Kushina wasn't easy to fool. If she figured out she'd been tricked and complained to the Third Hokage, Tsunade would definitely get an earful. And if there's one thing Tsunade couldn't stand, it was someone nagging at her.

"This is Kushina's doing, isn't it?"

If Takuya had only suspected it before, the moment Tsunade pulled out a jutsu scroll, he was sure. Tsunade didn't just hand out rewards for sharing a meal. The only explanation was that Kushina had asked her to do it, probably slipping some cash into the deal as well.

How did this brat figure it out? Tsunade's eyes widened in disbelief. Is he reading my mind? She hadn't mentioned Kushina at all, and yet Takuya had guessed it so quickly! Kids these days sure are sharp. Why isn't my little brother this clever?

After washing the dishes and drying his hands, Takuya walked out of the kitchen. He glanced at the scroll on the table, then looked up at Tsunade with a calm expression.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Takuya suddenly asked, "How much did Kushina pay you to slip me that jutsu scroll?"

"What?!"

Tsunade nearly jumped out of her skin, hastily denying it. "Nonsense! There's no such thing!"

"If that's the case, you can take the scroll back. I won't be accepting it," Takuya said, handing the scroll back to her and gently pushing her toward the door.

She definitely got paid. No way Tsunade would be this generous without a reason. Takuya thought. There's no such thing as free lunch in this world.

Right now, Takuya and Tsunade were barely more than acquaintances. The only reason Tsunade would go out of her way like this was money.

This kid's got some serious strength, Tsunade thought as she realized she was almost out the door. Sighing, she gave in.

"Fine, fine, stop pushing. It was Kushina's idea. She said you really wanted to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, so she asked me to bring you the scroll. She paid me forty thousand ryo. Happy now?"

"Kushina..." Takuya wasn't sure what to say. He never imagined she'd go so far as to buy a jutsu scroll for him. We're not that close, are we?

Sure, he wanted to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, but not like this.

"Please take it back and let Kushina know that we're just classmates. We're not close enough for her to be giving me jutsu scrolls," Takuya said firmly.

"Seriously, kid? You're gonna turn down something like this?" Tsunade couldn't believe it. Who says no to free stuff? Especially when it's a powerful jutsu like this one!

"Look, I don't want to make things more complicated for myself," Takuya said, deciding to be upfront. "Maybe it's my background, or maybe it's Kushina's status, but every time she approaches me, I can't help but notice someone watching. I hope it's just my imagination, but I think you can understand why I'm cautious."

Well, this is unexpected, Tsunade thought, taken aback. He even notice the ANBU tailing him? This kid's sharper than I thought.

"I get it. I'll pass on your message to Kushina. And as for those people watching you..." Tsunade paused at the door, then added, "As long as you don't do anything against the village's interests, they won't bother you."

Yeah, right. Takuya thought. The Third Hokage is a sly old fox! He loves to play the kindly old man while working his schemes in the shadows. And let's not even start with Danzo—he's the reason Konoha's got so much darkness to begin with.

Bang!

The door to the Hokage's office swung open with a loud crash.

"Old man, we need to talk," Tsunade announced as she barged in.

"Ah, Tsunade. Did you get Kushina back home safely?" The Third Hokage asked, putting down the documents he'd been reading.

"Cut the crap, old man. Don't pretend you don't know," Tsunade snapped. "As soon as we got back, the ANBU were on her tail again. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"

The Third Hokage cleared his throat awkwardly. "Alright, alright. What's on your mind?"

"It's simple. Kushina might be the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but she's still a kid. She's still in school. She needs friends, and normal interactions with her classmates. You're watching her too closely," Tsunade said seriously.

"I'm doing this for the good of the village, Tsunade. You know how important the Jinchuriki is to us," the Third Hokage replied, knowing exactly what she was referring to.

He had personally arranged for everyone who got close to Kushina to be thoroughly investigated.

Tsunade frowned, her tone firm. "I know you want to protect the village, and I know the Jinchuriki is vital, but you can't let that interfere with the lives of other kids."

"Oh, and by the way, those two brats, Takuya Yagami and Minato Namikaze—they're worth investing in."

Tsunade placed the scroll on the Hokage's desk, intending for him to pass it on to Takuya, with Minato included for good measure. Now Takuya can't refuse it. It's a gift from the village—a sign they see potential in him.

"Takuya Yagami and Minato Namikaze?" The Third Hokage mused, recalling the two promising students who had been on his radar for their close connection with Kushina.

Minato was a straightforward case—an exceptionally talented student from a civilian background, exactly the kind of kid the village liked to nurture.

But Takuya... He had Uchiha blood and that complicated things.

"I'll think about it," the Third Hokage finally said after a moment of reflection.

Tsunade nodded, then waved her hand dismissively as she walked out. "I'll leave you to it. Don't work too late. Get some rest."

As soon as she left, the Third Hokage ordered, "Look into Takuya Yagami's connection to the Uchiha clan."

"Yes, Lord Hokage," an ANBU operative appeared, acknowledged the command, and vanished as quickly as he'd come.

Back at home, Tsunade hugged Kushina, ruffling her bright red hair as she grumbled, "You little fox, that kid totally guessed why I went to see him."

"Huh?!" Kushina was stunned. Ignoring her messy hair, she asked nervously, "What do we do now? Did Takuya accept the jutsu scroll?"

"It's not like that," Tsunade sighed, collapsing onto the sofa and kicking her feet up in frustration. "He refused it. He figured out you were trying to give it to him and said that if you keep it up, he might cut ties with you. He also knows he's being watched by the ANBU."

"Man, that kid's got sharp instincts for someone his age," Tsunade muttered to herself. "Why did he have to have Uchiha blood? That just makes everything more complicated."

Kushina twisted her fingers in her shirt, anxiety clear on her face. She was worried Takuya might start avoiding her, and she didn't know what she'd do if that happened.

"Silly girl," Tsunade said softly, pulling Kushina into a comforting hug. "I've already given the scroll to the old man. He'll make sure it gets to Takuya and Minato eventually. That way, Takuya won't have any reason to refuse."

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

"I guess so..." Kushina managed a weak smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

You're in trouble now, girl, Tsunade thought, watching Kushina. She could only hope that Kushina and Takuya's relationship wouldn't get any closer. With Kushina's strong-willed personality, she might end up wrapped around Takuya's finger if she wasn't careful.

Later that day, while practicing hand seals at home, Takuya heard a knock at the door. He quickly slipped on his shoes and went to answer it.

"Mikoto?" His eyes lit up as he recognized the visitor.

"Did you miss me?" Uchiha Mikoto teased, pinching his cheek with one hand while holding a bento box in the other.

"I've been really busy with graduation coming up, so I haven't had time to visit. You're not mad at me, are you?" she asked with a smile.

Though Takuya hadn't returned to the Uchiha clan, his late mother had been close friends with Mikoto. As a result, Mikoto had always looked out for him, often bringing him food and checking in on him.