After strapping on his weights, Katsumi Kei began his training for the day.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Tenten finished their own regimen and returned home to rest. Their training was over—but for someone else, the real work was just beginning.
Rather than heading home, Might Guy made his way to the Hokage Building.
As a key figure within the Hokage's circle, it wasn't difficult for him to gain an audience.
"Guy, what brings you here?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked kindly, seated behind his desk.
Might Guy stepped forward and bowed, a rare seriousness on his face.
"Hokage-sama," he began earnestly, "there's a young boy in the village I've taken an interest in. His name is Katsumi Kei. Not only is he close friends with Naruto, but he's also shown a brilliance I've rarely seen. I've taught many students, but Kei... he's something else."
Guy clenched a fist as he continued, his voice growing more impassioned.
"He's respectful, focused, and driven. Today, I witnessed him use a unique bloodline limit—he can evolve summoning beasts, Hokage-sama. His chakra control, his intuition, his potential... it's overwhelming. I believe he's worthy of learning the Eight Inner Gates. I want to teach him, not just because he's talented, but because he carries a spark of something truly powerful—like the Will of Fire itself."
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained composed, but his eyes flickered with thought. As Guy detailed Kei's progress alongside Naruto and Tenten, and the emergence of this unique ability, Hiruzen leaned back slightly in his chair.
Katsumi Kei... civilian-born, yet already weaving himself into the lives of the village's future pillars.
After a pause, the Hokage nodded.
"I see. If that is your judgment, then I trust it. Train him as you see fit, Guy."
Might Guy's eyes lit up with gratitude. He gave a deep, fervent bow.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama! I will not let you down!"
Hiruzen offered a faint smile. "Go on, then. Keep nurturing the next generation."
"Yes, sir!"
Once Guy had gone, Hiruzen's expression turned more pensive. He reached for a scroll Shisui had delivered earlier—an update on Kei and his crow summon.
"Perhaps it's time I met him in person... Katsumi Kei. Naruto. Hinata. Guy. Shisui. A bloodline limit that evolves summoning beasts..."
He looked to the window, where the moon had begun to rise.
"Katsumi Kato, your son might carry more than just your name. He may become one of the Will of Fire's next bearers."
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"And the Uchiha..."
Root Base
Shimura Danzo sat in silence, eyes locked on the report.
"A civilian-born child, tied to the Hyuga, the Jinchuriki, Might Guy, and even Shisui... and with that bloodline limit..."
He tapped a finger against the parchment.
"No doubt Hiruzen has already extended his claws. If I reach now, it'll be seen as provocation."
His brows furrowed deeper.
"But what use is summoning evolution? It won't rival the First Hokage. It won't replicate Madara. Even the Kage-level threshold will remain out of reach."
He leaned forward.
"Unless... he gains access to one of the Three Great Summoning Realms. Myoboku. Ryuchi Cave. The Shikkotsu Forest."
Danzo's lip curled.
"Orochimaru can't be trusted. And Mitarashi Anko is too well-guarded. That route is closed."
His voice dropped to a resentful murmur.
"The boy remains the monkey's asset."
But it wasn't Kei he resented—it was Sarutobi. As always.
Uchiha Clan Land
After tending the crows, Uchiha Shisui didn't return to training.
Instead, he sat within his home, reading the clan's compiled intel on Katsumi Kei.
When he finally lowered the scroll, his expression was conflicted.
"Independent. Intelligent. Composed. Polite. Mature beyond his years."
He exhaled slowly.
"I once thought Itachi was unparalleled. But this Kei... he may possess a brilliance even sharper."
Shisui's fingers drummed against the scroll.
"If peace between the Uchiha and the village is possible, it may lie between those two. Itachi... and Kei."
He didn't speak further, but the idea had already begun to take root.
Naruto's House
Knock knock!
Naruto raced to the door and swung it open.
"Third Grandpa! You finally came!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen blinked, surprised.
This energy... it's different. He seems happier.
"Yes, Naruto. I came to see how you were doing."
Naruto grinned and stepped aside. "Come in, come in!"
The Hokage entered, his gaze briefly scanning the room, then settling on the boy in front of him.
Kei's presence has already begun changing things.