Naruto SI: Kaito Red Lightnin Chapter 230
Her expression gentled even more. "And… I like it. I think it suits her."
Minato's expression softened into a quiet smile.
From the side, Tsunade—who had been watching the whole exchange with a knowing look—gave a small nod. "Good. Then I won't have to intervene."
Kushina blinked. "…Eh?"
Tsunade crossed her arms, a faint smirk on her lips. "I was thinking of naming my own kid 'Mito.'"
She glanced at Kushina, tone dry but teasing. "So I was starting to worry you'd take it first."
Meanwhile, toward the back of the room, Hotaru nudged Kaito lightly, giving him a puzzled look. "…Hey. Aren't you going to go see her?"
Kaito kept his eyes on the group for a moment before answering, his voice calm and low. "Eh… in a bit. Let everyone else go first, ya know."
Before he could stay back any longer "Kai-kun." Kushina's voice cut through the room. "What are you doing back there, ya know? Come meet your sister!"
Kaito scratched the back of his head, letting out a quiet breath as the attention shifted to him "…Eh…" He stepped forward, a little awkward but still composed. "I was just waiting for the others to finish, ya know."
…
The morning sun rose over Konoha, soft light spilling across rooftops and streets as the village slowly came to life.
Cherry blossom trees lined the streets, sunlight reflecting off their pale pink petals. The path leading up to the Uzumaki house was lightly covered, a soft layer of color underfoot.
A gentle breeze passed through, sending a few petals drifting loose.
One petal lifted higher than the rest, carried lazily through the air—slipping in through the open kitchen window.
Inside, the Uzumaki kitchen was already busy.
Kushina stood by the stove, ladle in hand as she leaned slightly over a pot. She scooped a bit of soup into a small tasting spoon and brought it to her lips, pausing for a second before nodding to herself. "…Needs a bit more salt, ya know."
Beside her, Karin worked quietly at the pan, carefully rolling a tamagoyaki. The soft sizzling filled the space as she adjusted the heat slightly, focused but relaxed.
"Like this?" Karin asked, glancing toward Kushina.
Kushina leaned over slightly to check, her expression softening. "Yeah, that looks good. Don't rush it, let it cook evenly, ya know."
"Hai " Karin nodded, turning it gently.
Footsteps approached from the hallway as Minato walked in, dressed Usual in a blue shinobi outfit and pants, holding a small figure in his arms.
Kanna was quiet now, her tiny hands shifting slightly as she rested against his chest.
Kushina glanced over immediately. "You managed to calm her down?"
Minato smiled faintly. "Yeah. She just wanted to be held."
Kushina huffed lightly, turning back to the stove. "Of course she did, ya know."
Minato chuckled under his breath as he adjusted his hold slightly and took a seat.
He looked down at Kanna for a second, gently brushing his thumb against her head. "…She's been like this since morning. Won't stay down unless someone's holding her."
Kushina smirked faintly. "You're going to spoil her, ya know."
Minato gave her a look. "You're one to talk."
She snorted softly but didn't deny it.
Just then Another set of footsteps came as Kaito walked over. he was already dressed for the day in his usual shinobi attire, His hair was slightly messy, and there was a faint heaviness in his eyes. clearly tired.
He let out a yawn as he stepped in, covering his mouth as it ended. "…Morning everyone."
Minato looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Kaito."
Kaito walked over, reaching out to gently rub Kanna's head. "Morning," he muttered again, voice still a bit rough from sleep. "…So what's for breakfast, ya know."
The baby stirred immediately, squirming slightly toward his hand.
From the side, Karin looked over while plating the tamagoyaki. "Morning, Kaito-nii. It's rice, miso soup, and tamagoyaki."
Kaito gave a small nod. "Sounds good."
"Morning, Kai-kun," Kushina said, glancing at him from the stove—but her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked him over. "What time did you get back last night, ya know?"
Kaito dropped into his seat and shrugged casually. "Eh… I don't know… maybe around three… or four."
There was a brief pause.
Kushina turned slowly to look at him fully. "…Three or four?" she repeated.
Kaito let out a quiet sigh, leaning slightly against the table. "Had to finish all the paperwork from yesterday… and the day before that," he said. "because of the meeting I had to attend."
He rubbed his face slightly. "and my clones keep dispelling themselves when I give them paperwork. so everything been piling up, and With the new batch graduating, I had to spend the night yesterday finishing it all up if not More and more would just keep piling up"
Kushina turned off the stove and clicked her tongue. "I've told you, Kai-kun… don't push yourself too much, ya know."
