Tsuki and his friends

"Relax, Tsuki. I'll fix you up," Shisui reassured the young boy, gently lifting him onto his back. "Don't worry, I've got you."

Tsuki's fear subsided, replaced by a comforting warmth. Though the pain lingered, Shisui's strong presence offered a sense of security.

"Itachi, I'll take him back to my house and patch him up."

Itachi nodded in understanding. "Sasuke, I'll find you with Naruto and the others later."

Sasuke gave a quick nod, his attention already returning to his training.

With a swift shunshin, Shisui and Tsuki vanished, reappearing moments later in the quiet solitude of Shisui's home.

Tsuki's eyes scanned the surroundings as Shisui settled him into a chair. 'Shisui's house is so... empty. And neat. Everything is perfectly tidy. There are a few pictures of him when he was young, and one with Itachi too...'

"It's not much, is it?" Shisui remarked, breaking the silence as he began wrapping a bandage around Tsuki's injured leg.

"Ouch!" Tsuki winced, his face scrunching in pain.

"Almost finished," Shisui said gently, his touch firm but careful.

"Shisui, have you lived by yourself since you were young?" Tsuki asked, trying to distract himself from the discomfort.

Shisui shook his head. "I had my mother with me. My father is still alive, but he was badly injured during the war. I learned to take care of myself and him after my mother died on the night of the Nine-Tails attack."

"I see..." Tsuki murmured, a wave of empathy washing over him.

Shisui finished bandaging Tsuki's leg. Tsuki attempted to stand, his movements initially hesitant and stiff.

"Thanks a lot, Shisui," he said, a grateful smile spreading across his face.

Shisui nodded. "Go play with your friends. We'll talk later, alright?"

Tsuki's brow furrowed. "What about my hand?" He held it up, revealing a gash that had been bleeding moments earlier. "Huh?! It's gone!"

"What's gone?" Shisui asked, confused.

Tsuki stared at his hand in disbelief. The wound had completely vanished, leaving behind smooth, unblemished skin. "Nevermind," he mumbled, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. He scratched his head, a sheepish grin on his face.

The mystery of his sudden healing lingered in the air, another piece of the puzzle that was Tsuki's extraordinary existence.

"Wait, don't you want to test out my new ability?" Tsuki asked, eager to showcase his newfound skill.

Shisui shook his head gently. "Go have fun first," he said, reaching into his pocket and handing Tsuki a few Ryō. He ruffled Tsuki's hair with a warm smile.

"Thanks a lot, Shisui!" Tsuki exclaimed, his face beaming. He gave Shisui a quick hug, then vanished in a blur, using his newly acquired Body Flicker Technique.

Shisui watched him go, then turned to the crow perched on his windowsill. "Don't say it," he warned, a playful glint in his eye.

"I told you it wasn't a good idea," Itachi's voice came from behind him, making Shisui jump slightly.

"Well, I wasn't entirely wrong," Shisui retorted, turning to face his friend. "I said he could do it, and he did. So I'll take this one."

Itachi chuckled. "That's not how this works. Anyway, you have so much faith in Tsuki. Why?"

Shisui's expression softened. "I'm not sure, to be honest," he admitted. "But something about that kid is special. It's not just the Rinnegan... There's something else. It just makes me want to take care of him, to spend time with him. I want to make sure nothing or no one ever harms him. I'd do anything to protect him, you know?"

Itachi nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I understand. I feel the same way about Sasuke."

Shisui nodded in return. "Anyway," he said, his tone turning thoughtful, "there's another reason I wanted Tsuki to try that jutsu. Did you see it?"

"I noticed it too," Itachi replied, his Sharingan activated, its pattern swirling in his iris. "His eyes work similarly to the Sharingan. He saw and predicted everything. From what we know about the Rinnegan, it doesn't work like the Sharingan, not completely. But his seems different. It's quite interesting... I'll try to find out more about him."

The two friends stood in silence for a moment, their gazes following the direction Tsuki had disappeared. The young boy's potential was undeniable, his future shrouded in both promise and uncertainty.

Tsuki arrived at the playground, relieved to see his friends already gathered.

"Hey! Tsuki! You're right on time!" Naruto greeted him with a wide grin.

