New Arrangements
I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!
THE IDEA OF THESE OC CHARACTERS ARE NOT OWNED BY ME. THESE SPECIFIC VERSIONS HOWEVER ARE MY BRAIN CHILD, IF YOU USE THEM GIVE ME CREDIT.
The Uchiha Resentment
Chapter 9: New Arrangements
The Next Day
The sun was shining brightly over the village as Akimitsu and Kushina walked side by side through the bustling streets of Konoha. The village was lively as always, with vendors calling out to potential customers, children laughing as they played in the streets, and shinobi of all ranks going about their daily routines. It was an ordinary day in many ways, but for Kushina, it felt anything but.
She glanced over at Akimitsu, who seemed to be in unusually high spirits. He was smiling, casually chatting as if they were just two friends enjoying a normal afternoon together. But this wasn't just any casual outing—it was a fake date, a part of their plan to make Minato jealous.
Akimitsu had suggested it, of course. Ever since they had agreed to the scheme, he had been the one driving the plan forward, always with that same calculating smile. And while Kushina had gone along with it, part of her was starting to feel uneasy about the whole thing.
As they walked through the market district, Akimitsu chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You know," he said, glancing over at her, "things are going even better than I expected. Fugaku found out about Minato and Akane. It's all happening just like we planned."
Kushina felt a pang of guilt at his words. She had known this was coming, of course—she had been part of the plan from the beginning. But hearing it said so plainly made it all feel so… real.
"Yeah, I heard," she murmured, her gaze drifting to the ground as they continued walking. "I feel kind of bad, though. I mean, this is Minato and Akane's life we're messing with."
Akimitsu shrugged, his smile never wavering. "We're just giving things a little nudge in the right direction, Kushina. Minato was never supposed to be with Akane anyway. This way, things can go back to how they were meant to be."
Kushina nodded, but the uneasy feeling in her chest only grew stronger. She knew she wanted Minato to notice her, to finally see her the way she had always seen him. But was this really the right way to go about it? Was manipulating the people she cared about worth it?
They passed a ramen stand, and Kushina's stomach gave a small growl, but she ignored it, her thoughts too tangled to focus on food. Her mind kept drifting back to Minato and Akane. The two of them had always seemed happy together—so happy, in fact, that it had been hard for her to resent Akane, even though she was the one who had won Minato's heart.
"It's all part of the plan," Akimitsu continued, clearly pleased with himself. "But the next step will take a little time. We don't want to push too hard, too fast. Let them think they've won, and then we'll act when the time is right."
Kushina bit her lip, her heart sinking. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep this up. Pretending to date Akimitsu, plotting against Minato and Akane—it all felt so wrong. And yet, she had agreed to this. She had let herself be swept up in the idea that this was the only way to make Minato see her.
"I guess," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Akimitsu didn't seem to notice her hesitation, or if he did, he didn't care. "Come on, Kushina," he said with a grin, nudging her playfully. "Don't look so down. This is just the beginning. Trust me, it's going to work."
Kushina forced a small smile, but inside, her heart was heavy. She didn't want to hurt anyone, least of all Minato and Akane. But now, she was caught in this web of deception, and part of her wasn't sure how to untangle herself from it.
As they continued walking, Kushina's thoughts swirled in her mind. Could she really go through with this? Could she live with herself if this plan actually worked?
Only time would tell.
The warm morning light filtered through the windows of Minato's modest home, casting a soft glow over the small, but neatly arranged living space. It was quiet, save for the faint sound of rustling paper as Minato sorted through a stack of mission reports at the dining table. He glanced up, his gaze drifting to the bedroom where Akane was still sleeping.
It had only been a week since she'd moved in, but already the house felt different. Her presence, even when she wasn't in the same room, filled the space in a way that made it feel more alive, more complete. And while they'd spent years in a secret relationship, living together—truly living together—was something entirely new for both of them.
