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Akio once again took up residence in Konoha.
Originally, his plan had been to meet with Tobirama and then return to the Uzumaki Clan.
Unlike the First Great Ninja War—whose fuse he knew had been Hashirama's death—Akio had been mentally prepared for that one. But the Second Great Ninja War? He knew very little about it. He had no idea when it would begin. All he remembered was the legendary battle of the Three Sannin, and that Jiraiya would take on three disciples. Since they were also about to choose the Third Hokage, Akio decided he might as well stick around and earn some "witness points" before leaving.
"Speaking of those three disciples... the Uzumaki Clan hasn't had any known members out in the open these past years. So could Nagato be born from the Uzumaki Clan?"
To Akio, Nagato was extremely talented. The Rinnegan wasn't something just anyone could handle. In his view, Nagato—like Kakashi—was weighed down by those eyes. Without that burden, he might have become even stronger.
"If he's born into the Uzumaki Clan, maybe I could take him as a disciple. Once he grows up, he could help guard the clan, and I'd have it easier..." Akio suddenly had that idea.
"As for Madara, go find someone else to resurrect you. Stop eyeing the Uzumaki Clan," Akio chuckled to himself.
Pushing the door open, he gazed out at the Senju Clan compound. The Uzumaki's original quarters in Konoha had long since been split between the rapidly growing Sarutobi and Shimura clans. This time, Akio could only stay at the Senju compound.
Sensing the chakra around him, Akio felt a wave of emotion.
"Mito is really something. Even at her age, her chakra is still increasing. She's probably grown even more adept at handling the Tailed Beast."
After winding through the compound a bit, he arrived at Mito's door. Just like a déjà vu moment, before he could even knock, the door swung open.
Akio paused. Ten years had passed, and yet Mito's appearance hadn't changed at all.
"It's more comfortable seeing you. You look just like you used to. But when I saw Tobirama… he's definitely aged."
"You, on the other hand, look younger," Mito replied with a smile. "If I couldn't maintain my appearance, I'd probably be knocking on death's door."
Akio nodded, not pursuing the topic of age further.
"I'll be staying in Konoha until the Third Hokage is chosen. Do you have any thoughts on the candidates?"
"I don't have any specific suggestions, but I lean a bit toward Monkey."
Akio blinked. "Because he was Hashirama's student?"
Mito shook her head. "After I gained complete control over the Nine-Tails' chakra, I could sense malice in people. Danzo, for instance—he appears passionate and dedicated, but I occasionally sense malice from him."
Akio had a moment of realization. He had completely forgotten about that particular perk of the Nine-Tails.
"Then why didn't you tell Tobirama?"
Mito gave a bitter smile. "Everyone has some malice in their hearts. Tobirama has just as much as Danzo. I prefer Monkey simply because he has less of it."
Akio nodded slowly. "Right. There's no such thing as someone who's completely good."
Mito smiled. "There are exceptions. Nawaki is one—maybe Hashirama was too. I think Nawaki resembles Hashirama more than either of my sons do."
Akio sighed. "Yeah... only someone as simple-minded as Hashirama… As for Nawaki, maybe it's because he's still young. What about me?"
Mito smiled and shook her head. "I can't sense anything from you."
Akio was momentarily stunned. He figured it was probably the system blocking her ability to peer into his mind. It wouldn't be good if someone discovered its existence by casually reading him.
With a smile, he said, "You forget how long your second grandfather has lived. If I let you read my thoughts so easily, I'd be a total failure."
Mito just shook her head with a smile, clearly unconvinced.
Before Akio could explain further, a voice called from outside, "Elder Akio! Someone from outside the clan seeks an audience!"
Akio waved toward Mito, then stepped out. "Who is it?"
"It's the head of the Hyuga Clan."
Akio raised an eyebrow. "What's he looking for me for?"
Without further questions, he walked out.
Outside the Senju compound stood the aged head of the Hyuga Clan, accompanied by two identical young boys.
Akio's expression shifted, and he greeted him with a smile, "Haven't seen you in ten years—you've aged quite a bit."
The Hyuga Clan Head gave a wry smile. "Meanwhile, you look younger than ever."
Akio didn't respond and simply turned around. "Whatever it is, come inside and talk."
The old man and the two boys followed Akio into the guest quarters where he was staying.
"Elder Akio, these are my two grandsons—Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi. I hope you'll take them as your disciples!"
"Cough… cough!" Akio had just sat down and taken a sip of water when he almost choked. He was speechless.
It wasn't the boys' identities that surprised him—he had already guessed that they were Hiashi and Hizashi. What caught him off guard was the Hyuga Clan Head's intent.
"What the heck? Why would I take Hyuga clan members as disciples?" Akio muttered, thoroughly confused.
But after thinking it over, he gradually understood the Hyuga Clan's awkward position in Konoha.
The contest for the Third Hokage was essentially down to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura. After the Hokage was chosen, the Elder Council would also undergo changes.
Whoever lost would likely still secure an Elder position. Uchiha Kagami would claim another spot. That left just one vacancy, likely to be contested between the Hyuga Clan and Tobirama's remaining three disciples. And the Hyuga's chances were slim—so this was clearly a move to gain outside support.
"But taking on disciples…" Akio sighed internally. After taking Nanako as a disciple, he'd made Kushina her grand-disciple, effectively making her older than Minato. Now if he took Hiashi as a disciple, Hinata would become Naruto's grandmother in the hierarchy.
"Wait..." Akio blinked. "That actually sounds kinda harmonious. Grandma and grandson… that's kind of amusing."
Looking up at the anxious old man and the two clueless boys, Akio smiled. "Alright, I agree. Send me a copy of your Gentle Fist techniques tomorrow."
The Hyuga Clan Head was overjoyed at first, then confused. "Gentle Fist? But you don't have the Byakugan—what would you do with it?"
Akio was also surprised. "You want me to teach your grandsons, don't I need to know a little Gentle Fist?"
The clan head gave a wry smile. "They're only six. I just want you to teach them the basics. I'll handle the Gentle Fist myself." His real intent was clearly just to build a closer connection—he never expected Akio to seriously train them.
But Akio wasn't having it…
"The basics? You mean chakra control and kunai throwing? Or the Transformation, Clone, and Substitution techniques? You're asking a powerhouse like me to teach kids that? Goodbye!"
The Hyuga Clan Head smiled bitterly and was about to explain—but before he could, he and the two boys were suddenly lifted off the ground and floated out the door.
Staring at the tightly shut door in front of them, the three were completely dumbfounded.
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