Kushina's Special Birthday

A month passed quietly, and the date arrived at July 10.

Over the past month, Shiraha had been studying three 0th-Level Spells: Sensory Enhancement, Message, and Barrier.

Sensory Enhancement and Message were relatively simple. Shiraha mastered them in less than half a month; he only needed more practice to become proficient.

Barrier, on the other hand, was more difficult and required a certain degree of control over Magic Power. Shiraha still needed some time.

Of course, even after learning these three spells, there was still a vast gap between that and using them swiftly in actual combat.

At the very least, Shiraha would have to fully master Barrier before he could begin learning how to make Demonic items.

However, Shiraha had already begun gathering the raw materials needed to make Demonic items in advance.

Apprentice-level Demonic items were much easier to make than Wizard-level Demonic items, though that was only relative.

Taking into account Magic Power conductivity and the stability of Demonic items, Shiraha mixed a small amount of Chakra metal into them to improve their toughness and conductivity.

Ordinary ninja tools only needed a tiny amount of Chakra metal mixed in for their toughness and Chakra conductivity to improve dramatically.

Moreover, Shiraha discovered that Chakra metal also had excellent Magic Power conductivity.

Fortunately, he had Kushina's financial support and connections. Otherwise, Chakra metal would not have been easy to buy.

Ninja Academy.

School had ended in the evening.

Shiraha packed his schoolbag, ready to head home and seize the time to practice his spells.

Because practicing spells required a secluded environment, Shiraha had been training alone recently.

However, before he could leave, Kushina stopped him.

She did not look well.

"Shiraha."

"Kushina, what's wrong?"

Shiraha stopped walking. He had not neglected Kushina lately. Though he had not trained with her, he spent most of his free time accompanying her around town.

Kushina gently bit her lip. "Did you forget what day it is today?"

Shiraha froze slightly before quickly realizing, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"Today is your birthday. How could I possibly forget?"

As a Wizard apprentice's Mental Power grew stronger, so did his memory. While he was not quite capable of remembering everything at a glance, he naturally remembered the things he cared deeply about.

He did remember that Kushina's birthday was July 10. He had merely been so focused on spell training and making Demonic items that he had not realized how quickly time had passed.

After all, he did not even celebrate his own birthday. If Kushina had not reminded him at the start of the year, he would probably have forgotten it entirely.

"You're lying! You obviously just remembered!" Kushina looked unconvinced.

"How could that be?! I even prepared your gift in advance!"

Shiraha took a small gift box from his schoolbag and waved it before Kushina.

"Tonight, Tsunade and Nawaki both have things to do, so you'll be the only one celebrating my birthday with me."

Kushina lowered her head.

Shiraha smiled. "Even if it's just the two of us, I'll make sure you have a good time! Wasn't it just the two of us last year too?"

"Mm, Shiraha, it's really nice having you." Kushina raised her head, her cheeks flushed red.

After saying that, she ran off first.

Shiraha watched Kushina's retreating figure and chased after her, feeling that something seemed to be weighing on her mind.

She isn't planning to confess to me, is she?

Shiraha owed Kushina so much money. As friends, they could still maintain a relatively equal relationship, but if they became boyfriend and girlfriend, would he not be beneath Kushina for the rest of his life?

Could the pure friendship between us really be about to change?

Sure enough, like every other woman, she coveted his good looks.

They arrived at the High-Class Restaurant.

During dinner, just as Shiraha had expected, Kushina was not her usual lively self. Instead, she seemed deeply troubled.

After the meal, Kushina was about to go home, so Shiraha offered to walk her back.

Kushina walked ahead, while Shiraha followed behind.

Neither of them was the first to break the silence.

Not until they were nearly at the Senju Clan Compound.

Kushina abruptly stopped, and Shiraha stopped as well.

"Shiraha!" Kushina turned around with reddened eyes, tears shimmering in them.

"Kushina?! What happened?"

Shiraha was stunned. Seeing how heartbroken Kushina looked, his mood instantly turned heavy as well.

Kushina's voice was choked with sobs.

"I'm sorry!

Dad, Mom, my brothers and sisters—they're all dead. Everyone is dead.

Your parents also died while helping the Uzumaki Clan.

I'm sorry~!"

With that, Kushina bowed deeply to Shiraha in apology.

"This isn't your fault!" Shiraha stepped forward and consoled her softly. "Kushina, all of that is already in the past."

"You really don't blame me?" Kushina looked uneasy.

Shiraha held Kushina by the shoulders. "My parents sacrificed themselves for the village, for their companions in the Uzumaki Clan. They were heroes who inherited the Will of Fire! They are my role models!

"And even alone, someone can still live well. Those who are alive must live positively for those who have passed on. Our family would not want to see us spend our days drowning in sorrow."

"For the dead..." Seeing Shiraha smile as he exposed his own scars to comfort her, tears continued streaming from the corners of Kushina's eyes, the salty taste spreading through her mouth.

Once Kushina had calmed down a little, Shiraha took out the gift he had prepared long ago.

A black hair ribbon.

"You never used the white hair ribbon I gave you last year. Did you not like that color? Black should go well with that beautiful red hair of yours!"

Holding the hair ribbon between his hands, Shiraha stepped behind Kushina and tied up her hair for her.

"It's not that I didn't like it." Feeling Shiraha fuss with her hair, Kushina blushed crimson, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"Such beautiful hair needs to be cared for properly."

"Got it."

"Feeling better now?"

"Mm!" Kushina took the handkerchief Shiraha offered and quickly wiped away her tears.

"That's more like it! Otherwise, when you go back, Tsunade-sensei might think I bullied you!" Shiraha said with a smile.

"Hmph! You wouldn't dare!"

Kushina fiercely waved her fist.

"I wouldn't, I wouldn't." Shiraha struck a pleading pose.

When they reached the gates of the Senju Clan Compound, Kushina had only taken a few steps before turning back.

"Shiraha!"

"Hmm?"

"If I change, will you still treat me like you do now?"

"Of course! No matter what you become, you'll still be Kushina! My... friend!"

"Mm, goodbye!"

"See you tomorrow."

Shiraha watched Kushina walk deeper into the compound before turning to leave.

Once the feeling of being watched within his sensory range completely vanished, Shiraha's brow furrowed tightly.

Kushina's behavior had been far too abnormal.

And while the two of them had been eating, there had actually been four ninja watching them in secret. The Chakra signatures of every one of them felt to be at the Jōnin level.

Inside the residence at the center of the Senju Clan Compound.

Uzumaki Mito wore a white kimono, her white hair meticulously combed. She lay peacefully against the bed, looking clean and neat, dignified and elegant.

Tsunade and Nawaki leaned against the bedside, nestled close to Mito, their eyes full of reluctance and attachment.