Naruto - Leader of Kusagakure

As the evening deepened, Mikoto gently woke Akihiko from his nap. He rose, stretching and preparing to head home, with Mikoto accompanying him. They walked through the lively streets of Grass Village, where the sunset had cast a warm glow over the bustling scene.

The streets thrummed with activity as people wrapped up their workday. Shops brimming with energy, their interiors alive with laughter and conversation. The scents of freshly baked goods and delicious meals wafted through the air, drawing Akihiko's attention to a familiar symbol on a nearby bakery.

"That's the Hand-Baked Bakery," Mikoto said, noticing his interest. "It was recently opened by one of the Uchiha couples. I didn't expect it to become so popular."

Despite no longer being the matriarch of the Uchiha clan, Mikoto had continued to watch over her clan's well-being. Seeing Uchiha members thriving in Grass Village filled her with genuine happiness.

As Akihiko strolled through the familiar yet subtly evolving landscape of Grass Village, he noted the additions that had appeared in his brief absence—new advertisement screens, colorful posters, and various unfamiliar products. Rain ninjas, now a regular sight, moved about on their business without causing any disturbance. Akihiko mused that with time, Sand ninjas might also become a common sight in Grass Village.

Life in Grass Village seemed to proceed as usual, with the rhythm of daily activities maintaining its steady pace. However, his attention was drawn to a new sign: 'Tobi Environmental Recycling Co.'

Akihiko paused, his eyebrows furrowing in curiosity. The name struck him as oddly familiar.

"Whose company is this?" he wondered aloud. "Could it be Obito?"

Mikoto noticed Akihiko's sudden pause and followed his gaze to the new company sign. "This is a recent addition," she explained. "The president, Tobi, is quite familiar with Clan Leader Obito."

Although she found Akihiko's interest in the company peculiar, she continued, "It's a promising enterprise with operations spanning the entire ninja world."

Akihiko stared at the building, processing the information with mixed emotions. The 'Zetsu' who used to scavenge trash in the early mornings now owned a company with a global reach? It seemed almost surreal. Black Zetsu is attending school, White Zetsu's main body is working in a factory, and its clones are employed as reporters or factory workers. Now, this version of Zetsu was a business mogul?

Everyone seems to have found their path, Akihiko mused. 'But that whirlpool-faced guy ... can he really manage a company?' He remembered Zetsui's somewhat eccentric personality and wondered how someone like that could establish and run such a successful enterprise.

"This company has an intriguing backstory," Mikoto began with a smile. "Apparently, Mr. Tobi once rescued a starving man while collecting trash abroad. In gratitude, that man has been assisting Mr. Tobi ever since. That man is now the vice president of this company. His name is... Gato."

"Gato?" Akihiko's eyebrows lifted in surprise. 'That name rings a bell.'

Could it be that, following Madara's death, Tobi traveled all the way to the Land of Waves and saved the future shipping magnate, Gato?

'So now the future shipping tycoon is the second-in-command of a recycling company?' Akihiko pondered internally.

"Interestingly, although I don't know much about him personally, there are rumors that Gato is a remarkably skilled businessman," Mikoto continued. "He's reportedly expanded his business considerably in the Land of Waves over the past few years. Despite his success, he still holds deep gratitude towards Mr. Tobi for saving his life."

As Mikoto finished speaking, she glanced at Akihiko who was lost in thoughts. "Is something the matter?"

"Nothing, nothing," Akihiko said, shaking his head and refocusing. He looked around at the lively street once more.

The recent rise of the Land of Grass to one of the Five Great Nations had clearly energized the community. Shops were bustling with activity, many offering enticing discounts, and the entire village seemed to be celebrating in its own way.

"It's getting late; we should head home," Akihiko suggested, noting the darkening sky. He began to lead Mikoto forward.

As they walked, Akihiko took note of the village's changes. To be honest, He had not anticipated stumbling upon a company run by Zetsu. It made him question their priorities. Had they forgotten their original mission? Black Zetsu's mother, Kaguya, was still waiting for their rescue. It was irresponsible of them to be so distracted by other pursuits.

The street was just a short walk from their home, and soon enough, Akihiko and Mikoto arrived at their destination. However, Akihiko was taken aback by the sight at the door: two disheveled children of destiny, covered in dirt and sporting bruises on their faces.

"What happened?" he asked, his confusion evident. Then, glancing at the time, he added, "And why are you back so late? Were there combat drills tonight?"

No, that couldn't be the case, he thought. They were only in the first grade, far too young for combat drills. At their age, the focus was on laying a solid foundation and teaching the basics of being a ninja. Combat training was still a long way off.

Just as he finished speaking, a hearty laugh echoed from the side. Akihiko turned to see Kushina, who was looking vibrant in her casual attire.

Before Akihiko could voice his confusion, Kushina said with a chuckle, "These two challenged Black Zetsu to a fight again tonight."

"And they lost?" Akihiko guessed, raising an eyebrow.

"They did, and quite embarrassingly, I might add!" Kushina confirmed with a laugh.

Akihiko sighed as he looked at Naruto, who met his mother's gaze with a resentful expression, and Sasuke, who hung his head in shame and frustration.

The 'Children of Destiny' lost? Seeing them like this made Akihiko's mouth twitch. He couldn't help but think that perhaps the 'fate of ninja world' was in for a rough ride.

"Mom!" Naruto's face flushed with indignation as he looked up defiantly. "How can you say we lost? It's just a first-grade fight—it doesn't even count."

He launched into a passionate defense, recounting how Black Zetsu had repeated a grade seven times and had ganged up on them, clearly ignoring ninja ethics.

"And we didn't lose to him. If Gaara hadn't intervened, we would have won!" he insisted.

"He's really strong!" Sasuke interjected earnestly. "But I won't lose next time!"

Naruto continued, "We were trying to help him, but he attacked us instead. It's so unfair!" He shook his fist dramatically before turning to Akihiko. "Uncle Akihiko, did you bring Gaara back last night?"

"Yes, I did. Why do you ask?" Akihiko replied, nodding.

"Then where's his mom?" Naruto asked, blinking with curiosity. "Why doesn't she live here? Or is there not enough room?"

The adults exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions shifting to embarrassment at what Naruto was implying.

Kushina and Mikoto, both blushing slightly, shared an awkward smile. Kushina then lightly bonked Naruto on the head and scolded, "What are you talking about? Losing is losing. I didn't raise you to make excuses!"

"Ouch! That hurts!" Naruto rubbed his head, looking up at his mother with a mix of resentment and confusion. "I was just curious."

Kushina, still feeling a bit embarrassed, scolded Naruto with a hint of exasperation. "A child's curiosity should have limits! And no more fighting at school!"

"Alright, alright," Akihiko interjected with a sigh, shaking his head. He gently patted the kids on their heads, offering a kind smile. "It's good for kids to be lively."

The scene reminded him of Yahiko and Obito back in the day—both of whom had grown into remarkable ninjas.

Akihiko looked at them with a smile and said, "It's getting late. Let's head inside and eat. We can talk more afterward. And I've brought you both a present."

"A present? Really?" Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "What is it, Uncle Akihiko?" Sasuke, though equally curious, kept his question to himself but perked up his ears.

Noting their eager reactions, Akihiko smiled and replied, "I'll tell you after dinner. Otherwise, you might not eat your food properly."

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged puzzled looks.

'Why wouldn't we eat our dinner if we knew now?' they wondered. 'Could it be something really delicious?'