Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

"Mm? They sealed the deal?" Akihiko raised an eyebrow as he scanned the report in his hand, letting out a sigh of mild admiration. "Kado is really capable."

All Akihiko had requested was for Kado to sell some goods, never anticipating that Kado would end up calling Danzo his 'brother' by the end of their conversation.

It was no wonder Kado later dominated the shipping industry in the Land of Waves, becoming its maritime mogul. His methods were undeniably impressive.

Rumor had it that the Tobi Environmental Recycling Company had expanded into multiple countries, largely due to Kado's influence.

Though, Akihiko couldn't help but wonder how long Danzo's carefully hoarded billions would stand against Kado's growing empire. A sly grin crept onto his face at the thought.

Stretching his arms with an indifferent expression, Akihiko murmured, "Things are pretty quiet around here."

It was a holiday, but Naruto and Sasuke had already set off for the Sand Village the previous morning, their faces brimming with excitement. They were accompanied by Pakura and Gaara, along with Kushina and Karin.

Kushina, who had been raised in Konoha after being brought there as a child and had later become a jinchūriki, had rarely traveled beyond the village's borders. Spending most of her time within Konoha, she was naturally curious about the Land of Wind, one of the former Five Great Nations. So, hearing about Naruto's journey, she decided to join the adventure, bringing Karin along as well.

When Naruto learned his mom would be coming along, he was so moved he nearly teared up—though he quickly covered his head in embarrassment. Later that evening, he'd even pulled Sasuke aside, asking eagerly, "What am I supposed to do now that my mom's coming too, Sasuke?"

Naruto seemed thrilled enough to be 'showing off' about his mom joining their trip.

As for Mikoto, even though she'd also been granted some time off, her quiet nature led her to stay behind and enjoy the peacefulness at home.

Yawning, Akihiko glanced over at Kana. She also had the day off, which was rare given how busy she'd been lately. Though she had initially planned to focus more on family life after Karin was born, with plenty of help at home, Kana eventually found herself returning to work.

Of course, it wasn't just her choice. The Grass Village had been facing a shortage of medical ninjas for some time, and with their support extended to both the Rain and Sand Villages, the need for skilled medical hands was only more pressing. As a result, Kana had been constantly on call, and her workload had only grown heavier.

Thinking of this, Akihiko realized he hadn't had the chance to properly relax or catch a quiet moment with her in some time. He approached Kana, and she looked up with a soft smile, a faint blush on her cheeks as she rolled her eyes in playful exasperation. She seemed about to say something when—

Click~. The sound of the door opening cut through the quiet, breaking the moment.

…

After a while, Akihiko brought Kana and Mikoto over next door for dinner.

"What's going on?" Fuso asked, noticing their slightly flushed cheeks. "Is it too chilly outside?"

Since it was her day off, Mikoto had dressed casually in a long, black dress. Thinking back on the events earlier and meeting Fuso's curious gaze, she suddenly felt a bit self-conscious, her thoughts drifting. She lowered her head slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh, it's… nothing, really. I'm just a little worried about Sasuke."

As she spoke, she fidgeted in her seat, visibly flustered. "I just wonder how Sasuke and Naruto are getting along…"

"Don't worry," Fuso replied with a knowing smile. "Pakura and Kushina are with them—they're in good hands." Understanding her friend well, Fuso could see what was really on Mikoto's mind. She gave her a playful wink, making Mikoto's cheeks deepen in color, but chose to let the moment pass. Turning to Akihiko, Fuso announced, "Everything's ready. Let's all eat together!"

Akihiko, maintaining his usual calm demeanor, saw no reason to linger on what had merely been a minor misunderstanding. His thoughts quickly shifted to the meal ahead; Fuso's cooking was excellent, as always.

"It's a pity Nagato and Konan aren't joining us this year," Akihiko remarked, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "There are people here who care about them, yet they still don't come back. Sometimes it feels like our concern goes unreciprocated."

"Oh, Akihiko~," Fuso replied gently, a faint blush rising to her cheeks as she seemed to recall something. "Nagato and Konan are focused on their training this year. They've grown up, after all."

"That is a shame. The winter flowers by the wall are blooming so beautifully," Akihiko said casually, his tone tinged with regret.

"Ah, Akihiko," Fuso's mouth twitched slightly as she caught on, understanding the implication behind his words.

…

At that moment, the underground cave buzzed with an unusual liveliness. Although the White Zetsus had no need for food, drink, or rest, the Grass Village wasn't heartless. After a year-long stretch of relentless work, it was time for them to take a well-deserved break.

Black Zetsu surveyed the crowd of White Zetsus before him, feeling a strange pang of sentiment. If he had been human, he might have found his eyes misty with nostalgia.

How long had it been since the cave felt this vibrant? Since Uchiha Madara's departure, everyone had been preoccupied with their individual tasks—some worked diligently, others scavenged, some studied, and a few acted as reporters. The constant busyness had become a hallmark of their existence.

Reflecting on the past, he realized things had been much better when Madara was alive. Back then, they all united toward a common purpose.

But now? He was the embodiment of their mother's will, and the White Zetsus were intended to be her tools. Yet here they stood, reduced to this.

Reflecting on the recent 'brilliant' assignments handed down by his new superior, Black Zetsu couldn't shake his frustration. Night after night, he lay wide awake, poring over the documents only to find words like 'swindle' and 'scam' lurking between the lines.

He had become an assistant to a con artist, and in turn, he felt like a victim of the same deception. How ironic that he was now serving under someone who specialized in trickery.

In fact, he found himself longing for the days spent with Madara. Sure, he had existed in Madara's shadow, but at least Madara had integrity—he wasn't a fraud.

As he observed the White Zetsus bustling about, while others lounged idly, the smell of food wafted through the air, igniting a sudden surge of anger in Black Zetsu. One White Zetsu was cooking, while another was preparing a feast.

Seriously? Of all times? Today was supposed to be a rare gathering, and yet all they could think about was eating? Had they completely forgotten their mission?

He knew he had to set them straight. With that thought in mind, Black Zetsu stood up abruptly and shouted, "Stop! Look at what you're doing! Today is an important day, and all you can think about is eating? You're supposed to be creatures that don't need food or drink! Remember your mission, you fools!"

However, the moment he finished speaking, all the White Zetsus paused and stared at him blankly. Then, one by one, they turned their gaze toward Black Zetsu. Just as he thought his words had finally reached them and he was ready to continue...

"What's wrong with enjoying some food?" one White Zetsu asked, mouth full.

"Right? We've been working hard all year. Can't we take a moment to relax?" another chimed in, nodding in agreement.

"Who said we've forgotten our mission? We've been putting in the effort too! But do you have any better suggestions?" another added, crossing his arms defiantly.

"Honestly, we're at a loss too! It's not like we can win anyway!" Many others echoed their sentiments, and soon a chorus of complaints arose, with the White Zetsus protesting Black Zetsu from every angle.

Furious, Black Zetsu trembled as he rolled up his sleeves, preparing to teach them a lesson. Just then, one of the silent White Zetsus, still focused on his meal, exclaimed, "Seriously! Can't we even enjoy a little food?"

"Yeah, ignore him! Let's just eat! Has he even finished his own tasks? No? Then who is he to boss us around?" another chimed in, nodding in agreement.

"Hmph!" a few snorted dismissively before returning to their food.

At that moment, Black Zetsu froze mid-motion. All the frustration and momentum he had built up deflated in an instant. He stared at the White Zetsus, who had resumed their feasting, and let out a long, weary sigh.

Blinking a few times, he raised his head, his eyes glistening as he silently thought, Mother, I miss you.