Chapter 26: unspoken bonds
As the mission approached, I felt the love meters of Kushina Uzumaki and Mikoto Uchiha were completely full.
Hana Uzumaki and Satsuki Uchiha also had theirs nearly maxed at 90%, and Izumi Uchiha's love meter stood at 99%. As the new year came closer, I finally decided to confess my feelings to my mom, Kushina.
During one of our training sessions, where I was helping Hana work on her weaknesses, I later joined Kushina in the kitchen. While we cooked together, she looked at me with a gentle smile and said, "Thanks for helping me with the household chores, Naruto."
I replied, "Don't worry, Mom. I love you, so it's my pleasure."
Kushina's cheeks flushed slightly, surprised by my choice of words. She hesitated before replying, "Naruto, don't say things like that. It's... not funny."
I looked at her earnestly and replied, "I'm not joking, Mom. I love you—not just as my mother, but as a woman."
Kushina looked taken aback. "But… I'm older than you. How could you possibly feel that way about me?"
"I've always loved you," I said firmly. "I've always seen you as more than just my mother. I already promised myself that I'd marry you one day."
Her expression softened, though a hint of sadness clouded her eyes. "But Naruto… how could we marry, even if you say that?"
"Don't worry about the others, Mom," I reassured her. "I'll make you happy, and I'll love you as any man would love the woman he cherishes. Just relax and let yourself feel the same for me."
In that moment, I leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Thanks to my training and growth, I now matched the height of an eight-year-old, though I was only five. As our kiss ended, I heard a familiar voice in my head.
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[System Notification]
> Hidden Mission Completed!
Mission: Host kissed his mother on the lips.
Rewards:
Nine-Tail Chakra Shard
Kunai Mastery
Talent: Fūinjutsu (Demi-God Level)
Talent: Ninjutsu (Demi-God Level)
All Stats: +1000
Item: Amaterasu Kunai (∞)
New Skills Added to Host's Skill Menu
1. Eternal Flame: Upon impact, the Amaterasu Kunai ignites the target with black flames that burn until the target is destroyed or the user dispels them.
2. Fire Trail: When thrown, the Amaterasu Kunai leaves a trail of black flames that form a burning barrier, restricting enemy movement or creating protective zones.
3. Sharingan Recall: Allows the host to recall the Amaterasu Kunai instantly via Sharingan focus, enabling fluid combat without losing the weapon.
4. Flame Cloak: Channeling chakra through the Amaterasu Kunai, the host activates a cloak of black flames that burns any approaching enemy.
5. Black Sun Explosion: Creates a powerful burst of black flames upon kunai impact. Due to high chakra demand, it can be used only once per battle and requires precise timing.
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Kushina seemed both happy and conflicted, her emotions written clearly on her face. I noticed her hesitation and asked, "What's wrong? Why do you look so sad?"
She sighed, "Naruto, you're my biological son. How could we ever have a future together as more than that?"
"Don't worry about anyone else, Mom," I replied, taking her hand gently. "I'll always love you, and I'll be with you like any man would be with the woman he loves. Besides, I'll have other women in the future as well, and I'll love each of you equally."
Hearing this, Kushina smiled, a mix of relief and acceptance on her face. Just then, I noticed Hana, my twin sister, watching us from the doorway. She looked both happy and embarrassed for our mom and me. She was about to leave to give us some privacy when one of my clones, Clone #031, intercepted her.
The clone told her, "Hana, I love you too, and I'll wait for you to grow up and understand these feelings fully. I don't want to rush things or worry about others judging us. I'll make sure you're happy and protected."
Hana nodded, understanding, and her love for me grew even more. Later, we gathered for dinner, enjoying a traditional feast of Peking duck. Afterward, we prepared for a night of training. We returned just before dawn, ready for a new day.
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Author's Note
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this chapter, please consider sending power stones and golden tickets to support my writing. Your encouragement means the world to me!
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