Meanwhile, Akihara was still running all over the courtyard. One moment he was wandering through Minato's room, the next he was exploring Yahiko's. There wasn't a single place in the entire Kumotsuru Clan compound he couldn't go. However, Akihara was still very polite. Before entering, he would always knock, waiting for permission from the occupant inside before stepping in.
Yesterday afternoon, Akihara suddenly disappeared. This had left Naori frantic, searching the entire courtyard for him. She searched every room, eventually finding Akihara in the crane's nest, chatting with Aokumo and Ryūfū. When Naori finally dragged him out, he was covered in crane feathers. It had truly infuriated Naori.
Around two in the afternoon, Nara Anka called Torifu to inform him that the fireworks display situation had been resolved. The final decision was to have the villagers set off fireworks in staggered time slots, ensuring they didn't overlap. This would prevent incidents of widespread fireworks displays igniting houses. It would also extend the lively atmosphere of Konoha Village. It was the simplest and most convenient method. The Anbu members disseminated the message in less than half an hour. With this, there were no longer any worries about tomorrow's Spring Festival; they could celebrate with peace of mind.
At this moment, Torifu was talking on the phone from a rocking chair at his doorstep. On the other end of the line was the Anbu captain, Katō Dan.
"Dan, could you come over? There's something I need to tell you."
Dan had originally been resting. However, the Hokage's secretary had issued an urgent mission, forcing him to work overtime. He had just perfectly completed the mission, and as he was about to head home to rest, he received Torifu's call.
"Alright, Big Brother, I'll be right there."
In private, Dan never referred to Torifu as the Hokage. Because they were brothers, the title of Hokage was only used during work.
Not long after, Dan arrived at the Kumotsuru Clan compound. Seeing Torifu sitting at his doorstep, he walked over with a cheerful smile.
"What's up, Big Brother? Is there something else going on?"
Torifu waved a hand, and a chair appeared beside him. "Have a seat first; we can talk slowly."
Dan didn't hesitate and sat down directly. His eyes questioned Torifu, as if to say, 'If there's a mission, just spit it out before I change my clothes.'
Torifu didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "Here's the thing: for all these years, as the Anbu captain, you've worked diligently, helping me handle many matters. You've been my right-hand man and are extremely competent."
Dan had expected some urgent matter that required his immediate attention. However, Torifu's sudden string of praises left him a little flustered. He felt genuinely embarrassed, and the smile on his face grew even brighter: "Big Brother, these are all just my duties."
Torifu, however, shook his head: "There's no 'should' or 'shouldn't' about it. I've seen your dedication over the years, which is why your wife and I decided to give you a small gift. It's a New Year's greeting, and also a reward for your diligent service all these years."
Dan was stunned after hearing this, clearly not having processed it. He had been called to the Kumotsuru Clan compound for this? So it wasn't a mission, but a reward!? Could this be the year-end bonus Big Brother had mentioned before? But he had only done what he was supposed to do; there was nothing special about it.
Thinking this, Dan repeatedly shook his head: "Big Brother, what I've done isn't really worthy of a reward, is it? Instead of giving me a reward, it would be better to give more to the Anbu members; they are the ones truly doing the work."
Torifu chuckled at his words: "You don't need to tell me that; I've already considered it. As for this gift for you, your wife and I picked it out together, so don't worry so much."
Seeing Torifu's stance, Dan no longer declined: "Very well, then. As your junior, I'll respectfully accept. I wonder what Big Brother and your wife have chosen for me." Dan said with a hint of a jest. He knew Torifu possessed chakra herbs, so he couldn't help but wonder if it might be one of those. But he quickly dismissed the thought.
That item could rapidly enhance one's strength; it was incredibly precious! Even if Big Brother was very kind to him, it wouldn't be to the extent of giving him something so valuable as a gift. After all, Akihara was still young; such an item would surely be saved for Akihara's use in the future. Anyway, Big Brother had so many strange and wonderful things; he would be content with just about anything. With this thought, Dan calmed his mind. He no longer harbored any extravagant hopes for chakra herbs.
"Hahaha, that's more like it. We're family; don't be a stranger."
Then, Torifu flipped his hand. In his previously empty palm, a bright red fruit appeared. Its skin was thin, and the pulp inside resembled flowing blood, constantly shifting. It looked extraordinary. Dan, having lived for over twenty years, could confidently say he had never seen such a thing. He had seen chakra herbs, at the very least, in books. But this thing... what was it? He'd never seen it before! It seemed to be some peculiar trinket Big Brother had collected.
Dan didn't realize the gravity of the situation. Instead, he happily asked Torifu: "Big Brother, what is this? Just looking at it makes it feel incredibly precious."
Torifu didn't contradict him, because the item was indeed very precious, though useless to Torifu. "This is a secret medicine I refined. It's an ancient heirloom of the Kumotsuru Clan, called the Bloodline Fruit. After consumption, it can awaken a Kekkei Genkai in you, based on your chakra nature."
Dan still had a faint smile on his face: "Haha, a Kekkei Genkai? What a great item... A Kekkei Gen... Kekkei Genkai!" His smiling expression gradually froze. Finally, his eyes widened completely, and his jaw dropped. He was clearly utterly shocked.
"Big Brother, how is this possible! A Kekkei Genkai... this... a fruit... I—!" Dan's words came out disjointed, his thoughts completely unclear. At this moment, the Anbu captain was like a child who had just discovered a new world. Shocked, bewildered, and at a loss.
It took Torifu a good while to calm him down, before he recovered: "What's there to be so excited about? It's just a Kekkei Genkai, and your Spirit Transformation isn't inferior to a bloodline either. I'm only giving you this fruit so you'll have an extra means of self-preservation."
Dan shook his head after hearing this: "No, no, no, it's not about that... This fruit can awaken a Kekkei Genkai in someone! It's far too precious to be given to me; it would be an absolute waste! Moreover, I don't believe my contributions are worthy of this fruit at all!" Dan was clearly somewhat apprehensive after hearing about the fruit's abilities.
Initially, he had thought he'd be lucky to get some small trinket. The most he had hoped for was a chakra herb. Now, to suddenly be given something so monumental, left him completely dumbfounded for a moment.