Naruto: Seiryu's Aether

The doors to the Hokage office swung open, revealing Hashirama, patting his stomach in satisfaction as he strolled inside.

Tobirama followed behind, looking slightly more reserved but content, a faint glimmer of enjoyment in his normally serious eyes.

They'd taken a rare break to have lunch back at the Senju compound, where Mito's cooking had left them both in a pleasant food-induced daze.

"Ahh… that hit the spot," Hashirama sighed, sinking into his chair with a broad smile.

Tobirama merely grunted in agreement, but instead of resting, he went straight to his desk and began reviewing documents.

Hashirama moved his gaze to the window and squinted, catching a familiar figure hovering outside, a smirk on his lips.

Kūga, in his usual unorthodox style, floated just outside the window, watching the two Hokage brothers.

Hashirama chuckled and shook his head before unlatching the window.

"You know, there are normal ways to announce your presence," he teased.

Kūga grinned and floated in, stepping lightly onto the floor. "So… judging by those satisfied stomachs, I take it you both already ate?"

Hashirama nodded with a chuckle. "I see you brought lunch too?"

Kūga sighed dramatically and held up a small bag in one hand. "Yeah, I got enough for three. Guess I'll eat alone."

He moved to the sofa and set the bag on the table, pulling out skewers of freshly grilled barbeque. The scent filled the room, and Hashirama watched, mildly impressed.

"Barbecue for lunch?" Hashirama raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong with that?" Kūga shot back, grinning as he unwrapped a skewer and took a big bite.

Tobirama's attention drifted over as he observed Kūga's relaxed approach to eating. "Izuna submitted a copy of the notebook you wrote," Tobirama started. "I have to say, I didn't know you could write so—"

Kūga looked over, his mouth stuffed with food, and attempted to talk. "Wuh Uh Ymthnk I'm mlitemrate?"

Tobirama's face twisted, and he barked, "Swallow your food before you speak!"

Kūga, trying to hold back his laughter, coughed as he choked a little, finally gulping down his mouthful. "So, you think I'm illiterate?" he managed, feigning offense.

Tobirama shook his head in exasperation while Hashirama burst out laughing, enjoying the exchange. When Kūga had finally finished, he threw the empty bag into the trash by the door.

"By the way," Hashirama spoke up, voice thoughtful, "I liked your suggestions in that notebook. The changes should really help improve public trust in the Uchiha Police Force."

Kūga nodded in agreement, sitting back with a satisfied smile. The three exchanged a few more casual words, then Tobirama turned back to his paperwork, his pen scratching the surface of the pages once more.

Kūga cleared his throat, catching their attention again. "Oh, by the way, I invested some money in that farm just a mile or so from the village gates. It has a lot of crop varieties, so I figured I'd lend a hand."

Hashirama looked up, intrigued. "Farm… You mean Takeda-san's place? I tried helping him with my Mokuton, but the crops are still affected by seasonal changes."

Kūga smirked, clearly pleased with himself. "Well, I've got a way to bypass all that."

Hashirama's eyes widened. "Bypass… How?"

Kūga tilted his head slightly, the smirk turning mischievous. "Aether."

Hashirama sighed, leaning back with a smile. "Every time I think I understand your powers, you do something more impossible. What's next? Control the weather?"

Kūga just grinned, his silence confirming Hashirama's suspicions.

"You're too overpowered, man," Hashirama muttered, shaking his head.

Tobirama raised an eyebrow without looking up from his work. "And you're just realizing that now?"

The three chuckled, each lost in their thoughts about the future.

.

A soft breeze greeted Kūga as he walked down the familiar path toward his home.

The gate creaked open, and he noticed Reifū in the courtyard, deeply immersed in her training.

Her face was focused, her breaths measured as she cast multiple Aether techniques against a sturdy wooden dummy that seemed untouched despite the powerful blows.

Just as Kūga paused to watch, Reifū let out a fierce shout, "Aether: Space Javelin!"

A colossal, invisible spear of energy formed high above her, its distorted edges barely visible to the eye.

With a powerful thrust, it shot down toward the dummy, ripping through the air with a thunderous roar.

