Naruto SI: Kaito Red Lightnin Chapter 225
The chair beside him was empty.
Naruto blinked.
"…Huh?" He looked around. "Where'd he go?"
Just then, Ayame stepped up and placed the bill on the counter. "Here you go, Naruto."
Naruto leaned forward and squinted at it.
"…Five hundred and sixty ryō?"
Seven bowls of ramen. Extra toppings on every single one.
Naruto froze.
Elsewhere Jiraiya crouched atop a nearby building, the night breeze tugging lightly at his clothes. He pulled out his telescope from within his robes and peered through it.
"There you are…" he muttered.
He followed Tsunade's movements, then frowned. "Huh? Who's she with?"
He zoomed in slightly. "Wait… isn't that guy—what was his name again?"
He zoomed in further.
"…What's she doing with him?"
His frown deepened when he saw Tsunade holding Kenji's arm.
"Why is she holding his arm like that?"
Jiraiya continued to trail them from rooftop to rooftop.
When Tsunade and Kenji entered a yakiniku restaurant, Jiraiya repositioned himself and peered inside.
He watched as they ate together.
Talked.
Laughed.
Fed each other.
Slowly, the realization sank in.
"…She's on a date."
Jiraiya lowered the telescope, collapsed it, and stood there in silence for a moment.
Then he turned away and walked off into the night.
…
Morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Hokage's office, casting long lines across the wooden floor. The village below was already awake—voices drifting faintly upward, the occasional cart rattling over stone.
Tsunade stepped inside first, a stack of folders tucked under one arm.
She moved around the desk and set the folders down in a neat pile. As she pulled her chair back and sat, a brief wave of nausea hit her.
It wasn't strong.
Just sudden.
Her hand paused on the edge of the desk. Her brow tightened slightly.
"…Tch." She clicked her tongue.
She reached for the top file, opened it, and began reading.
The door opened quietly.
Kenji stepped in carrying a tray with a pot and a teacup.
He noticed immediately.
"You alright?"
"I'm fine," she said flatly, leaning back in her chair.
Another faint ripple in her stomach. She exhaled slowly through her nose, steadying herself.
"Probably that sushi from last night," she muttered. "Should've known better."
Kenji closed the door with his foot and walked over to the desk. He set the tray down carefully and poured her a cup.
"Here. Drink this, Tsuna. It should help," he said simply, handing her the cup.
Tsunade looked up at him and gave a small smile. "Thanks." She picked up the cup and took a slow sip. The warmth lingered in her chest. It did help.
"Tsuna. If you're not feeling well, take the day off," he said. "The village won't collapse if you step away for one day."
She snorted lightly. "I know it won't."
She set the cup down and tapped the stack of folders with her fingers. "But if I don't finish what's on this desk today, it'll just keep piling up and double my workload. And then that kid might actually decide to kill me if I decide to dump more on him. I'm pretty sure he's considered it a few times."
Kenji's mouth twitched. "Kaito?"
"Who else?" she said with a quiet snort. "I've been pushing enough paperwork onto him as it is."
She skimmed a page before continuing, calmer now. "Besides, I've got something important to finalize today. I'm not delaying it."
Kenji sighed, knowing that tone. There was no arguing once she'd decided. "…Alright. But if it gets worse, please take the day off."
Tsunade looked up at him, slightly amused. "Stop worrying so much. Aren't you late?"
She glanced at the clock on the wall. "Weren't you supposed to meet your team to give them a briefing?"
Kenji shook his head. "Not until later in the morning. I can spare a few minutes."
Then, more casually, he asked, "By the way, when is Shizune going on her maternity leave?"
At the mention of Shizune's name, Tsunade paused.
Her pen froze mid-stroke against the paper.
For a brief second, her hand drifted—almost unconsciously—toward her own stomach.
She caught herself and stilled.
Kenji noticed the pause immediately. He raised a brow. "Tsuna? What's wrong?"
She blinked once and straightened slightly, pulling her hand back to the desk.
