บท 152: Kurenai Request

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The day after Tayuya's marriage,

Tsunade and Kushina, curious about the newest addition to the family, invited Tayuya to meet them. As the matriarchs of the Senju clan, they felt responsible for maintaining harmony in the household. Every woman who married into the clan had the opportunity to meet and bond with them, and Tayuya was no exception.

When they learned about Tayuya's difficult past, Tsunade, Kushina, and the other women couldn't help but feel sympathy for her. Despite her strong and confident exterior, it was clear that she had endured a great deal of suffering.

Word of Tayuya's story spread quickly among the other wives, and soon she became a favorite within the household. For Tayuya, who had only known hardship, the warmth and kindness she received filled her with a happiness she had never experienced.

She felt immense gratitude—not only toward her husband, Takuya, but also toward the women who had welcomed her so openly. Determined to repay their kindness, Tayuya resolved to work hard to ensure the Senju clan's continued prosperity.

Later that evening,

Takuya, aware of the efforts Tsunade and Kushina had made to keep the household peaceful, approached them to express his gratitude. As a token of appreciation, he spent the evening with them, leaving both Tsunade and Kushina content but thoroughly exhausted.

As they lay together, disheveled and out of breath, they couldn't help but wonder how Takuya, despite his age, showed no signs of slowing down. His energy seemed almost unnatural.

Takuya, unaware of their thoughts, went on his way, feeling satisfied. With a light heart, he made his way to the Hokage Rock, gazing out over the village of Konoha.

Reflecting on the past, Takuya remembered the difficult times under the leadership of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Danzo Shimura. Back then, Konoha was still recovering from the First and Second Shinobi Wars. The village had been vulnerable, with ninja clans suppressed and borders constantly under threat. The future had seemed bleak.

But now, under his leadership, the shinobi world had achieved true peace. Konoha had become a beacon of prosperity, and its people no longer lived in fear. Technology had flourished, improving life for both ninja and civilians alike. Takuya felt a deep sense of accomplishment.

"Husband, I finally found you," a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.

Takuya turned to see Kurenai Yuhi approaching, her usual grace accompanied by a playful pout. "So this is where you've been hiding," she teased, sitting beside him.

"Have you been looking for me long?" Takuya asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course," Kurenai replied, half-joking. "We're all busy with the children and managing the clan, while you're off enjoying yourself."

"Now, that's not fair," Takuya protested. "I've been busy running around for the village, too, you know."

"Running around visiting your other wives, you mean," Kurenai shot back, though there was no malice in her words.

Takuya chuckled. "Alright, alright. So, what's on your mind? You didn't come all the way here just to tease me."

Kurenai's expression grew more serious. "Actually, I do need your help with something."

"What is it?" Takuya asked, his tone softening.

"I've recently taken on a new apprentice, but… she's been having some difficulties," Kurenai explained, her brow furrowed with concern.

"An apprentice? What's her name?"

"Yakumo," Kurenai replied.

Takuya's eyes widened slightly. "Yakumo? As in, the Yakumo Kurama?"

"Yes, that's her," Kurenai confirmed. "A rare genius. I've been looking after her since she was a child, after her parents died in a fire. But as she's grown older, she's become more withdrawn… sometimes, I even sense a faint killing intent from her."

Kurenai's voice softened with worry. "I've tried everything, but nothing seems to help. I'm afraid that if things continue like this, she might fall into darkness."

Takuya nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "You want me to help her?"

Kurenai nodded. "I don't know what else to do. Yakumo is special, and I don't want to lose her to whatever darkness is inside her."

Takuya thought for a moment before responding. "I'll do what I can, Kurenai. We'll help her together."

Knowing Kurama Yakumo's situation, Takuya understood why Kurenai had come to him personally.

"Heh… I knew I could count on you," Kurenai said, wrapping her arms around him with a smile.

To her, Takuya agreeing to help with something so delicate showed how much he cared for her, and the thought filled her with joy.

"You're just good at getting your way," Takuya teased, patting her head. "Now, since I'm doing you a favor, how are you going to repay me?"

"Repay you?" Kurenai pouted, playfully. "Do you think I'm asking for myself?"

"Oh?" Takuya raised an eyebrow. "Then who for? Let's hear it."

"It's for the revival of the Senju clan, of course," Kurenai said seriously. "Yakumo is the most talented shinobi the Kurama clan has ever seen. If you help her, she might grow fond of you. If she marries into the clan, imagine the potential of your children together—two powerful bloodlines."

With a mischievous grin, she added, "Besides, she's beautiful. Knowing you, you'd like her."

Takuya laughed, shaking his head. "You're something else. I must be the luckiest man alive—not only do I have several beautiful wives, but they're helping me find new ones!"

He pulled her closer, his voice softening. "Don't worry, you'll be rewarded."

Kurenai blushed as Takuya drew her into his lap. "Ah~ Stop it! We're in public!"

"Relax," Takuya whispered. "I set up a barrier. No one can see us." He kissed her, silencing any further protest.

"Mmph… You're impossible," Kurenai murmured, though her resistance was quickly fading.

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At the Kurama estate...

Kurama Baiyun, the head of the Kurama clan, stood nervously before Takuya and Kurenai, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"Patriarch Baiyun, there's no need to be nervous," Kurenai reassured him. "We're here to help Yakumo."

"Y-yes, of course," Baiyun stammered, bowing repeatedly. "Please, Lord Hokage, Lady Kurenai, have some tea." His hands trembled slightly as he poured tea for them, clearly uneasy in Takuya's presence.

"Can you tell us more about Yakumo's condition?" Takuya asked calmly, his gaze steady.

Baiyun recounted Yakumo's history, confirming what Kurenai had already shared. But under Takuya's probing questions, Baiyun hesitated before revealing more.

"Actually… it was Yakumo who caused the fire that killed her parents," Baiyun admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

Kurenai gasped. "What? Not even her teacher knows that…"

"Does Yakumo know?" Kurenai asked, her voice full of concern.

"No," Baiyun shook his head. "She believes it was an accident. We've kept the truth from her, and none of the clan members have told her either."

Takuya's expression remained thoughtful. "It's likely that Yakumo has developed an alter ego—a second personality that takes over, much like a Jinchūriki being controlled by a tailed beast."

Kurama Baiyun's eyes widened at the realization.

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