Minato sighed as he shifted Kanna and said "I'm sorry kaito. I should be helping you with the paperwork."
Kaito waved him off immediately. "It's fine. You've got your hands full already, ya know." gestured toward the baby.
Minato glanced down at Kanna, who was now gripping his finger weakly. "…She's a lot more difficult than you were," he said with a small smile.
Kaito snorted softly. "That so?"
Minato nodded. "Yeah. Though your mother says Naruto was even worse."
Kushina turned slightly, raising a brow. "He was." She pointed the ladle slightly toward Kaito. "Kai-kun was the easiest, ya know."
Karin looked over curiously. "Really? How so?"
Kushina grabbed a bowl and began filling it with rice, smiling slightly as she spoke. "Oh, Kai-kun was so easy, ya know. He was always quiet—only cried when he actually needed something. Food, diaper, that kind of thing." She shook her head lightly. "Most of the time, he just stayed calm."
She handed the bowl over to Kaito along with the miso soup. "I didn't even understand why people said being a first-time parent was hard," she continued. "He made it feel easy."
Kushina then let out a small huff. "But then Naruto came along…" her expression shifted to a fond smile. "Completely different, ya know. Much more fussy. It took me a while to figure him out."
"That sounds a lot like Naruto," Karin said with a small laugh as she brought over a plate of tamagoyaki. "Here you go, Kaito-nii."
"Thanks, Karin," Kaito said, taking the plate glancing down at the food he added casually, "That was probably because of the seal."
Kaito adjusted it slightly in front of him, then brought his hands together briefly. "Thanks for the food." He picked up his chopsticks,
Kushina paused mid-motion, frowning slightly. "…Eh?"
Kaito looked up at her. "The seal. it was still fresh back then, ya know," he said. "And Kurama-san might've been trying to weaken it from the start… by leaking his chakra though the seal." He shrugged lightly. "That probably made it uncomfortable for Naruto, ya know."
Minato glanced between them, thoughtful. "…It makes sense," he said after a moment. "A fresh seal… especially one containing a tailed beast… it wouldn't stabilize immediately."
Kushina frowned slightly, thinking it over. "…I really didn't think about that, ya know."
Kaito shrugged, taking a bite. "There was a lot going on back then, Mom. I don't really blame you, ya know."
Kaito paused mid-bite, then shrugged again. "Besides… Naruto turned out fine." He took another bite. "Bit too loud… but fine."
From the side, Karin let out a small snort. "That's putting it lightly, Kaito-nii."
Kushina huffed softly, though there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Oi, he's your little brother, ya know. At least pretend to be nice."
Kaito glanced at her, completely unbothered. "I am being nice."
Just then A knock sounded at the door.
Kushina glanced toward the hallway. "Karin, can you get that, I'll finish plating."
"Hai." Karin wiped her hands quickly and headed out.
A moment later
Footsteps echoed from the hallway, followed by familiar voices.
Then the group stepped into the kitchen.
Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro walked in together, all three now wearing their Konoha hitai-ate. Karin followed just behind them.
Guren stretched slightly as she stepped in, then gave a casual wave. "Morning, everyone."
Haku entered more quietly, offering a polite bow. "Good morning, Lady Kushina… Minato-sama… Kaito-nii-sama."
Kimimaro gave a small nod. "…Good morning."
Kushina glanced over her shoulder from the stove, a small smile already on her face. "Nice timing, you three. Come sit—we just finished cooking, ya know."
Guren immediately perked up, sniffing the air. "It smells amazing, Aunt Kushina."
Kushina let out a soft chuckle as she brought over bowls of rice. "Karin helped today too, ya know."
Karin crossed her arms lightly, a bit smug. "Obviously."
Guren then wandered over to where Minato was seated, leaning in to peek at the baby in his arms. "She's awake?"
"Good morning," Minato said warmly, adjusting Kanna slightly as she squirmed in his arms when Guren leaned closer. "Yes, she is. Careful, Kanna."
Kanna let out a small sound, shifting in his arms.
"She's really active this morning, isn't she…" Guren muttered, though she was already lightly poking Kanna's cheek with obvious curiosity. Her expression softened. "She's so cute…"
Minato chuckled quietly. "She's been like this since she woke up."
Guren lingered for a second longer, then moved over, dropping into a seat next to Karin.
Kushina glanced over her shoulder again as she set more food down. "…Can someone go wake Naruto up please"
Haku nodded immediately. "I'll go." He turned and walked out without another word.
"Thank you, dear," Kushina called after him.
