Ichigo quickly made himself at home in his new apartment. He meticulously arranged his few belongings, ensuring everything was organized and ready for his rigorous training schedule. After settling in, he immediately started his regimen of physical exercises and Kenjutsu practice, the demanding routine now second nature to him.
Unbeknownst to the young boy, he was not alone. An ANBU agent was already spying on him. This operative, cloaked in a Cloud Village ANBU uniform, left the apartment building unseen and headed into a particular, secluded section of the forest. He took out a small scroll, unrolled it, and applied a drop of blood.
"Summoning Jutsu!" he whispered, slamming his palm onto the scroll.
A ninja dog materialized into view. It wore a familiar Konoha forehead protector. The dog immediately recognized the operative's true affiliation despite the disguise. "To the Hokage, I presume?" the dog muttered, its voice raspy.
The operative merely nodded. The dog then vanished in a puff of smoke, carrying a secret report back to Konoha. After the dog left, the ANBU operative shed his disguise, transforming into an ordinary civilian, and melted back into the bustling crowds of Kumogakure.
Days turned into weeks, and Ichigo settled into his life at the Academy. His focus and discipline paid off; he consistently scored well compared to the other children. He maintained a friendly but distant relationship with Darui and Samui, often keeping to himself. His closest companions remained Yasu, Akira, and Saori.
The Uzumaki clan was flourishing. Saori and Akira had begun learning Fuinjutsu (Sealing Techniques) under the guidance of their mother, Megumi. Uzumaki Megumi, the clan head, had also taken on a significant role within the village, working with the Raikage to implement new programs. The course for basic Fuinjutsu was now applied to final-year Academy students, and other Uzumaki clan members had begun coaching short classes for Genin, ensuring the village quickly absorbed the valuable sealing expertise.
One evening, as Ichigo was settling into his bed after a long day of training, a sudden knock interrupted his rest. He went to the door and opened it to find a tall man with red hair, wearing a Kumogakure coat and headband. It was Uzumaki Daiki, one of the newer Uzumaki clan members who had joined the village.
"The Clan Head called for you, Ichigo," Daiki announced.
"Wait a minute," Ichigo replied, quickly starting to get dressed.
As they walked toward the compound, Ichigo struck up a conversation. "So, Daiki-san, how is your life going here?"
"It is going good," Daiki replied, his expression satisfied.
"Any idea why the Clan Head called me?" Ichigo asked, his curiosity piqued.
"No idea," Daiki admitted, "but it must be good for you. Whatever it is, she was supposedly from the Main Family before the clan's destruction. So, her word carries a lot of weight."
Ichigo nodded and followed him until they reached Megumi's home. He found her sitting on a mat, waiting patiently. Ichigo sat down opposite her.
"I am planning to inaugurate a festival," Uzumaki Megumi announced, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "It's one of the Uzumaki clan's long-lost traditions, and I'm planning on reviving it here in Kumogakure."
Ichigo thought for a moment. "When will it happen?"
"It might take six months to a year," Megumi replied. "It requires a lot of preparation."
"What is my role in this?"
"You will be my assistant in this endeavor," Megumi stated. "I have already informed the Raikage about the festival and its importance."
The two continued to discuss the details of the plan before Ichigo finally left, his mind already spinning with the responsibilities.
The ANBU operative who had been watching the entire exchange undid his disguise from a hidden vantage point. It was none other than Konoha's legendary shinobi, Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang.
He looked toward the distance where Ichigo had just disappeared. "It seems we've finally found an opening, after all," Sakumo mused.