"Nothing. Just remembered something," she said evenly. "What did you ask again? Right—Shizune."
"She's going on leave at the end of this week." She flipped a page in the file, eyes scanning but unfocused for half a heartbeat before settling.
A faint snort left her. "She's stubborn, though. Keeps saying she can still work."
Kenji studied her for a moment before saying mildly, "Well… you did train her."
Tsunade shot him an annoyed look. "What was that?"
He chuckled lightly. "Nothing. Nothing."
He stepped toward the door, then paused with his hand on the handle. "I'll be back around noon," he said. "We can get lunch."
She waved a hand dismissively without looking up from the file. "Don't bother. I promised Kushina and Shizune I'd join them."
Kenji smiled faintly. "Alright. Have fun. I'll see you later."
"…Go," she muttered, though a small smirk tugged at her lips.
Kenji left, closing the door quietly behind him.
The office fell silent.
Tsunade sat still for a long moment.
Her gaze lowered.
This time, her hand rested lightly against her abdomen—slow, deliberate.
"…Sushi, huh," she murmured under her breath.
…
The afternoon sun hung over Training Ground 15 as three shinobi sat slumped against a wooden post near the edge of the clearing, breathing hard.
Jin rubbed his ribs with a pained look. "Captain wasn't holding back on that kick…"
"Hold still," the medic beside him muttered, her hands glowing green as she pressed them gently against his side. "If You don't move around and I'll stop healing you."
"I'm not moving," Jin protested. "I'm expressing pain."
"That's moving," Aiko huffed.
Kenji walked over, holding three water bottles by their necks. He tossed one lightly toward the third member leaning against the post. "Here."
The boy with the Uchiha crest on the back of his shirt caught it without looking. He unscrewed the cap. "Thanks," he said evenly.
Seventeen, maybe eighteen. Sharp features. Dark hair tied low at the nape of his neck. Calm posture, even after training.
Kenji handed the second bottle to the medic. "You too, Aiko."
She took it with a small nod. Early twenties, brown hair tied in a practical bun, sleeves rolled up. Her flak jacket was scuffed from the ground.
"Thank you, Captain," she said, then immediately took a long drink.
Jin groaned as the green light faded. Around the same age as Aiko, civilian-born like her. Lean build, short dark hair, currently looking betrayed.
"Was that necessary?" he asked, still rubbing his side.
Kenji crouched down in front of them, resting his forearms on his knees, relaxed smile in place. He handed the last bottle to Jin. "If you can complain, it means you're fine."
"That's not how that works," Jin said, exasperated as he took the bottle.
Ren took another sip of water. "You can't blame the Captain for dropping your guard," he said calmly.
Jin turned to glare at him. "I didn't drop my guard. I slipped."
Ren gave him a flat look. "That's the same."
"It's not the same," Jin shot back. "One sounds incompetent. The other sounds unlucky."
"They both end with you on the ground," Ren replied.
Kenji chuckled. "You three did well today. Jin. Aiko. Ren."
Ren met his eyes without speaking.
"You're getting the hang of the new formation," Kenji continued. "Your teamwork's improving. Jin, you covered Ren's blind spot without being told."
Jin blinked. "…I did?"
"You did," Aiko confirmed. "You just got kicked immediately after."
"That's not the point," Kenji said with a quiet laugh. "But yes."
Jin looked faintly pleased despite himself, though he tried to hide it by drinking water.
Aiko capped her bottle. "So… Captain, when are we going on our next mission?"
Jin nodded. "Yeah, it's been a while. You've just been running us through this drill over and over."
Ren didn't say anything, but his attention sharpened slightly at the question.
Kenji stood, stretching his arms briefly over his head before letting them fall back to his sides.
"We're going on one tomorrow," he said. "I already picked it up before I came here. Border patrol along the Grass border."
All three straightened.
"We leave tomorrow morning," Kenji continued. "Two weeks."
Ren's expression stayed composed, but his eyes narrowed just a fraction. "Two weeks?"
"Two weeks," Kenji repeated. "Pack accordingly."