Kaito swallowed his bite and leaned back slightly, glancing at the three of them sitting across from him. His eyes flicked briefly to their headbands. "…I see you three are officially genin now,"
Guren grinned, crossing her arms. "Took you long enough."
Kaito scratched the back of his head slightly. "eh… Sorry I missed your graduation. Got buried in paperwork."
Kimimaro shook his head calmly. "…It's fine. We understand."
Guren waved it off. "Yeah, it's fine. Aunt Kushina made food for us yesterday anyway."
Kushina walked over, setting bowls down in front of them. "Of course we were going to celebrate, ya know." She gave Kaito a look. "Still a shame you didn't join us, Kai-kun."
Kaito winced slightly. "…Yeah, yeah. I know."
At that moment, Haku returned, stepping back into the kitchen. "…Naruto-kun is awake."
Kushina nodded, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Haku-kun. Come sit, ya know."
Haku gave a small nod and moved to sit with the others.
Kaito glanced back at the three of them, resting his arm lightly on the table. "Alright—once I'm done with work today, we'll go out. My treat."
Guren raised a brow, leaning back slightly. "Oh?"
"We'll get something good to eat," Kaito continued casually, "then go shopping."
Guren blinked. "…Shopping?"
Kaito nodded. "Yeah. We'll get you guys some new outfits."
Haku glanced down at himself, lightly adjusting his sleeve. "Outfit…? Is something wrong with what we're wearing?"
Kimimaro didn't say anything, but his gaze dropped briefly to his clothes as well.
Kaito shook his head. "No. Nothing wrong with it."
He leaned back slightly, resting an arm on the table. "It's just… when you graduate, it's kind of a new stage, ya know."
They listened quietly.
Kaito continued, tone a bit more thoughtful now. "New rank, new responsibilities… new identity as shinobi of the village."
He gestured lightly toward their headbands. "So getting new clothes—it's like marking that change."
Guren tilted her head slightly. "…Huh."
Kaito shrugged. "I got one too when I graduated."
Kushina immediately nodded, setting another plate down on the table. "That's actually a really good idea, ya know," she said, glancing at the three of them with a warm smile. "It makes it feel more… official."
Kaito gave a small nod, then looked back at them. "Think of it as a gift. For graduating."
Guren smirked slightly. "Well… when you put it like that, I'm not going to say no."
Guren eyes widen as if realizing something she turned to kaito. "Hey… since you're the Acting Hokage… You'll be the one assigning teams , right?"
Kaito raised a brow. "yeah, What about it?"
She leaned forward slightly. "Can you put the three of us together please"
Minato chuckled softly from the side, gently rocking Kanna in his arms. "It doesn't quite work like that, Guren-chan."
Guren frowned slightly. "Why not?"
"Teams are built for balance," Minato explained calmly. "Skill sets, personalities, strengths, weaknesses… they're all considered." He smiled lightly. "Putting the three of you together would make things… a bit too unbalanced."
Kaito nodded. "And I already told you guys," he added, resting his chin lightly on his hand, "the village is going to want to separate you."
Guren clicked her tongue. "Yeah, yeah… to 'build bonds,' right?"
"Exactly," Kaito said. "You already know each other. The point is to get you connected with more people in the village, ya know."
Guren crossed her arms. "We already have bonds. You, Aunt Kushina, Naruto, Karin… Uncle Minato… even little Kanna."
Minato chuckled softly at that. "That's just one family, Guren-chan."
She blinked.
"The village isn't just us," Minato continued gently. "They'll want to make sure you build relationships with your teammates too. People you'll be working with long-term."
Guren slumped slightly in her seat. "…That's annoying."
Kaito gave a small shrug. "Also… I can't show favoritism, ya know."
Guren looked at him flatly. "You're literally offering us food and shopping."
"…That's different." Kaito continued like nothing happened. "And anyway, it's not just me deciding. Dad or Shikaku-sensei will probably be there too when teams are finalized."
Guren let out a long sigh, clearly unhappy. "…Fine."
Then she perked up slightly. "At least don't put me with certain people."
Kaito narrowed his eyes slightly. "…Like who?"
Guren immediately started listing names. Then paused for a second before finishing, "…Naoki."
Kaito blinked. "…Naoki?"
"Yeah," Guren said flatly, crossing her arms again. "He's annoying. If he ends up on my team, I might actually kill him."
Kaito chuckled lightly. "Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do, ya know."
Just then, Naruto dragged himself into the kitchen.