"What happened to you?" Naruto's smile faltered, concern etched on his face. "Sasuke said you got hurt on the way here, is that true?"

Tsuki brushed off his friend's worry. "Oh, it was nothing serious, don't worry about it. My leg already feels better, too."

"Hey! Are you guys coming? Waiting is such a drag."

Tsuki smiled at the familiar voice. Shikamaru and Choji were leaning against a tree, their expressions a mix of boredom and impatience.

'Shikamaru and Choji are the only ones who have never treated Naruto and me differently,' Tsuki thought gratefully. 'We became friends immediately in the academy.'

"Let's go!" Naruto grabbed Tsuki's hand and pulled him towards their waiting friends. With a shared laugh, they joined Shikamaru and Choji, the afternoon stretching before them, full of promise and the simple joys of childhood camaraderie.

-----------------

Meanwhile, at the Hokage's office, Kakashi was called in to report what he's learned about Tsuki. He hadn't been able to make time recently because of the missions he was given. But now, standing before the Third Hokage and the elders, he knew he had to share his observations.

Danzo stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the bustling village below. Hiruzen sat in the center, his pipe clenched between his teeth, while Homura and Koharu flanked him, their expressions serious. Kakashi, having removed his Anbu mask, stood before them, a hint of unease in his posture.

"What do you have to report to us, Kakashi?" Hiruzen inquired, his voice calm but expectant.

"Lord Third," Kakashi began, his tone hesitant, "I don't know how to say what I'm about to say. It's quite... shocking."

Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, a cloud of smoke curling around his head. "What could be so bad that you would hesitate to say it directly?"

Kakashi looked down, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Well, Tsuki found out about Naruto's parents."

Danzo turned abruptly, his interest piqued. The meeting had just begun, and already it promised to be eventful.

"How did he find this out?" Koharu demanded, her voice sharp.

"I believe it has something to do with the Rinnegan," Kakashi explained. "When you came by, he told me he saw strange chakra inside of Naruto, and he did research on the Nine-Tails attack. He connected the dots."

The Hokage exhaled a plume of smoke, his expression thoughtful. "Has he told anyone yet?"

"I'm not sure," Kakashi admitted, his voice laced with uncertainty, "but I know he hasn't told Naruto yet. I doubt he will. I think he isn't certain about Minato-sensei being his father, but he's sure about the Nine-Tails inside Naruto. Naruto is the only one he would trust with such a secret. However..."

Kakashi's voice trailed off, his gaze shifting away as if hesitant to continue.

Danzo's frown deepened, sensing Kakashi's reluctance. "If you suspect there's someone he's told, speak your mind, Kakashi," he urged, his voice firm. "The boy knowing the truth about the Nine-Tails is bad enough, but if he's confided in the wrong person, this could escalate into a disaster."

Kakashi nodded, steeling himself. "Over the past two weeks, I've noticed something different with him. Before, the only person he shared a bond with was Naruto alone, and even now, that bond remains strong. He follows him everywhere and is always there for him. Perhaps he sees Naruto as a brother or a leader of some sort... But nowadays, he follows someone else, besides Naruto."

"Someone else?" Hiruzen's brow furrowed.

"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "Shisui Uchiha. He looks up to him, along with Itachi Uchiha, but his bond with Shisui is particularly strong. He goes to him for advice and values Shisui's opinion immensely. He even defends his name fiercely."

Danzo slammed his hands on the table, his outburst echoing through the room. "Hiruzen," he growled, his voice laced with barely contained anger, "the child continues to grow stronger and smarter every day, and now he aligns himself with the Uchiha clan?!"

"Kakashi, you're dismissed for now," the Hokage commanded, his voice firm but weary. Kakashi bowed and silently left the room.

"Danzo, you can't speak so carelessly!" Hiruzen's tone held a note of reprimand.

Danzo's jaw clenched. "Hiruzen," he countered, his voice low and intense, "the longer the child stays out of Root's control, the more he grows into a threat to Konoha. You of all people should understand why this one, in particular, carries the scent of disaster. You've already demonstrated your misplaced trust in the Uchiha clan by allowing them to remain in the village after all they've done. Now, you'll also allow them to influence the child with the most powerful Dōjutsu?!"

