After parting ways with Akira and Kurenai Yuhi, Yuhi Shinku headed straight toward the Hokage office building.
It didn't take long before he arrived at the Hokage's office and knocked on the large wooden door in front of him.
A calm and dignified voice came from inside the room. "Come in."
Yuhi Shinku pushed the door open and entered, respectfully bowing toward the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Lord Hokage."
"Mm." Hiruzen Sarutobi held his pipe and responded lightly.
Then he looked at Yuhi Shinku with a faint smile and went straight to the point. "How is that child's situation? He hasn't developed any rejection toward Konoha, has he?"
For someone who might be a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, the Hokage naturally paid close attention.
Every member of the Uzumaki clan was a potential Jinchūriki reserve. As Hokage, he had to consider Konoha's future…
Yuhi Shinku nodded. "During these two months of living together, Akira hasn't shown any psychological rejection toward Konoha. However, perhaps because of what he experienced, he is more mature than children his age and rarely reveals his true inner thoughts…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly. "Only time can smooth over the scars in his heart. Usually give him more care, let him forget the wounds in his heart, and truly come to love this village."
Yuhi Shinku said solemnly, "I understand. I already treat him as family."
Hiruzen smiled. "It seems you've been getting along quite well. That's good."
After a brief pause, Hiruzen brought up another matter, his tone becoming more serious. "During this time, have you confirmed whether he is a descendant of the Uzumaki clan?"
This was the key.
If Akira truly was a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, they would increase their efforts in nurturing him and train him as another Jinchūriki after Uzumaki Kushina.
This was for Konoha's future!
At the mention of this, Yuhi Shinku fell silent for a moment before shaking his head helplessly. "Aside from that one incident, Akira hasn't displayed any other special traits. Moreover… he lacks much ambition and didn't want to become a ninja. When I tried to get him to refine chakra, he kept refusing…"
Chakra quantity was one of the effective ways to judge whether someone was a descendant of the Uzumaki clan.
About a month after taking Akira in, he had tried to teach him chakra refinement. However, Akira refused on the grounds that he didn't want to become a ninja.
At the time, it gave him quite a headache…
"After witnessing his parents being killed by ninjas, it's natural for a child of that age to develop some mental knots," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, already aware of Akira's background.
Taking a puff from his pipe and slowly exhaling smoke, he continued, "The fact that he has now enrolled in the Ninja Academy proves he has overcome that mental barrier. You've done well."
A slight smile appeared on Yuhi Shinku's usually serious face. "I didn't really do anything. It was Akira's own choice. He wants to become a ninja and earn mission rewards to help with household expenses. He's a good child."
Hiruzen nodded. "Indeed, a good child. Being able to gain his trust is also the result of your sincerity."
He tapped the table lightly and said gently, "Continue observing him, but don't put too much pressure on him. Whether he is a descendant of the Uzumaki clan or not, since he has joined Konoha and you treat him as family, just treat him well."
Yuhi Shinku bowed respectfully. "Yes, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen waved his hand. "You may go."
After Yuhi Shinku left, Hiruzen looked at the information file about Akira on his desk and murmured softly, "Recovering from near-fatal injuries overnight… Even if he isn't from the Uzumaki clan, he must possess something special—vitality far beyond ordinary people…"
"It depends on how you perform from here on…"
"I hope you are truly a descendant of the Uzumaki clan. That way, it would ease some future concerns. Konoha… will not mistreat you…"
Not just anyone could become a Jinchūriki. Chakra quantity alone eliminated ninety-nine percent of Konoha's shinobi.
At present, the Jinchūriki was Uzumaki Kushina. There was no need to worry in the short term.
However, the lack of a candidate for the next Jinchūriki still weighed on Hiruzen's mind.
If Akira truly was a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, he could perfectly fill that vacancy…
...
After returning from the Hokage's office, Yuhi Shinku saw his daughter sitting on the sofa, still a bit angry, and couldn't help asking curiously, "Kurenai, what's wrong?"
Kurenai Yuhi pointed at Akira, puffing up her cheeks. "It's all his fault! He bullied me again!"
"..." Yuhi Shinku was speechless. If there were a day Akira didn't tease Kurenai, that would surprise him more.
He rubbed his forehead. "Akira, what did you do to make Kurenai angry this time?"
Akira replied confidently, "I was doing a good deed. Eating too many sweets really can turn someone into a little chubby girl. I was thinking for Kurenai's sake."
Yuhi Shinku: "..."
Do you think I believe that?
He took back his earlier thought that Akira had a maturity beyond his years. This kid could be quite mischievous sometimes.
But perhaps that was also a sign of liveliness?
"I don't need you to think for me!" Kurenai Yuhi's anger, which had just subsided, flared up again. "Even if I become a little chubby girl, I'll still be a cute little chubby girl!"
Akira spread his hands and made a blank face. "I don't believe it."
"Waaah! I'm so mad! Watch me beat you to death!"
"Uncle Shinku, look! Kurenai's being mischievous again. This won't do—she's not ladylike at all!"
She chased, he ran; she couldn't catch him, and he started tattling. The atmosphere in the living room was extremely harmonious—yes, harmonious…
Watching the two of them chase each other, Yuhi Shinku felt both amused and warm inside. This felt like a real family.
Still, they couldn't go too far. He spoke up to stop them. "Alright, alright. You're about to tear the house apart. I roughly understand what happened. This month I'll give Kurenai a little extra pocket money. Akira gets none."
Kurenai Yuhi immediately stopped, her beautiful red eyes blinking. "Really?!"
Yuhi Shinku nodded. "Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"
Kurenai's mood shifted from stormy to sunny. She beamed brightly. "Father, you're the best!"
Then she raised her slender eyebrows at Akira—a move she had learned from him—meaning: I have it and you don't. Hmph. Be jealous!
"Heh…" Akira couldn't help laughing.
He was just teasing this doll-like little loli. Honestly, having a little sister was quite fun. The feeling wasn't bad at all.
It wasn't some sister complex gene acting up… alright, he admitted there was a tiny bit of that.
Pretty, cute, and not related by blood—who wouldn't like a little sister like that?
In any case, any little blond brat who tried to get close to Kurenai in the future would absolutely be stopped!
At that moment, Yuhi Shinku seemed to remember something and said to Akira, "Akira, tomorrow is the official first day at the Ninja Academy. Although the school will teach chakra refinement methods, I happen to have some free time today. Let me guide you first."
Akira didn't refuse. Instead, he looked eager to try. "Alright, Uncle Shinku."
He wanted to verify the system reward.
Spiritual Pressure aptitude, in a sense, could be considered innate talent—but it was a concept from the Shinigami world.
Would it truly take effect in this world?
And if it did, how effective would it be?
There was no way to know without testing it.
Perhaps something could be observe
d from chakra refinement. In any case, it was worth experimenting!