Shikaku Nara froze mid-thought, his sharp mind swirling with disbelief. Could it be that Tsunade-sama was also connected to Kaito? If so, then what about Ino and Hinata? Were they truly tied to Ayanami Kaito as well?
The realization made his chest tighten. For a man of his intellect, this was like uncovering a world-shaking secret. Slowly, envy replaced his earlier doubt. Why hadn't he been blessed with a daughter? If he had, the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance would have secured a future bound to the God of Shinobi himself. The Ino family, with a son-in-law like Kaito, could prosper for a hundred years.
Yet a nagging thought held him back. No, wait! Kaito is only a teenager… how could he already be this Senju-like figure in the shadows? For once, Shikaku found himself tangled in his own logic.
"Shikaku," Yamanaka Inoichi whispered, tugging his sleeve. The reminder brought him back to reality, and Shikaku quickly composed himself.
"My apologies," he said, bowing slightly. "I was lost in thought."
"It's fine, Shikaku-senpai. What should we do now?" Chojuro asked nervously, clearly out of his depth in this situation.
"Relax," Shikaku said calmly, his tone easing the tension. "Because of the relationship between your Mizukage and our Konoha, there's no need to be so tense. We'll take you to see Hokage-sama first, then assign someone to guide you through the village."
"This… this is acceptable?" Chojuro stammered.
"Of course. Don't worry. Your Mizukage-sama won't blame you," Shikaku reassured him with a small smile. His sharp mind had already guessed Terumi Mei's true intentions. This delegation was little more than a formality.
At Kaito's Home
Meanwhile, inside Kaito's residence, Terumi Mei had a playful smile as she looked at Hinata and Ino, both sitting nervously.
"So these are the sisters Hinata and Ino? I've heard Kaito speak of you often," she said warmly.
"Hello, Terumi Mei-sama. It's a pleasure to meet you," the girls replied in unison, bowing politely.
With an elegant motion, Terumi Mei produced a sealing scroll from her robes. With a puff of chakra smoke, rows of glass bottles and jars appeared, filled with cosmetics and perfumes. "These are specialties from Kirigakure. I thought the two of you might enjoy them."
Hinata and Ino gasped softly. Even as heirs of noble clans, they had never seen such a dazzling collection. Some of these products were exclusive even to daimyō families. Their eyes lit up with girlish excitement, and within moments, the three women were chatting like old friends.
Kaito could only shake his head with a wry smile. So that's all it takes? The secret bond of women is cosmetics.
Later that afternoon, the group wandered the streets of Konoha. Ino and Mei chatted animatedly while Kaito trailed behind them, arms full of shopping bags and sweat beading on his forehead. Even with his Sage-enhanced body, his legs ached from hours of walking.
By evening, they finally returned home. Kaito collapsed onto the floor, arms spread wide in exhaustion. So much for being invincible. Shopping with women is a battle no man can win.
He muttered to himself, Next time, I'd rather fight Obito than do this again.
The three women laughed and headed straight for the kitchen, leaving him sprawled out like an old man waiting for dinner.
Just then, the front door slid open. Kushina stepped in, wearing simple home clothes. Her eyes immediately fell on Kaito, looking utterly drained.
"Kaito, are you alright? Did you not recover from the last battle?" she asked, genuine worry in her voice.
"It's fine," Kaito replied, sitting up halfway. "I just went shopping with Mei today. I'm exhausted."
"Terumi Mei? The Mizukage? She's here?" Kushina's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah. She's in the kitchen," Kaito said without thinking.
Kushina frowned, muttered something under her breath, and marched straight into the kitchen. Kaito blinked in confusion. Why does she sound upset? Maybe I should go eat at Shikaku's house instead…
Before he could move, the door opened again. This time, Tsunade entered, her face dark with irritation.
"Where's that little babysitter, Terumi Mei?" she asked flatly.
"In the kitchen," Kaito replied cautiously.
Tsunade hesitated for a moment, then sighed and plopped down beside him. "Forget it. I'll wait until after she's done cooking."
An hour later, Kushina, Hinata, Ino, and Terumi Mei emerged from the kitchen with dishes in hand. They froze at the sight of Tsunade already seated.
"Sister Tsunade, you're here!" Hinata greeted quickly, while Ino echoed her words.
Kushina's voice carried a note of surprise. "Tsunade, what brings you here?"
"I heard Terumi Mei was visiting. Thought I'd come see for myself," Tsunade answered with a smile.
Terumi Mei's lips curled into a playful smirk. "Well, if it isn't the legendary big-breasted princess herself."
"No bigger than yours, little babysitter," Tsunade shot back without missing a beat.
The tension crackled instantly. Their eyes locked, sparks practically flying between them.
Kaito could only sigh. After all these years, these two still clashed like fire and oil. He ignored them and instead called Kushina, Hinata, and Ino over for dinner.
The younger girls sat stiffly, unnerved by the powerful aura radiating from both women.
Finally, Terumi Mei stood. "Big-chested woman, if you're so confident, let's settle this outside."
"Gladly," Tsunade retorted, rising with a dangerous smirk.
The two stepped into the courtyard, and without hesitation, unleashed their chakra. Two pillars of energy erupted into the sky, pale and blinding, shaking the very air.
It was the same fierce clash they had shared years ago, back when Terumi Mei was still young and unpolished. History, it seemed, was about to repeat itself.