly covered Kaito's eyes.
"Kaito-chan, forget what Dad said. We're going to a friend's house to play."
"Friend? Play?" Kaito's eyes lit up.
"Yes. I'll play with you all night."
"YEAH!"
As they walked, Asami watched Shinichi and Kaito with stars in her eyes.
"They're so cute! Eisuke-kun, how many should we have? If they're like Shin-chan and Kai-chan, I could handle a hundred!"
"PFFTT!! Wh-What are you saying, Asami?! We're going to congratulate the Hokage's granddaughter!"
Eisuke flushed red. Asami's eyes turned mischievous.
"Kyaa! Eisuke-kun, what are you thinking? You pervert!"
"??!!! Father! Mother!" Eisuke turned to Sosuke and Aiko for help.
But–
"Arara.. a hundred grandchildren… arararara…"
"Hmmm… what a bliss…"
They were already lost in their own fantasies.
He turned to this brother to his brother… but he too was silently snickering at this embarrassment.
Eisuke gave up.
Kagami smiled confidently as he watched their cordial interaction.
'The clan and the village… they're walking the right path. The path of cooperation and of reconciliation. The path sensei and I dream of.'
***
The Senju compound was bustling with lines of guests entering and exiting.
As the Uchiha approached, their demeanor shifted.
Gone were the smiles and playful banter.
Their faces became stoic. Emotionless.
As if the warmth of the journey had been an illusion.
The crowd parted slightly, allowing them to pass.
their seats had already been reserved.
The compound, spacious and grand, reflected the wealth and influence of the Senju clan, even after they disbanded 70% of their clan members into civilians and branch families.
Music filled the air. Tables overflowed with food. The atmosphere was joyous.
Then, the hosts arrived.
Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, Uzumaki Mito, followed by Senju Kenichi and Atsuko holding baby Tsunade, and lastly, Senju Kenji, the younger son of Hashirama.
Kenichi, with shaggy light-brown hair and grey eyes, reminded Hashirama and Tobirama of their late brother, Kawarama. Atsuko, radiant and strong, wore her blond hir in twin ponytails that reached her waist.
Hashirama raised his cup.
"Hahaha! I'm thankful to every shinobi, clan, and villager who came to celebrate Tsuna's birth!"
"We created this village so children could be children! And I think we're keeping that promise well!"
"I'll keep this short – so everyone can enjoy the banquet and the food especially prepared by the Uchiha Gourmet Restaurant!"
"FOR TSUNADE! FOR OUR CHILDREN! AND FOR KONOHA!"
"""FOR TSUNADE!"""
"""FOR OUR CHILDREN!"""
"""FOR KONOHA!"""
The toast echoed through the compound.
Then, one by one, the clan heads approached to offer their congratulations.
Soon–
It was the Uchiha's turn.
---
Uchiha Sosuke stepped forward with dignified grace.
"Hashirama-sama," he began, "I congratulate the Senju on the birth of your beautiful Hime. As the Uchiha clan head, on behalf of the entire Uchiha clan, I bless your family and granddaughter with luck and the fire of Uchiha!"
Katon: Karyūdan 火遁・火龍弾(Fire release: Fire dragon bullet)
A blazing dragon of flame soared into the sky, spiraling upward before erupting into a dazzling firework. At its peak, the flames twisted into the emblems of Senju and Uchiha, merging slowly into the symbol of Konoha.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
"I know how much you've sacrificed to build this village, Hashirama-sama. This is our Uchiha way of showing our deepest respect and congratulations."
Tobirama's hands, which was mid-way through completing a water release jutus, his eyes wide in speechlessness.
'These crazy Uchihas…. they are really insane!'
But Hashirama burst into hearty laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHA! As expected of Uchiha Clan! You never fail to surprise me! I'm grateful for your gift! That image… Senju and Uchiha merging into Konoha… it was really touching."
"HAHAHA! Look! Even Tsuna loves it!"
Tsunade giggles in Atsuko's arms, reaching toward the fading embers in the sky.
Sosuke bowed. "We won't take more of your time. other clans await."