The ground around the dummy trembled slightly, though the wooden figure remained miraculously intact, its protection seemingly part of her training routine.

Panting slightly, Reifū mumbled to herself, "Soon, I'll be able to cast this with ease."

A slow clap echoed from the entrance, and Reifū spun around to see Kūga leaning against the gate, a proud smile on his face.

"That was impressive," he said, walking over. "Keep training like that, and even Hashirama would have trouble with you."

Reifū's face flushed slightly, and she grinned, nodding. "Thanks."

Kūga raised an eyebrow. "I was half-worried you'd gotten so distracted with your friends that you forgot about training. But it looks like you're still on track."

She rubbed the back of her neck, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "Well… gotta keep sharp, right? Plus, I saw you fly off to the Hokage's office earlier carrying a plastic bag."

Kūga chuckled. "Yeah, thought you might've had lunch as you, Mito, and the others were hanging all day. Though I ended up eating alone since those two already had food in their stomach."

Reifū gave him a teasing look. "For someone who used to hardly eat, you sure pack it away now."

He scratched his head, laughing. "Guess I'm making up for lost time."

Reifū's smile turned playful, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Well… I'm about to go shower. Want to join me?"

Kūga's eyes widened as he tried to keep his composure. "Oooh… Miss Daring's inviting me to a hot steamy shower before the day's even done?"

Without another word, Reifū laughed and dashed toward the house, leaving Kūga grinning as he bolted after her, the sound of their laughter echoing in the house.

.

Night time...

Inside Kūga's home, the soft sound of breathing filled the room as Reifū, her black hair spilling over the pillow, slept deeply after their evening together.

Kūga stood near the bed for a moment, watching her with a warm smile before quietly slipping away.

His keen senses picked up something: the presence of someone leaping across rooftops, swiftly approaching his home.

Kūga's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity.

He quickly dressed in a loose, black robe decorated with intricate gold designs, before heading to the entrance.

He was at the door, opening it just as an ANBU operative, mid-motion to knock, froze in surprise.

The ANBU steadied himself immediately, nodding with a faint bow.

"Seiryu-sama," the ANBU greeted formally. "The Shodaime Hokage, Nidaime Hokage, and Uchiha Madara are awaiting you in the Hokage office. You're requested to attend at once."

Kūga raised an eyebrow, his casual smile undeterred. "So, Hashirama calls for me, huh? Tonight at that..."

His voice held a note of playful exasperation.

He stepped back, gesturing to the ANBU. "Well, come on in for a moment. I'll just be a minute... grab a seat or something."

The ANBU paused, somewhat out of his element, before nodding respectfully and stepping just past the threshold. He remained standing stiffly by the door as Kūga returned to his room.

Moments later, Kūga reappeared in a more casual outfit: black shorts, a soft gray hoodie, and open-toed sandals.

He looked comfortable, if not for the sharp intensity in his blue eyes, one might assume he was out for a casual stroll.

The ANBU blinked, caught off guard by the unusual choice.

Kūga caught the operative's lingering gaze, smirked, and asked, "What? You think I'd freeze in this weather?"

The ANBU shook his head quickly, clearing his thoughts. "N-No, Seiryu-sama."

Kūga chuckled and reached out, giving the ANBU's shoulder a light pat. "Don't worry. Let's get going."

Before the ANBU could respond, the scene shifted as Kūga's Aether transported them directly to the Hokage office.

It took the ANBU a second to adjust to the teleportation, his gaze darting around the dimly lit office.

The warmth of the fireplace cast long shadows across the room, where Hashirama, Tobirama, and Madara looked up from their conversation.

Hashirama grinned at their sudden entrance, but Tobirama's expression shifted to mild annoyance.

"It's a meeting, Kūga. Couldn't you dress properly?"

Kūga shrugged, hands casually tucked in his hoodie pockets. "And miss the chance to see your reactions?"

He grinned, looking entirely unbothered. "Now then, what's the rush?"

Madara and Hashirama exchanged a knowing look, stifling their laughter. Kūga's disregard for formality was a constant, and it never failed to entertain them.

