Although Itachi could not speak yet, Mirai's situation had moved him, and he laughed happily. With his four little hands and four little feet, he looked incredibly adorable.
"How did the mission go?" Mikoto asked.
Mirai nodded, though a trace of helplessness lingered deep in his blue eyes.
However, Kushina seemed to notice the emotion in his eyes. Smiling faintly, she bent down and said to Mirai, "That soil-headed guy got into trouble again..."
"No." Mirai smiled awkwardly.
In fact, their mission this time had been to escort a merchant to the Land of Rain. In a village along the way, they had encountered a bandit.
As a result, Obito had used too much force, and his Great Fireball had burned down a house.
The compensation from Obito's recent missions had also gone down the drain.
"What a carefree boy..." Kushina sighed, then changed the subject. "But I really hope Mirai's child and mine will be as lively as he is."
Kushina did not avoid the subject in front of Mikoto. After all, the three of them were from the same generation, and Mikoto's child was only half a year old.
Thinking back to the last time he had seen Naruto, with that unruly temperament of his, what Kushina had said had basically... come true.
A few days later.
After having Nohara Rin report to Tsunade the next day and begin a year-long medical ninjutsu training program, Mirai arrived at the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage put down his documents and clasped his hands before Mirai.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Mirai nodded. The Third Hokage continued, "If Nohara Rin leaves, Mirai's team will no longer be complete..."
"Don't worry. I'll bring Kakashi and Obito along. They've both improved greatly now."
"Haha, of course I trust your abilities." The Third Hokage