He smiled softly to himself as he set down the reports, stretching his arms over his head. He was still adjusting to the idea of having her here, waking up with her by his side every morning. Despite everything that had happened, despite the fallout with the Uchiha clan, being with Akane like this felt… right.
Minato rose from his seat, his bare feet padding softly across the wooden floor as he made his way to the kitchen. He started preparing breakfast, moving with quiet efficiency as he cracked eggs into a bowl, the sizzle of bacon filling the air. He wanted to make this morning special, a small gesture to show Akane that no matter what happened, they would face it together.
As he moved around the kitchen, he couldn't help but think about how they were going to make this work. Akane was fiercely independent, used to handling things on her own. Minato knew she would have a hard time adjusting to a life outside the Uchiha District, away from her clan, her home. But he was determined to help her through it, to support her in any way he could.
A soft sound caught his attention, and he turned to see Akane standing in the doorway, her dark hair tousled from sleep, her eyes still heavy with drowsiness. She wore one of his old shirts, the hem brushing just around the middle of her thighs, and for a moment, Minato's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her looking so relaxed, so at ease.
"Morning," he greeted her with a warm smile.
Akane rubbed her eyes, a small yawn escaping her lips as she looked at him. "Morning," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. She glanced around the kitchen, her gaze falling on the food he was preparing. "You're making breakfast?"
Minato nodded, gesturing to the stove. "I thought I'd make something special for us. It's not much, but I figured it'd be a nice way to start the day."
Akane's lips curved into a faint smile, and she moved closer, leaning against the counter as she watched him cook. "You're too sweet, you know that?" she teased, her eyes softening as she looked at him.
Minato chuckled softly. "Only for you."
For a moment, they stood there in comfortable silence, the smell of bacon and eggs filling the air. Akane's gaze drifted around the kitchen, taking in the small details—the photos on the walls, the neatly organized shelves, the little touches that made the space uniquely Minato's. She felt a pang of something bittersweet as she realized that this was her home now too.
"It's… different," she murmured, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the counter.
Minato glanced at her, sensing the unspoken emotions behind her words. "Different how?"
Akane hesitated, struggling to put her feelings into words. "I've spent so long in the Uchiha District, surrounded by the clan… It's strange being away from all of that. I thought I'd feel… lost, or disconnected. But being here, with you…" She looked up at him, her gaze earnest. "It feels like a new beginning."
Minato's heart warmed at her words, and he stepped closer, reaching out to take her hand in his. "That's exactly what this is—a new beginning. For both of us. We'll take it one day at a time, okay?"
Akane nodded, squeezing his hand gently. "Yeah. One day at a time."
Breakfast was a quiet affair, filled with soft conversation and shared smiles. They talked about mundane things—missions, village gossip, plans for the day—but beneath it all was a sense of something deeper, something that connected them in a way that went beyond words.
After they finished eating, Akane insisted on doing the dishes, waving off Minato's protests with a playful roll of her eyes. "I'm not a guest, Minato," she said firmly. "I'm living here now, so I'll pull my weight."
Minato chuckled, leaning against the counter as he watched her. "Fair enough. But don't feel like you have to do everything, okay? We're in this together."
Akane glanced at him over her shoulder, her smile softening. "I know. It's just… I want to make this work. I want to make us work."
Minato's expression grew serious, and he moved closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We will, Akane. We already are."
Later that day, they took a walk through the village, Minato pointing out some of his favorite spots. The flower shop run by Yamanaka family, the bakery with the best sweet buns in town. It was a small tour, but it felt significant—like he was sharing a piece of himself with her.
Akane had realized how much of the village she hadn't really explored due to being in the confines of the Uchiha District.
Akane listened intently, asking questions, making jokes, and slowly, gradually, she felt the heaviness in her chest begin to lift. She was starting to see a life outside of the Uchiha District, starting to believe that maybe, just maybe, this new chapter would be even better than the last.
