[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [Thank You For Your Support!]
"Have people from Konoha been looking for you recently, Mina?"
After dinner, Yoichi started the conversation; Mina had been quiet throughout the meal, and now wasn't the time to bring up the topic of white stockings.
"People from Konoha? I don't think so, although two people did ask me if I wanted to join Konoha, but I refused."
Mina shook her head. She was learning medical ninjutsu quite fast and had already performed five surgeries, leading to a medical ninja from Konoha Hospital asking her if she wanted to become a medical ninja.
Currently, Mina was just studying under Kanamoto, who agreed to teach Mina as a favor. Thus, Mina wasn't officially affiliated with Konoha Hospital.
Even Tsunade couldn't convince Mina, let alone anyone else.
"However, Doctor Kanamoto seemed troubled. She said she could only teach me for another half a month, but she would try her best."
Hearing this, Yoichi immediately suspected someone was pressuring Kanamoto. The village's medical matters were overseen by an Elder, but whether she was involved or not was uncertain.
"Mina, is half a month enough for you?"
"It should be. I think the hardest part of medical ninjutsu is chakra control. As long as you can control chakra down to every cell, you can use any medical ninjutsu. Tsunade-sama said the same, but I can't do it yet."
After pondering for a bit, Mina continued, "Tsunade-sama said I could ask her if I had any questions, but I haven't gone to see her yet. What Doctor Kanamoto is teaching me is enough for me to handle for now."
"That's good, then. Keep up your practice, and if you need anything, you can always come to me."
Half a month clearly wouldn't be enough, but judging by Mina's tone, she didn't want to trouble him. He decided to consult Elder Kenji later, as the elder's connections were undoubtedly stronger than his.
After speaking, Yoichi stood up to return to his room but added before leaving, "Oh, I brought you a gift. It's on the table by the entrance."
The gift wasn't anything expensive; he had it bought on his way back to the pharmaceutical factory, something for tying her hair, though Yoichi didn't look at it closely.
Mina, however, was delighted upon hearing about the gift. She waited until Yoichi had returned to his room before she excitedly ran to the entrance. Seeing the gift box, she picked it up and chuckled gleefully.
At the Senju compound.
Returning home, Tsunade was surprised to see the lights on. After a moment, she realized who was most likely to visit her home and use it in her absence.
Apart from Kushina, who had lived there as a child, no one else would come to her house and turn on the lights without her being there.
Upon entering, Tsunade was greeted by the familiar figure of Kushina, who bounded to the door with a ladle in hand, exclaiming, "Tsunade-nee, you're back!"
The aroma of food filled Tsunade's nostrils, prompting her to comment, "It's rare for you, Kushina, to cook dinner for me. What do you need from me?"
"Tsuna-nee likes it, so I'll come and cook for you more often."
"Even if you say that, I'll have to think it over when you ask me for a favor."
After saying this, Tsunade took off her shoes and, without bothering to put on slippers, walked barefoot across the floor to the dining table.
Seeing the steaming dishes, Tsunade felt hungry; she had been ready to settle for a simple bowl of ramen if Kushina hadn't cooked.
After serving herself, Tsunade began to eat heartily. After a busy afternoon, she was quite hungry, and the food tasted exceptionally delicious.
"Tsunade-nee, I heard there's another Uzumaki in the village, studying medical ninjutsu at the hospital?"
As Tsunade ate, Kushina, resting her chin on her hands, suddenly asked.
Tsunade paused, then replied, "Yes, that's true. Her chakra is very special, different from yours, with a natural aptitude for medical ninjutsu. I've seen her file; she's now known as Uchiha Mina."
"Uchiha? She got married?"
Kushina was taken aback, then recalling the name 'Mina,' which sounded familiar, she eventually realized, "Ah, it's Mina! I remember now, we studied sealing techniques together under the elders as kids, then lost contact."
Kushina's expression turned wistful. She had arrived in Konoha not long before news of the Uzumaki Clan's destruction reached her, and since then, there had been no news of Uzumaki survivors.
