Having become a Chunin, Izayoi could finally enter and exit Konoha openly.
After a simple dinner with Hanabi and Eighth Squad to celebrate his and Hinata's promotion to Chunin, Izayoi took Hinata to pick up Karin the next morning.
Along the way, it was like a trip for Izayoi and his Little Sister-in-Law. The two took photos and played along the way, slowly heading to Sakura Street.
It was Hinata's first time leaving the village alone with Izayoi, and she was as happy as a child, very proactive.
Not only did she snatch the right to take pictures, keeping the camera in her hand, but she also changed her usual passive behavior, actively asking Izayoi to pose, or use the Transformation Technique, to take single and group photos.
There were imposing photos of Izayoi in the Land of Waterfalls, floating in the air with his hands behind his back, holding a Storm Release light sphere in one hand, like a king looking down on the world.
There were also photos of Izayoi using the Transformation Technique to turn into his childhood self, then being held in Hinata's arms, with a look of awkwardness and forced smile, taken by Hinata's Shadow Clone.
There was also the jealous Princess, who also used the Transformation Technique to turn into her childhood self, fulfilling her dream of riding high, straddling Izayoi's shoulders, interlocking her fingers with Izayoi, with a bright smile on her face.
There was also the scene where Hinata, whose immunity would skyrocket when alone with him, took the initiative to hold Izayoi's arm, leaning on Izayoi's shoulder with a happy smile, but was secretly kissed on the cheek by Izayoi, with a look of exclamation.
There was also Izayoi's 'shrewish' request, which Hinata agreed to with a blush, wearing a Sukumizu and swimming in the spring pool under the waterfall, and the stunning scene of the surging waves when she came ashore.
It had been a few months since they bought the camera, and Izayoi and Hinata, who were already Geniuses, had long become excellent photographers.
Whether it was light and shadow, angle, or even the sense of the picture, it was almost perfect.
Every photo that was developed could be used as a cover.
And these photos were all put into their respective albums by Izayoi and Hinata, and kept as private treasures.
Last time they went out on a mission, they didn't have time to accompany Hinata to play at all.
To compensate the girl, Izayoi took Hinata to all the villages, towns, and bustling cities along the route, tasting all kinds of local delicacies.
If there was a delicacy that caught Hinata's eye and she chose to eat more of it, Izayoi would secretly have a Wood Clone come over after leaving, using money or other means to obtain the secret recipe from the boss, preparing to give Hinata a little surprise from time to time in the future.
After all, feelings are mutual, and only sincerity can warm the heart.
In this way, Izayoi and Hinata played for more than a week before arriving at Sakura Street.
During this period, there was naturally no shortage of staying in the same hotel, scrubbing backs and washing hair, Pressure Point Strike massages and other benefits.
Although it wasn't the first time Hinata had helped Izayoi scrub his back and wash his hair, Izayoi was in the throes of the Tenseigan at that time, and his eyes couldn't see at all, so Hinata's concern was greater than her shyness.
Now, for the first time, she was scrubbing his back and washing his hair while Izayoi could see, which was still too stimulating for Hinata.
Even though she was wearing a bathrobe, Hinata was like taking a hot shower without turning on the exhaust fan, her little face flushed red, her breathing was difficult, and she was about to faint.
But she didn't faint, which meant her immunity was already very strong.
"Izayoi-kun, Hinata-sama, you're here!"
Izayoi and Hinata had just arrived at the villa on Sakura Street when Karin seemed to have discovered them long ago, coming out to greet them in advance.
"Karin, long time no see." Hinata raised her hand to say hello, and said softly, "Just call me Hinata."
"Then I won't be polite, Hinata, long time no see." Karin nodded and said with a smile.
Izayoi smiled and looked at Karin, nodding in satisfaction and said, "Not bad, your energy has become stronger again, this is what an Uzumaki Clan should look like."
"Hehe... It's all thanks to Izayoi-kun. I've been eating so well every day, I feel like I'm getting fat." Karin chuckled, touching her slender waist.
"Have you been slacking off lately? Have you learned that technique?" Izayoi asked.
"Yes, yes... I've already learned the Rasengan."
Karin nodded repeatedly, then raised her hand to create a blue and white energy ball.
"Very good, this shows that your Chakra Control and Form Transformation skills have reached a very good level." Izayoi said with a smile, revealing the purpose of this trip, "Pack your things and come back to Konoha with us. We'll start the next stage of your training afterward."