Jin groaned. "Two weeks?"
"It's a patrol," Aiko said, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. "What did you expect? We actually got one of the shorter rotations."
Kenji chuckled. "She's right. Border patrol usually runs a month. Sometimes longer if the replacement team's delayed."
Jin muttered something under his breath but nodded.
"Alright," Kenji said, brushing dust from his pants. "Dismissed. Get cleaned up and be ready at the east gate by—"
"Well, well. Didn't expect to run into you out here."
The familiar voice carried easily across the training ground.
Kenji turned.
Jiraiya was walking toward them, hands tucked loosely into his sleeves, expression relaxed and curious.
Kenji bowed his head respectfully. "Jiraiya-sama."
The team immediately stood straighter.
"Ah… Kenji, right?" Jiraiya said as he stopped a few steps away.
"Yes, sir."
Ren's eyes widened just slightly before he masked it.
Jin blinked. "Is that—"
Aiko elbowed him quietly.
Jiraiya's gaze shifted to the three behind Kenji. "This must be your team."
Kenji nodded. "Yes. Ren Uchiha. Jin Takeda. Aiko Morita."
All three bowed quickly.
"It's an honor," Aiko said.
Ren dipped his head. "Jiraiya-sama."
Jin looked like he was physically restraining himself from blurting something out.
Jiraiya waved it off. "None of that." He smiled faintly. "Relax. I don't bite."
Kenji gave him a polite look. "Not to be rude, Jiraiya-sama, but… what are you doing here?" He tilted his head slightly. "Weren't you out of the village?"
"Just got back," Jiraiya replied easily. "Was strolling around, stretching my legs. Saw you all training. Thought I'd drop by and say hello."
Then, casually, Jiraiya slung an arm over Kenji's shoulder.
Kenji blinked.
"Why don't we grab lunch?" Jiraiya said as if the idea had just occurred to him. "I was heading to get something myself. Give me some company, would you? My treat."
Kenji opened his mouth—
—but Jiraiya was already steering him toward the path.
"…Jiraiya-sama," Kenji said, a bit awkwardly.
Jiraiya glanced down at him, raising a brow. "What? You busy?"
Kenji looked back at his team. All three were staring openly now.
"…No," Kenji sighed lightly. "I suppose not."
He straightened despite Jiraiya's arm still around him. "Team dismissed. Pack for tomorrow. East gate at eight."
"Yes, Captain!" they answered in unison.
As Kenji was guided down the path, Jin leaned closer to the others, lowering his voice.
"…Our captain is acquainted with one of the Sannin."
Ren crossed his arms. "Apparently."
Aiko's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then that rumor about him dating Lady Tsunade…"
Jin's eyes widened. "It's true?"
Ren didn't answer.
…
The yakiniku grill crackled softly between them, thin slices of meat sizzling as smoke drifted lazily upward. The lunch crowd had thinned, leaving the place calm—just the occasional clink of chopsticks and low conversation from nearby tables.
Kenji leaned back slightly as he set down his rice bowl, relaxed.
Across from him, Jiraiya swirled the liquid in his cup idly, watching the surface ripple.
"So," Jiraiya said in an easy tone, "how's the reintegration going for you?"
Kenji gave a small smile. "Better than I expected."
"Yeah?" Jiraiya raised a brow.
"I thought it would be… awkward," Kenji admitted. He rested his forearm lightly against the edge of the table. "Most people don't know where I've been. Or what I was doing. That helps."
Jiraiya snorted faintly. "Ignorance as a blessing."
"Something like that," Kenji replied.
Jiraiya studied him over the rim of his cup. "And being back in the village?"
Kenji glanced down at the grill and flipped a piece of meat before answering.
"It's actually the same," he said slowly. "There isn't much difference between Konoha and Iwa. Not in how shinobi operate."
He paused, considering his words.
"Well… except the architecture," he added with a faint smile. "But Konoha…" He hesitated briefly. "Konoha just feels like home."
Jiraiya's smirk softened slightly. "That's good to hear."
