Kapitel 154: Moving Into The Senju Clan

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"You... Are you really the Hokage?" Yakumo asked, her voice trembling with disbelief as she stared at Takuya.

"That's right," Takuya replied with a gentle smile, nodding to confirm her suspicions.

He walked over to the window, pulling open the heavy curtains. Sunlight flooded the room, dispelling the gloom and bringing warmth to every corner.

"Much better," Takuya remarked, pleased with the transformation. "A room without sunlight isn't healthy for anyone."

Yakumo lowered her gaze, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over her. "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama... I was rude just now."

Just moments before, she had attacked the man before her—an act she now regretted deeply. If he were to take offense, it could spell disaster for her entire family.

"Don't worry about it," Takuya said calmly. "I understand your situation. I'm here to help you."

Yakumo's eyes dimmed with a hint of sadness. "So, it's true then... My father really asked you to come."

She remembered the words her father had spoken in the illusion, and a pang of sorrow struck her. She had just come of age, and yet both her parents were gone. Now, the Hokage himself was standing before her.

"Don't blame yourself," Takuya continued, his tone reassuring. "The struggles you've faced were because of the inner demon you harbored. I've taken care of that. From now on, you can live a normal life."

"But, Hokage-sama... even if the demon is gone, my body..." Yakumo trailed off, disappointment heavy in her voice. She had been frail for as long as she could remember, easily exhausted by the simplest tasks. Living a normal life seemed like a distant dream.

Takuya laughed heartily. "You don't need to worry about that. Since I've promised to help you, I'll see it through to the end. I'll make sure your body recovers."

Yakumo's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with hope. If it had been anyone else, she might have doubted them. But the man before her was the Hokage, the strongest shinobi in the world. If he said he could help, she believed him.

"There's no need to worry now," Takuya said, gently patting her head.

Yakumo blushed and lowered her gaze, feeling a mix of gratitude and shyness. "Hokage-sama, what you did to me earlier... It felt just like the abilities my family is known for."

She recalled the vivid illusion she had experienced moments ago. It had been so real—every sound, every sensation.

Takuya nodded. "I do have the power to control the senses, yes. It's something I acquired a long time ago."

Yakumo gasped in shock. "But... how?"

Takuya smiled. "Let's just say I've picked up many skills over the years. Not just the ability to manipulate senses, but others as well."

Yakumo quickly realized she was treading on sensitive ground. "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama. I didn't mean to pry. I promise I won't tell anyone."

Takuya chuckled softly. "There's no need to worry. I'm not going to silence you for knowing a few secrets."

Yakumo looked up at him, relieved yet still cautious. "Hokage-sama... you've really mastered so many different powers?"

Takuya nodded casually. "Indeed. The ability to control senses is just one of many. I've also gained other abilities, including some techniques unique to different shinobi clans. But that's nothing for you to concern yourself with."

Yakumo couldn't help but admire him. "As expected of the Hokage..." she murmured, impressed by his prowess.

"Alright," Takuya said, shifting the conversation. "Let's go. There's someone who's been worried about you."

Yakumo nodded and followed him out of the room. After Ido had been vanquished, she felt a new sense of peace within herself. No longer burdened by darkness, she was ready to face the world again.

They made their way to the main hall, where an elder was pacing anxiously. When he saw Takuya and Yakumo enter together, relief washed over him.

"Hokage-sama, I can't thank you enough," the elder said, his voice trembling with gratitude.

"It was no trouble," Takuya replied with a smile. "I've helped Yakumo with the demon. Now, I need to take her with me to help her recover fully."

The elder nodded quickly. "Of course, Hokage-sama. Yakumo is in your hands."

Then, turning to Yakumo, he added, "And someday, we'll arrange a good match for you. It's time you had someone to take care of you."

Yakumo's eyes widened in shock. "M-marriage?"

The sudden proposition left her bewildered.

"What do you mean, Uncle Baiyun?" Yakumo asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, right," Baiyun said, noticing the confusion on Yakumo's face. He smiled, pleased with himself. "I mean, we should find you a good husband. You deserve someone who can take care of you after everything you've been through."