After finishing her meal, Tsunade explained, "She didn't get married, but Yoichi saved her, and out of gratitude, she joined the Uchiha clan. So, she's known as Uchiha Mina. But to deal with Konoha formalities, that kid still often calls her 'Uzumaki.'"
"Kushina, did someone ask you to persuade Mina to join Konoha?"
Kushina nodded, "Minato mentioned it, but is joining Konoha so bad?"
"Don't worry about it. She lives in the Uchiha compound now, so she's technically a part of Konoha. Plus, given your current situation, it'd be hard to meet her. Focus on your training."
Tsunade advised, hinting that Mina's resistance to Konoha made persuasion unlikely, even with Tsunade's status as a Sannin.
Kushina's sudden interest likely stemmed from someone suggesting she could appeal to Mina based on their shared Uzumaki heritage, given Mina's ideal medical ninjutsu aptitude. However, Tsunade preferred to stay out of it, recalling how a previous comment led to a confrontation with the Uchiha clan, making her consider leaving Konoha to avoid such entanglements.
"Tsuna-nee, can't I see Mina?"
Kushina asked, disappointed not at the inability to persuade Mina but at not being able to meet an old acquaintance.
"She's either in the Uchiha compound or the hospital, places you can't just visit."
Tsunade glanced at Kushina, quickly adding, "I won't go to the Hokage for this. He'd surely have demands, and it's impossible to agree."
Given the jinchuriki's dedicated medical ninja and the Uchiha compound being off-limits, plus Kushina's inability to fully control her tailed beast's power, roaming freely was out of the question.
Kushina, feeling defeated, lamented the irony of finding an old friend in the village yet being unable to meet.
"An old friend from childhood might not be a friend now, Kushina. You're better off focusing on your training," Tsunade advised, thinking about Mina's apparent reluctance. "You should really concentrate on your own training."
With a sigh, Kushina showed her disappointment, resting her head on the table, her eyes wandering as if lost in thought.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [Thank You For Your Support!]
Early in the morning, just after Mina left for Konoha Hospital, someone knocked on the door.
Upon opening the door, Yoichi was surprised to see who it was. "Sakumo-san..."
"Yoichi-kun, I apologize for the intrusion. I wanted to thank you in person after hearing you were back."
Sakumo said, presenting a gift box he brought along, demonstrating perfect etiquette.
"There's no need for formalities. Please come in, Sakumo-san, and you too, Kakashi."
Yoichi felt somewhat uncomfortable with these formalities. Although the Uchiha clan had its protocols, many clan members didn't care much about them. They weren't as rigid as the Hyuga clan, often behaving quite casually.
After welcoming Sakumo and Kakashi into the living room, Yoichi went to get two cups of tea, opting for chilled barley tea, as he wasn't particular about his beverages.
"Sakumo-san, I heard from Elder Kenji about your speaking on my behalf in front of the Lord. Thank you."
"Yoichi-kun truly played a crucial role. Without you, the mission would have failed, putting the Lord in significant jeopardy."
Sakumo shook his head, refusing to take credit that wasn't his.
After Hiruzen and Sakumo returned from the lord's mansion, the Fire Country's lord sent a second delegation to the Land of Rivers, strongly condemning Sunagakure for daring to assassinate a lord in violation of the shinobi code.
Sunagakure naturally wouldn't accept the blame, claiming it was the work of Konoha's White Fang who was there to protect the Land of Rivers' lord.
Only a few knew the truth about Sunagakure's intentions, including the lord of the Land of Rivers, his inner court, and personal guards, all of whom are now dead. In the shinobi world, only the Yamanaka clan of Konoha could extract information from the brains of the deceased.
Thus, Sunagakure's story was difficult to dispute, especially since Yoichi shouted Rasa's name in the Land of Rivers and conveniently eliminated many of the lord's guards.
After Yoichi left the lord's mansion, the surviving guards believed Sunagakure was responsible; their accusations led others within the mansion to believe it was Rasa's doing.
By the time Sakumo returned to the village, he heard that the lord's wife was already en route to the Land of Rivers.
