Meanwhile, in the Land of Lightning, Kumogakure Village.
Within a secluded canyon, a waterfall plunged down violently, the roar of thunder echoing endlessly.
At the base of the falls, a dark-skinned man emerged from the water. His upper body was bare, revealing the bold "雷" character tattooed on his right shoulder.
"Any news, Dodai?"
The Third Raikage's eyes fixed on the approaching figure—a trusted confidant wearing a black cap, with his right eye covered by an eyepatch.
"Yes, Raikage-sama. A few days ago, Yotsuki Raizen contacted the shinobi we placed in Konoha. Samodo's report was extremely detailed."
"Good. This cannot fail."
The Third Raikage patted Dodai's shoulder. His hand, larger than Dodai's head, rested firmly but lightly.
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
"Have you investigated his clan affiliation?"
Dodai presented a scroll.
The Third Raikage opened it and frowned slightly.
"Could this be related to the Second Raikage?"
Yotsuki Raizen was born in a remote area called Mizukumo Gorge, inheriting the Yotsuki clan's unique abilities.
A branch of his family had weaker shinobi strength, so they managed the clan's external businesses.
Careful calculation revealed that Raizen was indeed distantly related to the Second Raikage—a "nephew" of sorts.
The Second Raikage was the only Raikage among the last few generations to carry Yotsuki blood.
The First Raikage and the Third shared dark lips like him, though the Second did not.
Yet with their similarly dark skin and robust builds, they all appeared nearly identical.
"He is an Uchiha, so he won't interfere with the succession of the next Raikage," Dodai said.
The Third Raikage had a son, a pre-designated heir who could already claim the title of "Ai."
The waterfall slammed into the pool below, spraying mist into the air.
Dodai could hardly see the Raikage's face.
"His kekkei genkai is crucial to the village. Bring him back as soon as possible."
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
---
Several days passed.
Autumn rain fell gently, the sky overcast and carrying a cool chill.
"Excuse me, Raizen."
"Misato-nee, what brings you here?"
Raizen held an umbrella as he opened the door to the courtyard.
It was Misato's third visit since she had brought Yakushi Nonoha here.
The first time, the sky had been similarly gray.
"Today isn't a school day. Fugaku asked me to invite you over. We're all family; we should meet more often."
The umbrella shielded her delicate face, featuring refined features.
Today Misato wore ordinary clothes instead of her shinobi uniform.
Even off duty, her graceful figure was undeniable beneath the modest attire.
Raizen looked genuinely touched and agreed to accompany her.
They walked together through the streets of the Uchiha settlement, umbrellas in hand, one behind the other.
A casual glance revealed many banners marked with the Uchiwa fan emblem.
Fugaku's main gate was open.
Misato led Raizen to the rear courtyard, a spacious open area.
"Boom!"
Fugaku exhaled, forming a blazing fireball three meters wide.
Raindrops hitting it immediately turned to vapor.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Raizen's eyes narrowed. This was a signature Uchiha technique—every Uchiha shinobi could master it.
"Here you are."
Fugaku looked at the taller and shorter figures before him.
"Training outside in this downpour? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?"
Misato gently scolded him.
"Hahaha, I am the 'Fierce-Eyed Fugaku.' I don't catch colds so easily."
Raizen felt warmth at her concern.
The fireball dissipated, leaving only a faint warmth behind.
"Come inside."
Fugaku had only briefly practiced the technique, leaving minimal rain contact.
He turned toward the house.
---
"Raizen, have you adapted well to life at the Ninja Academy?"
Fugaku asked, standing by the veranda and looking at the boy behind Misato.
"I've adapted very well," Raizen replied.
He set his umbrella aside against the railing.
"This way, we have shoes."
Fugaku pointed to a corner.
"Thank you."
Raizen changed into the shoes and stepped onto the wooden floor.
Misato had already changed, so after Raizen finished, the three entered together.
"These were all prepared by Misato. Raizen, enjoy."
Inside, the table was filled with a variety of dishes. The scent of food filled the air.
"Misato-nee's cooking is excellent," Raizen remarked, appreciating it.
He thought quietly: How close are these two?
Is this… friends above, lovers below?
"Yes. Fugaku asked me to help, that's why I came," Misato replied with a smile.
It was also her first time visiting Fugaku's home.
The Uchiha, while less strict than the Hyuga, still had more rules than ordinary families.
Their relationship hadn't been confirmed, so nothing untoward could happen.
Without Raizen as a reason, Misato wouldn't have come here.
Unless their relationship had already been settled.
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