His hair was a mess, eyes half-lidded as he shuffled over like he hadn't fully woken up yet. Without a word, he dropped into a seat and let his head fall onto the table with a soft thud.
"…Morning…" he mumbled.
Kaito glanced at him. "…You look like you died and came back, ya know."
Naruto didn't even lift his head. "Feels like it…"
Naruto suddenly lifted his head slightly, frowning. "Why do I have to wake up early… even when there's no academy today, ya know…"
Kushina walked over and placed bowls of rice and tamagoyaki on the table in front of everyone. "Because," she said simply, "you have fuinjutsu practice with me today, ya know."
Naruto froze. Then slowly looked up. "…Do I have to?" he groaned. "Can't I skip it today, ya know…"
Kushina smiled sweetly. "No."
Naruto dropped his head back onto the table. "…This is torture…"
Kaito ignored him and turned back to Haku, Guren, and Kimimaro. "You guys heading to the Hokage Tower after this?"
Kimimaro nodded. "Hai. We're supposed to get our photos taken for registration."
Naruto lifted his head slightly again, blinking. "…Huh?"
He looked at them properly for the first time.
"…Right. You guys graduated."
His expression immediately shifted into a frown. "That's so unfair, ya know. I'm stuck in the academy for another year…"
Kushina immediately bonked him lightly on the head.
"You're one year younger than them, Naruto," she said. "Of course you are, ya know."
Naruto rubbed his head. "…Still unfair…"
Guren smirked. "Sounds like a skill issue."
Naruto glared at her. "Oi—!"
Karin laughed.
Meanwhile, Minato just smiled quietly, rocking Kanna gently as the noise filled the kitchen.
…
Kaito stepped into the Hokage building, rolling his shoulders slightly as he walked. Paperwork, meetings, more paperwork—being Acting Hokage was already getting old, ya know.
He turned the corner toward the office—and paused. "…Guy?"
Might Guy was standing outside the door, arms folded, posture straight like he'd been there for a while. The moment he noticed Kaito, he snapped even straighter. "HOKAGE-SAMA!"
Kaito flinched a little and immediately raised a hand. "—Hey, hey, stop—don't start that."
Guy blinked.
Kaito rubbed the back of his neck, already looking a bit uncomfortable. "Just call me Kaito. Seriously. I'm not the Hokage—I'm just filling in. And you're my senior anyway. Feels weird hearing that from you."
There was a brief pause—
Then Guy's expression lit up. "HAHA! Such humility! Such honesty! The blazing spirit of youth shines brightly within you, Kaito!" He stepped forward and gave him a firm, enthusiastic pat on the shoulder. "Very well! I shall cast aside stiff formality and address you as a trusted comrade!"
Kaito huffed out a quiet breath, half amused. He glanced at the office door, then back at him. "So, what's up? You waiting for me or something?"
Guy nodded, still full of energy but shifting into a more focused stance. "Indeed! I have been waiting with burning anticipation!"
Kaito raised a brow. "…That sounds serious."
"It is!" Guy declared, fist clenching slightly. "I have come to make a request!"
Kaito gestured forward. "Alright, let's hear it."
Guy reached into his vest and pulled out a folded paper, presenting it with both hands like it was something important. "I wish to formally request a student!"
Kaito took it, glancing over it quickly. "…Student?" His eyes flicked back up. "—Huh. That Lee kid from the graduating class?"
'I thought Lee was assigned to Guy by the Third. Looks like he requested him himself,' Kaito noted quietly to himself.
'So he requested him himself… makes sense,' Kaito noted quietly.
"Yes!" Guy's eyes sharpened slightly. "Rock Lee!" He paused, tilting his head. "…You know him?"
Kaito nodded, leaning his shoulder casually against the wall. "I've seen him around. He Hangs out with Haku and the others sometimes."
Guy's expression grew more intense, voice rising with conviction. "Rock Lee is a boy whose flames of youth burn brighter than most! Though he lacks talent in ninjutsu and genjutsu, his dedication to taijutsu—his relentless effort, his unwavering resolve—!"
Kaito lifted a hand, cutting him off with a small grin. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You don't have to sell me on it."
Guy froze mid-speech for half a second—
Then nodded sharply. "I had previously brought this to Lady Tsunade," he added, tone settling slightly. "But given her current condition… I wished to confirm it directly before the teams are finalized!"
Kaito hummed, glancing back at the paper—then folded it and tapped it lightly against his palm. "Yeah, that's fine. I was planning to assign him to you anyway."
Guy blinked. "…You were?"
Kaito nodded. "Yeah. You're pretty much the perfect teacher for him."