That evening, they settled into a comfortable routine—Minato finishing up some Hokage paperwork while Akane practiced her jutsu in the backyard. When she finally came back inside, sweaty and tired but smiling, Minato looked up and felt a surge of pride and love for the woman who had chosen to be with him, despite everything.
"You're incredible, you know that?" he said, his voice soft. He gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
Akane raised an eyebrow, giving him a playful smile. "What brought that on?"
"Just… watching you, seeing how strong and determined you are… It reminds me of why I fell in love with you in the first place."
Akane's cheeks flushed faintly, and she moved closer, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you too, Minato," she murmured. "And no matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Minato smiled against her lips, his heart swelling with warmth. "Together."
The Next Day
The Hokage building buzzed with the usual energy of shinobi and staff moving briskly through the hallways, carrying out the day-to-day operations that kept Konoha running smoothly. From his office window, Minato watched the scene with a faint smile, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. It was moments like these, watching his village thrive, that made all the hard work worth it.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Turning, he saw the familiar figure of Akimitsu Senju standing in the doorway, his expression warm and friendly. Minato's smile widened, his earlier thoughts forgotten as he beckoned Akimitsu inside.
"Minato," Akimitsu greeted with a slight bow of his head, his voice laced with a casual familiarity. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Not at all, Akimitsu," Minato replied, waving off the concern. "It's always good to see an old friend."
Akimitsu stepped into the office, his gaze briefly sweeping over the neatly organized stacks of mission reports and documents that lined Minato's desk. "You've really made yourself at home here, huh?" he said with a chuckle. "I remember when you used to grumble about paperwork back when we were still training together."
Minato laughed softly, leaning back in his chair. "Some things never change. But it's all part of the job."
Akimitsu moved to stand by the window, his hands clasped casually behind his back as he glanced out at the bustling village below. For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, two old friends catching up. But there was something in the air—a subtle shift in Akimitsu's demeanor, a hint of something unspoken.
"So," Akimitsu began lightly, his tone conversational, "how's life been treating you lately? I heard Akane's moved in with you. You two must be really happy."
Minato's smile softened, a warm glow lighting up his eyes at the mention of Akane. "Yeah, we are. It's been… different, adjusting to living together, but it's good. Really good."
Akimitsu nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed on the village outside. "I'm glad to hear that. You deserve to be happy, Minato." He paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "But I can't help but wonder… have you ever thought about how things might have been different? You know… if someone else had been in the mix?"
Minato's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Akimitsu turned to face him, his expression carefully neutral, but there was a glint of something—something almost calculating—in his eyes. "I'm just saying… you and Akane have always been close, but there's someone else who's been a big part of your life, too. Someone who's cared about you for a long time."
Minato's eyes widened slightly as the implication sank in. "Kushina?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Akimitsu shrugged, his smile almost too casual. "I mean, it's not like it's a secret that she's always had feelings for you. She's beautiful, strong, and a great person overall. I just wonder if things would have been different if you'd given her a chance."
Minato's expression shifted, a hint of discomfort flickering across his features. He shook his head firmly. "I couldn't do that. I only love Akane. Kushina is a wonderful person, and she's very important to me… but it's not like that."
Akimitsu tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "Not like what?"
Minato sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "I care about her, but not in that way. With Akane, it's… it's different. I love her in a way I've never loved anyone else. I don't think I could ever feel that way about someone else, even if things had gone differently."
Akimitsu nodded thoughtfully, as if absorbing the information. "I see. Well, I'm happy for you both, then." He glanced at Minato, his smile turning almost wistful. "Just remember, Minato—sometimes, life throws unexpected things our way. You never know what might happen."
Minato chuckled softly, though there was an edge of uncertainty in his eyes now. "I appreciate the concern, Akimitsu, but I'm not worried. Akane and I are strong. We'll handle whatever comes our way."
Akimitsu nodded, his expression serene. "Of course. You two are a perfect match." He paused, then casually added, "Speaking of which… how did Fugaku take it when he found out about you two living together?"
