Naruto took the forehead protector, kissed it hard like it was a treasure, then hurriedly replaced the "temporary model" on his forehead.
Temporary forehead protectors had no serial number, no code phrase, and were made from the most ordinary iron. They were mainly worn temporarily to prove a ninja's identity after losing their original forehead protector, essentially a temporary ID.
But compared to its defensive value, Naruto cared more about what it represented.
After all, this was the first forehead protector of his life.
Once he had it on, Naruto looked at the Flying Thunder God kunai again, scratched his head, and asked, "What's this? What a strange kunai."
"A belated graduation gift from your father."
Lin Qing did not hide it from him.
During his time training under Kakashi, Naruto had already learned that the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, was his father, and Kushina was his mother.
Kakashi had told Naruto everything about his background and why he had become an orphan.
The Third Hokage had chosen to conceal it in the past for the sake of protection.
But Kakashi believed that protecting him should not come at the cost of breaking a hero's child's heart. Naruto had the right to know—
"At least his father's sacrifice was more worthy of respect than my old man's."
Those had been Kakashi's exact words.
When he heard that it was a gift from Minato, Naruto froze for a full three seconds.
Lin Qing did not rush him. He simply waited quietly.
When Naruto came back to himself, he carefully took the Flying Thunder God kunai from Lin Qing and examined it for a long while. Then he suddenly turned to look toward Kage Rock, his gaze settling on Minato Namikaze's face. He sniffed hard and asked, "Brother Qing, my father..."
Lin