Naruto: I Draw Power Into Reality

The next morning early, Akaba woke to find a huge crowd gathered outside—practically the entire Uzumaki Village had shown up.

As Akaba barely stepped outside, every pair of eyes locked onto him.

"Is that Sakuma Akaba?"

"That artist—the one who drew the manga!"

"My kid loves reading them, but once we move to Konoha, he'll probably start liking the local manga more."

Many parents in attendance were feeling emotional today as they prepared to say goodbye to their children. Yet Akaba noticed their main topic of conversation still revolved around Konoha and himself.

What's going on here?

Frowning with suspicion, he soon spotted someone pushing through the crowd and running toward him.

"Akaba-nii, are we leaving for Konoha today?"

The little girl held books, toys, and some photos—a collection of keepsakes. It seemed like Uzumaki Shuhai wasn't planning for her to return to the Land of Whirlpools anytime soon.

Akaba gently patted her head and smiled. "Yes, you're coming to stay at my place for a while."

"Okay."

She gave a hesitant nod, though she didn't seem scared or uneasy. Truthfully, Akaba hadn't even seen Uzumaki Shuhai show up.

Not even here to see his daughter off?

"Where's your dad?" Akaba glanced around, scanning the area—even Hiruzen Sarutobi's side was empty.

"Dad was too busy to come say goodbye. He told me to just go with you and bring all my stuff."

She didn't seem bothered by her father's absence.

She really wasn't like the other kids her age. She'd also dressed nicely today—she looked every bit the little princess.

Something about this felt off to Akaba, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what. For now, it slipped his mind.

While making his way toward where Hiruzen stood, he continued thinking.

Suddenly glancing up along the path, he spotted several mothers seeing their own kids off to Konoha—wait, where was this girl's mother?

"I don't think I've ever seen her..."

He muttered under his breath. Lately, he'd been too swamped to pay attention to small things like this.

"No, no, no! Those sly old foxes tricked me!"

Realization hit him hard, and pain surged inside his chest.

Temporary lodging? Unique products of the Uzumaki clan? All lies meant for fools—and somehow, he really had become that fool.

He picked up his pace toward where Hiruzen stood, but before he got there…

"All right, everyone, go home now. We've gathered all the children; we can depart."

Hiruzen waved his hand, signaling the parents to leave.

"Teacher, Akaba has arrived. Let's start our journey—it might take a long time with all the children."

Orochimaru chimed in appropriately.

"Then let's get moving!"

At Kazama's signal, the caravan started moving.

Not once did they give Akaba a chance to say anything. He had barely arrived when he saw Hiruzen walking forward without even glancing back, clearly taking the lead position to intimidate any would-be troublemakers.

Damn it!

That scheming old bastard definitely held a grudge—just because I didn't draw for him!

Filled with rage, Akaba glared at the departing caravan, seething inside.

In this caravan, who knows exactly which items were the "local specialties" Hiruzen Sarutobi had mentioned? If they accidentally rejected the respectful tributes offered by Uzumaki Village, they might incur the enmity of the entire village.

Then, Akaba glanced at the little girl nervously trailing behind him, her face filled with panic.

Sigh... Well then.

Akaba gently patted the girl's head and sighed inwardly. After all, he had personally promised to take responsibility.

"Akaba big brother..."

"It's alright, let's go."

Despite his frustration, he could only comfort the child. Since her father hadn't even shown up, there was no way he could abandon her halfway through.

On the return journey, Hiruzen Sarutobi openly revealed his identity.

This was a warning—if any "rogue ninja" dared to make a move, they would face the wrath of the Professor of Ninja.

Right after the end of the First Great Ninja War, Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation was at its peak. Few ninja not possessing strength rivaling that of a Kage from one of the Five Great Villages dared provoke him. Thus, everyone made it safely back from Uzumaki Village to the Land of Fire.

However,

When they returned to the territory of the Land of Fire and approached the Fire Temple, Akaba saw an extravagant and magnificent procession approaching.