Karin's eyes lit up instantly, and she excitedly responded with a subconscious salute, "Yes!"
Although her current life was like paradise, with no worries about food and drink, and advanced Ninjutsu training.
But compared to this kind of life, Karin wanted to follow Izayoi even more.
Just being by Izayoi's side made even breathing feel sweet.
Even just working for a Shadow Clone, Karin felt very satisfied those days.
Now that she could finally join Konoha, she could see Izayoi at any time in the future, and even receive guidance from Izayoi's Main Body. Karin trembled all over just thinking about it, and a silly smile appeared on her face involuntarily.
Looking at Karin, who seemed to be lost in some beautiful fantasy with a silly smile, Hinata tilted her head, her eyes filled with pity.
Just joining Konoha makes her this happy?
It seems her previous life was truly like hell.
At the same time, Hinata also decided that she must treat Izayoi-kun's clansmen better in the future.
Entering the villa, Izayoi had Karin take Hinata to tour the villa and pack her things, while he returned to the basement again.
At this time, the basement was filled with a large number of puppets.
None of these puppets were made of pure materials. Instead, they were all made from corpses. Not only did they retain their abilities from when they were alive, but their bodies were also modified. They could produce various weapons at any time, and they were Human Puppets that could release light bullets.
The materials for these Human Puppets were all Root members and ninjas from the three factions who died in the Konoha Crush Plan.
Leading them was Lord Danzo, who had reattached his arm and whose right eye Sharingan could transform into the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Although the Kotoamatsukami ultimate move could not be used, the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan was still there, and with Hashirama Cell in one arm as a guarantee, the consumption of this Mangekyo Sharingan's power was many times lower than that of Itachi Uchiha, and he would almost never go blind.
Coupled with his own abilities, Danzo Shimura was still a Kage-level powerhouse.
Now, he had become Izayoi's strongest puppet.
Once Izayoi mastered Yin-Yang Release, Danzo Shimura would soon be able to use Kotoamatsukami again, and his strength would become even greater.
Lord Danzo was fully qualified to be the Leader of the puppet army.
The darkness of the Shinobi World, even in death, must hide in the shadows and continue to benefit the Shinobi World. It was truly moving.
Storing all these puppets into a large Sealing Scroll, Izayoi went to two safes again.
Storing the safe containing Gato's property into a Sealing Scroll, Izayoi opened another safe, which contained a large number of scrolls, both large and small.
One of the super-large scrolls was the Sealing Scroll that Konoha had lost.
Taking out a red scroll with the word "Uzumaki" written on the seal, Izayoi also took out a yellow scroll from his body, then walked to the desk and sat down, opening the two scrolls.
The red scroll was covered with numerous Sealing Techniques.
The yellow scroll, however, had a completely blank surface.
Izayoi, with a nearly illegible scrawl that clearly indicated a hasty copy, transferred all the Sealing Techniques from the red scroll onto the new one.
Izayoi's current identity was that of a mixed-blood, a descendant of both the Senju and Uzumaki clans.
The Super Strength Fist, or more accurately, the Chakra burst, he could explain away as a natural talent.
However, the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Techniques couldn't be explained by family inheritance.
After all, Konoha only had a sixty-year history, and Izayoi's family background was traceable.
If his family possessed inherited Sealing Technique scrolls, his parents wouldn't be in their current positions.
Izayoi's bloodline could only be explained as a case of awakening across generations.
Therefore, to allow Hinata and Sasuke Uchiha to openly practice the Yin Seal and the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Techniques, Izayoi had to use Karin as a shield.
As long as Karin joined Konoha with this scroll, it would be practically guaranteed.
After copying all the Sealing Techniques, Izayoi stored the second safe deposit box again, and with the two large scrolls on his back, he left the basement.
Finding Hinata and Karin, Izayoi handed the yellow scroll to the latter, instructing her with a serious expression, "Karin, this is the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Technique scroll. In the future, when you practice the Sealing Techniques from this scroll, if anyone asks about its origin, you must answer that it was your mother's legacy, hidden by her in a very concealed place, and only after leaving Grass Ninja Village did you take me to find this scroll."
"Yes!" Karin nodded earnestly.
