章節 36: Kushina's awakening
A/N: The place mentioned in this chapter, isn't a real thing in the Naruto world, I was just bored and decided to expand the world more than it is. It doesn't and will not change the story, just something I decided to put in the moment. Also, I will be releasing an announcement in a bit, don't worry its not me dropping the story or going on a long-break, well kinda.
The warm afternoon sun filtered through the windows of Minato's house, casting a golden glow over the living room. It had been four months since Naruto's birth and the Kyuubi incident, and while the village was still healing, life was slowly returning to normal. The streets were once again filled with the chatter of villagers and the laughter of children, though an undercurrent of sadness still lingered in the air.
Inside, Naoki sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, entertaining baby Naruto with colourful toys. The infant's giggles filled the room, a stark contrast to the sombre mood that had blanketed the village not long ago. From the kitchen came the sizzling sounds and aromatic scents of Minato's cooking.
"Minato-niichan," Naoki called out, curiosity evident in his voice, "I've been wondering something. I know you're the fastest shinobi, but who's the fastest person you've ever seen or fought against?"
Minato paused his cooking, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Well," he began, his voice warm and engaging, "I'd have to say the Third Raikage. I faced him once during the Third Shinobi War, and let me tell you, he was something else. Fast as lightning and seemingly invincible. But if we're talking about those still alive, it'd be the Fourth Raikage, no doubt about it."
Naoki's eyes widened with interest. "Really? How does Shisui compare to them?"
Minato chuckled, running a hand through his spiky blonde hair. "That's an excellent question, Naoki. Shisui's taken the Body Flicker technique to levels I've never seen before. Most shinobi can't use it effectively in battle due to tunnel vision, but Shisui's Sharingan negates that weakness. His Afterimage Clone technique is truly remarkable, almost like my own Spiralling Flash Super Round Dance Howl Style Three."
Naoki's face scrunched up in confusion. "Your what now?"
Minato's laughter filled the room. "My Spiralling Flash Super Round Dance Howl Style Three," he repeated with a grin.
"You're... quite the comedian, Minato-niichan," Naoki deadpanned. "I'd make fun of your jutsu names, but they're just too effective."
Minato's expression turned more serious as he continued, "As for Shisui compared to the Raikage, it's an interesting matchup. The Raikage's speed comes from his lightning jutsu. He coats his entire body with lightning, enhancing his defence, reaction time, and speed. At the moment, I'd say the Raikage is faster, as Shisui is still growing. But give it a few years, and that might not be the case anymore."
Naoki nodded, absorbing this information with keen interest. Naoki then asked curiosity brewing inside him, "You mentioned the Third Raikage and that he was nearly invincible, so how did he die?"
Minato's blue eyes softened, a mix of respect and sadness crossing his face. "Ah, that's a tale of great courage and sacrifice, Naoki. Your father, Mizuchi Senju, played a crucial role in that story. He was known as the God of Sea, a shinobi of extraordinary power and skill."
Naoki's eyes widened in surprise. "My father? I... I didn't know he was that strong. Tsunade-neesan has never told me much about him, only about my mother."
Minato nodded understandingly, his voice gentle. "I believe they wanted to protect you, Naoki. Your father had many enemies, especially in Kumogakure. But his strength was undeniable. During the Third Shinobi War, he faced the Third Raikage in a battle that became legendary."
Leaning against the kitchen counter, Minato continued, his voice filled with awe and respect. "The fight lasted for three days and nights, Naoki. Can you imagine? Two shinobi of unparalleled power, neither willing to yield. They were evenly matched in many ways, but in the end, your father emerged victorious."
Naoki listened intently, his heart swelling with pride and a tinge of sadness. "But... what happened to him after?"
Minato's expression turned solemn. "Unfortunately, the battle took its toll. Your father succumbed to his injuries shortly after. But his sacrifice wasn't in vain, Naoki. Most of our forces were engaged with Iwagakure at the time. If not for your father's victory, Konoha might have fallen. He saved countless lives that day."
Naoki sat in stunned silence for a moment, processing this new information about his father. Then, with determination in his eyes, he began asking more questions about Mizuchi Senju, eager to learn about the hero he'd never known. Minato, his eyes twinkling with fondness for both father and son, was more than happy to share what he knew.
"Naoki, dinner's ready! Bring Naruto over, would you?" Minato called from the kitchen.
Naoki scooped up Naruto, who was contently gumming his rubber kunai toy, and settled him into his high chair. Minato placed a large, steaming casserole pan on the table, its contents a vibrant mix of colours and textures.
"Wow, what is this?" Naoki asked, leaning in to get a better look at the dish.
Minato smiled proudly. "This is Arroz de Marisco, a specialty from a distant land called the Lusitano Empire." The dish was a feast for the eyes – golden saffron-infused rice studded with an array of succulent seafood. Plump shrimp, tender chunks of fish, and a variety of shellfish nestled among the grains, their shells adding pops of colour to the dish. The aroma of garlic, white wine, and herbs wafted up, making Naoki's mouth water.
"The Lusitano Empire?" Naoki questioned, his brow furrowing.
"It's an ancient maritime merchant empire from a faraway land," Minato explained, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "I had the chance to visit during a mission. The people there, known as the Lusitanos, have a deep connection to the sea and take great pride in their history. Their way of life is quite different from ours, but fascinating. I learned this recipe during my stay."
