The next morning:
After a simple breakfast, Katsumi Kei stood in front of the mirror, tightening his belt and adjusting his clothes. He glanced at his reflection—sharp eyebrows, clear eyes, and a face that carried calm composure even at his young age. Satisfied, he patted Hayate on the head.
"Let's go."
Hayate barked in response, tail wagging. Kei grabbed a light shoulder pack, slung it over his back, and climbed onto his companion's back. Pressed close to his fur, he gave the command.
"Tengang's shop."
With a bark, Hayate shot forward, a blur of white wind.
As they raced through Konoha's streets, familiar buildings zipped past. Passersby turned in surprise, marveling at Hayate's size and speed. More than a few eyes widened, recognizing the boy on his back. Kei and Hayate had become a quiet legend among the villagers—something unusual, yet not unexplainable in a world of chakra beasts and kekkei genkai.
Kei remained calm through the attention. He was used to the stares by now.
His thoughts, however, drifted to the past.
It had been over a year ago. A younger Kei had wandered into Tengang's store out of curiosity. He was looking at a bizarre triple-bladed kunai when a loud voice startled him.
"Careful with that one, it's Minato's design. Balanced differently than a regular throw."
Tengang had walked in, wiping soot from his hands. Tenten, even smaller back then, had peeked from behind the counter.
"Daddy, who's that?"
"That's Katsumi Kei, your Uncle Katsumi's son. He's only three this year, but he's got an eye for ninja tools."
Tenten had marched right up to him and declared, "I'm older than you, so call me Onee-chan!"
Kei had blinked once, then gave her a calm smile. "Sure, Onee-chan. But only if you can beat me in a kunai toss."
They'd been inseparable since.
Back in the present, Hayate slid to a stop in front of Tengang's shop. The wind stirred the chimes above the doorway.
Inside, Tenten perked up. Her face lit up.
"Big brother Kei!"
She ran out with open arms, and Kei dismounted smoothly to meet her.
After their hug, she pulled him inside, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Guess what? I helped Dad forge something yesterday! Not just practice—real forging! I shaped the first half of a short sword's hilt!"
Kei raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Seriously? That's amazing."
Tenten puffed up with pride. "I even polished the finish myself! Dad said I've got real talent."
"Of course you do," Kei said warmly. "I can't wait to see it."
"Kei, you haven't come to see me for such a long time," Tenten pouted.
Kei soothed her, "How about I take you to the forest for a picnic later?"
"It's a deal!"
Tenten, who had tasted Kei's food before, brightened in an instant, and her eyes were filled with expectation and desire.
After Kei put her down, Tenten looked toward Hayate.
"Big brother, how did Hayate grow so big?"
"I awakened some special abilities."
After patting Tenten's little head, Kei smiled and replied.
"Hayate can carry us on his back now. Would you like to try it?"
Hearing that, and looking at Hayate who nodded, Tenten couldn't help but feel excited.
'Riding the wind with big brother, closing my eyes, enjoying the feeling of speeding through the village, such a scene seems... amazing!'
Looking at Kei's smiling face, Tenten also smiled innocently.
Seeing her in that state, Kei guessed some of the thoughts in her little head, and couldn't help feeling a bit emotional.
People in this world are really precocious!
Let alone Tenten's girly thoughts—Uchiha Itachi had been thinking about life and ideals since he was a child. Another example was Orochimaru, who may have started thinking about life, death, and how to pursue immortality since losing his parents at a young age.
A deep voice called from the back. "Ah, so Kei is here. Come in."
Tengang stepped out, broad-shouldered and smiling. Tenten beamed at him.
"Dad! I told Kei about the sword!"
"You did well," Tengang chuckled. "Now come, Kei. I assume you're here for business too?"
Kei nodded. "Uncle Tengang, do you have 100 grams of Wind Cutting Iron?"
Tengang scratched his beard. "No stock right now. But I've ordered a batch of ore from Fire City. It includes some Wind Cutting Iron—about 230 grams. Should arrive in ten days."
Kei's eyes brightened. "Great. Please set 100 grams aside for me."
Tengang nodded. "Done."
"Thank you. I also promised Tenten a picnic. We'll be heading out."
Tenten clapped her hands in excitement. Tengang smiled. "Enjoy it—and take care."
Kei gave a small bow. After hopping back on Hayate's back, putting Tenten behind him, and making sure she held on tight, the trio disappeared outside the store.