Takemura sat in the training area of his residence, watching Genta endure a grueling physical and chakra regimen. He was pleased with his son's progress. Genta was the last Senju capable of continuing the bloodline, and the survival of their name relied entirely on him. Still, the boy had decided to become a shinobi, the most dangerous profession in existence.
Takemura couldn't help but mutter, "Foolish child of mine."
Genta, who was wheezing from the exertion, complained, "What did I do?"
The father narrowed his eyes and his son shifted, laughing nervously as he said, "Time to get to the ninjutsu practice." Takemura nodded as they both moved to a nearby training ground.
Genta was overexerting himself for an eleven year old, however, Takemura found he could not complain. It was all because of Noa. His son saw him as both a best friend and the benchmark to reach. A small smile appeared on Takemura's face, grateful for Noa being the catalyst for such amazing growth. Like all Senju, Genta always possessed the potential, but now he had a reason to go all out to realize it much earlier than he naturally would, rather than losing ground to his rival.
Genta noticed the look on his father's face and grinned, saying, "My Earth Release is indeed getting really impressive, right?"
Takemura grunted. "Stop paying attention to my expressions and focus on your work. If there is a critique for your training, I will simply state it."
Genta grumbled under his breath, "Yes, father," as he went back to his drills. His naturally large chakra reserves as a Senju helped him significantly with taijutsu and ninjutsu, giving him more time to practice and improve. Still, Takemura wondered how Noa's chakra levels were higher than even Genta's, a fact he couldn't even comprehend the reason behind.
Takemura's thoughts were interrupted as he looked to the side to see the old clan guard approaching with an ANBU following. The operative kneeled once he arrived. "Takemura-dono, Lord Hokage requires your urgent presence."
Takemura, as a Senju, was not pleased with the appointment of Fugaku. Everyone knew that from his vote in the council previously. However, since the Uchiha was assigned as leader now, Takemura could not really refuse the summons. He sighed, stood up, and spoke with a stern tone. "Continue your drills until I return and do not go waste time at Noa's place. If you do, I will increase the intensity of your drills even more."
Genta gulped as he shook his head up and down like a chicken. Takemura still narrowed his eyes, unsure if his son would follow the order, before he started to flicker with the ANBU toward the Hokage's building.
The village passed by in a blur as Takemura flickered behind the operative, who was considerate enough to match his speed. He sighed, thinking that aging is not fun, as they finally made it to the central tower and reached the office. The ANBU knocked on the door lightly. "Lord Hokage, Takemura-dono is here."
He heard a stern voice coming from inside. "Let him in."
The door opened and Takemura walked in. The room looked very organized, with windows open and fresh air circulating, while a pleasant pine scent filled the air. It replaced the usual old tobacco smell left by the Third's smoking habit. Fugaku was sitting at his desk surrounded by the usual stack of paperwork that always seems to follow every leader. The Hokage stood up, a small smile on his face. "Takemura-san, it is nice to see you in good health."
Takemura was conflicted inside. While he disliked and distrusted the Uchiha, he had still fought alongside Fugaku during the last war. He had seen nothing from the man but great leadership and unquestionable strength, yet deep down, he still held onto his suspicions.
Takemura spoke in a polite tone. "Lord Hokage, how can I be of service?"
Fugaku noticed the directness. Instead of being offended at the lack of formalities, he was pleased with the blunt approach. It suited Fugaku's nature better than the political niceties required of a village leader. He ushered Takemura to sit as he himself took the seat, speaking with a clear tone.
"For the longest time now, I have had an issue with the way Naruto, the son of the Fourth, was treated due to the complicated circumstances around him."
Takemura's posture straightened and his eyes focused as he paid full attention. Fugaku continued, pleased with the reaction. "When he was born, my wife wanted to adopt him. However, the Third refused due to political pressure. Now that I am the Hokage, we can resolve this situation."
Takemura almost shot to his feet as he spoke with a powerful tone. "Lord Hokage, you cannot possibly be thinking of taking him in. This is not acceptable."
Fugaku, although interrupted, did not react aggressively. He remained calm until the Senju was done before continuing. "As I was saying, after consulting with my advisors, we noticed the same issue. If we gave Naruto to any clan, it would cause too much tension between them and the rest, destabilizing the village."
Takemura was about to cut him off again, but Fugaku raised his hand as he continued. "Even taking him under the Uchiha would cause me a lot of issues as well."
That seemed to calm Takemura down a bit. Fugaku stood up and walked toward the windows, smelling the fresh air as it fluttered his Hokage robe while he spoke. "So, after a long time, we thought of the perfect solution. We decided to give him to you, Takemura-san, and the Senju clan."
Takemura's mouth opened as his face froze in surprise. Fugaku spoke with a slightly pleasant tone. "This kid saved the village and yet is treated so poorly. He deserves to be cared for so he grows up loving his home. He is indirectly related to the Senju, and I cannot think of better people to ignite the Will of Fire and affection for Konoha in him."
A smile formed on Fugaku's face as he turned to face Takemura. "Can you please take him in? Treat him like your second son and ensure that he grows up strong and that he has a happy life. I cannot stand that the child of Minato, who saved my life and the village during the Third War, is being treated in that manner. With him taken care of by your clan, no other clan within the village would have an issue."
Takemura was still frozen in place. For the longest time he said nothing while Fugaku gave him the space he needed, walking back to his seat and observing him closely. Finally, after a long silence, Takemura blinked as his thoughts caught up with him.
"I would love to have him and train him, however, having the Nine Tails in my old and aged compound..." a sad look appeared on his face.
Fugaku replied right away. "Do not worry, we will supply you with all that is needed. We will also make sure the ANBU are guarding the estate at all times."
Takemura was pleased with the preparations, though he asked with a hint of shame in his voice, as if he were embarrassed to even ask the question. "What about if the Nine Tails seal destabilized?"
Fugaku did not think poorly of him. Almost all jinchuriki seals were unstable. It was a curse, but also a blessing in case the weapon was set off within enemy lines.
Fugaku spoke reassuringly. "The Fourth's seal work is extremely stable. You have nothing to worry about. Not to mention you have a seal master in your compound. Noa should be capable enough to handle things before they go offboard. I will also make sure the guards include a seal expert when Noa is on missions. However, I have given Noa a huge task that will have him in the village for some time, so you don't have to worry about that just yet."
After some time, Takemura bowed slightly, gratitude clear in his tone. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I hated how Naruto was treated. I will take him in. I will make sure he is treated with the love any kid his age deserves and ensure he is trained to be a shinobi who loves the village and is strong enough to protect it."
Fugaku's smile widened as he spoke. "Thank you for accepting this huge responsibility. The ANBU will bring him to your compound tomorrow morning to give you enough time to prepare. Please do not hesitate to ask me for any help if you need it."
Takemura stood up, a newfound energy and fire roaring in his eyes. "Thank you for being considerate, Lord Hokage. I will be ready by then to ensure that Minato's sacrifice did not go to waste."
---
A/N: Well, we made it to the 300s, this is crazy ngl lol. I am amazed at how far this story has gone, and just so you know, I wouldn't have made it this far without your support and encouragement. Yes, even the comments during the last few chapters lol. It showed me that a lot of people appreciate my story enough to weigh in. However, I am a very confident person by nature, and if I start something, it means I will pull it through beautifully. So, I am sure we will get to 400 and then 500 together. Again, thank you for being here, I truly appreciate each and every single one of you. Much love. Always <3