Having worked as an assistant to a Shadow Clone in the Land of Waves and witnessed the legendary Kekkei Genkai, Karin knew that Izayoi was hiding many secrets.
However, she didn't mind.
Even if Izayoi was a bad person, she was willing to be one too.
Hinata felt the same way.
During the Third Exam's main event, Hinata realized that the Izayoi participating was just a Shadow Clone, and guessed that Izayoi was also involved in the Konoha Crush Plan, doing some unknown things.
The Super Strength Fist and Yin Seal were the best explanations.
After packing their things, the three of them began their return journey.
By the time they returned to Konoha, it was already September 10th.
After helping Karin fill out the village registration, Izayoi first created a Shadow Clone, instructing it to take the scroll back for safekeeping, and then took Karin to see Tsunade.
"You're Karin?"
"Y-yes, Hokage-sama."
In the Hokage Office, Tsunade sized up Karin, who was somewhat restrained and didn't dare to look directly at her. Her gaze slowly changed from scrutiny to gentleness, and she smiled, "You've had a hard time these past years. Welcome to Konoha."
"Th-thank you, Hokage-sama." Karin repeatedly bowed with a surprised expression, not expecting joining Konoha to be so easy.
"Do you need me to arrange a place for you to live? Or would you like to stay by my side and be my secretary and disciple?" Tsunade extended an invitation, eager to nurture talent.
Tsunade, who also possessed both Senju and Uzumaki bloodlines, was definitely one of the most knowledgeable people in the world about the Uzumaki Clan.
The Uzumaki Clan were all geniuses in sealing and medical Ninjutsu, and those who awakened unique abilities were geniuses among geniuses.
If someone were to awaken Adamantine Sealing Chains, they would be the best choice for a Jinchuriki.
Every Uzumaki Jinchuriki who awakens Adamantine Sealing Chains is destined to become a Perfect Jinchuriki.
This was the case with Mito Uzumaki, and also with Kushina Uzumaki.
Even if Karin hasn't awakened Adamantine Sealing Chains, her talent makes her the most suitable to inherit my mantle.
As long as she is trained for a few years, Konoha will have another trump card, and one who excels in combat, sealing, sensing, and medical skills.
"Eh!! This, this..."
Karin didn't expect Tsunade to think so highly of her, and for a moment she was at a loss, subconsciously looking at Izayoi beside her, her eyes full of pleading.
Izayoi smiled and said, "Hokage-sama, Karin is my family and my subordinate."
"Is there a problem with that?" Tsunade crossed her arms and snorted, "We all have the same blood flowing in our veins, and you are all my family. Besides, I am the Hokage, and you are my subordinate, so your subordinate is naturally my subordinate. What's wrong with me using her?"
After saying that, Tsunade disdainfully added, "Besides, can someone your age train people? Don't you need to go out on missions? If Karin stays by my side, her talent will quickly materialize, and she will be able to fully unleash the potential of the Uzumaki Clan."
Izayoi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, feeling that what Tsunade said made a lot of sense.
Before Izayoi could speak, Tsunade looked at Karin and said, "I know you want to repay this kid, so you should stay by my side even more. I will train you to become an excellent ninja, so that you have the strength and status to help him."
Hearing this, Karin's eyes lit up.
The look in her eyes towards Izayoi was no longer pleading, but full of anticipation.
Clearly, the girl was tempted.
However, Izayoi didn't nod, and she didn't dare to make a decision on her own.
More than becoming the Hokage's disciple, Karin cared more about Izayoi's thoughts.
As the one who could compete with Sakura Haruno and Obito Uchiha for the title of ultimate Humble Simp in the original story, even Izayoi couldn't change this humbleness.
Because of her background and upbringing, the girl's psychology had become distorted, turning into an extremely serious people-pleasing personality.
If Izayoi hadn't intervened in advance, Hinata wouldn't have been much better off.
Before long, Izayoi made a decision and nodded.
Seeing Izayoi nod, Karin immediately said to Tsunade, "Hokage-sama, I am willing to become your disciple."
"Still calling me Hokage-sama?" Tsunade pretended to be displeased.
"Te... Teacher." Karin quickly changed her address, scratching her head and revealing the same silly smile as Naruto Uzumaki.
At this moment, Tsunade's expression became dazed again, as if she saw a reflection of Kushina Uzumaki, and her love for Karin grew even more.
So, she continued, "Let's live together from now on."
