Tatsuya and Kyoko walked side-by-side, Tatsuya stealing glances at her. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was different about the girl tonight.
"Tatsuya-san," Kyoko began, her voice low, "I heard you went to see Yuuhi Kurenai-san today, and spent the whole afternoon there."
Tatsuya blinked, then lightly flicked Kyoko's delicate nose. "What's going on in that little head of yours? I went to Kurenai's house to ask for her guidance in genjutsu. There's nothing else to it."
With that, Tatsuya grasped Kyoko's soft hand, quickening his pace.
Behind him, the girl gave a quiet "Mm-hm," obediently following.
They soon arrived at the courtyard where the clan gathering was being held. It was a large mansion, occupying several thousand square meters, with a shrine in the rear wing dedicated to the clan's ancestral tablets. Today was the Akimichi clan's traditional gathering day, and most of the clan members residing in the village were present.
The courtyard was bustling with activity, with nearly a hundred people already gathered.
"Tatsuya-kun!"
"Tatsuya, you're finally here! Come on in!"
"Tatsuya-nii, tell us all about that battle!"
...
As soon as Tatsuya appeared, hand-in-hand with Kyoko, he drew the attention of many clan members. Several greeted him warmly, and more than a dozen children, around seven or eight years old, surrounded him, chattering excitedly.
Although Tatsuya was still serving in the Anbu, his personal information and the story of his battle in the Valley of Yugakure had already spread throughout the village. Within the Akimichi clan, Tatsuya had become an idol to the younger generation.
Upon entering the courtyard, Kyoko immediately broke free from Tatsuya's "clutches," pushed aside by the throng of children. She played with the hem of her clothes, head bowed, occasionally glancing up at Tatsuya in the crowd. Her eyes sparkled, like a shy, young bride.
After finally dealing with the enthusiastic young clan members, Tatsuya made his way towards the main table at the center of the courtyard. Kyoko went to join her parents at their table.
At the main table, the next clan head, Akimichi Chouza, was already waving to Tatsuya.
"Hey! You finally decided to come out!" Chouza greeted him, lightly punching Tatsuya's chest before throwing a friendly arm around him.
Not far away, Akimichi Ryouta, Akimichi Rouyu, Akimichi Shizawa, and other clan elders were all watching the two with smiles.
"Chouza-nii, I'm still injured, you know. If you break me, you'll have to pay!" Tatsuya grumbled, rubbing the spot where Chouza had punched him.
"Clan Head! Rouyu-ojisan! Shizawa-ojisan!" Tatsuya continued, stepping forward and bowing respectfully to Ryouta and the others.
In the eyes of Ryouta and the other clan elders, Tatsuya saw happiness and relief. This was a harmonious and loving clan.
More than six months ago, during the Nine-Tails' attack, the Akimichi clan had lost three Jounin. Among them, Akimichi Torifu was, without a doubt, the strongest fighter in the clan. After this event, the Akimichi clan's strength was reduced by at least 30%. Ryouta and the others had thought it would take a long time for the clan to recover.
But then, Tatsuya had suddenly risen.
And this wasn't just the rise of an ordinary elite Jounin. Having mastered the clan's Butterfly Mode secret technique, Tatsuya possessed strength surpassing that of an elite Jounin. Even the older generation, like Ryouta and Rouyu, couldn't compete with him. This was an extremely uplifting thing for the entire Akimichi clan.
That was why, for today's clan gathering, Ryouta and the others had specifically asked Kyoko to invite Tatsuya. With Tatsuya's current strength, his original status and position in the clan were no longer suitable. They needed to be adjusted!
"Tatsuya, what are your plans for the future?" After some small talk, Tatsuya took a seat, and Ryouta asked.
"I'm not sure. I'll wait for orders," Tatsuya replied, shaking his head.
"Your Anbu Team Eleven's information has been completely exposed. It's no longer suitable for you to remain in the Anbu. Should I request that the Hokage transfer you?" Ryouta suggested after a moment's thought.
"That's right, Tatsuya. The Clan Head is correct. Your build and fighting style are easily recognizable. Staying in the Anbu not only hinders your ability to carry out missions but also makes you a target. It's best to transfer out as soon as possible!" Rouyu added, frowning.
The Akimichi clan had finally produced a genius like Tatsuya; naturally, they didn't want him to take unnecessary risks.
"Clan Head, Rouyu-ojisan, please don't worry. Given Team Eleven's current situation, I believe Sandaime-sama will make appropriate arrangements. Even if Team Eleven is retained, we likely won't be sent on ordinary missions," Tatsuya said, still shaking his head, rejecting the suggestion despite their concerned gazes.
Certainly, given the Akimichi clan's standing and strength, the Third Hokage would consider their requests. But for the clan to use such a rare opportunity for a request just to get Tatsuya transferred out of the Anbu... He didn't think it was worth it.
Compared to transferring out of the Anbu, Tatsuya had something more important in mind.
"Alright. Since you've already made up your mind, we won't force you. But, Tatsuya, remember this: the clan will always be your support," Ryouta said, no longer insisting, offering his assurance.
"Clan Head, actually, I do have a request right now that requires the clan's assistance," Tatsuya immediately followed up, taking advantage of the opening.
"Oh? Tell me," Ryouta said, raising an eyebrow.
Tatsuya's reaction surprised him slightly, making him chuckle inwardly. This kid had clearly been waiting for this!
Tatsuya said: "Clan Head, I'd like to request a separate, larger underground training room. It doesn't need to be too big, a few hundred square meters will do."
"That's no problem. I'll have someone give you the key to the secret chamber later. From now on, that chamber will be yours alone. No one else may enter without your permission," Ryouta readily agreed.
"Um... Clan Head, aren't you going to ask what I'm going to use it for?" Ryouta's quick agreement surprised Tatsuya.
"So, what are you going to use it for?" Ryouta asked.
Tatsuya: ...
"Haha! Every ninja has their secrets. As long as you don't do anything to harm the village or the clan, you could blow up that secret chamber, and we wouldn't interfere!" Shizawa laughed heartily, seeing Tatsuya's flustered expression.
"In that case, thank you very much, Clan Head!" Tatsuya chuckled, cupping his hands in thanks.
"We're family; there's no need for such formality. The secret chamber isn't free, though. From now on, you'll be the instructor for the younger generation's secret technique training. You can come by and guide them when you have time!" Ryouta waved his hand dismissively.
Tatsuya readily agreed.
Soon after, the Akimichi clan's evening banquet officially began. During the banquet, many clan members showed great enthusiasm towards Tatsuya, with numerous people coming to toast him. Ryouta and the other clan elders also treated him with special regard.
Through this dinner, Tatsuya understood that his identity and status within the clan had changed. And this also meant that Tatsuya's status in Konoha had changed!
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