The eye-catching banners and clearly military-trained guards instantly made clear his identity—the Fire Daimyo!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's pupils slightly constricted.

He had anticipated the Daimyo might have objections, but he truly hadn't expected to encounter the Daimyo's entourage so soon on their way back.

It came too fast!

When the two processions met, Kazama immediately stepped aside respectfully and knelt down promptly.

Orochimaru and others took a half-kneeling posture to respectfully welcome them.

"Honored greetings to His Majesty, the Daimyo."

Hiruzen Sarutobi bowed respectfully.

Though a Kage was the leader of a village, nominally appointed by the Daimyo, and thus officially served under the Daimyo.

"Oh, it's you, Hiruzen. I was just heading for the Fire Temple when I unexpectedly ran into you. We haven't seen each other for quite some time; I've really missed you. Why don't you come aboard my carriage and share a cup of tea?"

The Daimyo's voice came out from inside his carriage.

His tone was gentle and refined, carrying a unique persuasive power that wrapped around listeners like a warm spring breeze. Just listening to his voice alone might cause many to unconsciously believe whatever the Daimyo said.

"Thank Your Majesty!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi politely expressed gratitude before slowly walking closer toward the Daimyo's carriage.

As he approached the vehicle, he nodded with a slight smile toward the head guard, who hesitated briefly, then smiled and said: "Please, Lord Hokage!"

Then, he placed down the wooden steps and lifted the curtain, indicating for Hiruzen Sarutobi to enter.

Akaba watched Sarutobi step onto the carriage, then lowered his head thoughtfully.

Coincidence?

He didn't believe it.

Too many coincidences ceased being mere chance; such a seemingly random meeting was no exception.

Perhaps it was a warning or perhaps an exchange of interests. Whatever the case, the Daimyo's intentions were already obvious—he simply did not want relations between the Land of Fire and Konoha Village to become overly strained.

After carefully weighing his options, the Daimyo chose to stage a visitation to the Fire Temple as a cover, orchestrating this "chance" encounter with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Hiruzen, during this period you personally led your squad to escort the caravan. I heard about it—it sounded quite dangerous in the middle. I felt worried about your students. Today, by happy coincidence, I see they are all safe, and thus my heart feels eased."

The Daimyo poured a cup of tea for Hiruzen Sarutobi, smiling warmly as he spoke.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It was just the usual overconfidence of youth — they almost didn't make it out of a run-in with some rogue ninjas. Fortunately, they had the talent to hold on until I arrived."

Said Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Is that so?"

The Daimyo smiled, unconcerned, then changed the subject. "By the way, who are those children?"

"Your Majesty, the Uzumaki clan leader has taken a liking to Sakuma Akaba of the Sakuma clan and wishes to form an alliance through marriage. This group was sent back to represent them. The other children came along simply to visit family."

Hiruzen continued explaining.

"I see. Speaking of Sakuma Akaba, I've heard that name before. I seem to recall she's quite a promising young artist. Which one is she?"

The Daimyo nodded with a smile, then curiously leaned out from the carriage window.

"Do you see that red-haired girl dressed most beautifully? The boy closest to her is Akaba's younger companion."

Hiruzen directly pointed them out.

The little girl was very attached to Akaba. She wasn't literally shadowing him every second, but anyone who was paying attention could see who she was closest to.

After taking a look, the Daimyo chuckled softly and pulled his head back in. "Last time we arranged a marriage alliance with the Senju clan, it brought years of prosperity to the land of Whirlpools. This time joining with the Sakuma clan... Well, they do make a fine pair."

"Thank you for your praise."

Hiruzen gave a slight smile before replying.

"In matters of alliance through marriage, much rests on the outcome. Best to proceed with care. The Uzumaki have always had excellent judgment in these matters. I'm sure this will prove no exception, so there's no need for me to worry. Well then, I still need to go to the temple to burn some incense. I won't delay the Hokage any further."

With that, the Daimyo picked up his tea and took a sip.

"As you wish. Thank you, Your Majesty."

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