Chapter 128: Kaguya, You're Hired as Security
The atmosphere in Konoha's conference hall was tense.
Tsunade surveyed the assembled clan heads, her fingers drumming against the table.
They'd already spent an entire morning discussing Uchiha Sasuko becoming a ninja.
"So..." She spoke slowly, her voice especially clear in the silent conference room. "Uchiha Yu's requirements are explicit: approve Sasuko becoming a genin, but missions must undergo strict screening, and reliable guards must be arranged."
Nara Shikaku, seated to the side, rubbed his temples. "The requirement is reasonable. The question is—who serves as her jonin instructor?"
The conference room immediately filled with subtle murmuring.
Hyuga Hiashi cleared his throat lightly. "This position... carries enormous responsibility."
Enormous was an understatement.
Everyone present knew perfectly well this was a complete hot potato. The jonin instructor not only had to provide instruction but also ensure Sasuko's safety during missions. If anything went wrong...
Finally, Tsunade proposed, "What about Uzumaki Naruko? She's mastered Flying Thunder God—that's the best rescue guarantee in critical moments. And she's on excellent terms with Miss Sasuko, so there shouldn't be any resistance."
Another round of whispered discussion filled the hall.
"Well... Naruko is certainly outstanding, but isn't she too young?" An elder raised doubts. "Jonin instructors don't just protect team members—they must impart experience. She only became a jonin less than a year ago..."
"I disagree with that assessment." Kakashi's lazy drawl carried undeniable weight. "Since becoming a ninja, Naruko has maintained a one hundred percent mission completion rate. More importantly—she's never let a single comrade die."
He surveyed the room and continued, "On the battlefield, Flying Thunder God's mobility is irreplaceable. And given Naruko and Sasuko's friendship, she'll absolutely do everything in her power to protect her."
One clan head nodded in agreement. "True, emotional factors matter too. If we assign an unfamiliar jonin, it might provoke Miss Sasuko's resistance instead."
But opposing voices remained. "Yet Naruko is the Nine-Tails jinchuriki. Entrusting her with such an important responsibility—isn't that too risky?"
"The current Naruko has long since achieved complete control over the Nine-Tails' power." Tsunade spoke decisively. "I can personally guarantee that."
The meeting devolved into heated discussion. Supporters considered Naruko the optimal choice; opponents worried about her insufficient experience.
Just as the argument reached its peak, Uchiha Shisui, who'd remained silent throughout, finally spoke. "I believe rather than arguing over candidates, we should shift perspective—who can most effectively protect Miss Sasuko in critical moments?"
He paused before continuing, "Flying Thunder God's mobility, combined with Naruko's dedication to Sasuko—these two factors already outweigh any other consideration. As for insufficient experience, we can assign ANBU to assist from the shadows."
This compromise gradually quieted the hall.
Nara Shikaku nodded thoughtfully. "Shisui's right. We can have Naruko serve as jonin instructor while arranging ANBU for covert protection. This respects Miss Sasuko's wishes while ensuring absolute security."
"Then," Tsunade swept her gaze across the room, "regarding Uzumaki Naruko serving as Miss Sasuko's jonin instructor—any objections?"
After a brief silence, she declared, "In that case, we formally appoint Uzumaki Naruko as Uchiha Sasuko's jonin instructor. Simultaneously, ANBU will arrange the most elite squad on constant standby, and all missions must pass triple screening before approval."
The meeting finally reached consensus.
This decision satisfied Uchiha Yu's requirements, ensured Sasuko's safety, and maintained the delicate balance between Konoha and that individual.
---
While Konoha's leadership argued endlessly over Sasuko's jonin instructor, Yu visited Kaguya's residence once more.
He didn't immediately reveal himself, instead observing from the shadows for a moment.
Kaguya was patiently combing through Yoya's silver-white hair, her movements revealing a gentleness completely at odds with the legendarily ruthless Otsutsuki Kaguya.
Yu channeled his magnetic field power to probe her inner thoughts, discovering no malice—only concern for her daughter and anxiety about the future.
"It seems you truly aren't evil." Yu emerged from the shadows, speaking calmly.
Kaguya instantly moved Yoya behind her, veins bulging around her Byakugan. "What do you want now?"
Yu's gaze fell on the trembling Yoya, and he softened his tone. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."
"I'm staying with Mother!" Though Yoya's voice shook with fear, she clutched Kaguya's hem tightly, refusing to let go.
Kaguya gently patted her daughter's hand and told Yu, "Say it here."
Yu didn't insist and stated his purpose directly. "I want you to serve as my adoptive sister Sasuko's shadow guard and teammate."
This statement made Kaguya's pupils contract. Yoya became even more agitated, shouting, "You dare ask Mother to be a human's bodyguard!"
Yu ignored Yoya's fury and continued addressing Kaguya. "In return, when the Otsutsuki main family arrives, I'll protect you and your daughter."
Kaguya fell silent.
As a member of the Otsutsuki clan, serving as a human's shadow guard was undoubtedly a tremendous humiliation.
But thinking of the main family's pursuers, her heart gradually sank.
Ever since dividing her power between Hagoromo and Hamura, then expending part of her essence to create Yoya, she'd long since lost her peak strength.
"Mother, don't agree!" Yoya anxiously shook Kaguya's arm. "We don't need his protection!"
Kaguya gently stroked her daughter's face, smiling bitterly. How could she willingly submit to another? But reality was cruel—with her current strength, she had absolutely no ability to resist the main family's pursuers.
"Are you certain you can keep us safe?" Kaguya looked directly into Yu's eyes, trying to find any trace of hesitation.
"I always keep my word." Yu's tone was calm yet filled with power. "As long as you fulfill your promise, I'll honor my guarantee."
Yoya tried to say something more, but Kaguya gently shook her head to stop her.
After weighing everything, this truly was the best option available. At least this man before her was powerful enough to oppose the main family and seemed to honor his commitments.
"I accept." Kaguya finally said.
Yu nodded. "A wise decision."
"Mother!" Tears welled in Yoya's eyes. "We can't trust this human!"
Kaguya pulled her daughter into an embrace, whispering in her ear, "This is for our survival. You'll understand eventually."
Yu watched the embracing mother and daughter and added, "Sasuko doesn't know about my arrangements. Please approach her as an ordinary teammate. Only intervene to protect when necessary—you needn't reveal your true strength otherwise."
This requirement surprised Kaguya somewhat but also lightened her psychological burden.
At least she wouldn't have to constantly play a subservient bodyguard role.
"I understand." Kaguya took a deep breath. "I'll fulfill my promise."
Yoya buried her face deeply in her mother's embrace, her small shoulders trembling slightly.
Silent tears soaked Kaguya's clothing. In her view, this was clearly humiliating enslavement and oppression. Yet she also understood that given their current circumstances, there truly was no alternative.
Yu took one final look at them and gently placed a scroll on the table. "When you're ready, come here."
The moment his words fell, his figure dissipated into the air with a twist.
Kaguya stroked her daughter's back, her gaze complicated as she looked toward the window.
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