Chapter 13: Bonds and Bargains
Uzumaki Kushina led Kagenori into the classroom by hand, stunning their classmates into silence. Their joined hands declared the impossible—the two most despised students had forged a friendship.
The Blood Red Pepper and the Traitor, united.
Those who'd tormented them now faced an unsettling reality: they couldn't defeat Kushina alone, nor Kagenori separately. How would they exact revenge against this combined force?
Kagenori ignored the other children, focusing instead on Namikaze Minato. The blond boy stared at their intertwined hands with unusual intensity.
Kagenori's eyes narrowed slightly. Does he already harbor feelings for Kushina? Not this time. She won't be yours.
Blushing, Kushina pulled him toward their seats. Her boldness served as declaration—Kagenori was under her protection now.
When Masada Hayabusa arrived to begin lessons, Kagenori focused attentively. Though ninja academy curriculum covered basics, fundamentals often proved most crucial.
The afternoon passed swiftly. After their instructor departed, students gathered belongings to leave. Yet Kushina remained vigilant, scanning the room like a soldier anticipating ambush.
"Kushina? What's wrong?" Kagenori asked.
"Stay alert," she whispered seriously. "Those annoying boys ambush me every day after school!"
Kagenori's heart ached for her. She'd come to Konoha as a potential Jinchūriki candidate, yet suffered bullying from ignorant children. Like all Jinchūriki, she served the village yet received scorn instead of gratitude.
Stepping before her, he announced, "I'll lead. If they cause trouble, we'll fight them together!"
Watching his protective stance, warmth flooded Kushina's heart. Finally, she had a friend.
They exited the academy unchallenged. Kushina seemed perplexed. "They block me every day. Why not today?"
Kagenori smiled. "Perhaps you've finally defeated them, Kushina."
She excitedly waved her fist. "Really? Wonderful! I'm so tired of them. Finally, some peace!"
He naturally took her hand. "Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Okay!"
The moment their hands connected, Kushina transformed—her usual boisterous voice softening to gentle tones.
Though villagers still regarded Kagenori strangely during their walk, no one shouted insults or mockery. He suspected news of Sarutobi's hospital visit had circulated.
Guided by Kushina, he arrived at Uzumaki Mito's mansion. Releasing her hand, he bid farewell. "See you tomorrow, Kushina."
She bounded to the doorway, waving enthusiastically. "See you tomorrow, Kagenori!"
As she skipped inside, he turned homeward, his steps lighter than they'd been in years.
Uzumaki Mito awaited in her chair as Kushina entered. "Grandma Mito, I'm back!"
The girl launched herself into Mito's embrace.
Stroking crimson hair, Mito asked lovingly, "Why so happy today? Let me guess—Kagenori was discharged and became your friend?"
Kushina buried her face in Mito's robes, voice muffled. "Yes."
Mito smiled contentedly. "Tell me everything."
As Kushina recounted the day's events, Mito's expression grew increasingly tender.
"So Kagenori took the initiative. Since you've promised lifelong friendship, you must always treat each other well."
Kushina nodded firmly. "I will!"
Over subsequent days, Kagenori and Kushina became inseparable—attending classes together, returning home side-by-side. Their bond deepened daily, sharing every thought and secret.
Three days later, after escorting Kushina home, Kagenori stood before the Hokage Building. The time had come to fulfill his promise regarding Thunder Breathing. Delaying further might try Sarutobi's patience.
Entering the building, he felt unfamiliar gazes upon him. Proceeding unchallenged to the second-floor office, he knocked—clearly, Sarutobi had issued instructions.
"Enter."
Kagenori opened the door to find Sarutobi smiling. "Kagenori, fully recovered?"
"Thanks to you, Lord Hokage, my injuries have healed completely."
Sarutobi nodded. "Excellent. What brings you here?"
Kagenori resisted the urge to roll his eyes. You know perfectly well why I'm here.
With both hands, he presented a scroll. "Lord Hokage, I've recorded Thunder Breathing's complete sword forms for future generations."
Sarutobi accepted the scroll, unrolling it to reveal meticulously detailed training methods.
Lightning Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash—requires lightning chakra enhancement in legs and hands, wrapping lightning-nature chakra around the weapon, then explosive release.
Sarutobi inquired, "For wrapping lightning chakra around weapons—does this require chakra metal?"
Kagenori shook his head. "Simply transform lightning chakra to sheath the weapon. Though chakra metal would enhance power significantly."
Sarutobi studied the scroll while smoking. The more he read, the more astonished he grew. This wasn't merely ninjutsu—this was a complete combat system.
Ninja taijutsu's basic characteristics: required chakra refinement, could be activated without hand seals, and utilized physical attacks. Thunder Breathing's sword forms matched these perfectly.
This could become a clan's hereditary secret technique.