"It seems someone's got their eyes on my recipes…"
Tianyi frowned, lost in thought. The method used was far too professional to be ordinary—delicate, precise, and leaving minimal traces.
"Danzo? The Third Hokage? Or are the two colluding behind the scenes? Could it be another ninja clan altogether?"
There was no clear answer yet. But if anyone in Konoha had the capability and motivation to deploy such precise mental probing, Danzo and Hiruzen were the prime suspects.
"To figure out who it is… I'll just have to wait and see who dares to open a restaurant using those stolen recipes."
Fortunately, only Tianyi himself held the true secrets to the recipe. Even if someone stole bits and pieces, replicating the full effect was impossible.
"If only I'd finished learning Grandma Mito's sealing techniques earlier…" he thought, irritated. "A proper mental safeguard would've prevented this entirely."
"Is everything alright?" asked Shikaku, noticing the long silence.
"It's fine," Tianyi said lightly, masking his irritation. "Chef Tanaka was simply overworked. His spirit's a bit taxed, but nothing serious. I'll take care of it."
He motioned for Tanaka to sit. Placing his hand on the chef's forehead, a soft green light radiated from his palm. Chakra Healing Jutsu— a clean, efficient recovery.
A few seconds later, he withdrew his hand.
"Alright, you're good to go. Take the rest of the day off and get some sleep. Don't push yourself."
"Thank you, Master Tianyi!" Tanaka bowed respectfully and quickly exited.
As the door closed behind him, Nara Anzi stepped forward and locked it. "Tianyi-sama… this wasn't just exhaustion, was it?"
Even Shikaku nodded seriously. "You were clearly hiding something."
Tianyi exhaled. "The truth is… someone used mental probing jutsu on him. They forcibly scanned his memory—most likely for our recipes and seasoning formulas."
"What?!" Everyone's expression changed.
"Relax," Tianyi said calmly. "Recipes are only part of the equation. The real secret lies in the ingredients—and those aren't so easily copied."
"In fact, some ordinary dishes could be reverse-engineered just from taste. But our key recipes rely on exclusive supplies. If we limit and vary ingredient shipments, it'll be much harder for anyone to mimic us."
He turned to Nara Anzi.
"Sister Anzi, I'll need you to quietly monitor restaurants across Konoha's major commercial zones. If any suspicious new shops appear, report directly to me. Don't probe further—I'll handle the rest."
Anzi nodded solemnly. "Understood. If I find out who it is, they'll regret it."
"Good."
Tianyi had considered using a wish to identify the culprit… but that would be a waste.
Still, once he had a name, he wouldn't mind spending a wish to exact some revenge. If he couldn't destroy them outright, he'd make them suffer—severely.
The next morning.
As usual, Tianyi sent out several Shadow Clones—one to school, another to the hospital, and others to the training grounds.
But today, his real body headed to the Senju clan estate. Uzumaki Mito had left a message through a clone: she wanted to speak with him in person.
He arrived at the courtyard, knocked gently, and entered after hearing her voice.
"Good morning, Grandma Mito," Tianyi greeted with a respectful bow.
"Morning, child. Come sit."
He took a seat across from her in the shade of the garden pavilion.
Without preamble, Uzumaki Mito began explaining what had happened two days prior—her confrontation with the Third Hokage.
Tianyi's expression darkened as he listened.
So… Hiruzen had come in person to question her. And it ended with them nearly falling out entirely.
No wonder he hadn't seen much of the Third lately.
Still, he wasn't surprised. Danzo and Hiruzen had long wanted full control over the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
And now, Uzumaki Mito was actively fostering a relationship between him and Kushina. That would certainly put them on edge.
"Well," Tianyi mused, "I'm probably on their blacklist now. Any favor I earned before is worthless."
But he didn't mind.
Having Uzumaki Mito in his corner was worth more than anything Hiruzen could offer.
"In that case, I need to expedite the development of the vitality potion…"
"Or maybe create a spiritual seal system and teach her chakra-circulation methods to extend her life…"
She had chosen to stand beside him, even confronting Hiruzen. Whether for Tsunade, Nawaki, Kushina, or Senju's future, it didn't change the fact that she'd taken his side.
That alone was worthy of repayment.
"What did you think of all this?" Uzumaki Mito asked softly.
"I'm honored by your trust, Grandma Mito," Tianyi said solemnly. "You've handled everything beautifully. I'm grateful."
"I'll take care of Kushina, Sensei Tsunade, and Nawaki-nii."
Uzumaki Mito's warm smile deepened. She reached over to ruffle his hair.
"You really are a good child," she said. "From now on, I'll be relying on you."
"Tsunade, Kushina, Nawaki… they aren't enough. Only you give me peace of mind."
She looked tired—but resolute.
"I'll try to hold on for a few more years… just long enough to see you grow strong enough to protect them all."
Tianyi's chest tightened slightly.
She was pushing herself—for him, for her family.
"Don't worry, Grandma. I'll grow stronger, fast."
Then he added, "Actually… Sensei and I have already been working on ways to replenish lost vitality. I think we'll be able to develop a working formula within a year."
Mito's eyes widened in surprise.
"And… I have other methods too. But I'll need you to teach me some advanced mental sealing techniques—ones that can safeguard confidential spiritual knowledge."
"I see…" she murmured, eyes twinkling. "You really are full of surprises."
She didn't press him, just smiled warmly.
"Well then, of course I'll teach you."
"I don't care if I live much longer. I've lived a long life. But it's hard to let go of you children… and Senju… and Konoha."
Tianyi shook his head.
"No—your presence is essential. We need your support. That's why I must do this. Please, let me repay the kindness you've shown me and Sensei."
Uzumaki Mito chuckled softly.
"Alright, alright. If you're that determined, I won't argue. Just remember, you're only five. Don't take on too much."
"And be careful during the weekly 'education' sessions from the Third Hokage. They'll try to brainwash you… and Kushina. Stay alert."
"I will."
"Good. Now let's begin the sealing lessons. You'll need them soon, won't you?"
And so, they began.
—
Three days passed.
One afternoon after school, Kushina arrived at the training base with Tianyi's Shadow Clone.
"Brother Tianyi," she muttered, a little pouty. "I don't want to go back to school anymore."
Tianyi raised an eyebrow. "Did someone bully you?"
He glanced at the clone—who shrugged and dispelled.
The memory returned instantly.
"Oh… you're being isolated," Tianyi said, sighing.
It wasn't surprising.
He reached out and ruffled her hair. "It's hard to fix that, you know. How about I ask Mikoto to take care of you?"
"Mikoto? Who's that?"
Kushina's eyes sparkled… then narrowed.
She was suspicious.
And then she froze. "Wait… am I jealous?" she thought, cheeks turning pink.
She peeked up—only to meet Tianyi's amused gaze.
She quickly looked away, blushing even harder.
Tianyi chuckled inwardly.
Kids in the ninja world really are precocious…
"Mikoto's my sister," he explained. "We've been close since we were little. She's also in school—three years older. She uses Shadow Clones too."
"Of course, if you start doing the same, you won't need her help."
He looked at her seriously.
"But if you want to train with us, be ready. We don't go easy. Are you sure you can handle it?"
"I'm not afraid!" Kushina declared. "Count me in!"
"…Also, you don't have to introduce your sister to me," she added, grumbling under her breath.
Tianyi tilted his head. "Huh?"