As they sat down to eat, Minato settled next to Naruto's high chair, a small bowl of baby food in hand. "Naruto, say ahhh," Minato cooed, bringing a spoonful to his son's mouth. Naruto giggled, mimicking his father's expression before accepting the food. Minato alternated between feeding himself and his son, a warm smile never leaving his face.
Naoki, intrigued by the delicious meal, asked, "Do you have any other recipes from that empire? If this is so great, I wonder what other foods they have?"
Minato chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I did bring back a few recipes. There's one I haven't tried yet, but I've heard it can solve conflicts with just a taste. It's called Pastel de Nata."
"Kyuu," Naruto babbled, waving his tiny hands. Minato turned his attention back to his son. "I'm sorry, Naruto. Here, let me feed you."
Just then, an ANBU with spiky silver hair and a dog mask appeared, kneeling before Minato.
Minato looked at the ANBU, a playful smile crossing his face. "What is it, Kakashi? You want me to spoon-feed you too?"
Naoki burst into laughter while Kakashi tilted his head in confusion. "Huh? No, sensei. I came to inform you that Kushina-san has just awakened."
The atmosphere in the room instantly changed, a mix of excitement and relief washing over Minato and Naoki.
"Thank you, Kakashi," Minato said, his voice thick with emotion. "We'll head there right away."
As they prepared to leave, Minato chuckled softly. "We'd better bring this food with us. I can just imagine Kushina's reaction to hospital food after all this time."
Naoki grinned, quickly sealing the casserole pan into a storage scroll. With Naruto securely in his arms, Minato led the way to the hospital, hope and anticipation quickening their steps. The thought of reuniting with Kushina, of their family being whole again, filled the air with an almost tangible excitement as they made their way through the village streets.
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The hospital corridors were a flurry of activity as Minato, carrying Naruto, and Naoki rushed towards Kushina's room. The scent of disinfectant hung in the air, a stark contrast to the aromatic dish sealed away in Naoki's scroll.
As they approached Kushina's room, they could hear her animated voice echoing down the hallway.
"I said I don't want any more of that hospital slop, ya know! I've been out for months, and the first thing you try to feed me is this?!"
Minato chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Same old Kushina," he murmured, a fond smile on his face.
They entered the room to find Kushina, her long red hair slightly dishevelled, sitting up in bed and glaring at a flustered nurse. When the door opened and Minato, Naoki and Naruto who was in Minato's arms entered, Kushina's eyes lit up as she saw her family enter.
"Minato! Naruto!" she exclaimed, her face breaking into a radiant smile. Then, noticing Naoki, her grin widened even further. "And Naoki-kun! You've grown so much, ya know!"
Minato stepped forward, gently placing Naruto in Kushina's eager arms. "Welcome back, Kushina," he said softly, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy.
Kushina cradled Naruto close to her face, rubbing his cheeks, her eyes nearly watering as she drank in every detail of her son's face. "Oh Naruto," she cooed, "You've gotten so big! Mommy's missed you so much, ya know!"
Suddenly, Kushina's eyes widened as if remembering something. "Oh! You won't believe the dream I had while I was out! There was this giant bowl of ramen, and the noodles had legs! They were running all over Konoha, ya know!"
Minato laughed, shaking his head fondly. "Only you would dream about ramen while unconscious, Kushina."
"Hey!" Kushina protested, grinning. "It was a very important dream! The noodles were trying to tell me something, I'm sure of it!"
Naoki, who had been watching the reunion with a warm smile, couldn't help but chuckle at Kushina's enthusiastic description of her dream.
Kushina noticed Naoki hanging back and was having none of that. "Oi, Naoki-kun! Don't just stand there, come here and give me a hug, ya know!"
As Naoki approached, Kushina pulled him into a tight embrace with her free arm. "Look at you, all grown up! Have you been helping Minato with Naruto? I bet you're a great big brother, aren't ya?"
Naoki nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. "I've been trying my best, Kushina-neechan."
Minato placed a hand on Naoki's shoulder, his blue eyes twinkling with pride. "Naoki's been incredible, Kushina. I couldn't have managed without him."
Kushina's gaze softened as she looked at her family. "I'm so proud of all of you. Now," her eyes narrowed playfully, "please tell me you brought some real food. I can smell something delicious, and it's definitely not coming from that tray."
Minato laughed, the sound bright and clear. "You caught us, Kushina. Naoki, would you do the honours?"
Naoki grinned and pulled out the scroll, unsealing it to reveal the still-warm Arroz de Marisco. The aroma filled the room, causing Kushina's eyes to widen in delight.
"Minato, you didn't! Is that the dish from your mission to the Lusitano Empire?" Kushina exclaimed, her mouth already watering.
As Minato began to serve the food, Kushina looked around at her family, her violet eyes shining with love and gratitude. "I've missed so much," she said softly, her voice catching slightly. "But I'm back now, and I promise I won't leave you again, ya know!"
Minato leaned in and kissed her forehead gently. "We know, Kushina. We're just glad you're here with us now."
As they shared the meal together, the room filled with laughter, stories, and the warmth of a family reunited. The challenges they had faced and those yet to come seemed less daunting in that moment, as they basked in the joy of being together once again.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票