Kushina Uzumaki The Sage Of The Yuri Path

Chapter 21: Pizza, Parenting And Political Intrigue



The first two years of Raven's second life had been eventful, to say the least. Between secretly rebuilding her strength, managing her dual identities, and raising her son, life in Konoha was anything but quiet. Now, at just two years old, Raven had reached a new personal milestone: over 22 standard Kakashi units of chakra. The number was absurd, but Raven took pride in it.

"Twenty-two units already," Raven muttered under her breath as she stretched in her training grounds beneath the Crusty Kunai. "At this rate, I'll surpass Grandma Mito in no time. Not bad for an Uzumaki baby."

Yuumi, perched lazily on a nearby crate, flicked her tail. "Not bad? You're already pulling stunts no toddler has any business doing. Normal kids your age are learning how to walk, not calculating chakra reserves."

"Greatness starts early," Raven quipped, summoning one of her Lifebreaker Chakra Chains and letting it coil through the air. She tested its tensile strength before dismissing it with a satisfied nod. "And besides, it's not like I have the luxury of taking things slow."

Yuumi tilted her head. "Speaking of taking things slow, any reason you've been daydreaming about a certain blonde-haired slug summoner lately?"

Raven froze mid-step, her cheeks tinging faintly pink. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, come on," Yuumi teased, hopping onto her shoulder. "You've been writing that novel of yours about a strong, independent kunoichi who gambles her way across the world. Don't think I didn't notice the main character is suspiciously similar to Tsunade."

"It's just a coincidence," Raven said quickly, turning her attention to a nearby scroll. "Toshiko Senzu is a completely original character."

"Sure she is," Yuumi said, smirking. "And the fact that you've been thinking about finding Tsunade and dragging her back to Konoha has nothing to do with it?"

Raven sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Okay, fine. Maybe I've thought about it. Tsunade was one of the few people I trusted in my past life. I'm not going to let her waste away in some gambling den when she could be here, helping rebuild what we lost."

Yuumi chuckled. "So, it's not just about the crush?"

"Quiet, you," Raven muttered, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "We'll deal with that when the time comes."

At the same time, Raven's life as Sayuri Arata, Naruto's adoptive mother, was equally demanding. Naruto was now one year old, and despite his young age, Raven had already started teaching him the basics of life—and chakra.

"Alright, Naruto," Sayuri said, crouching down to his level as he sat on a blanket in their modest home. "This is a leaf. You're going to balance it on your forehead."

Naruto blinked up at her, his bright blue eyes wide with curiosity. He reached for the leaf, giggling as he crumpled it in his tiny hands.

"Close enough," Sayuri said with a sigh, brushing her hair back. "It's a start."

Yuumi sat nearby, observing the scene with a raised eyebrow. "You do realize he's a baby, right? He doesn't even know what chakra is."

"He's never too young to learn," Sayuri said firmly. "The sooner he starts, the better. And besides, it's not just about chakra control. I'm also teaching him how to avoid expired food."

Yuumi tilted her head. "You mean the milk thing?"

"Yes, the milk thing," Sayuri said, grimacing. "Do you know how many times I've seen future Naruto drinking expired milk in my memories? Not on my watch."

She picked up a carton of milk, pointing to the expiration date printed on the side. "Naruto, see this? This is a date. If this date has passed, you don't drink it."

Naruto reached for the carton, babbling happily. Sayuri handed it to him, watching as he smacked it against the ground.

"Progress," Sayuri said with a wry smile.

"Sure," Yuumi said, rolling her eyes. "At this rate, he'll be a milk expert by the time he's three."

When she wasn't busy training or teaching Naruto, Raven occasionally allowed herself to indulge in more mundane pursuits. The Krusty Kunai was bustling as always, her parents—Aiko Kamizuki and Hajime Kamizuki—working tirelessly to keep up with the orders. Raven, disguised as a baby, sat in her high chair, quietly observing the chaos.

"Hajime!" Aiko called from the kitchen, her rolling pin slamming against the counter. "Stop philosophizing and help me with this dough!"

Hajime, seated at the table with his usual cup of coffee, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Ah, my dear wife, true pizza is a reflection of the soul. To knead the dough is to knead one's spirit."

Raven stifled a laugh behind her sippy cup. "One of these days, he's going to get hit with that rolling pin."

Yuumi snorted. "And it'll be well-deserved."

Aiko sighed, placing a freshly baked pizza on the counter. "Someday, this place is going to be famous. The Krusty Kunai will be the talk of Konoha!"

"Someday," Raven murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. "When I take over, it'll be legendary."

Meanwhile, in the shadowy depths of Root's headquarters, Danzo Shimura sat at his desk, reviewing a stack of reports. His operatives had been investigating Sayuri Arata for months, but every lead came up empty.

"Untraceable," Danzo muttered, his single eye narrowing. "A fabricated identity. No past, no records—just a string of generous donations to the Daimyō."

One of his subordinates stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Lord Danzo, we have confirmed that the adoption is completely legal. The Daimyō himself sanctioned it."

Danzo's grip on his cane tightened. "And the funds she used? Where did they come from?"

"We… do not know," the operative admitted. "Her wealth appears to stem from her work as a writer. She is the author of a series of novels, including the popular Yuri Paradise collection."

Danzo's expression darkened. "Adult books?"

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

For a moment, the room was silent. Then Danzo slammed his cane against the floor, his frustration evident. "How does a writer of such drivel wield this much power?"

The subordinate hesitated. "Shall we continue surveillance, Lord Danzo?"

"Of course," Danzo snapped. "And spread rumors. Let the villagers know that this so-called Lady Arata is unfit to care for a child like Naruto. Stir doubt, fear—whatever it takes to weaken her position."

The rumors began to spread almost immediately. Whispers about Sayuri's mysterious past and her supposed ulterior motives for adopting Naruto filled the streets of Konoha. Some even claimed she was a demon in disguise, drawn to the boy because of the Nine-Tails within him.

Sayuri ignored the gossip, but she couldn't help feeling a flicker of annoyance. "Danzo's handprints are all over this," she muttered to Yuumi one evening.

"He's desperate," Yuumi said. "The more frustrated he gets, the sloppier his moves will be."

"Good," Sayuri said with a smirk. "Let him make mistakes. It'll only make it easier to take him down later."

At the Hokage's office, Danzo stormed in unannounced, his cane striking the floor with each step. Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from his paperwork, his expression calm but weary.

"What is the meaning of this, Danzo?" Hiruzen asked, setting his pen aside.

"We must reconsider the boy's placement," Danzo said, his tone sharp. "Naruto is a danger to this village, and you have allowed him to be placed in the hands of an unverified stranger."

"The adoption is legal," Hiruzen said firmly. "The Daimyō's decree is final."

"She cannot be trusted!" Danzo hissed. "Her background is fabricated—"

"Enough," Hiruzen said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Sayuri Arata has proven herself capable of caring for Naruto. Until you have concrete evidence to the contrary, this matter is closed."

Danzo's grip on his cane tightened, his single eye blazing with fury. "You'll regret this decision, Hiruzen Sarutobi."

With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Hiruzen sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "One day, Danzo, your ambition will be your undoing."

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