Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

Early in the morning, Kirito left Konoha Hospital and headed to Team Guy's usual meeting spot at the watchtower.

By tradition, unless there were special circumstances, Team Guy would gather there daily, whether for missions or for Guy's infamous "youth training."

Nearby, Little Leopard stretched lazily on the floor, yawning as if it had endured a long day despite having done nothing. Kirito watched it fondly, the creature's "human-like" moments always amusing him.

Sitting on a bench, Kirito absentmindedly stroked Little Leopard and considered his strategy for negotiating with the Third Hokage regarding Karin.

"Kirito, good morning!"

The cheerful voice startled both Kirito and Little Leopard, the latter jumping back to Kirito's shoulder in one swift motion.

"Good morning, TenTen."

"It's funny," TenTen said with a curious look at Little Leopard. "It has no eyes, yet it jumps to your shoulder so precisely every time."

"Practice makes perfect," Kirito replied, scratching the creature affectionately. "It's shy around strangers and prefers to stay close to me."

TenTen circled Little Leopard with fascination. "And it hasn't grown at all. It's still the same size!"

"Yeah, I've noticed that too," Kirito said, keeping his tone neutral to avoid further questions.

"Good morning, team! Today will be another day full of youth!" Guy appeared with his trademark enthusiasm, snapping a thumbs-up.

Despite Guy's exuberance, the absence of Rock Lee cast a shadow over the team's dynamic. The typically lively atmosphere felt subdued.

Sensing this, Guy clapped his hands. "Don't let this get you down! Lee's youth burns as brightly as ever, even in recovery!"

"But we don't even know when Lady Tsunade will return to heal him…" TenTen sighed, her frustration clear. Suddenly, she perked up. "Guy-sensei, why don't we go look for her ourselves?"

Guy hesitated. "I'd love to, but we can't. The Chunin Exam finals are in a month, and many Jonin are being reassigned to protect the dignitaries and tourists attending. Leaving now would jeopardize the competition, especially for Kirito."

Hearing this, TenTen's shoulders slumped again.

Guy turned to Kirito, his tone serious yet encouraging. "Kirito, with the village's attention focused elsewhere, it may fall to you to guide your teammates' training. Don't let your youth waver!"

"Don't worry, I've got this," Kirito replied calmly.

TenTen grinned. "If you need help, just ask me! I'll bring my scrolls."

Before Guy dismissed the team, Kirito spoke up. "Guy-sensei, I need your help asking the Third Hokage for permission to settle Karin in Konoha."

"Didn't the Hokage say he'd decide after the exams?" Guy asked, puzzled.

"I think it's better to handle it now," Kirito explained. "If we wait too long, unexpected complications could arise."

Guy studied Kirito for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'll bring it up during the Jonin meeting. No promises, but I'll try."

"Thank you, Guy-sensei."

As Guy left, TenTen turned to Kirito, smirking mischievously. "Why the rush? Is there something you're not telling me?"

Kirito shivered slightly under her gaze but kept his composure. "Think about it. The Grass Village treated Karin as a tool. They won't give her up easily. If Konoha doesn't formally take her in soon, they might come looking for her."

TenTen narrowed her eyes, then sighed. "You're right. It's better to settle her status now."

Satisfied, she asked, "So, what's your plan for convincing the Hokage?"

"Honestly, I don't need to convince him. Under normal circumstances, he'd agree. I just need to present a reasonable case."

TenTen nodded thoughtfully. "Fair enough. Now, shall we train?"

"Of course. Let's go."

Later that day, while Kirito and TenTen were training, an Anbu operative arrived with a message. "Kirito, the Hokage requests that you bring Karin to his office this afternoon."

Kirito immediately ended their training session and went to find Karin, who was shopping for daily necessities.

On their way to the Hokage's office, Kirito explained the situation. "The Hokage wants to meet you personally. This is an opportunity to formalize your place in the village."

"I understand. Thank you for everything, Kirito-sensei," Karin said sincerely.

In the Hokage's office, the room was bathed in warm sunlight streaming through large windows. Behind a long desk sat the Third Hokage, pipe in hand, reviewing documents.

"You've arrived," he greeted them warmly.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kirito replied, getting straight to the point. "I'm here to request Karin's official acceptance into Konoha."

Hiruzen nodded. "I understand your request. However, Karin will first need to undergo a medical evaluation. This is a standard precaution for the village's safety. Karin, do you accept?"

"Yes, of course," Karin replied without hesitation.

Hiruzen signaled to an Anbu operative, who escorted Karin out of the room. Turning to Kirito, the Hokage motioned for him to sit.

"Kirito, do you remember your childhood?" Hiruzen asked unexpectedly as he brewed tea.

Kirito was momentarily taken aback but quickly answered, "Not much, Lord Hokage."

The Third Hokage smiled, glancing at Little Leopard. "You were found as a baby by Anbu, and that creature has been with you since then. The Anbu tried to separate you two, but you wouldn't let go. I still remember the reports about how stubborn you were."

Kirito chuckled awkwardly. "I don't remember that, but Little Leopard has always been by my side."

Hiruzen nodded. "We couldn't uncover your parents' identities or Little Leopard's origins, so we entrusted you to the Hyuga Clan. I'm glad to see how well you've grown."

"Thank you for your care, Lord Hokage," Kirito replied respectfully.

After a brief pause, Hiruzen returned to the matter at hand. "Kirito, why did you save Karin? And how did you know about her situation?"

Kirito had anticipated this question. Calmly, he explained how he had heard rumors about Karin's treatment in the Grass Village during an earlier mission. Seeing her during the Chunin Exam had confirmed her identity, and he had acted out of both personal sympathy and a desire to help Konoha gain a skilled medical ninja.

Hiruzen listened intently, his expression thoughtful. Kirito continued, "Welcoming an Uzumaki clan member reinforces our village's reputation as a haven for allies and strengthens our bonds with their lineage."

Satisfied with the explanation, Hiruzen said, "I agree with your reasoning. Once Karin's evaluation is complete, she will be formally accepted into Konoha."

Shortly afterward, Karin returned with the Anbu operative.

"Karin, from this day forward, you are a member of Konoha. You won't have to endure hardship any longer," Hiruzen announced.

Karin, unable to hold back her emotions, removed her glasses to wipe her tears. "Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

As they left the office, Kirito turned to Karin. "Remember, gaining the village's trust will require effort on your part. Work hard and prove yourself."

"Yes, I will!" Karin replied confidently.

Seeing her resolve, Kirito smiled faintly. [Looks like she's finally starting to settle in.]

Before parting, Kirito reminded her, "Don't forget, I promised to help heal those scars. Come see me at the hospital when you're ready."

"Thank you, Kirito-senpai. I'll come by soon," Karin said, glancing at the faint scars on her arms.

As Kirito walked back through the village, his thoughts wandered. [One step closer to stabilizing things. Now, let's prepare for what's to come.]

(End of Chapter)

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