Tobirama sighed, tapping a document in front of him.

"Kiri and Kumo shinobi have been spotted at the Disputed Islands near Uzushiogakure again," he said, his tone edged with irritation. "And, if rumors are to be believed, Iwa shinobi have joined them."

Kūga raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Hashirama leaned forward, resting his chin on his folded hands. "We're trying to figure out the best course of action. Konoha's economy is booming thanks to the missions we're running, but it means most of our shinobi are out in the field. I can't just pull them back to defend Uzu on a whim."

Madara's expression turned serious, and he clenched his fists, his eyes glinting with a familiar fire. "As I've said, send me. I'll deal with them alone."

Hashirama raised a hand, sighing. "Your wife specifically requested I keep you here. Something about not wanting you to handle things that should be solved with… more restraint."

Madara's grin only grew wider, his hands itching for a good fight. Kūga chuckled, slouching comfortably into a seat he conjured up with a thought.

"So," Kūga said, his eyes glimmering with faint amusement, "it sounds like you're saying we should let them 'experience hell,' right?"

Madara's smirk matched the dangerous glint in his friend's eyes, his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan spinning faster. "Kūga and I… against, what, a few hundred shinobi? Sounds like a good dance."

Tobirama's face darkened with intensity as he chimed in. "If my intel is accurate, they may be sending as many as a thousand shinobi."

Kūga's eyebrow rose, and he looked mildly disappointed. "A thousand? Really? That's all?"

Hashirama laughed, his voice rich with amusement. "Maybe you'll scare them off, and we won't have to fight."

Madara leaned back, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Hashirama. "But if they don't turn back," he said, a hint of a challenge in his voice, "then I get to dance?"

Hashirama smirked, nodding. "Dance? Go right ahead, but remember—no mercy if they cross the line."

Kūga chuckled at the exchange, crossing his legs as he sank further into his summoned chair, appearing as relaxed as ever. "I'm surprised they're even considering coming after Uzu with us still around. Did they not learn their lesson?"

Tobirama interjected, his tone firm. "It's likely they're desperate. Kumo and Iwa have been wanting a chance to strike against Konoha's allies, and Uzu is a prime target. It's isolated, and they know Konoha has limited resources at the moment."

Hashirama leaned back, his expression briefly troubled. "If only we could spare more forces… But there's no way to ensure Uzu's safety without risking our village's economic growth."

Madara's voice was sharp and unyielding. "That's why we don't hesitate. Kūga and I will go. We'll make sure no one dares to question our alliances again."

Kūga nodded, his gaze unwavering. "And if they do try to test us, well… it'll be their last mistake."

Hashirama watched the two with a mixture of pride and relief. They had always been his closest allies, and the thought of them defending Uzu brought him a certain comfort. "I trust the two of you to handle this. If they withdraw, so be it. But if they stand their ground…"

He paused, his gaze hardening, "…give them a reason to regret it."

Madara grinned, his Sharingan flashing with excitement. "Finally. Some real action."

Kūga stood, the chair he summoned vanishing as he stretched his arms, the relaxed smile never leaving his face. "Well, sounds like we've got ourselves a trip planned." He patted Tobirama on the shoulder. "Don't worry about a thing. Madara and I will have Uzu cleaned up before you know it."

Tobirama scoffed, though his lips twitched with a faint smile. "Just don't leave anything in ashes. Uzu would prefer to remain standing after you're done."

Kūga laughed, heading towards the door. "Noted. We'll leave it standing… mostly."

Hashirama's laughter filled the room, the light-hearted sound grounding the serious plans laid before them. "Safe travels, both of you," he said with a grin, watching as Kūga and Madara exited the office.

Tobirama then stares at Hashirama then sighs, "Stay safe... the two of them?"

The older Senju just smiles and continues, "Yeah... all of them should stay safe from the two of them."

The white haired Senju just stares more but breaks it as he sighed and went back to his usual desk.

.

Kūga and Madara stepped out of the Hokage office, the tension from the meeting melting into the crisp, cool air of the tower corridors.

