Downstairs, Yakumo's mother sat motionless in her chair, her expression distant.
While preparing the tea, Kurenai Yuhi had already explained the reason for their visit.
That question… had left her at a loss as well.
What did Kurama Yakumo truly want?
She didn't know.
No one had ever asked. No one had ever thought to consider Yakumo's own wishes.
At last, her thoughts turned to a quiet taijutsu instructor—someone without family ties or political influence.
"Ma'am, may I speak with you for a moment?"
"Ah?"
Yakumo's mother looked up, recognized him, and quickly gathered herself. She nodded gently."Of course. Thank you for coming today."
"It's no trouble."
Masahiko took a seat. "I spoke briefly with Yakumo earlier, but I'd like to ask you a few things as well."
"Please."
With her consent, Masahiko asked about how Yakumo was treated at home—the expectations placed on her, the care she received, the way everyone interacted with her.
After a pause, he said calmly, "I won't sugarcoat it. Yakumo's condition is serious. If it continues like this, it could develop into a psychological disorder."
"What?"
Her eyes widened in shock. "A psychological disorder? What do you mean?"
She had never heard of such a thing.
Lowering his voice, Masahiko explained the concept in simple terms, using Yakumo's situation as an example.
As a mother, Lady Kurama felt panic rise in her chest."Then… what should we do?"
"Nothing special," Masahiko replied. "Treat her like a normal child whose health is a bit fragile. Don't place excessive expectations on her, and don't smother her with overprotection."
"But her body—"
"I know," Masahiko interrupted gently. "But her mental state needs attention first. A person's emotions and mindset can affect the body more than you realize."
He spoke with confidence, explaining further.
These were principles he knew well—lessons proven in another life.
"I had no idea you studied medicine," Lady Kurama said, her eyes brightening.
The young teacher before her suddenly seemed far more capable than she'd expected.
"I understand," she said after a moment. "Is there anything else we should do?"
"Let her return to school," Masahiko said. "Not for grades, but to spend time with other children—to live like a normal person."
He paused, then added, "The most important part is the family. You must stop seeing her as a tool for a Bloodline ability and start seeing her as your daughter."
"I understand."
Lady Kurama nodded slowly, biting her lip.
"But she does have a Bloodline ability. If the clan continues to pressure her…"
"Then consider moving," Masahiko said gently. "A new environment could change everything."
At first she looked stunned. Then hesitant. Finally, determination filled her eyes.
She stood and bowed deeply."Thank you. I truly understand now."
That evening.
"Thank you so much."
Kurenai Yuhi bowed deeply.
Masahiko stepped aside at once. "There's no need. I like Yakumo."
Kurenai hesitated. "Then… would you be willing to take her as your student? I don't feel comfortable placing her in another class."
"Of course," Masahiko replied with a nod. "Teaching one student or many—it's all the same."
As Kurenai began to bow again, Masahiko stopped her.
"Tell me," she asked hesitantly, "do psychological disorders really exist?"
Yakumo's condition had troubled her for years. Even the Third Hokage had been unsure how to handle it—yet Masahiko had seen through it so quickly.
Masahiko nodded."They do. In Yakumo's case, she was burdened with the clan's expectations from a young age, but her body couldn't keep up. The pressure kept piling on."
"You really know a lot," Kurenai said, eyes sparkling.
She had never imagined the unassuming Masahiko possessed such insight.
"My talent isn't great," he said with a small smile. "So I study other things."
Kurenai shook her head. "Talent matters—but persistence matters more."
She walked slowly, lost in thought.
"Do you know Might Guy?"
"Of course," Masahiko replied. "He's an inspiration to many ninja without famous bloodlines."
That was no exaggeration.
Might Guy was no longer the eccentric nobody people once mocked. He was now recognized as one of the village's elite—someone many aspired to become, even if few could follow his path.
"As a genjutsu specialist, I understand that well," Kurenai said. "His father was known as the 'eternal genin,' yet through relentless effort, he forged incredible taijutsu…"
She stopped herself and laughed softly."Forgive me. I spoke out of turn."
She bowed lightly."I need to report Yakumo's situation to the Hokage. Let's talk again soon, Masahiko."
"All right."
Masahiko watched her leave. Instead of heading home, he turned toward the forest.
Among the trees, he snapped off a branch and began practicing.
Clone Technique.Body Flicker.Thrust.
After repeating the sequence several times, he silently created a Shadow Clone and hid it nearby.
Moments later, the clone spotted a figure in black robes and a cat-like mask watching from the shadows.
But the instant the clone noticed him, the figure sensed it too.
In a blur, the Anbu vanished.
"Anbu…"
Masahiko frowned.
Danzo's people?
As the thought crossed his mind, insects poured from the bushes and swarmed the clone.
Pop.
The Shadow Clone dispersed.
Masahiko sighed, tossing the branch aside, and followed the trail of insects.
He didn't know how much time passed.
When he removed the blindfold and opened his eyes, he found himself in a familiar dark chamber. A single lamp flickered. A cane rested beside the chair.
He stood and bowed deeply."Lord Danzo."
"Sit."
Danzo's expression was unreadable.
"Yes."
Masahiko sat, smiling faintly. "Have I passed your test?"
"Oh?" Danzo's single eye lifted. "You believe this was merely a test?"
Masahiko smiled calmly. "You're busy with countless matters, yet I—a simple taijutsu instructor—have been summoned here twice. If you wanted nothing from me, I wouldn't be here."
Danzo chuckled softly."Then tell me. What does this old man want?"
"First," Masahiko said, his gaze turning cold, "the Nine-Tails."
"Second…"
He closed his eyes briefly, as if recalling something.
"…Uchiha Sasuke."
Danzo tapped his cane once.
"It seems you're more useful than I expected."
At that moment, a familiar message appeared before Masahiko's eyes:
[Episode Four of Naruto: Prequel — Filming Complete]