The question landed like a stone in a pond, creating ripples of confusion in Minato's mind. He blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "How did you know about Fugaku finding out?" he asked slowly, his gaze sharpening as he studied Akimitsu.
Akimitsu's smile didn't waver. "Oh, it just made sense, that's all. After all, she's an Uchiha, and you're the Hokage. If she suddenly moved in with you, it's not hard to imagine the clan head would have something to say about it."
Minato's eyes narrowed slightly, but after a moment, he relaxed, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Right… I guess that does make sense."
Akimitsu's smile widened, his gaze softening. "Don't overthink it, Minato. I just want to make sure everything's okay between you two. I'd hate for something like this to cause problems."
"Yeah," Minato murmured, his mind still processing the conversation. "Yeah, everything's fine."
Akimitsu nodded once more, clapping a hand on Minato's shoulder in a show of camaraderie. "Good. That's what I like to hear."
As they continued chatting, the previous moment of unease faded, replaced by the familiar rhythm of their friendship. But in the back of Minato's mind, a tiny seed of doubt had been planted, and Akimitsu's words lingered like a shadow.
What had once seemed like a straightforward situation now felt slightly more complicated. But Minato pushed the thoughts away, focusing instead on enjoying the time spent with his friend.
Unbeknownst to him, Akimitsu's smile remained, a subtle curve that hinted at satisfaction. Everything was falling into place—just as he had planned. He just hoped that Kushina could remain calm with her side of the plan.
The streets of Konoha were lively as usual, the vendors' calls blending with the laughter of children and the chatter of passersby. Kushina and Akane strolled side by side through the bustling marketplace, their arms filled with bags from various stores. Despite the warm smiles they exchanged, there was an undercurrent of tension—one that only Kushina was truly aware of.
Since the war had ended, the village had gradually shifted back to a state of normalcy. Without the constant threat of battle looming over them, there was more time for friends to reconnect and for relationships to deepen. For Kushina and Akane, that meant spending more time together—shopping trips, lunch dates, and casual conversations. It was almost like old times, except for the gnawing jealousy that coiled like a serpent in Kushina's chest.
Akane turned to Kushina, her smile bright and genuine. "It's nice to have a day like this," she said, glancing down at the various bags they carried. "I can't remember the last time we went shopping together."
Kushina returned the smile, though it felt forced. "Yeah, it's been a while," she agreed, her voice light and casual. "It's good to just… hang out. No missions, no drama. Just us."
The two women made their way to a small café on the corner, settling into a cozy table near the window. The smell of freshly brewed tea and sweet pastries filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere. Akane leaned back in her chair, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
"So," Akane began, her tone taking on a more playful edge, "how's everything going with Akimitsu? You two seem really close these days."
Kushina hesitated for a fraction of a second before forcing a smile. "Oh, you know… things are good. Really good."
Akane's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's great! Minato and I were actually talking about you two the other day. We're both so happy you found someone who makes you happy. Akimitsu's always been such a good guy."
Kushina's smile wavered, but she quickly masked it with a casual laugh. "Yeah, he is."
Akane leaned forward, her gaze earnest. "I mean it, Kushina. You and Akimitsu… it's like it was meant to be. You know he's had a crush on you since before the Chunin Exams, right?"
Kushina blinked, taken aback by the revelation. "What? No way! Akimitsu?" she sputtered, her mind racing to process the information. Had she really been that blind to his feelings? And more importantly, was Akane trying to say that she and Akimitsu were always meant to be together—while Minato and Akane were, too?
Akane laughed softly at her friend's reaction. "Oh, come on, Kushina. You must have noticed! He was always hanging around, making excuses to train with you or offer help on missions. It was obvious to everyone."
Kushina felt her heart clench. "I—I guess I just never saw it," she admitted, her voice softer. She struggled to keep her composure, her mind a whirl of emotions. If what Akane said was true, then Akimitsu had been harboring feelings for her all along, even when she was pining for Minato. It was a strange thought, and one that made her feel oddly guilty.