Kenji chuckled under his breath. "I like it," he said after a moment. "Working with a team. Standing in the village without watching every shadow."
Jiraiya hummed thoughtfully. "You get used to that part."
A server passed by to refill their water glasses. Neither spoke until she moved away.
Jiraiya set his cup down with a soft tap against the table.
"And Tsunade?" he asked casually.
Kenji didn't tense. He met Jiraiya's gaze directly.
"She's… busy," he said first, a faint hint of humor in his voice. "Overworked."
"That's not what I meant."
Kenji's expression shifted, subtle but clear.
"I know."
Kenji didn't rush his answer.
"I care about her," he said simply. "She's strong. Smart. Stubborn. And she doesn't lean on anyone unless she chooses to."
Jiraiya watched him without interrupting.
"And you?" Jiraiya asked. "You planning to be someone she can lean on?"
"Yes," Kenji replied without hesitation.
"Good." Jiraiya picked up his cup again, swirling the sake slowly. Then, almost lightly, he added, "If you hurt her, I'll hunt you down."
There was no shift in tone.
No glare.
Just calm certainty.
Kenji held his gaze. "That's fair," he said evenly.
Jiraiya's brow lifted slightly.
Kenji continued, voice steady. "If I ever gave you a reason to, I'd deserve it."
A faint smile tugged at Jiraiya's mouth. "You're not scared of me?"
Kenji shook his head once. "Respect and fear aren't the same thing."
That earned a quiet chuckle. "Good answer."
Jiraiya drained his cup and set it down with a soft click against the table.
He stood, stretching his arms loosely over his head.
"Well," he said, glancing down at Kenji, "I've said what I came to say."
Kenji rose as well.
For a brief second, Jiraiya's expression lost its playful edge.
"Take care of her."
"I will," Kenji said.
Jiraiya gave a small nod.
He didn't add anything else.
He simply turned and walked out of the restaurant, hands tucked into his sleeves.
…
Tsunade sat behind her desk in her office, fingers loosely laced together as she listened without interruption.
Genma stood in front of her, finishing his report.
"We only had a minor supply delay from the checkpoint," he said evenly. "But it's been resolved."
Tsunade gave a short nod. "Good. Have the written report on my desk by tomorrow afternoon."
"Hai, Hokage-sama," the others answered together.
"You're dismissed," she said, her gaze shifting slightly. "Except you, Genma."
Genma raised a brow but remained where he was.
The three shinobi behind him bowed and stepped out, the door closing softly.
The room fell quiet.
Genma glanced back at her, mildly curious. "What is it, Hokage-sama?"
Tsunade opened a drawer and pulled out a folded document. She didn't explain. She slid it across the desk toward him.
"Here."
Genma stepped forward and picked it up.
His eyes scanned the heading.
Konoha Military Police Force – Reassignment Order.
He blinked once.
"…Reassignment?"
"Yes," Tsunade confirmed calmly. "You're being reassigned to the Konoha Military Police Force."
Genma looked up slowly.
"I spoke with Fugaku," she continued evenly. "There's a lieutenant position open. You'll report next Monday."
Genma stared at the paper for another second.
"…This is a joke, right?"
Tsunade's expression didn't change. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
He hesitated. "…Why?"
There was no anger in his voice. Just confusion.
Tsunade's tone remained direct.
"You're about to be a father," she said plainly. "Shizune's going on maternity leave this week."
Genma immediately understood why.
"I know she doesn't show it," Tsunade said evenly, "but Shizune worries every time you go out on a mission. That's why I'm reassigning you."
She held his gaze. "She doesn't need to spend the next few months wondering if you're bleeding out on some border," Tsunade continued. "The Police pays well. It keeps you in the village. And it keeps you out of unnecessary danger."
Genma was quiet for a moment.
"This isn't permanent," Tsunade added. "You can work there until the baby's born. Once things settle, if you want to return to field operations, you can. This only becomes permanent if you decide it does."
Genma looked back down at the form.
Then up at her again.
"…Isn't this favoritism?" he asked, one brow lifting slightly.