"That's pretty much it. The aftermath is now in the hands of the Fire Country's lord and the Third Hokage. Yoichi-kun, your actions indeed greatly aided us."
Sakumo's tone was serious, with no hint of politeness, pausing before continuing to Yoichi, "I came today also because of this. The lord originally wanted to reward you and Kakashi, but I felt money would be useless to you, so I suggested an S-rank mission reward. After some discussion, the village decided to allow you and Kakashi to choose a ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals."
"Choose a ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals? Sakumo-san, is this for real?"
Yoichi asked in surprise. Although he had heard about this possibility from Elder Kenji, his relationship with the village's higher-ups wasn't the best, and it wouldn't have been surprising if they reneged on the reward.
"It's true, Yoichi-kun. For significant achievements, the village rewards ninjutsu, which many civilian ninjas have obtained this way."
Sakumo stated, then glanced at Kakashi beside him, adding, "Moreover, I want to thank you for the experience Kakashi gained."
Yoichi laughed, "No need to be formal, Sakumo-san. Kakashi is talented and strong; we helped each other."
Kakashi, overhearing his father and Yoichi's conversation, rolled his eyes, feeling like a child being praised by elders.
"By the way, Yoichi-kun, don't set your expectations too high for the Scroll of Seals. The most suitable techniques are often those best suited to oneself. Some Forbidden Techniques, even if chosen, cannot be used due to their stringent requirements."
Sakumo advised, mentioning his own experience with the Scroll of Seals, which offered him little beyond a multi-shadow clone technique for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
These words, shared at home with Kakashi, were now reiterated as advice from a senior.
"I understand, Sakumo-san."
Afterwards, Yoichi followed Sakumo towards the Hokage Tower.
Receiving a technique as a reward was an unexpected joy, but it also hinted at the considerable benefits Konoha gained from the affair at the lord's mansion.
Soon, the trio arrived at the Hokage Tower, coincidentally meeting two people exiting the building.
Rather than say they were leaving, it appeared the red-haired woman was being pushed out by the blonde young man.
"Minato-kun."
Sakumo greeted the blonde youth with a smile.
Seeing Sakumo, Minato stopped pushing Kushina and awkwardly smiled, "Sakumo-senpai, are you here to see the Hokage?"
"Yes, this is Uchiha Yoichi, and this is my son Kakashi. I'm taking them to see the Third Hokage for a matter."
After introducing everyone, Sakumo said to Minato, "Minato-kun, we'll head up first, as we've already arranged with the Third Hokage."
"Please, go ahead, Sakumo-senpai."
Minato responded respectfully. Although he was a Jonin, he couldn't compare to Sakumo, whose reputation was at its peak, even surpassing the Sannin and overshadowing a genius like Minato.
Hearing Minato's name, Yoichi guessed the redhead was the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki but quickly diverted his attention, nodding to Minato before following Sakumo into the Hokage Tower.
Once Sakumo and the others had entered, Kushina suddenly exclaimed, "Right, Uchiha Yoichi! I remember now, Mina is staying at his place!"
"Minato, wait here with me until Yoichi comes out, then we can ask if we can visit his house."
Minato immediately shook his head, "That's not possible, Kushina. The Hokage just refused, and you're under protection."
"What protection? That's clearly surveillance. Although I didn't control the Nine-Tails well before, I've been getting better at using its chakra. Yet he won't even allow me a bit of freedom!"
Kushina complained, then whispered to Minato, "You know the Flying Thunder God Technique. You could leave a mark on me, visit Yoichi yourself, then bring me over."
"Kushina, let's not. The Hokage would be furious."
Minato adamantly refused, knowing full well the trouble it would cause. A missing Jinchūriki would trigger an all-out search by the Anbu, and he understood the severity of such a situation.
"You refuse everything. I think you just don't want to help me!"
Seeing Minato's refusal, especially after not supporting her in the Hokage's office, Kushina turned away with a huff, "Fine, I'll wait here for Yoichi to come out!"
(End of Chapter)
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT