(The timeline gets a little confusing in this chapter: Uchiha Ling and Kushina are both twenty.)
At that moment, Uchiha Ling had already returned to Kushina's side.
Kushina looked at him, her blue eyes glistening with tears, filled with indescribable gratitude and affection.
Ignoring the fact that Mikoto and Natsuki were still nearby, she suddenly threw herself into Uchiha Ling's arms and held him tightly.
"Ling, thank you. For doing all this for me..."
Kushina's voice caught in her throat. She knew he had done this to completely deter anyone who still dared to keep her under surveillance, to announce to her and to everyone else that he, Uchiha Ling, would protect Uzumaki Kushina!
His unflinching resolve to stand up for her, no matter the consequences, filled her heart with overwhelming happiness and a sense of security.
[ Ding! Detected an intense mix of gratitude, happiness, and love from Uzumaki Kushina. Emotion Points +288 ]
Watching the two embrace, Uchiha Mikoto's eyes flashed with envy and warmth. She quietly tugged at Hyuga Natsuki, who still looked a little dazed, signaling that they should leave for a while and give the couple some time alone.
Uchiha Ling held Uzumaki Kushina gently and patted her back. "All right, now we can go shopping without a care in the world."
Kushina lifted her head from his arms and broke into a smile through her tears. She nodded firmly, her brilliant smile returning, though a hint of shyness remained.
The four of them didn't stay long on the bustling shopping street. After enjoying a rare stretch of carefree time without anyone watching them, Uchiha Ling walked Mikoto and Natsuki home, then accompanied Kushina back to her place.
Compared to the bustle outside, Uchiha Ling and Kushina seemed to cherish even more the