Chapter 22 He was really a prince

Peter walked towards the dining room.

He had no idea what a Genjutsu was, or why the Jonin outside had suddenly developed eyes that looked very cool, very red, and very menacing.

He just assumed the ninja had some sort of ocular quirk, maybe a special power that gave them super cool vision.

His mind, even the scientist, was already wondering about the physiological mechanisms behind such an ability.

Could it be a mutation in the rods and cones? Or perhaps an entirely new type of photoreceptor cell?

The Jonin, on the other hand, was having an existential crisis.

He had tried to use a basic Sharingan Genjutsu, a simple illusion meant to redirect Peter's attention and prevent him from noticing the increased security.

It was a low-level technique, something he could perform in his sleep.

But it had bounced off Peter's chakra like a pebble hitting a mountain.

The Jonin, a seasoned veteran of countless missions, had never encountered anything like it.

It was as if Peter's chakra network was so vast, so dense, that the Genjutsu couldn't even find a way to penetrate.

The amount of chakra Peter possessed was simply unfathomable.

"What in the name of the Hokage was that?"

The Jonin muttered, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. His Sharingan spun wildly, trying to glean any information, any hint, from Peter's retreating form.

But there was nothing. Just a young man, seemingly oblivious to the impossible feat he had just performed.

The Jonin shivered. This "Koen Kumohito" was not just a guest; he was a phenomenon.

And losing him would indeed be a monumental loss, as the Hokage had rightly stated.

The Jonin made a mental note to report this anomaly immediately.

The aroma of simmering broth and grilled fish filled the dining room.

Nawaki, surprisingly adept for his age, had prepared a simple but delicious meal.

Peter watched him, impressed by his maturity and sense of responsibility.

It was clear that Tsunade had raised her little brother well.

"This is delicious, Nawaki-san,"

Peter said, taking a bite of the grilled fish.

Nawaki beamed, a shy smile gracing his features.

"Thank you, Koen-san. Onee-sama taught me how to cook."

"She's a good teacher, then,"

Peter replied, genuinely enjoying the meal.

He thought of Felicia and how she would tease him mercilessly if he ever tried to cook.

It was a comforting thought, a reminder of home.

As they ate, Nawaki began to talk about his dreams.

He wanted to be a great ninja, just like his grandfather, the First Hokage. He spoke with a youthful enthusiasm that was infectious.

"I want to protect Konoha,"

Nawaki declared, his eyes shining with determination.

"And I want to be strong enough to make Onee-sama proud!"

Peter listened intently

"You'll be a great ninja, Nawaki-kun,"

Peter said, offering a genuine smile.

"I'm sure of it."

Nawaki looked at Peter, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"You're strong, Koen-san. I can tell. Do you have a Kekkei Genkai?"

Peter blinked. "A what now?"

Nawaki chuckled. "A bloodline limit. Like my grandfather's Wood Style, or the Uchiha clan's Sharingan."

Peter paused, considering his answer.

He had no chakra in his own world, no innate abilities like the ninja.

But in this world, his very presence seemed to warp the rules.

His "chakra" was growing without effort, and he had just baffled a seasoned Jonin with his seemingly impenetrable energy.

"I… I'm not sure," Peter finally admitted. "It's… complicated."

Nawaki seemed to accept this answer, his curiosity satisfied for the moment.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, and Peter found himself enjoying the simplicity of the moment, a brief respite from the complex questions swirling in his mind.

Just as Peter was finishing his meal, the front door slid open, and Tsunade entered, her brow furrowed in thought.

Her gaze immediately landed on Peter, a new intensity in her usually calm demeanor.

"Kumohito," she said, her voice betraying a hint of urgency, "I just returned from meeting with the Hokage."

Peter looked at her. He had a feeling whatever she was about to say would further complicate his already bizarre situation.

"What is it, Tsunade-san?" he prompted, setting down his chopsticks.

Tsunade took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room as if ensuring no one else was privy to their conversation.

"The Hokage and the elder council have reached a decision regarding your… unique circumstances."

She paused, choosing her words carefully.

"Given your… unexpected return, and the sudden emergence of the Koen clan name, they have decided to acknowledge you as its sole heir."

"Furthermore," she continued, her voice gaining a more serious tone, "they believe it is imperative for the Koen clan to re-establish its presence within Konoha. As such, they will be constructing a clan compound for you. Its proposed location is between the Senju and Uchiha clan compounds."

The implications of her words crashed down on Peter. This wasn't just about him being a guest anymore.

This was about him being integrated, permanently, into the fabric of this world.

A clan compound, nestled between two of the most powerful and historic clans in Konoha?

It was a level of commitment he hadn't anticipated.

"A compound?" Peter finally managed to articulate, his voice a disbelieving whisper. "But… why?"

Tsunade's gaze softened slightly, a hint of understanding in her eyes.

"The Hokage believes your presence, and the potential of the Koen clan, is vital for the future of Konoha. There are… many reasons, Kumohito. Reasons that are still becoming clear even to us."

She gave him a pointed look, a silent acknowledgement of Jonin's earlier encounter.

"Suffice it to say, they are taking your arrival very seriously."

Peter leaned back in his chair, the warmth of the delicious meal fading as a new, profound realization set in.

He wasn't just passing through this world. It seemed this world had every intention of making him stay.