There was a beat—
Then Guy's face lit up again, brighter than before. "YOSH!" he declared, giving a strong thumbs up. "Then I thank you, my comrade! I will nurture his flames of youth to burn brighter than ever before!"
Kaito snorted softly. "…Yeah, I'm sure you will." He tilted his head slightly. "Have you talked to him about it?"
Guy shook his head. "Not about becoming my student… but I have encouraged him! and I've Observed his training! His effort is undeniable! Overflowing with youth!"
Kaito nodded, then paused mid-step and glanced back at Guy for a moment. "…You know, Guy," he said thoughtfully, "it's kinda funny."
Guy tilted his head, brows furrowing slightly. "Hm? What is it?"
Kaito gestured vaguely toward his face. "You and that kid."
Guy blinked, looking even more confused now. "…What about us?"
Kaito squinted a little, like he was comparing the two in his head. "You kind of look similar, ya know." He pointed lightly. "Same eyebrows… your face structure's pretty close too. Even the hair's getting there."
Guy instinctively reached up and touched his hair, blinking as if trying to picture it. "…Is that so?"
Kaito gave a small shrug, still studying him for a second longer. Then, almost casually—
"…You sure he's not your secret son or something?"
There was a brief silence.
Guy stared at him.
"…My… son?" he repeated slowly.
Kaito nodded like it was the most normal thing in the world. "I mean, I've seen weirder things, ya know."
Guy's eyes widened just slightly—
Then suddenly—
"HAHAHAHA!" he burst out laughing, loud and full of energy, throwing his head back. "Kaito! What a wild and youthful imagination!"
He waved a hand dismissively, still grinning. "If that were true, I would surely know! Such a thing cannot escape the awareness of a man burning with the power of youth!"
Kaito cracked a small grin. "Yeah, I figured. Just saying."
Guy shook his head, still chuckling. "Besides, I have dedicated my youth entirely to training and self-improvement! There has been no time for such… developments!"
"…Right," Kaito said dryly. "That explains a lot."
Guy didn't catch the tone, nodding proudly. "Indeed!"
Kaito let out a small breath through his nose, amused. "Anyway… just thought it was funny, ya know." He pushed himself off the wall slightly. "I mean, what—you'd have to be, what, fourteen? Fifteen at the time?" He gave a short laugh. "Bit young for that, ya know."
Guy opened his mouth—
Then stopped.
Just for a second.
Subtle. Barely noticeable.
His brows twitched faintly, like something didn't quite line up in his head—but just as quickly, it was gone.
Kaito didn't notice. He was already turning toward the door.
"Anyway," Kaito nodded once, already moving. "I'll assign him to you. I'll fill out the rest of your team and make it official."
He pushed the door open, glancing back over his shoulder. "Come back in a week. You'll have your full squad by then."
Guy straightened instantly. "Understood!"
Kaito gave a small wave as he stepped inside. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't shout 'Hokage-sama' next time we meet, ya know."
"HAHA! I shall restrain my youthful enthusiasm next time!"
The door closed behind Kaito.
Guy remained there for a moment, arms folding again—though this time, there was a thoughtful look behind his usual bright expression. "…Rock Lee," he murmured quietly.
Author's Note:
I have a theory that Lee might be Guy's secret son. He might have had a one-night stand with a villager.
My theory is that Guy lost his father when he was 14 or 15. He would have been very sad at the time because, even before his dad's death, he had already started distancing himself from him, feeling embarrassed. He was also close friends with Asuma, Ebisu, and Genma, all of whom likely tried drinking before it was legal.
We all know how Lee gets after drinking. I think Guy shares a similar trait, but instead he becomes charming and good with the ladies. And we know that Lee doesn't get rowdy when he drinks as an adult.
So my theory is that Guy gets drunk for the first time after his father's death, charms a woman somehow, and ends up sleeping with her. Then the next morning, he's completely blanked out, doesn't know what happened, and runs away.
Also, the war was happening at that time, and we know Guy is around Obito's age. That would make him older than Kakashi (that's a whole other rabbit hole, but we can line everything up in canon if we assume Obito is about three years older than Kakashi, which would also make Guy three years older than Kakashi). Because of the war, the girl wouldn't have been able to find Guy, since he would have been deployed to the battlefield. So she might have given Lee to an orphanage.
There's also a filler scene—I'm not sure which episode—where I remember Kakashi trying to say something like, "Lee… but isn't he your—" before Guy stops him from finishing the sentence.
That's my theory. It's just a theory, and I'm not planning on adapting it into my story whatsoever.
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