Akane reached across the table, placing a hand on Kushina's arm. "You were too focused on Minato, huh?" she teased gently. "But sometimes we're so caught up in chasing one thing that we miss what's right in front of us."
Kushina swallowed hard, fighting to keep her voice steady. "Yeah… I guess you're right." She took a deep breath, then smiled—this time a bit more genuine. "But, you know, I did realize it eventually. And I'm really happy now. Akimitsu's amazing… and let's just say he's got more stamina than I ever expected."
Akane's eyes widened slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, really?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement. "Are you saying he's even got more stamina than anyone?"
Kushina nearly choked on her tea, but she forced herself to laugh. "Yup! Let's just say… I'm never left wanting, no matter what."
The words felt strange coming out of her mouth, like a lie wrapped in a half-truth, but she knew she had to keep up the charade. She had to make it seem real. Akane couldn't know the truth—that the only reason she was with Akimitsu was because of their plan. The plan to make Minato see her, to make him realize that she was the one who truly loved him.
"Wow," Akane said with a smirk. "I guess I've got some competition in the stamina department, then. Minato's no slouch either, though. He's been… keeping me quite satisfied these days."
Kushina's heart lurched at the casual mention of Minato. She plastered on a smile, but her chest tightened with a mix of jealousy and resentment. "Good for you, Akane," she said, forcing her voice to stay light. "I'm glad you and Minato are happy."
Akane's smile softened, her eyes filled with genuine warmth. "Thanks, Kushina. I really am happy. But I'm even happier knowing that you're happy too. I know it must have been hard for you… getting over Minato."
Kushina's smile wavered. "Yeah, but you know… things happen for a reason. And Akimitsu… he's been there for me in ways I never expected."
Akane's gaze turned thoughtful. "I think it's really sweet. I was worried about him back then, you know? After we all went our separate ways during the Chunin Exams, he seemed kind of… lost. But then you two started getting closer, and it was like everything just clicked."
Kushina nodded slowly, the lie falling easily from her lips. "Yeah… we just… clicked."
The conversation moved on, shifting to lighter topics—village gossip, mission stories, and plans for the upcoming festival. But even as they laughed and chatted, the tension lingered beneath the surface. Kushina felt it with every word, every forced smile, every time she had to remind herself that this was all part of the plan.
As they finished their shopping and made their way back to the main district, Kushina couldn't shake the gnawing sensation in her chest. She was playing a dangerous game, and every step she took felt like she was walking on a tightrope, one wrong move away from everything collapsing around her.
But she couldn't back down now. She had come too far, sacrificed too much. She just had to keep going, keep up the charade, and eventually, she would win. She would have Minato's heart, no matter what it took.
Even if it meant lying to one of her oldest friends.
The evening breeze rustled through the streets of Konoha, carrying with it the scents of freshly bloomed flowers and the distant hum of activity from the village center. Lanterns glowed softly, casting a warm, ethereal light on the pathways as villagers moved about, enjoying the calm night. For most, it was an ordinary evening—a time to wind down and savor the peace that had become a rarity in these war-torn times.
But for Kushina Uzumaki, nothing felt ordinary.
She stood outside the small teahouse, her heart still racing from the lingering tension of her earlier conversation with Akane. The words they had exchanged replayed in her mind—how they had discussed their relationships, their satisfaction, their happiness… or the lack thereof. Despite the laughter they had shared, Kushina couldn't shake the unease that had settled in her chest like a stone.
And now, she found herself waiting for Akimitsu Senju, her so-called "boyfriend," the one who was supposed to be her support through all of this, even if their relationship was nothing more than a convenient lie.
She spotted him approaching from down the street, his familiar silhouette coming into view. Akimitsu's dark hair was tied back neatly, and he wore his usual shinobi attire—practical and unassuming. But as he drew closer, he broke into a wide smile, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her.
