Chapter 38: Naoki's Birthday
The dawn broke over Konoha like a gentle wave washing across the shore, heralding a new day and a fresh beginning. As the sun's golden rays painted the sky in hues of amber and rose, the village stirred to life, its inhabitants rising like sea creatures emerging from the depths. This day held special significance, marking the third anniversary of the Third Shinobi War's conclusion. But for one young soul, Naoki Senju, it was a day of personal celebration – his birthday.
Despite the recent hardships, hope was slowly returning to Konoha. The survival of their beloved Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki, gave everyone strength. Their newborn son, Naruto Uzumaki, had become a symbol of new beginnings for the village. With his strawberry blond hair – a perfect mix of his parents' colours – and bright periwinkle eyes, Naruto had won over the hearts of the villagers in no time.
Choosing Naruto's last name wasn't an easy decision. Tradition would have given him his father's name, Namikaze. But after thinking it over, Kushina and Minato went a different route. They had good reasons – while Minato came from a civilian background, Kushina was part of a clan. Even though the Uzumaki clan had fallen, its name still carried weight in Konoha's politics and society.
As the morning sun filtered through the windows, Naoki dressed himself in his casual attire, a shirt adorned with the proud symbols of the Senju and Uzumaki clans on its back. He made his way downstairs, the wooden steps creaking softly under his feet.
Entering the living and dining room, he found Tsunade and Shizune deep in conversation. Their faces lit up as they noticed him.
"Mornin'," Naoki greeted, a sleepy smile on his face.
Tsunade's amber eyes softened as she turned to her nephew. "Happy birthday, kid!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm embrace. "Are you ready for your big day?"
Naoki nodded, his excitement growing. "Yeah, can't wait!"
Shizune stepped forward, her dark eyes twinkling with affection. "Happy birthday, Naoki-kun," she said softly, hugging him and playfully ruffling his hair. "I bet you're going to have a wonderful time today."
"Thanks, Shizune-neechan," Naoki replied, his cheeks slightly flushed from all the attention.
Tsunade crossed her arms, her expression turning more serious. "Do you have your outfit ready for the party? Everything set?"
"Yeah," Naoki answered, "It was finished yesterday. I just need to pick it up from the tailor's shop."
Tsunade nodded approvingly. "Good. You go do that. Shizune and I have a ton of things to check on. A lot of important people are coming, both from Konoha and the Land of Fire. Remember your manners, alright? This isn't just any old birthday bash."
Naoki's brow furrowed slightly. "How come there are so many high-ranking people coming?"
Tsunade smirked, a hint of pride in her voice. "Well, it's not every day that one of Konoha's founding clans throws a birthday banquet." She paused, her smirk widening into a smile. "Plus, there's going to be a special announcement today. That's why everyone needs to be there."
"An announcement?" Naoki tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "How come I don't know about this?"
"You'll find out when it's announced," Tsunade said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Trust me, you're going to love it."
Realising he wouldn't get any more information, Naoki shrugged. "Guess I'll head out to the tailor's then."
As Naoki left, Tsunade turned to Shizune, her expression becoming focused. "Let's go, Shizune. We've got our work cut out for us."
Shizune nodded, determination in her eyes. "Yes, Tsunade-sama. I've prepared a checklist of everything we need to oversee. Should we start with the catering or the seating arrangements?"
Tsunade considered for a moment. "Let's do the seating first. With all these dignitaries coming, we can't afford any diplomatic faux pas. And Shizune?" She added, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama?"
"Make sure there's plenty of sake. If I have to deal with all these stuffed shirts, I'm going to need it."
Shizune sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness in her voice. "Tsunade-sama, please remember it's Naoki-kun's birthday. Maybe we could limit the sake... just a little?"
Tsunade laughed, patting Shizune on the shoulder. "Always the voice of reason, aren't you? Fine, we'll compromise. Now, let's get to work. We've got a party to prepare!"
—
Naoki stood before the full-length mirror in his room, carefully donning his attire for the birthday banquet. The outfit, custom-tailored for this momentous occasion, was a perfect blend of tradition and elegance.
The centrepiece of his ensemble was the montsuki, a formal black kimono that draped over his frame with dignified grace. Its smooth, silk fabric caught the light, giving off a subtle sheen. Embroidered in pristine white on the montsuki was the kamon, his family crest, a symbol of his noble lineage.
Over the montsuki, Naoki wore a haori, a hip-length jacket that added an extra layer of formality to his outfit. The haori, too, bore the kamon, but not just one. In keeping with the highest level of formality befitting an event attended by the Fire Daimyo himself, five crests adorned the garment. The Senju and Uzumaki clan emblems were meticulously embroidered in white: one on the centre back just below the collar, one on each sleeve near the shoulder, and one on each side of the chest on the upper front panels.
Complementing the upper garments were the hakama, wide-legged pleated trousers that fell to his ankles. The hakama, also in black, provided a striking contrast to the white tabi socks that peeked out beneath.
For footwear, Naoki slipped on a pair of zori, traditional sandals that completed his formal attire. The zori, with their elegantly simple design, were the perfect foundation for his outfit.
As Naoki adjusted his clothing, ensuring every fold and pleat was in place. Each piece - the montsuki, haori, hakama, tabi, and zori - represented centuries of culture, now blended seamlessly into the fabric of Konoha's society.
The young Senju took a deep breath, admiring his reflection. The outfit was more than just clothing; it was a statement of his heritage, his status, and the importance of the day ahead.
…
Naoki walked towards the Senju banquet hall, his footsteps echoing through corridors lined with ancient scrolls and ceremonial weapons. The hall itself was a perfect blend of elegance and power - much like the clan it represented. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over polished wooden floors and walls adorned with the Senju clan's history.
He found Tsunade waiting by the entrance, looking somewhat uncomfortable in her formal kimono despite her commanding presence. Her honey-coloured eyes lit up as she spotted him.
"Well, well," Tsunade smirked, crossing her arms. "Look who finally learned how to dress properly. Ready to show these stuck-up nobles what you're made of?"
Naoki took a deep breath, fidgeting slightly with his formal clothes. "Honestly? I'd rather face another Nine-Tails than do this."
"Ha!" Tsunade barked out a laugh. "At least I taught you something other than healing jutsu and chakra control. Though," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "maybe I should've spent more time teaching you how to handle your sake."
"Right, because your gambling and drinking habits are such great examples to follow," Naoki shot back with a playful grin. "I still remember that time in the Land of Tea when you-"
"Watch it, brat," Tsunade warned, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Or your next training session might involve dodging more than just kunai."
Their banter was interrupted by the creaking of the massive doors. An attendant's voice rang out: "Announcing Princess Tsunade Senju and Young Master Naoki Senju!"
The crowd fell silent as they entered. Moving through the sea of formal attire, they approached the Fire Daimyo, who sat watching them with keen interest.
"Your Excellency," Tsunade said, offering a slight bow. "Thanks for coming, though I have to say, all this formality is making me itch for a drink."
"Tsunade-hime," the Daimyo chuckled warmly. "Bold as ever. And this must be young Naoki. I've heard quite interesting things about you, young man."
"Your Excellency," Naoki bowed respectfully, though not too deeply - just as Tsunade had taught him. "Thank you for honouring us with your presence."
The Daimyo's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Quite the polite young man. Tell me, Naoki, how are you finding life as a shinobi?"
"It's challenging, Your Excellency," Naoki replied honestly, "but it's helping me understand what it truly means to be a Senju. Though," he added with a quick glance at Tsunade, "some of the training methods are... unconventional."
"Ha! This brat's got nerve," Tsunade interjected, ruffling Naoki's hair despite his formal attire. "But he's not wrong. Conventional methods never did work well for our clan."
After finishing their conversation with the Daimyo, they made their rounds through the hall. Finally, Naoki found himself approaching the Uchiha family, relief evident on his face at seeing familiar faces.
"Yo!" Shisui grinned, looking surprisingly comfortable in his formal wear. "Done playing politics already?"
"I'd rather fight all of Iwa's shinobi at once," Naoki groaned, earning a chuckle from the group.
Itachi's lips twitched in a small smile. "At least you only have to do this occasionally. As clan heir, I have to attend these functions regularly."
"You have my deepest sympathies," Naoki said solemnly, making Shisui laugh out loud.
Fugaku watched their interaction with mild amusement, though his face remained mostly stoic. "Such is the burden of leading a clan. Both of you would do well to remember that."
Before they could continue their conversation, the lights dimmed suddenly, focusing on the platform where Tsunade now stood. Something in her posture had shifted - gone was the gambling-loving, sake-drinking mentor. In her place stood the Princess of the Senju clan, her presence radiating an authority that commanded absolute attention.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," she began, her voice carrying a weight that silenced even the whispers in the room. "I see many familiar faces - clan heads, council members, nobles from across the Land of Fire. You're all wondering why I've gathered you here."
She paused, her honey-coloured eyes scanning the crowd. "The Senju clan has a history that runs as deep as the roots of Konoha itself. My grandfather, Hashirama Senju, dreamed of a village where children could grow up in peace. His brother, Tobirama, built the systems that would protect that dream. But since the Second Shinobi War..." Her voice hardened slightly. "We've been quiet. Too quiet. The Senju name became just that - a name, a memory of former glory."
