This chapter will be mostly side character focused. Enjoy
As Sasuki hurried home, a flush of embarrassment warming her cheeks, her thoughts snagged on Naruto. How could he be so powerful on the very first day at the academy? She'd never encountered a child his age with such skill. And that name, "Uzumaki"...it nagged at her. She knew it was significant, but she couldn't quite place it. She resolved to ask her mother about it as soon as they were all home. Reaching the compound first, she found her stern father, Fugaku, seated at his desk in his study, the lamplight illuminating his focused expression. He glanced up as she entered. "How was orientation?" he inquired. "It was...interesting," she replied, carefully modulating her tone. "Oh? In what way?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Well, there was this one boy, Naruto Uzumaki," Sasuki began, "He aced every test. He's...he's almost like Itaia. The teachers were even whispering about him being a generational genius. And it's only the first day!" Fugaku listened with growing surprise as Sasuki recounted the events of the day. "Does this boy have red hair and whisker marks?" he interrupted. "Yes," she gasped, "How did you know?" Fugaku's gaze drifted, lost in memory. "I didn't know him personally," he explained, "but I knew his parents. They were both exceptional shinobi. I was...rivals with his father." Sasuki stared, astonished. Fugaku shook his head slightly, returning to the present. "It seems their son has inherited their talents. To be this strong already..." Just then, Itaia and Mikoto entered. Fugaku greeted them, and Mikoto, after a brief exchange, headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Itaia, as was her habit, retreated immediately to her room. Mikoto watched her eldest daughter go, a flicker of sadness in her eyes. She wished Itaia wasn't so distant, that she would spend more time with the family. Sasuki, meanwhile, slipped out of the compound and headed to the training grounds. Naruto's skill had ignited a new fire in her; she was more determined than ever to surpass him.
On the other side of the Land of Fire, four figures traveled toward Konoha. A tall, powerfully built man with long, spiky hair in a ponytail led the group. He wore a red and green Kabuki-inspired outfit and wooden sandals, with distinctive red markings beneath his eyes. This was Jiraiya. Beside him walked a shorter woman with blonde hair in two loose ponytails. Her honey-colored eyes and the purple diamond mark on her forehead marked her as Tsunade Senju, granddaughter of Hashirama. Two younger women accompanied them. The first, tall and in her late teens, wore a two-tone orange skintight bodysuit with gray metal guards on her forearms and legs. Her brown hair was tied in a bun, and her brown eyes held a quiet intensity. This was Kimiko Senju, a descendant of Toka Senju and one of the last of her clan. The youngest of the group, a thirteen-year-old girl with long white hair in twin ponytails, brought up the rear. Her eyes, the same honey hue as Tsunade's, sparkled with energy. She wore a dark green crop top and tight black pants secured by a belt with a square buckle. This was Amaya Senju, daughter of Tsunade and Jiraiya. Amaya had taken her mother's name, as Jiraiya had no clan. Her birth was a story in itself. Years after the deaths of Tsunade's lover, Dan, and her brother, Nawaki, Tsunade, still grieving, had sought solace with Jiraiya. One night, after too much sake, they had slept together. They had agreed to forget the indiscretion, but months later, Tsunade discovered she was pregnant. Hesitant to tell Jiraiya, she eventually did, and to her surprise, he was overjoyed. Though they never became a couple, Tsunade allowed Jiraiya to be a father to their child, grateful for his support. He traveled with them, helping to raise Amaya. When Amaya came of age, they trained her together. Tsunade imparted her knowledge of chakra control, medical ninjutsu, and her superhuman strength, while Jiraiya taught her ninjutsu and what he knew of fūinjutsu.
"So, where are we headed now?" Amaya asked her mother.
"Back to Konoha," Tsunade replied.
Amaya was surprised. She knew her mother's dislike for the village after the losses she had suffered there. "Why now?"
Jiraiya answered, "We received a letter from the Third Hokage. My student's son has claimed his heritage. Tsunade and I considered his parents like our own children. That makes their son like our grandson."
"What's his name? How old is he?" Amaya asked, intrigued.
"His name is Naruto," Jiraiya replied. "He should be about seven."
"I wonder what he's like," Amaya mused.
Kimiko walked silently beside them. She had been found by Tsunade, a victim of her own lineage. Abused and groomed to be an emotionless assassin, she had been rescued by Tsunade, who recognized her as a fellow Senju. Amaya, who had been told she had no family, was astonished. Using ancient clan laws, Tsunade had taken Kimiko away from her abusers. Traveling with the group, Tsunade witnessed the damage done to the young woman. Kimiko was emotionally closed off and fiercely antisocial, her world limited to battle and killing. Only after years of traveling with Tsunade and her family had Kimiko begun to open up, mostly due to Amaya's bubbly personality. Though still reserved, she was more comfortable socially.
