Feeling the warm, heartfelt strength of Kushina's handshake, as bright as the spring sun, Hayato had to work hard to politely but firmly draw his hand from her warm, powerful grip.
"Actually, I didn't really help much. It was all Minato's doing."
"Minato already told me," Kushina said with a shake of her head and a gentle smile. "If you hadn't pointed us in the right direction, who knows how long we'd have wandered around? I might even have been taken to another country—or worse."
As they chatted, Kushina suddenly realized she hadn't introduced herself. She quickly smiled and said, "By the way, I'm Kushina Uzumaki. You can call me Big Sister Kushina!"
Then, quite naturally, Kushina reached out her right hand to gently stroke Hayato's young-looking cheek, but he nimbly dodged her.
Seeing that, Kushina covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes shining with playful warmth. "What is it, Hayato? Are you embarrassed?"
"Not at all," Hayato hurriedly denied. He just wasn't used to being fussed over like a child. He happily accepted the affection of his family's elders, but he always kept a reasonable amount of caution and distance when other people touched him.
"All right, Kushina. We should go inside. Standing at the door isn't very hospitable," Minato gently reminded her, his voice full of warmth and concern.
At that, Kushina rubbed the back of her head and gave an awkward laugh. "Right, right! I forgot. Come on in." She stepped aside, warmly inviting Hayato into the house.
As he stepped inside, a cozy, comfortable atmosphere washed over him. The room was a little messy, but it felt lived-in and relaxed, as if it reflected Kushina's lively, free-spirited nature.
Seeing the state of the room, Kushina hurriedly tidied up a little and said apologetically, "I'm so sorry. I didn't expect to have guests today, so I didn't get a chance to clean up. Please excuse the mess."
Minato joined her in tidying up. The two worked together in easy harmony, gradually turning the somewhat messy room neat and orderly.
Hayato had no choice but to find a clean spot on the tatami and sit down, quietly watching them.
Once Minato had finished tidying, he walked over to Hayato and smiled as he handed him a steaming cup of tea. "Hayato, have you started at the Ninja Academy yet?"
Hayato shook his head and replied, "I started this year."
"Ah, you've started school already? But you look so young." Kushina curiously came closer and looked him up and down.
"I'm three years old," Hayato answered seriously, as if starting at the Ninja Academy at three were perfectly normal.
"Then why aren't you at school? Skipping class is wrong, you know," Kushina said with mock sternness, though her eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Well... I have my reasons." Hayato paused slightly. He didn't lay all his secrets bare, simply brushing the topic aside.
"Honestly, if you didn't look so young, I'd think you were already a ninja who could hold his own," Minato said with a smile, admiration clear in his eyes.
Hearing that, Kushina looked at Hayato in confusion. He seemed like a two- or three-year-old at most.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Minato explained, "When I ran into Hayato nearby earlier, he was training hard."
"Really?" Kushina stared at Hayato in surprise, admiration and curiosity shining in her eyes.
She suddenly felt so useless. She wasn't even as hardworking as a three-year-old.
"If I'd been stronger back then, they wouldn't have taken me away. Then I wouldn't be..." Kushina's voice trailed off, and a trace of sadness flashed in her eyes.
Minato walked over and gently patted her shoulder. "It wasn't your fault, Kushina. It was an accident. No one could have predicted it."
"Did something happen?" Hayato asked curiously.
Since Hayato had brought it up, Minato didn't think there was any need to avoid the subject. After all, Hayato had played a key role in the whole incident.
"Well, Kushina was kidnapped by ninjas from another country last time. It was quite serious," Minato said quietly, his tone grave.
Of course, he didn't say which country the ninjas had come from. Besides, the incident hadn't spread widely through the village yet, and many people still knew nothing about it.
"So war might break out?" Hayato asked in a low voice, frowning. Though his words were quiet, they revealed a maturity and composure far beyond his years.
His question left both Minato and Kushina stunned.
Looking at Hayato's young but determined face, it was hard to imagine he was only a little boy who looked three.
"Hayato, are you really only three?" Kushina leaned close to his face, as if she wanted to see right through him.
Hayato spread his hands and smiled helplessly. "What else? Do you think I'd lie to you?"
"But you really don't act like a child. You're so mature," Kushina said with a smile.
"Then I'll take that as a compliment," Hayato replied with a smile, not arguing.
"We don't know what will happen next yet," Minato said quietly, his voice tinged with worry. "But apparently, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire is negotiating with the other country's Feudal Lord. They're hoping to settle this peacefully."
The kidnapping still hadn't been resolved. Hayato fell into thought. If war broke out, it might be an opportunity for him.
But if he remembered correctly, the Third Shinobi World War was still years away. Could things really have changed just because he'd pointed Minato in the right direction?
Seeing Hayato fall silent, Minato thought he was worried about the possibility of war. He crouched down and met Hayato's determined gaze. "And don't worry. Even if war really does break out, the adults in the village will do everything they can to protect you all. You don't need to worry."
"Mm, I understand." Hayato nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I'll work hard at training too, and I won't hold everyone back."
Seeing the mood turn heavy, Kushina quickly jumped in to liven things up. "All right, all right! Hayato, to thank you for helping me last time, I'm going to cook you a proper meal myself. Is there anything in particular you'd like to eat?"
"Udon," Hayato answered without a second thought. It was one of his favorite foods.
"Sure, no problem." Kushina waved her hand and readily agreed. "I'll make sure you get your fill!"
As she spoke, Kushina rolled up her sleeves and got ready to cook. Minato immediately stepped forward to help. "Let me give you a hand."
"It's fine, I can manage." Kushina pushed Minato out of the kitchen. "Go keep Hayato company. I'll be done in no time."
Minato had no choice but to smile and nod. He went back over to Hayato and sat beside him. The two started talking about the Ninja Academy and their respective training experiences.
Just then, a book slipped out of the backpack on Minato's back. Hayato happened to catch a glimpse of its contents: the pages were covered in messy circles and lines, with dense writing in the margins. A thought suddenly came to him.
Could that be...
"Minato, what's this...?" Hayato asked, pointing to the book on the floor.
At that, Minato hurriedly picked up the book and said with a smile, "Oh, this? It's an idea for a ninjutsu I've been working on recently. It still has plenty of flaws, but I've been trying to refine it. Want to take a look? Maybe you can help me improve it."
As he spoke, Minato handed the book to Hayato. He didn't really think Hayato could help complete his idea for the ninjutsu, but his curiosity and admiration for Hayato made him decide to let him look.
He really didn't think Hayato could help him complete it.
Hayato took the book and examined it carefully.
As expected, it's the Rasengan, Hayato thought.
Before you continue