The New Year had finally arrived in Konoha, and the entire village was brimming with joy. After all, this year had been another peaceful one without war.
Karin, who rarely got time off, was now running wild with her friends.
But Aoba knew the truth—though Karin claimed she was just playing outside, she often went to see Naruto, bringing him delicious food.
Perhaps because she had experienced a life of wandering with her mother, Karin paid special attention to this fellow clansman in Konoha. She often found excuses to take some tasty treats to him.
In reality, even if she asked directly, neither Aoba nor Yumi would refuse. But the little girl seemed to treat it like an amusing ninja game, often sneaking food to Naruto right under Aoba's nose. Aoba pretended not to notice, and after Yumi learned about the boy, she also turned a blind eye.
"You know, I actually knew Kushina back then. But she was the little princess of the Uzumaki clan, while I was just a commoner. We didn't interact much. From what I remember, she was a very cheerful and kind girl."
"That's right. Everyone in Konoha speaks highly of Kushina. It's just a shame that good people in this world never seem to get the rewards they deserve."
"How... did Kushina die?"
Yumi suddenly asked this question, making Aoba glance at her in surprise.
"I'm not a shinobi. But if possible, I'd like to do something for our Uzumaki clan. I've heard that the boy, Naruto, doesn't have an easy life in the village.
But I don't understand—isn't he the child of Kushina and the previous Hokage? Why would he..."
"That's a complicated issue, representing some of the darkest and filthiest aspects of Konoha. No excuse can justify it."
"Is that so?" Yumi fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking again.
"That experiment you mentioned—the one about fusing with the First Hokage's cells—what would happen if it succeeded?"
"It would make me incredibly strong. Enhanced vitality, vast reserves of chakra, and possibly even awakening the First's Wood Release Bloodline Limit."
"So, if it succeeds, you'd become very powerful?"
"Exactly."
"Then... could I do it too?"
Aoba finally understood what Yumi was getting at.
"Do you want to become a shinobi?"
"Yes. Even though I might be a bit old, if possible, I'd like to become one."
"Why?"
Aoba hesitated. Before this, Yumi had never shown such inclinations. She seemed content with her current life, as if simply watching Karin grow up healthy was enough. But now..."I've just... during these days in Konoha, I've seen a lot and thought a lot. This world isn't safe, not even Konoha. You're already so strong, yet you still train desperately every day and conduct those dangerous experiments."
"Though you haven't said anything, I can sense you're worried about something. Are we facing some kind of danger in the future?"
Yumi's keen insight left Aoba momentarily stunned. After a moment's thought, he decided not to hide the truth.
"Yes, in the future, we'll face tremendous danger. With my current strength, I'm far from capable of protecting myself, let alone all of you."
"Is that why you're training Karin so harshly?"
"Exactly. Karin has enormous potential, and I need her to develop it as quickly as possible. Only then will we stand a chance in the future."
To be honest, even though Aoba was a transmigrator, in this world without bloodline advantages or cheats, he still felt anxious about the future.
The enemies lurking in the shadows—Uchiha Obito, Nagato, Uchiha Madara, even Black Zetsu, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, and those beings on the moon—each of them had cheats maxed out to the extreme. Obito possessed the strongest Mangekyo in the entire story. Nagato wasn't evil at heart but was an idealist, which in some ways was more dangerous than being outright malicious.
And Uchiha Madara, the most charismatic villain in Naruto, exerted overwhelming pressure on Aoba. Currently, Aoba could exchange blows with the Raikage, making him an impressive expert in everyone's eyes.
But he knew all too well that in the later stages, Uchiha Madara alone had utterly crushed the combined might of the Five Kage. That overwhelming pressure, his flawless combat prowess in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, left all who faced him in despair.
Most crucially, that was before he reclaimed his Rinnegan. Once he did and achieved the Six Paths form, Aoba didn't even want to imagine that scenario.
As for Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and beyond, Aoba wasn't even considering that clan's threats for now.
Thinking about this world's future, he could only say: he was still far, far from ready.
"Let me help you. Teach me to become a ninja," Yumi said firmly.
"It's not impossible, but not now. Your body is too exhausted. Extracting Chakra would further drain you. If that happens, you won't live long enough to see anything."
"Then let me undergo those experiments. Didn't you say our Uzumaki clan's constitution has a higher success rate?"
"True, according to my research, the Uzumaki and Senju clans are likely close relatives. The compatibility of your cells is indeed very high. But as you've seen, the experiments aren't successful yet."
"Here's what we'll do: start with theoretical studies first. Besides combat, there's another type of ninja—medical ninja. Becoming one requires extensive theoretical knowledge. Not all injuries or illnesses can be treated with Chakra alone."
"Medical ninja? Understood. Give me the materials, and I'll start immediately."
Yumi was serious, and Aoba naturally wouldn't refuse. However, after a moment's consideration, he added—"Yumi, it's fine for you to learn these things. But I want you to promise me one thing—never use your special constitution to heal others. Really, not even once. People's hearts..."
"I know, people's hearts can be terrifying. Once I open that door, there's no turning back. I understand what you mean, Aoba. But I refuse."
"You..."
"Listen, I won't let anyone bite my body anymore. Except for you. Aoba, both Karin and I can be your assistants. Even if I can't become a ninja, I still want to help you. Please don't refuse—this is one of the few things I can do for you."
"...Mom, Mom..." Karin's voice interrupted them.
"Huh, what are you two doing?"
"..."