They were a day's journey from Konoha. As night fell, they made camp. Amaya was excited to finally see Konoha, a place she had only heard stories about. Tsunade and Jiraiya were eager to see their godson. Kimiko remained indifferent. After a simple dinner and the setting up of their tents, they settled down for the night, preparing for the final leg of their journey.
In Konoha, a mother and daughter walked home from grocery shopping. Sakura Haruno and her mother belonged to a clan of merchants. Her mother owned a popular civilian clothing store, a business Sakura was expected to inherit. But Sakura's heart wasn't in commerce. She dreamed of being a kunoichi, just like her father. Her mother, however, was firmly against it. Her husband had died a ninja's death, and she refused to let her daughter follow the same path. She knew the shinobi life was brutal. Before he died, Sakura's father would tell her stories of heroic ninja, carefully censoring the violent parts. Sakura's favorite tales were about the legendary medic, Tsunade Senju. Inspired by Tsunade's example, Sakura wanted to heal injured ninja on the battlefield. As the academy entrance exams approached, she begged her mother to let her enroll, but her plea was instantly rejected. Sakura was heartbroken but resigned to her fate.
Three months into the academy year, as they walked home, they passed the first-years' training grounds. Sakura watched the students with longing. Seeing her daughter's wistful expression, her mother gently pulled her away.
"Why do you want to be a ninja so badly?" her mother asked. "You know your father died because of that life. It's too dangerous."
"That's exactly why I want to be a ninja," Sakura replied, her voice full of conviction. "To heal those who risk their lives to protect us. I want to make my father proud. He always spoke so highly of being a ninja."
Her mother was silent, absorbing Sakura's passionate words. Though she dreaded the thought of her daughter becoming a ninja, she respected the profession and understood Sakura's desire to honor her father's memory. A difficult decision formed in her mind. The next day, she would speak with the Hokage.
The following morning, Sakura and her mother walked toward the Hokage Tower. Sakura was confused by her mother's unusual secrecy. They reached the towering building, and Sakura recognized it as the Hokage Tower. What could we possibly need with the Hokage? she wondered.
Inside, her mother approached the secretary. "We'd like a meeting with the Hokage," she requested.
"One moment, please," the secretary replied, disappearing into the Hokage's office. She returned shortly. "You may enter."
Sakura and her mother entered. The Third Hokage recognized the Haruno woman. "Hello, Ms. Haruno," he greeted. "What can I do for you?"
"Thank you for seeing us," she replied. "I'd like to know if it's too late to enroll Sakura in the ninja academy."
Sakura gasped, completely surprised. She knew how much her mother opposed her ninja aspirations.
"The first semester is almost over," the Hokage said. "She can join next semester, in about a month."
Sakura's heart soared.
Hiruzen handed her mother some paperwork. Once it was completed, he gave her a stamped note to give to Iruka on Sakura's first day. They left the Hokage Tower.
Outside, Sakura hugged her mother tightly. "What made you change your mind?" she asked.
"Well..." her mother began, "after hearing your passionate words yesterday, I couldn't bear to hold you back from your dream."
Sakura accepted her mother's explanation. She had already begun studying shinobi subjects and was eager to begin her training. She would become the best field medic ever, just like Tsunade. Sakura would be the first ninja from her mother's side of the family.
Four figures approached Konoha's gates. The chunin guards recognized Jiraiya and Tsunade and waved them through, though they didn't recognize the two younger women. The group headed straight for the Hokage Tower. Villagers stared as the two legendary Sannin walked by.
They reached the Hokage Tower and were immediately granted access. Hiruzen greeted his former students warmly. "Welcome back, you two. It's been too long. Good to see you."
"Good to see you too, sensei," Jiraiya replied. Tsunade remained silent.
Hiruzen's gaze fell on the two younger women. "And who are these lovely young ladies?" he asked.
"The older one is Kimiko Senju," Tsunade said.
"And the other..." Jiraiya interjected, "...is our daughter, Ayame Senju."
Hiruzen was stunned. "What?!" he exclaimed. He never thought those two would have a child. "Congratulations!" He was also surprised to learn of another Senju's existence. What have they been up to all these years? he wondered.
"Where's Naruto?" Jiraiya asked.
"Probably training at the Uzumaki compound," Hiruzen replied.
"We'll go see him now," Jiraiya said. "We'll be back later to discuss our possible reinstatement as ninjas."
Hiruzen nodded as they left.
As they walked toward the Uzumaki compound, Kimiko spoke. "So, this kid is the heir to the Uzumaki clan? I was told the clan was extinct."
"My goddaughter, Kushina Uzumaki, gave birth to a son the day she died," Tsunade explained. "He's likely the last of them."
