Yoriichi Namikaze was so absorbed in the battle in the dojo that he didn't notice anyone else entering. Uzumaki Kuming, however, spotted Minato and the others. With a simple sidestep, he used his speed to close in on Yoriichi and grabbed both hands around his sword, saying softly,
"That's enough, Yoriichi."
Yoriichi was so fast that he only realized Kuming had pinned his hands when he heard him speak. Only then did he slowly emerge from that strange battle state, the fervor in his expression gradually giving way to his usual cool composure.
"Yes!"
After answering, Yoriichi looked toward the people by the doorway and smiled warmly.
"Father, Mother, Brother. You're here."
Yoriichi reversed his grip on the sword and walked up to Minato and the others, greeting them respectfully. Seeing how solemn he was, Kushina laughed and pulled him into a hug, not minding that he was drenched in sweat.
"Calling us 'Father' and 'Mother'—you're far too strict with yourself, dear!"
Kushina doted on her youngest son. After hugging him, she saw how soaked he was and complained with concern,
"Kuming, honestly! Yoriichi is still so little. Why train him so hard?"
"Even if he needs to practice, there should be limits. What if my Yoriichi exhausts himself?"
As she spoke, Kushina shot Kuming a stern look. She had only meant for Yoriichi to learn the basics of chakra control from him. She hadn't expected Kuming to put him through such punishing training without a word. The intensity of that fight had been far beyond what a child Yoriichi's age should have been subjected to.
"Mother, I was the one who asked Uncle to train me. I can handle this level of intensity."
Yoriichi tried to smooth things over. Minato had now come to stand beside him, smiling as