[A/N: Kiyoshi's love for ramen represents every person who watched Naruto in their childhood (✪㉨✪).]
Chapter 20: Echoes of Blood and Bonds
Orochimaru's smirk widened as he continued.
"I infiltrated their village, disguised as a trusted medic. I found Blue B—the previous host of the Eight-Tails. It was a simple matter, really. A few genjutsu-infused pills, a little manipulation… and the beast stirred into a frenzy."
He exhaled in mock nostalgia. "Ah, what a beautiful scene of destruction it was. And in the chaos… I retrieved something quite valuable."
Reaching into his cloak, he pulled out a small vial, holding it up between two fingers.
"The severed horn of the Eight-Tails. And within it… Blue B's DNA."
Danzo's eye gleamed with interest. "And? What have you discovered?"
Orochimaru rolled the vial between his fingers. "I believe that, with enough refinement, the power of the tailed beasts can be harnessed—not through Jinchūriki, not through crude seals, but through science. Through blood."
Danzo was silent for a long moment before speaking. "I trust you will not disappoint me."
Orochimaru's laughter was soft but laced with malice. "Oh, Danzo… disappointment is a word reserved for lesser men."
The candlelight flickered again as the shadows stretched, swallowing the room whole.
---
The streets of Konoha were quiet at this hour, the usual bustle of the village giving way to a more subdued stillness. Kiyoshi moved through the dimly lit paths with ease, his mind caught between the lingering exhaustion of his mission and the familiar comfort of returning home.
As he approached the Senju Clan compound, a sense of relief settled in his chest. The compound was large but far from grand, a quiet remnant of what was once one of Konoha's most powerful clans. Now, only a handful of families remained, their presence a shadow of the Senju's former glory.
Kiyoshi made his way toward his house, his footsteps light on the stone path. Just as he was about to step inside, movement near his gate caught his eye.
A man stood there, knocking lightly against the wooden frame. At first, Kiyoshi didn't recognize him, but as he drew closer, a flicker of familiarity stirred in his mind—memories not entirely his own, yet deeply ingrained within him.
He's…
The realization clicked.
"Shigeru-san?" Kiyoshi found himself saying, the name rolling off his tongue naturally.
The older man turned, a warm smile forming beneath his graying mustache. His sharp eyes, despite their age, still carried the keen awareness of a seasoned shinobi. Shigeru Senju had once been a respected jōnin, but injuries sustained during the Second Shinobi War had forced him into retirement. Even so, he remained a strong presence within the Senju compound, looking after those who still called this place home.
"Kiyoshi," Shigeru greeted, his voice rich with familiarity. "It's good to see you back, kid."
Kiyoshi nodded, pushing open the gate as he stepped closer. "It's been a while," he admitted.
Shigeru let out a quiet chuckle. "It has. And you've been gone the past two days. I was starting to wonder if you were off causing trouble." His tone was light, but there was an undertone of genuine concern.
"Some mission," Kiyoshi answered simply, not elaborating further. He had no desire to talk about the near-fatal encounter with the missing-nin.
Shigeru's gaze lingered on him for a moment, sharp and knowing. He had been a shinobi long enough to recognize when someone was withholding the truth. But instead of pressing, he merely gave a small nod.
"Good," he said. "It means you're growing. Missions shape a shinobi more than any lesson ever could."
Kiyoshi hummed in response, unsure of what to say.
"Have you eaten?" Shigeru asked after a pause.
Kiyoshi gave a slight smile at that. "Yeah. Sensei treated us to dinner earlier—to celebrate the mission's success."
Shigeru's brows rose slightly. "That's good. At least someone's making sure you're taking care of yourself." He shook his head with a chuckle. "You young ones always think you can run on an empty stomach."
Kiyoshi shifted slightly, not quite used to the warmth in Shigeru's tone. The older man had always treated him kindly, even more so after his parents passed. It was a quiet kind of care, one that didn't smother but was always there.
Shigeru smiled. "Good, good. A well-fed shinobi is a sharp one." Then, as if remembering something, his expression softened. "Your aunt was asking about you, you know."
Kiyoshi blinked, a little taken aback. "She was?"
Shigeru nodded. "She worries. Said you don't come by as often as you should." He let out a small chuckle. "She told me to make sure you know you're welcome at our place anytime. And that means anytime, Kiyoshi." His voice took on a lightly scolding tone. "That woman will have my head if I don't get you to come over for a proper meal soon."
Kiyoshi felt a rare warmth settle in his chest at the sentiment. He had never been the type to impose on others, but Shigeru and his wife had always treated him with a kindness that never felt forced. Still, old habits were hard to break.
"I appreciate it, Shigeru-san, really. But I wouldn't want to be a bother—"
"Enough of that," Shigeru interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "You're family, Kiyoshi. And family doesn't need a reason to share a meal." He paused, then added, "She wants you to come by tomorrow for lunch. No excuses."
Kiyoshi hesitated, then exhaled, nodding. "Alright. I'll come by."
Shigeru smiled, satisfied. "Good. We'll be expecting you. Besides, it's been too long since we've had a proper meal together."
Kiyoshi hesitated a moment longer before finally nodding. "... I'll be there."
With that, Shigeru patted Kiyoshi's shoulder and turned away, heading back toward his own home. Kiyoshi watched him go before exhaling a quiet breath and stepping into his house.
The warmth of home settled around him, but the conversation with Shigeru lingered in his mind.
Maybe tomorrow wouldn't be so bad.