Kūga glanced at Madara, his signature laidback smile in place. "Let's prep first, meet up by the gate in forty-five."

Madara gave a quick nod, his eyes flashing with a quiet excitement. Without another word, he body-flickered out of sight, leaving only the faintest swirl of leaves.

Kūga chuckled to himself, then with a faint shimmer, the scenery around him shifted, the walls and corridors of the Hokage Tower melting into the dark-paneled walls and furnishings of his bedroom.

In an instant, he was standing by his wardrobe, already reaching for the familiar black attire he preferred for missions. His sleek black polo, dark pants, and a fur-trimmed coat bearing the Konoha symbol on the back.

After pulling on his boots, he glanced over at Reifū, who lay sound asleep, her breaths slow and peaceful.

He walked over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She stirred, letting out a soft, sleepy groan that made him smile.

"Back soon," he murmured softly, watching her settle back into a deep sleep before heading over to his desk.

He pulled out a small notepad from a compartment, quickly scrawling a note...

Out on a mission, back soon. Don't worry, love.

Satisfied, he left the note by her bedside, taking one last glance before stepping out of the bedroom.

As he moved down the hallway, he saw Kenta emerge from his own room, rubbing his eyes and yawning as he made his way toward the kitchen.

Kenta spotted Kūga, his groggy expression brightening.

"Oh, morning, Kūga-sensei." Then, noticing Kūga's mission attire, he raised an eyebrow. "Where are you going?"

Kūga tucked his hands into his coat pockets, his tone easy. "Off on a mission with Madara. Just a little trip."

Kenta grinned, shaking off the last bit of sleepiness. "Man, I hope I get assigned to a mission soon... I'm dying for a fight or something."

Kūga chuckled as he reached the main door. "You could, you know. Just head to the Hokage Tower; there are plenty of missions posted on the forum. Hashirama's bound to give you some solo C to B rank ones. It's a good way to get some action."

Kenta looked at him in surprise, his hand frozen mid-reach for a glass. "Wait… seriously? I didn't even know that! Thanks, Kūga-sensei."

"Don't mention it." Kūga smiled, giving a casual wave as he stepped outside. "Alright, I'm out."

As he exited, he floated up above the village in his usual leisurely way, savoring the early morning air.

He caught sight of the village gates below, where Madara was already leaning against the gate post, his arms crossed, looking entirely in his element with his massive Uchiha Gunbai strapped to his back.

Madara was making casual conversation with the two shinobi on duty, though from the guards' faces, they seemed more than a little nervous in the Uchiha's presence.

Kūga chuckled, descending smoothly and landing with a light step in front of the gate.

Madara's gaze shifted to him, acknowledging his arrival with a nod.

"Ready?" Kūga asked.

Madara straightened up, giving him a sideways glance. "Let's go. But log yourself first. Izuna's been complaining that you're always heading in and out without filling it in."

Kūga raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Izuna, huh? Well, can't have him stressing."

He strolled over to the record book, noticing the two guards' tense expressions as they watched him, visibly holding their breaths as he approached.

"Relax, will you?" Kūga laughed, reaching for the pen beside the book. "It's just me."

He quickly jotted down his name and mission purpose, catching sight of the "Uchiha Police Force" stamp at the corner of the page and shaking his head in amusement.

"I forgot these logbooks go straight to the police force," he muttered. "Poor Izuna must be swamped with my entries alone."

Madara rolled his eyes, looking somewhere between annoyed and amused. "Which is exactly why I never wanted to lead the force. Give me the council meetings any day over dealing with all the complaints and reports."

Kūga chuckled, setting the pen down and offering a reassuring nod to the nervous guards, who gave him weak smiles in return.

"Seriously," Kūga grinned, his voice light, "I'm not that scary, am I? Madara doesn't bite, either."

The guards' forced laughs only slightly masked the panicked thoughts running through their heads, 'Who wouldn't be afraid of the Ghost of the Uchiha and the White Catastrophe?'

Ignoring their obvious discomfort, Kūga turned back to Madara, who nodded as they both vanished from their spots in a flicker of motion. 

The two shinobi then let out a collective sigh of relief the moment they disappeared.