Hiruzen's frown deepened, the weight of his decision pressing on him.

"I'm afraid he has a point, Hiruzen," Koharu interjected, her voice cautious. "The Rinnegan in the hands of the Uchiha clan is a dangerous prospect. Especially now, with tensions between the Uchiha and the village already high."

Hiruzen took a deep breath, setting his pipe aside. "I understand your concerns," he acknowledged, his voice measured. "However, we already denied Mikoto Uchiha's request to adopt Naruto, even though she was Kushina's closest friend. Then we concealed the death of Hae Uchiha and prevented Arashi Uchiha from being with his family."

His gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of each elder. "If we tell the Uchiha clan that they aren't allowed near the boy with the Rinnegan," he continued, his voice firm, "this will only provoke them further. We cannot afford the losses that would come from a civil war."

"Then I will order my Root to keep him under surveillance," Danzo insisted, his tone unwavering.

The Hokage shook his head firmly, a crease forming between his brows. "No, Danzo. Kakashi will be the one to keep an eye on him. Remember what Jiraiya said? The Rinnegan can create or destroy. If we make any rash moves, we risk tipping the scales towards the Leaf's destruction. The safest course of action, for now, is to do nothing."

With those words, the meeting concluded. The elders dispersed, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts. Danzo, his face a mask of disapproval, stalked out of the room, his silent fury palpable.

----------------

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the playground, it was time to call it a day. Choji, ever the thoughtful friend, pulled out a packet of crisps.

"Hey, I got snacks," he offered with a wide smile. "You guys want some?"

"Thanks a lot, Choji!" Tsuki grabbed a handful and shared them with Naruto and Sasuke.

As twilight painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, Itachi scooped Sasuke up, ready to return to the Uchiha compound. Shikamaru and Choji headed towards Choji's house, promising a delicious dinner.

Tsuki and Naruto were left alone, swinging gently on the creaking swings. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the playground.

"Naruto?" Tsuki asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

Naruto turned his head, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"This is kinda like back then, right?" Tsuki continued, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Do you remember? Back in the orphanage."

Naruto's smile softened, replaced by a more genuine, wistful expression. "You're right," he agreed, his voice quiet. "It was just us back then... it sorta still is, right?"

"Yeah," Tsuki replied, a sense of warmth spreading through his chest. They sat in companionable silence, watching as the darkness gradually enveloped the fading light, their bond a quiet beacon against the encroaching night.

"Do you want to have some ramen before we go home?" Tsuki offered, jingling the coins Shisui had given him. "I have some money."

Naruto's face lit up. "Of course, I want ramen!"

Tsuki smiled, knowing that would be his answer. They raced towards Ichiraku Ramen, their laughter echoing through the quiet streets. They ordered bowls of steaming miso ramen, savoring each slurp with gusto.

By the time they finished, they were so full they could barely walk straight, their hands clutching their overstuffed bellies.

"Man, I'm so full," Naruto groaned, collapsing onto his side of the bed.

"Me too," Tsuki agreed, flopping down beside him.

"Hey, Tsuki," Naruto said after a moment, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"Yeah?"

"We should go to our old training ground tomorrow. I like training with Shisui and Itachi, but I miss the days when it was just me and you, you know?"

Tsuki nodded. "Yeah, but when we become shinobi, we'll be getting new gear. I can't keep training with those rusty old shurikens."

Naruto chuckled. "Yeah, you're right." He settled back, his hands clasped behind his head as he gazed at the ceiling. Tsuki mirrored his pose, a comfortable silence settling between them.

Then, a thought struck Tsuki. "Sigh..."

Naruto looked over, curious.

"Come to think of it," Tsuki said, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, "we should've gotten some training equipment with Shisui's money."

Naruto groaned. "You're right! Instead, we spent it all on ramen..."

"Well," Tsuki shrugged, "there's no going back now, is there?"

"Nope," Naruto agreed with a sigh.

And with that, the two friends drifted off to sleep, their dreams filled with visions of future battles, powerful jutsu, and the unwavering bond of their friendship.

(Edited on: 14/9/24)