Time flowed quickly, and before Renji realized it, golden autumn had arrived. September. His birthday was just around the corner.
"Renji, your birthday is coming up! Shouldn't we throw a little party? You can invite your teammates too.
You never liked playing with others when you were little. Now you finally have two close friends make sure you cherish that! We'll invite your uncle and aunt, maybe even Sister Aoko, and we'll bring your teacher along too. It'll be lively, and after all, this is your first birthday as a shinobi!"
Ran spoke excitedly, already lost in her own world of planning.
Renji smiled. In this life, he had a loving family. Parents who cared about him deeply. Two teammates who were brothers to him, even if they were sometimes idiots. A foul-mouthed mentor who treated his sword like his first love. A proud clan. A prosperous village. Everything felt so precious.
Perched on the tree in the yard, Renji gazed at the sky and thought about the Uchiha and the village.
The Senju and the Uchiha had built Konoha for peace, yet in the end, the Uchiha would be slaughtered within that very village. How had it come to this?
He thought bitterly: We founded the village to protect our families, to stop senseless bloodshed. And yet, generations later, the founding clan was pushed aside, crushed, erased.
It wasn't about the Will of Fire. It was politics. Power. Smaller clans seizing control, knowing they could never suppress a giant like the Uchiha. Just as ancient emperors weakened their nobles, Konoha's leaders chipped away at the great clans.
The Senju dwindled until only Tsunade remained. The Uchiha, glaringly powerful, became the next target. The Hyuga? Their own traditions chained them from the inside. Weakening themselves made them acceptable to the rulers.
But the Uchiha, untamed, united, unmatched, were too dangerous to be left alone.
Renji exhaled heavily. He understood now. If the Uchiha wanted to survive, there was only one path. The path to the Hokage's chair.
"Happy Birthday!"
Voices rang out as family and friends gathered. Renji grinned wide.
His little cousin Rie leapt into his arms, hugging him tightly before turning to make faces at Fugaku.
Fugaku, still stoic and grumpy, looked away. Renji chuckled. He really does remind me of Sasuke. He couldn't resist ruffling Fugaku's hair and tapping his forehead like Itachi used to. "Smile for me, little Yue."
The whole room burst into laughter. Even Uncle Nobunaga cracked a rare smile.
Rie beamed. "He's a grumpyhead, but he told me to give you this gift!" She planted a kiss on Renji's cheek. "That's from me! Do you like it?"
Renji laughed warmly. "With a cousin as cute as you, any gift is my favorite."
Blushing, Fugaku pulled out a scroll. Inside was the Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu.
"Thank you, Yue. One day you'll become a great shinobi, just like your father."
Ran stepped forward next, handing Renji a finely crafted charm. "This is from me. A talisman, to keep you safe on every mission."
Then Kenshi stood, receiving a short blade from his wife before presenting it to Renji. "From next week, you'll begin sword training. This blade is called Seikaze, 'Clear Wind.' Treat it well."
Takuma grinned mischievously. "And my gift… I've arranged a test with your uncle. You'll see tomorrow. Pass it, and you'll understand."
Finally, Uncle Nobunaga produced a scroll. "From today, you are squad captain. Kenshi will leave your team to take command of the Fourth Division. You three will form the only squad in that unit."
More gifts followed, until Renji's heart overflowed.
"Thank you, everyone. I'll train harder than ever. I'll protect my family, protect the Uchiha, and make our name echo across the ninja world!"
Cheers erupted, and all eyes turned to his teammates. Curious what they would offer, they blushed before Yan spoke.
"We've prepared something special. But you'll have to come with us after the banquet. You'll love it."
Takuma, already tipsy, cackled. "Oh-ho! The boys have secrets now, eh?" No one minded, everyone was too happy.
Renji himself grew curious. His teammates had been whispering to each other a lot lately. What were they hiding?
After the party, Yan and Retsu dragged him away, both dressed in combat gear.
"Renji, here's your outfit. Put it on. Our gift is the big catch you've been waiting for. Tonight, on your birthday, we're going fishing. Happy birthday, brother."
"Happy birthday, Renji," Retsu added.
Renji laughed. "You guys…" Their gift was strange, but heartfelt.
As he changed into his gear, Retsu explained.
"The bearded man came back two mornings ago. I saw him at the village gate when I was with my uncle. Yan noticed the fishball shop was closed today. I checked the market, turns out the orphan girl who helps with deliveries took the day off, said she'd be at the orphanage. We suspect something's happening in the next two days.
I tracked the man and his hideout. He's got two lackeys who went inside and never came out. He's been lurking near the Academy these past days. Before tonight's banquet, his lackeys left the village, and he hasn't reappeared since."
Yan nodded. "We don't have enough manpower to follow everyone. So no matter what they're planning, we nail the bearded man. He's the key. And through him, we'll find your real birthday gift."
Renji grinned, excitement surging through him. "Then let's go. Time to claim my birthday present."
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