Tsunade's expression didn't shift.
"And who exactly are you going to report to?" she asked calmly.
Genma paused.
"Exactly," she said. She leaned forward slightly, forearms resting on the desk. "And I'd reassign any shinobi under my command if they requested it for their family. You just didn't have to ask."
Genma held her gaze for another second.
Then he gave a small nod.
"…Thank you."
Tsunade waved a hand dismissively. "Don't thank me yet. If you slack off in the Police, Fugaku will send you back personally."
That earned a faint grin from Genma.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
The door opened and Shizune stepped in, holding a file. She blinked when she saw Genma still standing there. Her pregnancy was more visible now, her belly rounding beneath her clothes.
"Am I interrupting?"
"No," Tsunade said.
Shizune walked over and handed the file across the desk. "Here's the hospital report you wanted."
Tsunade nodded. "Thank you."
She took the file and opened it, scanning the first page.
Then she looked up at her assistant. "You can take the rest of the day off, Shizune."
Shizune blinked. "I'm fine—"
"That wasn't a suggestion," Tsunade said mildly.
She glanced toward Genma. "Please take her with you."
Genma slipped one hand into his pocket and nodded. "…Right."
Shizune gave him a curious look but didn't argue. After a brief bow, the two of them stepped out of the office together.
The door closed softly.
Tsunade continued reading through the file Shizune had handed her.
Her expression shifted subtly as she reached the final page.
"…Tenzo."
The air shifted.
A figure materialized near the wall—ANBU mask in place, posture straight.
"Hokage-sama."
Without looking up, Tsunade said, "Get the brat for me."
…
The late noon sky cast a warm glow through the tall windows of the Hokage's office.
Tsunade finished the last of her paperwork and leaned back in her chair, letting out a slow breath.
For a moment, she just sat there.
Her hand rested lightly against her stomach as she looked down at it.
She stayed like that—quiet, lost in thought—until a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," she called.
Kenji stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "How are you feeling?" he asked as he approached. "You look better than this morning."
Tsunade snorted lightly. "I took some medicine to deal with it."
She waved a hand dismissing the ANBU still guarding her.
Kenji gave a brief nod as the masked shinobi vanished without a sound.
Kenji's gaze flicked briefly to the neatly stacked paperwork on the desk. "i see You finished."
"Yes," she replied. "Don't sound so surprised."
He gave the faintest hint of a smile. "I wasn't."
He walked closer to the desk. "And?"
She looked up at him. "And what?"
"How was lunch with Kushina and Shizune?"
Tsunade nodded faintly. "It was good. We had lunch at Ichiraku. Kushina practically dragged us there."
Kenji's He gave a quiet chuckle. "sounds like you had fun."
"It was," Tsunade admitted with a small nod. "We just sat there and talked for a bit before I had to come back to the office."
Then she looked at him. "What about you? How was your day?"
Kenji slipped his hands loosely into his pockets. "We wrapped up training. Then I ran into Jiraiya."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Jiraiya?"
Kenji nodded. "He invited me to lunch. We had yakiniku."
She leaned back slightly in her chair. "So. What did he want with you?"
Kenji's tone remained steady. "He asked how I was doing. How reintegration was going. How I was adjusting to being back in Konoha."
Tsunade's brow lifted slightly. "That's all?"
Kenji shook his head once and gave a small chuckle. "No. He also warned me."
Her eyes narrowed just a little. "Warned you?"
"Yeah," Kenji said. "He told me if I hurt you, he'd hunt me down."
There was no tension in his voice when he said it.
Tsunade looked away toward the window, a soft, almost fond smile touching her lips.
"That idiot," she murmured.
Kenji chuckled quietly. "He's a good friend. He cares about you."
Tsunade nodded once. "He does."
The room grew quiet.
Her gaze lowered again.
Her hands rested lightly over her stomach.
Kenji noticed.
She lifted her head slowly.
There was something different in her expression now—more serious, and just a little uncertain.
"Dan…" she said quietly. "There's something we need to talk about."
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