"Uncle Baiyun... What exactly are you suggesting? Did you just say that you want me to marry the Hokage?" Yakumo glanced at Takuya, then quickly lowered her head, her voice soft and uncertain.

"That's right," Baiyun confirmed, nodding. "If it weren't for Lord Hokage, that monster inside you might have taken over completely. You might have lost yourself, and we would have lost a remarkable talent. To repay him, I plan to arrange your marriage to him. You… you won't refuse, right?"

Yakumo pinched the corners of her clothes nervously, unsure of how to respond. She had a good impression of Takuya. His strength, his status—everything about him was impressive. Not to mention, he had just helped her overcome her inner demons and was now planning to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a ninja.

Marrying Takuya… it didn't sound bad at all. But the idea was so sudden. She wasn't mentally prepared.

"Yakumo, don't worry. Takuya is a good man," Kurenai said gently, noticing Yakumo's hesitation. "Even though he has a few wives already, they're all kind and supportive. If you marry him, we'll be like sisters."

"Sensei..." Yakumo murmured, blushing. The thought of marrying the same man as her teacher was… awkward, to say the least.

"Yakumo, it's not a big deal," Kurenai chuckled softly. "No one will think anything of it."

Yakumo was silent, her mind racing. She felt something, but she wasn't sure what to do.

"Yakumo, if you don't want this, just say so. I'll still help you heal, no matter what," Takuya said calmly, taking a step back to make her feel at ease. As someone experienced in relationships, he knew how to handle this situation.

Sure enough, Yakumo quickly shook her head.

"Lord Hokage, it's not like that. I… I want to be your wife," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Really?" Takuya responded, a bit surprised. He had expected her to take some time to decide, but she had agreed so quickly.

"Hahaha… Well then, if Yakumo agrees, let's consider it settled," Baiyun said, clapping his hands joyfully. This was the outcome he had hoped for. The future looked bright.

"Now that it's settled, I'll take Yakumo with me," Takuya said calmly. "Thank you, Elder Baiyun."

"Of course, Hokage-sama," Baiyun replied, bowing respectfully.

Without another word, Takuya activated his Kamui technique, whisking Yakumo and Kurenai away to the Hokage's residence. Watching them disappear, Baiyun couldn't help but marvel at Takuya's power. The Hokage's abilities were truly awe-inspiring.

When they arrived at the residence, Takuya turned to Yakumo. "You must be tired. Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, I'll take you to see Orochimaru."

Yakumo nodded obediently. "Okay."

"Kurenai, please help Yakumo settle in," Takuya continued. "I have some matters to attend to, so I'll leave you for now."

"Of course," Kurenai replied as Takuya left, giving Yakumo a gentle smile.

As Yakumo watched him go, she couldn't help but feel impressed. Despite his power and status, Takuya was considerate and gentle. "Lord Hokage is so thoughtful," she murmured.

Kurenai chuckled. "He is. It surprised me at first too. But that's just how he is—kind and easy-going with those close to him."

"Let me show you to your room," Kurenai said, leading Yakumo toward the backyard. Along the way, they chatted easily, their bond as master and student shining through.

"Sensei, the Hokage's residence is so grand," Yakumo remarked, taking in the surroundings. Compared to this, her own home felt like a small, rural village.

Kurenai smiled. "Don't worry, Yakumo. From now on, you'll be the lady of this house."

"Sensei, you're teasing me!" Yakumo protested, her face flushing.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop," Kurenai said with a laugh, knowing Yakumo was shy about such things. They soon arrived at an empty room.

"This will be your room from now on," Kurenai said softly. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Yakumo nodded. "Thank you, Sensei."

With a final smile, Kurenai left, and Yakumo found herself alone in the spacious room. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. This… this was her home now.

She carefully took out a storage scroll, unsealing her art supplies—drawing boards, paper, ink. Today had been a significant day, and she wanted to capture it on paper.

"Father, Mother… Can you see this? Tomorrow, I'll finally be able to heal," she whispered to herself, determination filling her heart.

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