Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

"What's the problem with that? It's not bullying; it's just giving the kids some training," In a hidden cave, Akihiko was trying to motivate Black Zetsu. "What, you think you can't handle it? Don't worry, I'll set everything up."

He continued, his tone shifting as he placed a reassuring hand on Black Zetsu's shoulder. "You know how reckless Obito is, and White Zetsu? He lacks common sense. That's why, in the whole organization, you're the one I value the most. But hey, if you don't want to do it, that's perfectly fine. Our organization believes in democracy."

Black Zetsu's mouth twitched at those words. If I could refuse, then why are there paper swords surrounding me? He swallowed hard and forced a smile at Akihiko.

"It's an honor to help you, Leader Akihiko." He patted his chest with a serious expression. "Don't worry; I'll handle it perfectly. I'll make sure they know some real pain!"

"What do you mean, pain? This is training! T-r-aining! Do you get that?" Akihiko replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice, before giving Black Zetsu an appreciative pat on the shoulder. "I have faith in you to handle this. So, I'll leave it in your hands."

As he leaned in closer, a shadow suddenly cast over Black Zetsu. Akihiko continued, his tone shifting to one of seriousness, "This is between us. If anyone else finds out…"

"I promise, no one will know!" Black Zetsu assured him, understanding the weight of the warning.

"Good. It's getting late, and I need to head back. And by the way, enjoy your winter break." With that, Akihiko turned and began to leave.

Black Zetsu forced a bright smile as he saw Akihiko off. "Goodbye, Leader Akihiko. Have a safe journey. Take care, Leader Akihiko…"

Once Akihiko was out of sight, Black Zetsu spat on the ground in frustration. "How dare he come here and threaten me?!"

Did Akihiko forget who he was dealing with? Black Zetsu was the Will of Kaguya, the progenitor of chakra. Even the Sage of Six Paths was his brother. And yet, a mere leader of the Grass Village thought he could intimidate him.

But in fact… he had been successfully threatened. It couldn't be helped—After all, the situation was different now. Even the title of Madara's Will might not be enough to deter Akihiko anymore. It wasn't that he was cowardly; he was just trying to remain useful so that he could eventually save his mother.

After a long sigh, Black Zetsu's melancholy expression faded, replaced by a steely resolve. Clenching his fists and gritting his teeth, he declared fiercely, "You may order me around today, but once my mother is free, I'll make you all pay!"

With that, he turned away, hands clasped behind his back, and walked into the shadows, his figure carrying an air of desolation. He had originally wanted to be friends with those kids, but now... it seems there's no chance anymore. As he walked, he muttered to himself, "What a cruel world…"

…

On the other side, Akihiko had just arrived home. This impromptu outing was merely to arrange some training for the children. He couldn't think of anyone more suitable for this task than the millennia-old mastermind.

That's right—it was all for the children's future. As their uncle, he was genuinely worried about them.

At that moment, Akihiko looked into the courtyard and saw Kushina, her fiery red hair flaring wildly as she stood with her hands on her hips, wearing an angry expression. In front of her, Naruto was cowering, hands over his head, trembling in fear. Beside Kushina stood Karin, mirroring her stance with a mischievous smile. If it weren't for her black hair, one might easily mistake Karin for Kushina's twin.

This little girl... under Kushina's guidance, was becoming more and more like her every day. But what was going on here? Were the kids refusing to eat? Or had they not done their homework?

Akihiko's confusion deepened as he glanced at Sasuke, who stood nearby with his arms crossed, wearing a stoic expression. However, the glint of schadenfreude in his eyes was unmistakable. Cautiously, Akihiko approached and asked, "What's going on? Did Naruto upset Kushina again?"

"Uncle Akihiko!" Sasuke turned his head toward him, no longer as hostile as he had been when he first arrived. Over the past year, he had grown accustomed to having Akihiko around.

With his hands in his pockets, Sasuke tilted his head slightly and explained, "It's because Karin is starting school next year. Naruto said he would look out for her, and if anyone bullied her, he'd gather his friends to take care of it. When Aunt Kushina heard this, she knocked on Naruto's head and said, 'Karin won't be like you, fighting in the academy. She'll be a proper lady!'"

"Huh? That's it?" Akihiko was puzzled. Wasn't it just an older brother looking out for his younger sister? What was the big deal? Surely, Kushina wouldn't scold Naruto for that, right?

"No!" Sasuke shook his head again. Despite his usual calm demeanor, the slight curl of his lips revealed his amusement. He glanced at Naruto, trying to suppress a laugh, and continued, "Then Naruto complained, 'But Mom, you're not exactly a lady either! You're not as gentle as Aunt Mikoto or Aunt Fusō. You're always beating people up!' After that…"

Sasuke fell silent, leaving the rest unsaid. That was enough to convey the situation. Akihiko nodded in understanding and joined in the laughter. This little Naruto... still as blunt as ever.