"Kushina!" he called out cheerfully, quickening his pace. "There you are."
Before she could say a word, he wrapped his arms around her in a warm, seemingly affectionate hug, holding her close as if they truly were a couple in love. For a brief moment, Kushina allowed herself to sink into the embrace, savoring the comfort it brought. But the moment passed too quickly, and she pulled away, her gaze shifting nervously around to see if anyone was watching.
"Hey, Akimitsu," she greeted, her voice a bit quieter than usual. She forced a smile, glancing up at him as he leaned down and pressed a quick, chaste kiss to her cheek.
"Ready to go?" he asked, his tone casual, as if everything were perfectly normal between them.
"Yeah, let's go," Kushina replied, slipping her arm through his. They walked together, side by side, putting on a show of intimacy that felt both natural and painfully forced at the same time.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, their footsteps echoing softly on the cobblestone path. As they moved further away from the busy streets and into a quieter area of the village, Kushina finally spoke up, her voice hesitant.
"Akimitsu… about what you said earlier—back at the teahouse, I mean," she began, keeping her gaze forward. "You… you weren't serious, right?"
Akimitsu blinked, caught off guard. He glanced at her, his expression shifting into one of faint confusion. "Serious? About what?"
Kushina took a deep breath, her fingers tightening slightly around his arm. "About… having a crush on me. You were just saying that to keep up appearances, right?"
Akimitsu's smile wavered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly replaced it with his usual easygoing grin. "Oh, that." He let out a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well, I mean… kind of? I just wanted to make it sound convincing, you know?"
Kushina turned to look at him, her brows furrowing slightly. "But… do you really feel that way?"
For the briefest moment, something flickered in Akimitsu's eyes—something raw and unguarded. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, and he shook his head, his smile taking on a slightly sheepish edge.
"Come on, Kushina. You know I just want to make you happy," he said softly. "That's all this is about."
Kushina studied his face, searching for any hint of insincerity. But all she saw was the same gentle, supportive expression he had always worn around her. She let out a small sigh, a mixture of relief and disappointment swirling in her chest.
"Akimitsu… you're the best," she murmured, giving him a small, genuine smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Internally, Akimitsu's heart ached at the words. He forced himself to keep smiling, even as the bitterness of the situation threatened to overwhelm him. "Yeah… best friends, right?"
"Exactly." Kushina nodded, missing the subtle tension in his voice. She squeezed his arm gently, her gaze softening. "But that's why I have to ask—if you really do have feelings for me… I don't want you to get hurt."
Akimitsu looked away, his jaw tightening slightly. "I won't," he said quietly. "I just… I want to see you happy, Kushina. That's all that matters to me."
For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Kushina shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to say. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words died on her tongue.
Finally, she let out a quiet sigh, glancing down at the ground. "Thank you, Akimitsu," she whispered. "For everything. I don't think I could have gotten through all this without you."
The sincerity in her voice only made the pain sharper, but Akimitsu swallowed it down, forcing a smile onto his lips. "Of course, Kushina. I'll always be here for you."
She smiled back, the warmth in her eyes genuine. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Akimitsu's smile was strained. "You're pretty amazing yourself, Kushina."
They continued walking, their earlier conversation drifting away like smoke on the wind. But as they moved through the quiet streets, the unspoken truth lingered between them—Akimitsu's true feelings, the ones he kept locked away, hidden behind a mask of friendship and support.
Because no matter what he said, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise, there was a part of him that still hoped. Hoped that someday, maybe, he could turn their fake relationship into something real.
And if not… he still had one goal left.
To become Hokage.
But for now, he would continue to play his part—smiling, supporting, and pretending. Because that was the only way to stay close to her. The only way to remain in her life.
Even if it meant he would never truly be a part of it.
Well this chapter touches on Akimitsu Senju's manipulation skills while also covering more on the friendship of Akane and Kushina. The next chapter will be high on drama as well.