Kimiko's expression softened slightly. She understood the pain of losing family. Ayame, overhearing, felt a pang of sympathy for Naruto. She couldn't imagine losing her parents at such a young age. She was now even more eager to meet him.
They reached an elegant gate adorned with the Uzumaki swirl. The gate was covered in seals. Naruto, currently wrestling with a clone, sensed their arrival through a security seal. He sent a clone to greet them. The clone, sensing their powerful chakra, opened the gate and was surprised to see the Sannin. He bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Jiraiya, Tsunade. What brings you here?"
Jiraiya chuckled and ruffled his hair. "Don't be so formal, kid. Your father was like a son to me, and your mother like a daughter to Tsunade. We're family."
Tsunade, tears welling up, hugged Naruto tightly. Naruto, confused, hugged her back. "You look so much like them," she whispered.
Tsunade released him and introduced the others. "Naruto, this is Kimiko Senju, a relative of mine, and Ayame Senju, our daughter."
Naruto blushed. They were both beautiful. Ayame hugged him tightly. "You're so adorable!" she exclaimed, swinging him from side to side. Wow, she's strong, Naruto thought.
Jiraiya and Tsunade chuckled, then rescued Naruto from Ayame's enthusiastic embrace. Kimiko approached, bowing slightly. "Hello, Uzumaki."
"Nice to meet you," Naruto replied, slightly put off by her lack of emotion.
"Follow me," the clone said. "I'll take you to the real one."
"The real one?" Jiraiya asked.
"Yes, I'm just a clone."
They were surprised. He could already make shadow clones? Impressive, Jiraiya thought.
They followed the clone to a clearing. Multiple Narutos were training. Some practiced chakra control, others sparred, some studied scrolls, and others worked on ninjutsu. Two Narutos wrestled in the center of the clearing. Their spar consisted of throws, takedowns, and joint locks. It looked more like wrestling than a shinobi spar. Not wanting to interrupt, they watched. After ten minutes, Naruto caught his clone in an arm bar, breaking its arm and dispelling it. He wiped the sweat from his brow. He used a weight seal to make his training partner feel heavier, helping him build strength.
Naruto dispelled the other clones. The group was impressed. They didn't expect a seven-year-old to train so hard.
Kimiko observed Naruto. Ayame was simply excited. Jiraiya walked up. "Damn, kid, that was impressive."
"Thanks, Jiraiya. This is just my normal training," Naruto said.
"Wow, a cutie like you is so strong" Ayame exclaimed.
"Ummm, thanks?" Naruto replied, unsure how to respond.
Kimiko approached. "That was impressive. It's rare to see someone your age so dedicated to training," she said emotionlessly.
Naruto rubbed his head, embarrassed. He wasn't used to compliments. "Follow me. I want to shower, then I'll make dinner."
He led them to his home, using chakra to unlock the door. "Make yourselves comfortable. I'll be about twenty minutes."
They sat on the couch, discussing what they had seen.
"What do you think of him so far?" Jiraiya asked.
"He's a cutie pie!" Ayame replied.
Jiraiya sighed.
"He's very determined," Kimiko said. "That's rare, especially for a child." Tsunade noticed a hint of admiration in Kimiko's voice. If Kimiko was impressed, Naruto must be exceptional.
As they talked, Jiraiya suggested a spar between Ayame and Naruto. Ayame was already low jonin level.
Naruto returned, wearing loose black sweats and a white tank top. He was barefoot, with red tape wrapped around his feet and shins. He told them they could watch TV while he cooked. He was making grilled fish, rice, and vegetables. They were surprised he could cook, but realized he lived alone.
An hour later, he called them to dinner. The aroma was delicious.
"Dig in," he said.
As they ate, they asked Naruto about himself. His story saddened and angered them. Kimiko, who had a similar childhood, felt a deep connection to Naruto's pain. Ayame cried. Jiraiya and Tsunade were furious.
"How can you not hate them?" Ayame asked.
Naruto sighed. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But I want to be better than them. I don't want to sink to their level."
They were impressed by his maturity.
"Why do you train so hard?" Kimiko asked.
"To protect my precious people," Naruto replied. "And to restore my clan."
They respected his selfless motives. Kimiko gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. Jiraiya and Tsunade were proud of him.
Ayame hugged Naruto again. "I want to see what you're made of. You'll spar with Amaya tomorrow."
Ayame smirked. "I won't go easy on you just because you're cute."
Naruto grinned. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
Naruto glanced at the clock. "It's late. Feel free to stay. There are plenty of rooms."
They accepted. Jiraiya and Tsunade went to separate rooms. Kimiko hesitated, then hugged Naruto. He blushed. She went to another room.
Ayame looked at Naruto teasingly. "Want to join me, cutie?"
Naruto's face turned red, and he ran to his room, sealing the door with extra chakra.
Ayame laughed. "He's adorable. I can't wait to fight him." She went to bed.