With Konoha's new strategies in motion, Orochimaru and Jiraiya were dispatched for sabotage missions deep in enemy territory.
Meanwhile, Kaji watched as Tsunade pummeled Minato into the ground while a teary-eyed Kushina fretted over her boyfriend's beating.
Not far away, Nawaki was getting thrashed by a pitch-black humanoid—a shadow entity of Kaji's creation. Unlike a typical Shadow Clone, this being was both Kaji and not Kaji—a phenomenon even science struggled to explain. People had simply learned to accept it.
Tsunade saw Kaji as a little brother, being fellow disciples under Hiruzen. She took it upon herself to "educate" him—which mostly meant keeping Jiraiya's bad influences at bay.
So while she supervised Kaji, she left Nawaki's training to his shadow doppelgänger.
Kushina's Resolve
Kaji glanced at the pouting redhead beside him.
"Kushina, why aren't you training too?"
"You just graduated, and even with the Nine-Tails inside you, danger still exists."
Kushina frowned. "You think getting stronger will actually make a difference, dattebayo?"
"Of course," Kaji said. "If you control the Nine-Tails' power, the village won't restrict you so much."
"You're only stuck here because you lack control."
Kushina clenched her fists—then charged at Tsunade, joining the fray.
Tsunade smirked, nodding approvingly at her little brother's wisdom.
Nawaki's session ended… just in time for him to step on a hidden "present"—a poop bomb.
"NAWAKI!" Kaji called out. "If you can't even detect a trap in the village, how do you expect to survive outside it, oh great-grandson of Hashirama?"
Covered in filth, Nawaki fumed—only to step on another bomb on his way home. His scream of rage echoed through Konoha.
Later, Tsunade questioned Kaji. "Aren't you being too hard on him?"
"Ne-san, if those were real bombs, he'd owe two lives by now."
Tsunade sighed, conceding the point.
"As Hashirama's heir, his bounty on the black market exceeds 1 billion ryo," Kaji added. "His training has to be brutal."
Moved by her little brother's concern, Tsunade squeezed him into her chest, nearly suffocating him in gratitude.
Minato, nursing his bruises, asked: "Kaji-san, can anyone hire assassins on the black market?"
"Basically," Kaji confirmed. "But it's not just hits—it's everything."
"Then Nawaki-kun might have a… problematic life," Minato mused.
Kushina blinked. "Kaji, are you on that list too?"
"Even Tsunade is," he said. "That's the price of being a master's disciple."
"A 'creed ninja'?" Minato asked.
This time, Tsunade answered. "It's your master's philosophy. Unlike a Jonin instructor, a master is like a father—for life."
"That's you, Minato. Jiraiya is your master."
Minato scratched his head. "I thought he was just my Jonin-sensei. Hahaha!"
Kaji raised an eyebrow. "He never told you?"
"Typical Jiraiya," Tsunade grumbled. "Too busy chasing women."
She then yanked Minato and Kushina back into training.
At the gate, a freshly cleaned Nawaki scanned the ground like a minefield. After extreme caution, he reached Kaji.
"Big bro… why are you so mean to me?" he whined.
"If you won't learn from theory, you'll learn the hard way," Kaji said flatly.
Nawaki puffed his cheeks, watching Tsunade turn his friends into ragdolls.
"When can I take these weights off?"
"When you move normally again. Then I'll double them."
Nawaki groaned. "See you later…"
Kaji leapt across rooftops, observing the bustling streets below. The police force worked diligently—until a thrown rock led to another arrest.
"It's tough," Kaji muttered.
"It is tough," agreed Fugaku, appearing beside him. "Following the law is one thing, but this level of discontent only worsens things."
"Care to tour Konoha with me?" Kaji asked.
They arrived at the industrial sector, where shinobi and civilians mingled. Below, a young police captain—Mikoto Uchiha—resolved a theft case with calm efficiency.
The factory owner raged until Mikoto returned the stolen goods intact, earning even the critic's apology.
"Do you see the difference, Fugaku?" Kaji asked.
"People follow the law. The police enforce it. Is the issue… how they're treated?"
"Run an experiment. Assign officers to different districts, track case resolutions and methods—aggressive vs. educational. Compare results in a month."
"The Third Hokage's Psychology Division can help. Send any struggling members there."
Fugaku nodded. "I will."
With that, they parted ways.
Kaji recounted his day and encounter with the Uchiha to Hiruzen.
The Third Hokage nodded approvingly. "You guided him well, Kaji. Excellent move."
Kaji sighed. "It's all about emotional control, Father." Then, his tone shifted. "I wanted to talk to you about Orochimaru-nii. You're aware of his… experiments, right?"
Hiruzen's nod was heavy.
"Father, establish an official scientific department," Kaji urged. "Terminally ill shinobi, elders who wish to serve the village one last time, enemy prisoners—send them all there. Discreetly, of course. For our own people, have them sign a waiver acknowledging the risks."
"Then, let Orochimaru develop a self-funding product—something profitable. Once the department is financially independent, it can operate freely… and benefit us."
"Other villages already do this—Kumo, Kiri, Suna—they all have publicly acknowledged human experimentation divisions."
He met Hiruzen's gaze. "I care about Orochimaru-nii. Don't let him fall into darkness, Father."
Hiruzen absorbed every word. "I'll do as you say, little Kaji. When he returns, I'll reward him with this—make him Director-General, with you as Department President."
Kaji nodded. "Also, Father… if war comes, retire Utatane and Homura. They're useless old men. Replace them with two Naras—I guarantee meetings will be smoother, with actual solutions."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed—then relaxed in agreement. "My old friends should retire." He turned to ANBU: Cat. "Relieve the two advisors by my direct order. They are banned from the Hokage Tower. Tell them to… enjoy their remaining years."
Kaji stretched. "Let's go home, Father. Mama's pregnant, after all."
With that, father and son left the office.
------------------
Homecoming
"We're home!" x2
Biwako smiled warmly. "Everyone, dinner is served!"
Kaji sat down, eyes sparkling. "Aaaahhh! Salmon Sashimi with Guacamole! Fresh slices of raw salmon served with avocado purée, seasoned with soy sauce and lime!"
"I feel like the gods themselves have descended to earth."
"Okaasan, Otousan—
Itadakimasu!"
A Mother's Mischief
After eating his fill, Kaji leaned back contentedly—until Biwako struck.
"Kaji-chan~ When do I get to meet your girlfriend?"
Kaji's face exploded in crimson. "O-Okaasan! Don't ambush me like that! I-I haven't found one yet!" His tiny fingers fidgeted nervously.
Biwako's grin turned downright devilish.
Hiruzen, ever the hero, bravely intervened. "Come, Kaji—let's discuss serious matters in the garden."
"Hai!" Kaji practically teleported out of the room.
Left alone, Biwako tapped her chin, already scheming. ("Hmm… Who would suit my boy best?")
The night passed peacefully.
Special notes:
Gourmet Bliss – Kaji's foodie passion shines (and his dramatic flair).
Biwako's Matchmaking – A mother's eternal mission begins.
Hiruzen's Rescue – The Hokage's fatherly instincts save Kaji from embarrassment.