Just as Akihiko was about to fold his arms and enjoy the show, the situation shifted. At that moment, Naruto seemed to notice him and immediately turned to run over, shouting, "Uncle Akihiko, Uncle Akihiko, help me! Mom's going to hit me again!" He hurriedly hid behind Akihiko for protection.

Kushina, spotting Akihiko, let her red hair fall back and flashed an embarrassed smile. "Haha, Akihiko, you're back already?"

Meanwhile, Karin jumped into Akihiko's arms, cheerfully calling out, "Daddy~!"

Akihiko lifted Karin with ease, then ruffled Naruto's hair, noticing a hint of envy in his eyes. He gently pinched Karin's nose and smiled. "Were you bullying your brother Naruto again?"

"No!" Karin blinked her sparkling eyes and snuggled closer to Akihiko, adding, "It was Brother Naruto who was bullying Mama Kushina!"

"That's right," Kushina chimed in, nodding with satisfaction as she shot Naruto a glare. "Naruto was bullying me."

"I wasn't!" Naruto protested, but upon seeing his mom's glaring eyes, he quickly changed the subject. "Uncle Akihiko, after the holidays, Sasuke, Jūgo, and I are planning to visit the Sand Village. Gaara invited us, and Aunt Pakura is coming along too!"

Before the surprised Akihiko could respond, Sasuke, standing nearby with his hands on his hips, interjected coolly, "I'm not that interested. It's just that Gaara invited me to see the ninjutsu from the Sand Village. Besides, Uncle Akihiko always says that watching other people's ninjutsu can help improve my own skills!"

Even though he was just in first grade, this kid was still so tsundere, Akihiko thought with a smile. He glanced at the eager Naruto and, after some consideration, replied, "It's good for children to explore and broaden their horizons."

"Does that mean you agree, Uncle Akihiko? Awesome!" Naruto exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. Then, remembering something, he added, "I heard that Gaara gets bullied by a lot of people in the Sand Village. When we get there, I'll take care of them! Ouch! Mom, why did you hit me again?"

"Don't fight in other people's villages!" Kushina quickly withdrew her fist, eyeing Naruto, who was holding his head. Her eyes narrowed playfully, a smile tugging at her lips. "Mom doesn't remember teaching you to be so rude!"

Naruto mumbled, "The Third Hokage didn't teach me that either!"

Kushina's smile faltered for a moment as she recalled something. When Minato decided to make Naruto the next jinchūriki, she had strongly opposed it. As a former jinchūriki herself, she understood the heavy burdens that came with the title. But Minato had insisted that their sacrifice would turn Naruto into a hero of the village, entrusting his training to the Third Hokage. In the end, however, the Third Hokage had let them down.

Kushina sighed, gently ruffling Naruto's hair. Her cheerful demeanor faded, replaced by a tender tone. "I'm sorry, Naruto."

"Ugh~." Naruto inhaled sharply, taken aback by his mother's unusual gentleness. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "Mom, what's wrong? You can't be this gentle. Ow~ why did you hit me again?"

"Honestly, this child..." Kushina's irritation flared up again at Naruto's words, and she struggled to maintain her composure.

"Alright, alright!" Akihiko stepped in, noticing Kushina clenching her fists once more. "It's time for dinner, so let's not linger here any longer."

He turned to the two children with a warm smile, embodying the affectionate uncle role. "When you visit Sand Village, remember to have fun and learn something, too. And when you come back, each of you will need to write an essay titled 'Impressions of Sand Village,' okay?"

At that, the excited smiles on Naruto and Sasuke's faces froze. Naruto chuckled awkwardly, "Actually, I'm not sure I want to go anymore. Maybe I should just stay home."

Sasuke pulled his hands from his pockets, his eyelids twitching as he added coolly, "Yeah, me too."

But despite their protests, it was already too late.

"Now, let's head inside; dinner's ready," Akihiko said, cradling the giggling Karin as he led the way. "And don't forget to pack your bags later!"

"Uncle Akihiko!" the two children chimed in with downcast expressions. "Can't we skip the essay? I want a fun holiday!"

"It's all for your own good~" Akihiko replied with a warm smile.

Kushina couldn't help but smile at the scene as she followed them inside. She never imagined that after coming here with Naruto, they would be cared for so well. Especially for jinchūriki, experiencing such freedom was rare. Whether it was Rin, Naruto, or Gaara, none of them faced harsh treatment.

Perhaps it was this broad-mindedness that made the Sand Village choose to follow his lead. She couldn't help but admire Akihiko; he truly was a man of great character.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she brightened and called after them, "Hmph~ let this Kushina-sensei supervise you both! If you don't write that essay after returning, then, don't blame me for being tough"