Naruto: Reborn with the Tenseigan

Takashi ignored Tsunade, cut himself a piece of meat, and sat beside Kushina to eat together.

Besides meat, he had prepared a fruit salad and some juice.

He even brought vegetables to cut through the richness.

Though he'd been dragged out early in the morning to buy groceries, sitting around a fire with a group of friends, enjoying fragrant roasted meat, was a cozy experience in this weather.

To prevent a certain "bandit," who demanded triple servings each time, from going hungry, Takashi had made sure to buy extra meat.

After eating a plate of meat and some fruit salad, Takashi felt pleasantly full.

Kushina seemed about done as well, but Nawaki and Tsunade were still going strong, devouring meat without a care.

Watching these two siblings go at it, Takashi could only think: Yep, they really are family.

"Kushina, have you made any new friends at school lately?"

"Nope, only half of one."

Since her first day of school, when she knocked out a classmate's tooth, Kushina had become the class bully, and no one dared mess with her.

As a result, most of her classmates were too scared to approach her.

"Half a friend? How can someone be half a friend?"

Takashi was taken aback, then couldn't help but laugh. Kids can have the strangest ideas—half a friend?

"Yeah, just half." Kushina crossed her arms, huffing. "His name's Minato Namikaze, the yellow-haired kid I mentioned before. He's the only one in class willing to be friends with me. He's not scared of me at all."

"Ah."

What else could he say? The guy's got guts.

Takashi asked, "Do you like Minato as a friend?"

"Nope." Kushina pouted. "He's only half a friend, plus he just acts all silly, always smiling like an idiot, just like Nawaki."

"Cough, cough!"

Nawaki nearly choked on his food.

"Kushina, who are you calling an idiot? Am I that dumb?"

"Hmph! Even Mikoto-sis says you're silly!"

With a decisive counterattack, Kushina dealt Nawaki a super-crit.

In an instant, Nawaki found his roasted meat a lot less appetizing.

Given the age difference, Nawaki mostly looked after Kushina rather than playing with her. He found her childish, while she found him dumb. 

A classic sibling love-hate dynamic.

Takashi laughed so hard his stomach hurt, and Tsunade found it equally amusing.

Silly little brother, Tsunade thought. Now you see how everyone else sees you—even Kushina thinks you're a bit foolish.

Mikoto Uchiha was widely recognized as a school talent, her beauty and gentle nature making her the dream girl for many boys.

Though Nawaki didn't hold Mikoto as some unattainable figure, he couldn't deny a bit of fondness.

That's why Kushina teasing him stung so much—Nawaki just found it annoying, but if Mikoto herself said it, he'd be crushed.

When a girl you like calls you silly, it's hard to smile it off.

"Better move on early," Takashi patted Nawaki's shoulder, chuckling. "You're young; there's plenty of time and plenty of girls out there."

"Why?" Nawaki wasn't convinced. Why could others like Mikoto, but not him?

Out of ideas, Takashi glanced over at Tsunade, giving her a look. Are you sure you won't lecture your brother?

Tsunade pretended not to notice.

"Takashi, can I bring my friend over as a guest?" Kushina clung to Takashi's hand, shaking it and looking at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Sure, sure. Kushina's friend is my friend. If you want to bring them over, go ahead."

Takashi felt a bit helpless. When this feisty little firecracker started acting cute, it was impossible to refuse.

"Only after my mission's finished, though."

"Yay! Takashi, you're the best! I like you the most! Deal?"

Kushina jumped up, thrilled.

Tsunade couldn't resist teasing her:

"Kushina, do you even know what 'liking' someone means?"

"Of course I do—liking is just… liking."

Kids in the ninja world grow up fast, emotionally too, though sometimes it's hard to express. 

Kushina stammered, trying to explain, but couldn't quite articulate her feelings.

Tsunade struggled to stifle a laugh.

Trying hard to explain but unable to, Kushina grew anxious: "It's just like how Brother Nawaki likes Sister Mikoto!"

"Pfft~~~"

Nawaki spat his meat out quite far.

"Don't listen to her. As for liking someone, you'll understand it naturally when you grow up. Your sister Tsunade doesn't really get it herself yet." Takashi patted Kushina's little head.

And you said I enjoy teasing kids too much. Look at yourself.

You've gone and teased the kid so much that Nawaki got dragged into it.

"Why?" Kushina asked with a confused look.

Nawaki finally saw an opportunity and quickly jumped in: "Because my sister hasn't found anyone she likes yet, and no one dares like her, right, Takashi?"

Oh, wow.

What a genius thing to say.

One look at Tsunade's face, no longer amused, and Takashi decided to keep his distance, scooping up Kushina and retreating indoors.

As for Nawaki, all Takashi could say was, Good luck, buddy.

"Sis, I was wrong—I really was! Ow! It hurts!"

Nawaki's cries echoed from outside while Takashi and Kushina sat on the couch. Kushina peeked outside cautiously.

Poor guy.

"Takashi, does no one really like Tsunade-sis?" Kushina whispered.

Takashi blinked, then answered softly, "Not at all. It's just that even if someone did like her, they'd be too scared to say it."

Ah, now I get it.

Kushina nodded with an enlightened look. "So, does Tsunade-sis like anyone?"

…

Where were all these questions coming from?

"Takashi, do you like Tsunade-sis? If you do, are you also too scared to say it?"

…

After they were all full, Tsunade soon took Kushina and a bruised Nawaki away, and Takashi finally got some time to himself.In a small tavern beside the Shimura clan's grounds, the Third Hokage sat across from Danzo Shimura, having come at his invitation.

The Third picked up the cup on the table and took a light sip of the liquor inside.

"I need you to do something for me."

Hearing this, the Third Hokage frowned and refused, "Sorry, I promised Lady Mito—your position—"

"I don't need it."

Danzo gripped his cup tightly, gritting his teeth. "I want Hyuga Takashi sent away. As for the position of Hokage's advisor, I'll get it back sooner or later."

What's this guy plotting now?

---

If you like the story, please consider voting and leaving a review.