The tension in the room was palpable. Tsunade gestured to Naoki. "Get up here, kid."
As Naoki climbed the steps to join her, Tsunade's expression shifted into something fiercer, more determined. "Many of you know of my cousin, Mizuchi Senju, the God of the Sea. His sacrifice in the Third Shinobi War saved countless lives. But what many don't know is that he left behind a legacy - his son, who stands before you today."
She placed a hand on Naoki's shoulder, and her voice took on an edge that made several people unconsciously step back. "I, Tsunade Senju, last of the Senju main branch, hereby name Naoki Senju as the heir to our clan. But this isn't just a ceremonial title."
The air in the room seemed to thicken as she continued. "Once Naoki reaches the rank of Jonin, the Senju clan will officially return to Konoha's council. We're not just announcing an heir - we're declaring the revival of one of the founding clans of Konoha. The Senju are done standing in the shadows of our own legacy."
Shocked gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some clan heads exchanged significant looks, while others wore expressions of barely concealed concern. The political landscape of Konoha was about to shift dramatically.
Tsunade removed her necklace - the crystal of the First Hokage gleaming in the focused light. "This necklace has been passed down since the time of the First Hokage himself. It's more than just a jewel - it's a symbol of our clan's will, our determination to protect what we hold dear." She placed it around Naoki's neck, her voice carrying notes of both pride and warning. "The Senju clan is returning to its rightful place in Konoha. And this time, we're here to stay."
The silence that followed was deafening. The implications of her announcement hung heavy in the air - the Senju clan, with its vast resources and historical influence, was about to become a major player in village politics once again. The balance of power that had existed for decades was about to change.
Some faces in the crowd showed excitement, others apprehension, and a few even showed fear. After all, the name Senju carried weight that went far beyond the borders of the Land of Fire. This wasn't just a birthday announcement - it was a declaration that would ripple through the entire shinobi world.
After the guests had departed, Naoki found himself in a quieter corner of the banquet hall, examining the array of gifts laid out before him. Each present seemed to reflect its giver's personality and their relationship with him.
From Kushina came a masterpiece of Fuinjutsu - a replica of his battle armour, but enhanced beyond its original capabilities. His fingers traced the intricate seals woven into the fabric, each one serving a specific purpose: self-regeneration for durability, temperature control for comfort in any climate, and enhanced breathability. The amount of work she must have put into it, especially considering her condition, made the gift even more precious.
Shizune's gift made him smile - a comprehensive book containing her life's work on poisons. The leather-bound journal was filled with detailed notes on every poison she had ever created or discovered, complete with their antidotes and brewing instructions. It was more than just a book; it was a testament to their trust and her dedication to his growth as a shinobi.
The Uchiha family's gifts were equally thoughtful. From Fugaku's family came scrolls detailing the famous Uchiha clan shurikenjutsu techniques - a rare honour for someone outside their clan. Shisui had provided him with a collection of genjutsu techniques, some so obscure that Naoki had never even heard of them before. The trust implicit in sharing such clan techniques wasn't lost on him.
The Third Hokage's gift was equally impressive - instructions for the Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet, a formidable B-rank jutsu. The old man's note mentioned that with the addition of fire release, it had the potential to become an A-rank technique. The possibilities for combining it with his existing abilities made Naoki's mind race with ideas.
Finally, he came across a simple envelope bearing the Fourth Hokage's seal. Inside was a short note in Minato's distinctive handwriting: "Come see me to receive your gift as it's not something I can just hand over." The mysterious message piqued his curiosity, making him eager for tomorrow to arrive.
As he stood there, the First Hokage's crystal hanging from his neck caught the light, reminding him of the weight of responsibility he now carried. Each gift represented not just the giver's trust in him, but their belief in the future he would help build.
"Admiring your haul?" Tsunade's voice carried across the room as she approached, sake cup in hand. "Not bad for a brat who just turned six."
Naoki grinned at her. "Better than gambling tokens and sake bottles, at least."
"Watch it," she warned, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "Or I might just take that necklace back."
Looking at his gifts once more, Naoki felt a surge of determination. These weren't just presents - they were tools and knowledge entrusted to him by people who believed in his potential. He would make sure their faith wasn't misplaced.
----
Guess I'm back again. I apologise for my inconsistency, I'm a busy person and I'm doing this for free as a hobby. I have a few weeks before I'm going to my home country Portugal which I've been away since 2018. So I'll be spending around 2 months with family there. IF I have time or can be bothered for that matter I might upload a chapter.
Imma remove the Q&A chapter and put in the auxiliary section. Feel free to ask any questions, about anything tbh as I'm somewhat active on this app.