Leaving Kabuto behind in the woods, Tatsuya returned home alone.
Inside, the gentle and sweet Kyoko, along with Anko – whose figure had become increasingly striking over time – were waiting for him.
"Tatsuya-san," Kyoko greeted him warmly the moment he entered, immediately coming forward.
Noticing the elaborate spread of food still laid out on the table, Tatsuya gently chided her, "Didn't I mention I wouldn't be back for dinner tonight? Why didn't you two eat earlier?" He knew, without asking, that Kyoko must have insisted on waiting for him.
"Tch!" Anko muttered under her breath from the side, pouting slightly. "Bet he's secretly pleased! Hypocrite!"
Tatsuya chuckled lightly at Anko's remark but didn't comment further. He immediately sat down and ate a little with them. It was Kyoko's heartfelt gesture, after all; he couldn't simply disregard it.
As they ate, Tatsuya suddenly looked up at Kyoko. "Kyoko, how is your training progressing with the Butterfly Mode technique and the Yin-Yang Seal I taught you?"
Kabuto's unexpected appearance had put Tatsuya on alert. He recalled the original timeline – Orochimaru, that deviant, had eventually launched the Konoha Crush plan. Although the plot in this lifetime had already become unrecognizable due to Tatsuya's presence and actions, who knew if Orochimaru wouldn't concoct some other grand scheme? Tatsuya suspected Orochimaru still harbored a deep grudge against the Third Hokage. And Danzo, that old schemer, was always looking for an opportunity to stir up trouble. With those two potentially working together, there was no telling what kind of major disaster they might orchestrate. Given this possibility, Tatsuya felt he absolutely had to ensure both Kyoko and Anko possessed sufficient strength to protect themselves if the worst happened.
"Ah?" Hearing Tatsuya suddenly ask about her training progress, Kyoko blushed slightly. "I've… I've pretty much mastered them!" she answered with some hesitation. Truthfully, Kyoko had always lacked a certain internal drive and initiative when it came to rigorous ninjutsu training. She instinctively assumed Tatsuya was disappointed with her slow progress, even though she personally felt her current strength was actually quite respectable.
Seeing her reaction, Tatsuya understood immediately and couldn't help but shake his head with a helpless sigh. He turned to Anko. "And you? Have you completely mastered your Cursed Seal and the Yin-Yang Seal?"
"Mastered them both!" Anko declared proudly, puffing out her impressive chest. "It's not like just anyone can bully me now!" She radiated extreme confidence in her current abilities.
"Good," Tatsuya nodded. "Then I'll find some time in the next couple of days to test both of your strengths." His gaze swept lightly over both women. He'd been active outside the village for over half a year; it was past time to properly check on their development.
"Alright!" Anko agreed eagerly, clearly looking forward to showing off. Kyoko merely murmured, "Oh," her expression slightly downcast, perhaps feeling a little singled out or apprehensive about the test.
Tatsuya shook his head again, suppressing a chuckle at Kyoko's predictable reaction.
The following afternoon, back in his office at the Military Police headquarters, Tatsuya summoned Itachi.
"Itachi," Tatsuya began, getting straight to the point, "I've considered your request from yesterday. I can agree to guide Sasuke's training, but on one condition."
"That's wonderful!" Itachi replied quickly, his face lighting up with relief and gratitude. "Big Brother Tatsuya, please state your condition, whatever it is."
"It's simple," Tatsuya stated plainly. "I'll have Uzumaki Naruto train alongside Sasuke."
Last night, Tatsuya had thought long and hard about Itachi's request. When he first arrived in this world, he had deliberately restrained himself from interacting significantly with Naruto and Sasuke, the designated Children of Destiny, fearing his presence would cause unpredictable and potentially disastrous changes to the timeline. However, with the passage of time and his own continuously increasing strength and influence, such deviations from the original plot had already occurred, irrevocably altering the course of events.
Take Sasuke, for instance. In the original timeline, around this point, Sasuke should have been nearing the traumatic, life-altering night of the Uchiha Massacre. But now, in this altered reality, the possibility of that massacre happening seemed increasingly remote. Without being forged in that crucible of tragic experience and loss, it was unlikely Sasuke's strength would develop as rapidly or reach the same heights as it did in the original story. And if neither Naruto nor Sasuke possessed sufficient strength by the time the final conflict arrived, would they even be capable of handling the direct transfer of the Sage of Six Paths' Yin and Yang powers? That remained a critical unknown variable. The potential repercussions of their altered development were too significant; Tatsuya wasn't willing to risk the future on that uncertainty.
Therefore, Tatsuya had decided he would guide Naruto and Sasuke's training personally. With his current extensive knowledge base and formidable strength, he was more than capable of mentoring them effectively. He just needed to ensure they developed strength comparable to their original counterparts. That way, even if Tatsuya's own grand plans to save the world ultimately failed, Naruto and Sasuke would remain as a final safeguard, capable of fulfilling their destined role.
Of course, Tatsuya couldn't deny that a small part of him was also undeniably curious to get a closer, personal look at the so-called 'cheat' powers wielded by these two pivotal figures of destiny.
"Naruto?" Itachi's brow furrowed slightly, and he hesitated. "This... will Lord Hokage agree?" Uzumaki Naruto was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki; his importance to the village was self-evident, and Itachi knew his every move was constantly monitored by ANBU. Training him directly carried certain risks. Naruto was still young; if the training somehow triggered the Nine-Tails' volatile chakra within him, the situation could easily spiral out of control. Itachi wasn't worried about Tatsuya's ability to handle the Nine-Tails if necessary, but rather that the Third Hokage might refuse permission due to the potential danger to the village and Naruto himself.
Tatsuya waved a dismissive hand. "You don't need to worry about Lord Hokage. I'll convince him. You just need to persuade your father and Sasuke to agree to this arrangement."
Itachi visibly relaxed, breathing a sigh of relief. "Rest assured, Big Brother Tatsuya. I will convince them," he promised firmly.
"Alright," Tatsuya nodded. "Then I'll wait for your news."
"Right then, time to go see that little fellow, I suppose!" Itachi left quickly, practically buzzing with excitement, leaving Tatsuya alone in the office, murmuring thoughtfully to himself.
That evening, Naruto was walking home alone through the streets of Konoha, his familiar backpack slung over his shoulder. As he passed the entrance to an alleyway, he suddenly stopped. Standing there, blocking his path with a wide, friendly smile, was Tatsuya.
"Fat Uncle!" Naruto's face immediately lit up with excitement as he ran towards him. Look at Fat Uncle's expression! He was clearly waiting for me! Naruto thought happily. Looks like it's time for a big meal at Ichiraku Ramen!
Sure enough, the moment Naruto reached him, Tatsuya spoke with a grin. "Come on! Let's go get some ramen. My treat!"
"Alright!" Naruto cheered, agreeing excitedly and bouncing along beside Tatsuya. In his often lonely life, just having someone willing to share a bowl of ramen with him was a truly happy occasion.
The large man and the small, energetic boy quickly headed off together towards the welcoming lights of Ichiraku Ramen.