"No way."
This time, Karin refused without hesitation, looking at Izayoi beside her and saying, "I want to live with Izayoi-kun."
"Alright, but starting tomorrow, you have to come here promptly at nine o'clock every morning." Tsunade didn't force it.
"Yes."
"Alright, you can all leave now. Feel free to come find me if you need anything."
Tsunade waved her hand and continued to bury herself in her work.
"Karin has become Hokage-sama's disciple?"
As Izayoi and Karin walked out of the Hokage Building, Hinata, who was waiting for them at the entrance, was first slightly surprised, then sincerely smiled and said, "Congratulations, Karin."
"Hehe... as long as I can help Izayoi-kun." Karin scratched her head and giggled.
Izayoi smiled without saying a word.
The reason he agreed to Karin becoming Tsunade's disciple was indeed because Tsunade was more suitable to train Karin than he was.
Although Izayoi had Super Strength Fist and Uzumaki Sealing Technique, as well as a large number of Ninjutsu and Forbidden Technique training methods.
But there were two things he didn't have.
One was the Strength of a Hundred Sealings Technique developed by Tsunade in the original story.
The second was... the Shikkotsu Forest's Summoning Scroll.
Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave both had exclusive Sage Techniques, and Shikkotsu Forest, as one of the Three Great Sage Lands, must also have its own Sage Technique.
As a descendant of the Sage Body, Karin was also suitable for training in Sage Techniques.
As long as she mastered Sealing Technique, Super Strength Fist, Medical Ninjutsu, Yin Seal, Strength of a Hundred Sealings Technique, and Sage Technique at the same time, plus three unique abilities, then her strength would definitely be at the peak of the Five Kage, and she would be more suitable than Sakura Haruno to become the new Three Ninja in the final battle.
Moreover, Karin becoming Tsunade's disciple and a contractor of Shikkotsu Forest could convince Tsunade or Slug Sage to also have Hinata sign a contract with Shikkotsu Forest.
It was simply killing two birds with one stone.
Thinking of this, the corners of Izayoi's mouth couldn't help but curl up slightly.
Immediately, he smiled and changed the subject, "Let's go buy some daily necessities for Karin first, and invite Hanabi tonight to hold a welcome banquet for Karin."
"Okay, okay..."
One man and two women began to shop like crazy.
At night, Izayoi and the others held a banquet at Sasuke Uchiha's house.
At this time, Sasuke Uchiha was still out on a mission.
It had been half a month, and he still hadn't returned.
Izayoi and Hinata, who had experienced the Land of Rivers, were not surprised.
Moreover, Seventh Squad had the protagonist's halo. At least eight or nine times out of ten missions, accidents would happen. Sasuke Uchiha might be fighting fiercely somewhere right now.
After the banquet, Izayoi personally escorted the Hyuga sisters back to the outside of their clan's territory.
In this way, Karin officially joined Konoha, becoming Tsunade's second disciple before Sakura Haruno, and was about to... defy fate!
"I thought you guys had forgotten about me..."
After a few more days, Izayoi and Hinata, who had been resting for more than a month, finally began their first mission to advance to Chunin.
Shino Aburame, who had arrived at the Old Place early to wait for them, looked at Izayoi and Hinata, who were both wearing Green Vests because it was their first time leading a team to receive a mission, and said calmly.
Izayoi and Hinata seemed to hear a hint of resentment and grievance in Shino Aburame's tone, though they weren't sure if it was just their imagination.
Hinata subconsciously glanced to the side.
Izayoi chuckled and said, "Some time ago, the Hokage asked me to go and bring Karin back, which took a little time. As soon as I finished, I summoned you all."
Shino Aburame put his hands in his pockets and didn't speak.
However, Izayoi and Hinata could both imagine that Shino Aburame's eyes behind his sunglasses must be full of contempt at this moment.
"Ahem... let's go, let's go get the mission."
This time, even Izayoi couldn't help but glance away guiltily, quickly clearing his throat to change the subject.
The corners of Shino Aburame's mouth under his collar twitched slightly, and he finally let them off the hook.
But the next second, Shino Aburame's smile froze.
He realized something terrifying!
This time, Teacher Kurenai wasn't here, and Izayoi was leading the team, so on this trip... wouldn't he, Shino, turn into an Inuzuka, eating his fill of dog food?