In the end, Uchiha Kaien still managed to earn the recognition of the Third Raikage.
The Third Raikage had always admired people who were tough and stubborn—people like that, once they became comrades, were the ones you could truly trust.
Besides, Kaien's awakened Sharingan was proof enough of his talent and potential.
He was someone worth treating favorably.
And that led to the scene unfolding now.
"Starting today, you'll be living at my place. Someone will bring you some new clothes soon."
The one speaking was a boy around fifteen years old, built like a seasoned shinobi. Physically, he didn't look like your average teenager.
But he really was just fifteen.
The son of the Third Raikage, though he hadn't officially received the name "A" yet.
Still, within Kumogakure, everyone already called him "A." He was widely recognized as the successor to the Raikage title.
And in Kumogakure, being recognized was simple—just defeat every other possible contender. Then you're the candidate. Simple as that.
And clearly, fifteen-year-old A had done just that.
With his powerful physique and a unique taijutsu style enhanced by the Lightning Chakra Mode and techniques like Lightning Body Flicker, A had carved out a formidable combat identity.
He could even go toe-to-toe with seasoned jōnin in the village.
As for his peers? A completely crushed them. No contest.
Now, the Third Raikage had put A in charge of "watching over" Uchiha Kaien—though the intention was obvious: he wanted A to influence Kaien, to win him over, to make him recognize Kumogakure.
The ninja world had always respected strength.
Kumogakure even more so.
The Third Raikage was counting on A to subdue Kaien.
Of course, he might've had other plans too.
But Kaien... he was going to disappoint them.
"So why, exactly, did you bring me a kimono?"
Kaien held up the garment, perfectly sized for his body, expressionless as he looked at A. He was already exasperated.
Here we go again.
"Because your chakra is still sealed. There's no point in wearing shinobi gear," A replied matter-of-factly. "Might as well try living like an ordinary person while you get used to being in the village."
To A, it made perfect sense.
With chakra sealed, Kaien was a regular civilian. Why dress like a ninja?
Sure, Kumogakure was a village with strong martial traditions, but not everyone practiced ninjutsu. Most residents were just regular people.
To blend in, Kaien had to understand village life too.
"I get the logic. But when you kidnapped me, didn't you guys confirm I was alone? No family? So how'd you miss something as basic as my gender?"
Kaien looked helpless for a moment, then casually carried the kimono into the bathroom.
He'd gotten used to this kind of thing. It wasn't the first time. Still, having to explain himself over and over was just annoying.
A, on the other hand, looked completely dumbfounded.
He's a guy?
His old man had said something about winning Kaien over, and then—maybe—he could even be a future wife…
Besides, Kaien was easily one of the most beautiful people A had ever seen.
The moment he'd laid eyes on him, he'd felt something. This kid looked like he'd walked straight out of his aesthetic preferences.
And awakening the Sharingan at ten? That level of talent couldn't be questioned.
His father assigning him to watch over Kaien was definitely more than just surveillance. He clearly wanted them to bond.
If they could have children, Kumogakure might finally get access to the Sharingan—one of the most coveted kekkei genkai in the ninja world.
Still... if Kaien was male, that just made things simpler. Pair him with a few women he liked, and eventually, Kumogakure could start its own Uchiha line.
Fifteen-year-old A's thoughts started spiraling into chaos.
But for now, he decided not to tell the Third Raikage anything. He'd observe for a while longer. What if this kid was just messing with him?
No way he's a guy. Not with that face.
And the way he accepted the kimono—it looked so natural. Like it wasn't even his first time wearing one!
For the first time in his life, the hot-headed young A realized brute strength couldn't solve everything.
Especially... not something like gender.
He plopped onto the couch, deep in thought.
...
Time passed without him realizing it. By the time Kaien stepped out of the shower, A was still sitting there, troubled and distracted.
"Hey. You okay?"
Kaien waved a hand in front of A's face, a small frown forming on his brow.
Is this guy really the future Fourth Raikage?
Judging by his chakra, A had plenty—only about a third of Kaien's own, but still quite a lot.
Which was crazy, considering that even someone like Minato had far less.
A snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Kaien's voice.
Looking up, he saw Kaien standing there with arms crossed, a curious look in his eyes.
His freshly washed hair still damp, skin practically glowing now that the dirt had been rinsed away. The difference was like a gem finally polished.
The pink floral kimono somehow made his features even softer. Even when he insulted people, it came across like playful scolding.
"Not only are you kind of slow, but your village has no fashion sense. Sure, some girls might like pink, but I prefer blue."
"O-Oh. Right."
A fumbled over his words, a faint blush creeping onto his dark skin—not that it was easy to notice.
[+1 affection from A]
"Make sure to bring me men's clothes next time. I'll let this mistake slide."
"Also, undo a bit of the chakra seal. I need to dry my hair."
Kaien's brows knitted tighter after seeing the system notification.
Seriously... what is with this guy?
That tone had been downright bossy. And yet he was happy?
"There's a hairdryer…"
A hesitated. Was it really necessary to release chakra just to dry hair? Then again, if she—he?—asked again, maybe...
"It's too noisy. I don't like it," Kaien said bluntly.
"And you're dragging this out. You're way too soft. Just unlock enough for me to use one jutsu's worth. What's the big deal?"
Kaien could use his chakra regardless, but he figured giving A a sense of control would help smooth things over.
"...Fine!"
A finally gave in.
Normally, if someone talked to him like that, he'd have flown into a rage. But thanks to that [affection +1], he found it oddly hard to say no.
Not to mention Kaien's face—he just couldn't find the words to turn him down.
"That's more like it. Maybe now I'll be able to respect you a little."
"Oh, and I'm going to summon a little cat. You don't mind, right?"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (156 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)