The Uchiha stepped away, their formal demeanor melting into relaxed smiles as they joined the banquet.
---
Shinichi wandered the compound with Kaito on his back, weaving through the crowd.
"Shinichi!" a voice called.
"Sakumo." Shinichi replied with a nod.
"Haha, I knew you would be here. And Who's the little guy?"
"I am Uchiha Kaito! The Man who will become the HOKAGE!"
"??!!!!"
Sakumo blinked. "?! Haha! What a bold ambition, little guy! But to that, you'll have to beat me and your brother!"
He looked at Shinichi with amusement. 'So this munch-ball is his little brother..'
"Kaito… you want to be Hokage?"
"Hng! Since my niichan doesn't want it, I must take the spot! I can't let others have something good just because niichan's not interested!"
"Oh? How do you know Shinichi doesn't want to be Hokage?"
"Because he said Hokage is a bothersome job; there'd be too much paperwork and responsibility."
Sakumo raised an eyebrow at Shinichi. "Then why do you want it?"
"I told you! If niichan doesn't want it, then no one else can have it either! So I'll take it!"
"???!!!! Kaito I think that is a little-"
"Ahahahahaha! Shinichi! Your brother is so cute! Can I have him!"
""??!!!!""
Shinichi quickly hugged Kaito protectively, his eyes flashing a cold light.
"Whoa whoa! I'm kidding, Shinichi! I was just trying to say that Kaito-chan is adorable. So… let's put the knife down…"
From who-knows-where, Shinichi had produced a small blade, poised to throw. At Sakumo's plea, he nodded solemnly.
"Umu, Umu. So you acknowledge Kaito's cuteness."
Sakumo made a mental note to himself, 'So.... Kaito is Shinichi's reverse scale.'
"If Kaito wants to be Hokage, I'll clear every obstacle in his path."
"….. Shinichi, you are so different."
"Hmm? Am I?"
"Yeah, you are more approachable with Kaito around."
"Oh."
"OHH! Kumo-ni tell me more about nii-chan! What's he like in the academy?"
"Ku-Kumo?? Ugh… My name is Sakumo.."
"Kumo-nii!"
Sakumo sighed and answered.
"Well…. How should I say…. Shinichi in school is like… a wolf – no, a tiger – watching us from the mountain. Always analyzing us. Making us stronger… just so he can crush us at our peak."
He paused, remembering.
'Unimaginable training games. Beating us in every subject. On his third day, he dominated every taijutsu match. He doesn't feel like a student. More like an instructor. No one dares question him – not since that day…'
----
While Shinichi and Sakumo continued their playful exchange, a figure watched from the shadows in silence.
Senju Tobirama's shadow clone.
He had been observing the interactions for some time. Shinichi's composure. Sakumos' respect. Kaito's boldness. It was all.. intriguing.
Then, Tobirama suddenly asked, "When did you figure out, I was observing you?"
Shinichi's figure stepped out of the shadow besides Tobirama' clone, his presence calm but unmistakable.
"Tobirama-sama, it is not a pleasant hobby to stalk others – especially your own villagers."
Tobirama did not answer. "A shadow clone?"
Shinichi's clone shrugged in nonchalance.
"Our clan already has a copy of the Shadow Clone Jutsu in the library," Shinichi said casually.
Tssk. 'That's my jutsu…'
Tobirama flicked his tongue in annoyance.
'This is no ordinary child.'
The clones remained silent for a moment.
"…I was curious. Why did you create those training methods in the academy? You must know they're a valuable asset for the Uchiha's gowth."
Shinichi tilted his head.
"What's the use of Uchiha soaring alone? So they can be sent to the battlefield with the excuse of being the strongest? It's better to share the burden. And Build bonds together. After all, comradery is forged in blood and fire."
His tone was calm.
But his words hinted at something darker.
"Do you even understand what war is?" Tobirama's voice was sharp. "Why do you speak as if war is not far away?"
He paused. Their discussion was not suitable for a crowded place.
"Let's change location."
In a flash of Hiraishin, the two clones vanished from the banquet.