Hiruzen stood with Kaji in the Hokage's private training grounds.
"So, you only have Yin Release? That explains much about your shadow mastery."
"Those movements you used at the academy—were they part of a structured technique, or did you improvise?"
Kaji responded, "Master, though I understand shadows deeply, I haven't yet developed a unified exercise to employ multiple techniques. While it may look spectacular from the outside, the thought process is simple: target vital points and eliminate the enemy. If it fails, retreat and try another approach."
Hiruzen nodded. "That makes sense. Based on your report and what you've just said, I can now devise techniques tailored for you. Let's start with Shadow Tendrils—this technique requires extreme sensory refinement and high-level Taijutsu. I designed it for close-quarters combat."
Following his master's instructions, Kaji began shaping the tendrils. Soon, fifteen shadowy appendages emerged from his back.
He frowned. "Sensei, though creating them is simple, I can only control five at once."
Hiruzen nodded—he had expected as much. "Take it slow, Kaji. From today onward, use only five and incorporate them into daily tasks whenever possible—even mundane ones."
"For now, we'll focus on Taijutsu."
Kaji, armed with five tendrils, was swiftly outmaneuvered and dominated by Hiruzen.
("My Limitless Technique could interfere with training… but apparently, it only activates when my life is in danger. Since Sensei means no harm, it recognizes him as an ally. Good to know.")
Hiruzen nodded in approval. "You trained well today, Kaji."
"You must also perform daily running and squat exercises—1,000 each—before our sessions."
Kaji agreed.
"You may return home. Same time tomorrow at the office."
Kaji opened the door and called out, "I'm home!"
No one answered.
He sighed. Life had forced him to adapt. Though his past memories were denied to him, losing his parents so young had been harsh.
But just as life had been hard on him, he resolved to be hard on life.
Some habits never changed.
Grabbing a broom, Kaji began cleaning the house—just as his sensei had advised, using Shadow Tendrils for daily tasks to enhance sensitivity.
Humming a tune, he soon had the house spotless. After a nutritious (and expensive) dinner, he smiled to himself.
Since yesterday, he'd noticed an ANBU watching over his home—likely his sensei's doing.
Though Kaji retained few memories of his past life, one thing was certain: culinary knowledge had inexplicably stayed with him. By some twist of fate, he had been a biochemist and food engineer. Whoever was responsible for his reincarnation clearly hadn't considered how little that would disrupt this life. A mischievous grin crept onto his face.
Since childhood, he had experimented with special recipes—even chakra-infused miracle foods.
As thanks to his ANBU guardian, he prepared a high-energy protein bar. Without delving into its composition, its effects were clear: accelerated chakra restoration by enhancing protein and clean fat digestion through enzymatic action.
Kaji stepped onto the porch, glanced at the tree, and waved with a smile.
The ANBU appeared instantly. "Young master, do you need something?"
Kaji grinned. "Sir ANBU, since you'll be watching over me from now on, this is a special product of mine. I'm a decent cook—it's an energy bar. It'll help you stay sharp and healthy during patrols."
The ANBU thanked him and vanished.
-----
It was already morning. After completing his pre-workout and cooldown routine, Kaji set out to finish his exercises.
The early hours were quiet—few people were awake yet. Konoha was a place that thrived at night as well.
After finishing his 10km run and 1,000 squats, he returned home, showered, and headed to the Hokage's office.
"Good morning, Master."
Hiruzen smiled. "Good morning, Kaji-chan."
Kaji placed a container of breakfast and a drink on the desk.
"I made some for you too, Sensei."
The two ate together—brown rice, quinoa, mashed sweet potatoes, and avocado, paired with a blueberry lemon mint refresher.
A deep sigh escaped Hiruzen. He hadn't felt this energized in a long time. Leaving a shadow clone at the office, he immediately headed to the private training grounds.
Training and a New Home
After the session, Kaji was breathing heavily. Hiruzen asked, "Kaji, do you live alone?"
Kaji nodded.
"Though the clan sees me as a key to their future, no one rushed to adopt me or anything like that. But I've never lacked for anything, so I had to adapt to this lifestyle early." He smiled warmly.
"I spoke with your clan. From today onward, you can come live with me—what do you think? There's Biwako and me."
Kaji thought for a moment, tears welling in his eyes. "If it won't trouble you, Master… I'd be more than willing."
Hiruzen sighed. "Young shinobi often face hard choices, but as Kaji himself once said—emotions stagnate if left unaddressed. Sometimes, they need a push to break free."
-----
Biwako was living a dream. In the kitchen before her, a small shinobi stood on a stool, gracefully preparing dinner with expert skill. She sighed, determined not to let the little rascal outdo her.
Soon, she joined him—both exchanging happy glances, ideas, and playful banter.
Grilled chicken, eggs, tofu, and a spicy soy glaze, finished with sunflower seed farofa. For refreshment, sweetened green tea with honey, and for dessert—melted dark chocolate.
Hiruzen exhaled deeply. Five months had passed since Kaji moved in, and the changes were undeniable. His wife was happier, more energetic, and their evenings were filled with warmth.
He had even begun training alongside Kaji, and his body was returning to its prime.
Biwako and Hiruzen had a long talk with Kaji about his food knowledge. He explained that after being orphaned at three, the only things left behind were his mother's books on nutrition. He had buried himself in research, developing what he called "food engineering."
"We're shinobi—we need to eat right to stay strong."
Hiruzen agreed wholeheartedly. The nutrient-rich, disciplined diet had profoundly improved his stamina. Before, using Shadow Clones would leave him drained the next day—now, he barely felt the strain.
In these five months, Kaji had been promoted to Chūnin through sheer effort—completing:
100 D-Rank Missions
100 C-Rank Missions
…along with proving his combat prowess.
Hiruzen and Biwako didn't look old—he appeared to be in his thirties, and she carried herself like a radiant older sister.
That night, Kaji fell asleep in Biwako's lap. She carried him to bed, tucking him in before being swept away by Hiruzen for a… heated discussion of their own.