As Seiki was shouting himself hoarse, someone coolly leaped down from a tree in a stylish pose.
Seeing the clearly distressed Kushina and Seiki yelling out embarrassing words nearby, Minato immediately asked with concern, "Kushina, what's wrong with you? And... what exactly is going on here?"
"The monster sealed inside Onee-chan is attacking her!" Seiki answered quickly, then asked curiously, "Aniki, are you Onee-chan's friend?"
"A friend? I guess... maybe... perhaps... we could be?" Minato replied slightly shyly. Although he had secretly been keeping an eye on her all along, Kushina resisted everything external to her, which meant they had barely spoken at all.
"That's awesome!" cheered Seiki. "Right now, Onee-chan is fighting off the monster entirely by herself through sheer willpower! Aniki, quickly say something encouraging to make her feel more confident—something that'll help her remember your bond!"
"Is that so?" Hearing how urgent Kushina's condition was, Minato didn't hesitate any longer. Driven by instinct, he finally spoke those words he had long kept locked away in his heart.
"It was your beautiful crimson hair — such vibrant red hair — that made me notice you the moment you came to school. Back then, you were laughed at because of your red hair, and I felt furious, wanting to step forward to defend you."
"But the you who was bullied didn't cry weakly; instead, you bravely and firmly fought back. From that day on, I knew—you are strong, both in power and spirit!"
"I truly admire this side of you, Kushina! Also, today happens to be the anniversary of when you first arrived at school. I didn't have the courage to ask for your birthday, so I've treasured this day ever since."
"I originally planned to invite you out on a date, but accidentally discovered you'd been captured… And I… I don't want to lose you!"
Seiki twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth—what exactly was this? Cheesy pickup lines?
No wonder it's Minato—his cheesy romance game just never misses!
However, right after Minato finished speaking, the ominous red mist surrounding Kushina rapidly dropped off like a cliff and quickly dissipated.
Within just a few breaths, Kushina returned to her normal self, her body suddenly weakening as she collapsed into Minato's arms.
Asuma watched with wide eyes, stunned beyond words, "Is this… truly the world of mighty warriors?"
...
The next day, in the Hokage building.
"Hiruzen, I suppose you already know about yesterday's events?"
"Of course. They're all good kids!"
"Don't play dumb with me!" Danzo coldly chuckled. "Are you really going to let slide what happened with the Nine-Tails' seal being broken?"
"Hehe, take a look at this." The Third didn't get angry either. After puffing on his pipe, he slid a document toward him.
Danzo snorted and grabbed the paper—but his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
What was written clearly stated that *he himself* had allowed spies from the Cloud Village to cause the crisis.
Looking further, he finally recalled—it was because of gathering materials that he wanted to follow the vine and uncover more spies, so he hadn't paid much attention to that group.
And he didn't think a group of mere Genin could carry out any classified mission. Who would've guessed that those Cloud Village spies randomly grabbed someone and hit the jackpot.
"Cough cough." Danzo casually pushed the document back. "Let's table this for now and move on to the next matter."
Beside him, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane both silently shook their heads. That Danzo guy really still can't beat Hiruzen after all!
The Third smiled calmly. "Then next, let's discuss the rewards for Minato Namikaze and Seiki Shimaseki..."
"Hold on a second." Danzo, who had just calmed down, immediately interrupted. "I believe it's necessary to bring Minato Namikaze and Seiki Shimaseki into Root under my direct supervision for training."
"Are you aware of what you're saying, Danzo?" The Third's usually gentle face suddenly turned cold.
"You're simply too weak, Hiruzen!" Danzo shot back fiercely. "They are ideal tools for controlling the Nine-Tails. One can provoke the jinchuriki while the other can calm them down—this bond must be exploited!"
"Mito said that to avoid being consumed by the Nine-Tails' hatred, one must first fill their heart with love!" The Third lowered his eyelids. "Kushina has already filled her emptiness in heart. I won't allow you to cast her into darkness!"
"Foolish! Shinobi are tools by nature, and jinchuriki are nothing more than vessels!" Danzo declared firmly. "In short, I will absolutely take Minato Namikaze and Seiki Shimaseki..."
Todoroki!
The large door was violently kicked open, wood chips flying everywhere.
Anbu ninjas hidden around instantly appeared, but upon recognizing the visitors, they quietly retreated.
After a brief glance, they recognized the person as someone untouchable.
Seeing the two storming toward him aggressively, Danzo's eyes darkened. "Jiraiya, Tsunade, what do you two want to..."
But before he could finish, Tsunade raised her fist and smashed downward.
Todoroki!
A massive crater was directly punched where Danzo stood, shaking even the entire Hokage building.
Moments later, Danzo emerged from a shadowy corner. His expression was no longer just grim—it had turned furious, his anger clearly visible. "You two bastards, are you trying to betray the village?"
Tsunade frowned coldly, radiating pure intimidation. "I'm here today to say just one thing—you dare touch my apprentice, I'll kill you!"
Jiraiya laughed beside her. "Same goes for my apprentice."
Danzo's face grew so dark it seemed ready to drip water. "For the sake of Konoha, some sacrifices are worthwhile..."
Todoroki!
Another wooden decoy exploded under Tsunade's attack.
"I'm not here to listen to your nonsense." Tsunade leaned one hand onto the table. "Anyway, whether it's your Root or not, if my apprentices face any danger within the village, I'll hold Root responsible! Every time they get attacked, I'll kill one of yours!"
This time, even the two advisors watching silently at the side slammed their fists on the table. "Tsunade, do you understand what you're saying? Regardless of anything else, the members of Root are still your fellow villagers!"
Jiraiya, listening quietly by the side, couldn't help but inwardly marvel. Tsunade sure is as fiery as ever!
"Fellow villagers?
"Tsunade scoffed, 'Do you really think those people understand the meaning of comrades?'
'Enough!' Danzo barked furiously as he emerged from a corner once more. 'Do you think I'm afraid to brand you a Rogue Ninja?'
'Be my guest,' Tsunade waved her hand carelessly. 'If it weren't for waiting until Shizune graduates, I would've already left Konoha with her.'
'Tsunade, don't be reckless!'
'Danzo, calm down yourself too!'
The two Hokage advisors quickly stepped forward to mediate.
Leaving aside Tsunade's symbolic status, even considering only her strategically significant medical jutsu, they dared not act recklessly.
Tsunade, however, dismissed the warning completely. 'I didn't come here today to negotiate with you. I'm simply informing you of this fact. Whether or not you choose to believe it is no longer my concern!'
Tsunade then turned on her heel and walked out without another word.
Jiraiya stood beside her, momentarily stunned. He had come expecting to say more than just a single line.
Shaking his head, he tossed out one last parting shot before following her out.
'Just a friendly tip: Never cross a woman who's gone feral—and trust me, an enraged Sage is just as dangerous!'
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