Early the next morning, the rising sun spilled golden light through the window. Kaito stirred from his deep sleep, his eyes softening when they fell on Terumi i. She rested peacefully beside him, a gentle smile curving her lips, her expression one of quiet contentnt.
For a long mont, Kaito simply watched her, his heart unexpectedly moved. Leaning down, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead before carefully slipping out of bed. He dressed quietly, intending to prepare breakfast.
The slight movent disturbed i. Her lashes fluttered open, and she reached out, her pale skin glowing in the morning light. "Kaito… where are you going?" she murmured sleepily.
"What do you think? I'm cooking breakfast for my little lazy pig," Kaito teased with a smile, lightly pinching her delicate nose.
She protested softly, clinging to his arm. "I'll do it, or better yet, send a Shadow Clone."
Kaito chuckled, shaking his head. "No. If I send a clone, it'll see you like this… and I don't want that."
i blinked at him before bursting into laughter, unable to resist. "Are you jealous of your own clone?"
Embarrassed, Kaito cleared his throat. "I'll just carry you with . Let's make breakfast together."
"Mm, fine," she agreed, smiling playfully.
The task, however, proved far more difficult with i clinging to him like a pendant. Every attempt at cooking was slowed by her insistence on staying close. Still, he didn't complain.
Amid the warmth of the kitchen, Kaito finally spoke in a low voice. "You don't even know my true na yet."
i blinked, tilting her head. "Isn't it Senju Kaito?"
"No. My real na is Ayanami Kaito," he corrected, his tone calm but firm. He went on to explain his mysterious journey through the Third Great Ninja War, the battles, and how fate had brought him here.
By the end, i sat frozen, her erald eyes wide, her cheeks tinged with red. Though his story sounded unbelievable, she was Mizukage, a woman who had seen countless storms. She trusted him, even if the truth was difficult to grasp.
"So you didn't train for ten years in secret," i said thoughtfully, tapping her lip. "You actually ca here… from the past?"
Kaito nodded.
Her gaze sharpened. "Then you've never been with another woman besides , right?"
"…I have," he admitted awkwardly.
"Who?"
"…Tsunade."
For a mont, silence weighed heavy in the kitchen. i's lips curved into a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "So, including , that makes five, doesn't it? You really are sothing, Kaito." Her tone was light, almost teasing, but there was an edge beneath it.
He blinked in surprise. "You're… not angry?"
"Angry?" i tilted her head slightly, voice calm, almost too calm. "Why should I be? A man like you attracting won—it's only natural, isn't it?"
The words sounded understanding, but the faint tightness in her smile betrayed what she wasn't saying. She turned away before he could answer, letting him see only her back.
The next three days passed in warmth and routine. They strolled through nearby towns by day, while at night i dragged him to the mountains, eager for his companionship.
But on the fourth day, while they were browsing a marketplace, Kaito suddenly paused. His brow furrowed as he felt a familiar chakra signature.
"…Katsuyu?" he murmured.
i imdiately noticed the shift in his expression. "Kaito, what's wrong?"
"My summoning beast is calling . It must be sothing from Tsunade."
The Mizukage's smile faded. "That big-breasted woman again? She probably can't stand seeing you with and is making excuses to summon you back."
"Don't be like that," Kaito said gently, brushing her hair. "Let's hear what this is about first."
Reluctantly, she nodded.
In a secluded alley, Kaito bit his thumb and ford the hand seals. "Summoning Technique!"
With a burst of smoke, a small Katsuyu appeared before them.
"Kaito-sama, it has been a while," the slug greeted respectfully.
"Katsuyu, why did you call ?"
"Earlier this morning, Tsunade-sama went to a casino… and won."
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "…She won?"
"Yes. Afterwards, she summoned Shikaku to discuss her concerns. Together, they concluded that Jiraiya-sama might be in danger. She asks that you head imdiately to Agakure."
Kaito's expression turned grim. He knew too well what this ant. In the original flow of events, Jiraiya died there, cut down by Pain. It was one of the most tragic monts of that era.
"…When did he go?"
"About half a month ago," Katsuyu replied.
"I understand. Tell Tsunade I'll head there at once."
The slug gave a small bow before vanishing in smoke.
i frowned. "Why do you look so serious? Isn't it good that she won?"
Kaito shook his head. "Tsunade is known as the unluckiest gambler in the world. She always loses. The only ti she wins is when tragedy strikes soone close to her. It's… like a curse."
i gasped softly, covering her lips. "Such a thing exists?"
He nodded. "I'm sorry, i. I have to leave for Agakure. You'll need to return on your own."
i forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed worry. "Go, and be careful. With your strength, there are few in the world who can stand against you. Just promise you'll co back."
"I promise."
Kaito kissed her gently, then disappeared in an instant.
Left alone, i's smile vanished. Her eyes narrowed with sharp determination. "Tsunade… you think I'll let you take the place of 'first' so easily? Just you wait."
Her body blurred into a streak of blue light as she sped toward the Land of Water, intent on making her own moves in the ga.
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