After comforting Kushina, Minato and the others chatted with the elder for a while longer before taking their leave and heading home.
"You guys go on ahead. I need to report to the old man."
Tsunade glanced at Kushina, who was still clinging to Minato's hand, and smiled meaningfully.
"Ahem—I'm going to soak in the hot springs. I feel like I'm going to rot after being in the Land of Rain for so long."
Nawaki forced an awkward smile.
He saw the affection between Minato and Kushina, but he also noticed the growing intimacy between Minato and Mikoto.
He wasn't stupid, just blunt.
Meddling in such matters could be dangerous, even fatal.
Watching the two figures walk away one after another, Minato felt an inexplicable unease. He glanced at Kushina beside him. "Let's head home."
"Mmm—"
Kushina nodded silently.
On the way home, people greeted Minato, who responded politely, already a celebrity in Konoha.
Soon, they arrived at their house.
Kushina walked silently into the room and sat at the dining table, her cheeks puffed out as she gazed expectantly at Minato, as if waiting for something.
Seeing this, Minato sighed softly. What must come will come, he thought, and sat down opposite her.
He struggled to find the words. "Um—Kushina, there's something I need to tell you."
Kushina's expression darkened. "It's about Mikoto-nee, isn't it?"
"Yes—"
Looking at Kushina's crestfallen face, Minato suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.
The words he had rehearsed caught in his throat, refusing to come out.
"Are you dating?"
Kushina suddenly looked up, her eyes blazing as she stared at Minato.
Minato quickly waved his hands. "Not yet—"
Kushina's tone sharpened. "So you don't like me anymore? You don't want to be with me?"
Minato shook his head frantically. "How could you say that?"
Phew.
Kushina suddenly let out a long sigh, her expression visibly relaxing. "Then we're good!"
Minato was taken aback by her reaction. "But I—"
Smack!
A small fist suddenly landed on Minato's forehead, making him flinch.
Kushina, her small fist still clenched, her face taut, declared, "Either way—we're even now."
"Kushina—"
Minato rubbed his forehead, his expression complicated.
"Ah—I haven't had your cooking in ages!"
Kushina stood up, interlaced her fingers, and stretched her arms overhead with a languid yawn.
"I'm going to get groceries!"
Minato quickly rose, his gaze softening as he looked at the red-haired girl before him. "Want to come along?"
"Hmm—"
Kushina hummed noncommittally, turning her head away. "Might as well invite Mikoto-nee too. After all, we're teammates—"
Before she could finish, a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around her shoulders.
Feeling the warmth of Minato's embrace, Kushina nuzzled against his shoulder, like a contented kitten.
"You don't have to force yourself," Minato said, a hint of apology in his voice. After all, he was in the wrong.
He'd expected Kushina to be furious, to storm and rage. Instead, she was surprisingly calm.
"Hmph, what choice do I have? Who can blame you for being so popular, Konoha's hero?" Kushina huffed, pouting. "Besides, books say men are all fickle. I've been prepared for this all along, given your personality—hmph!"
Minato looked surprised. "Books say?"
"Never mind!" Kushina grabbed his wrist and tugged him along.
She'd borrowed some romance novels from Nonou earlier, hoping to use them to "win over" Minato, but she couldn't bring herself to mention it.
"Let's go! It'll be dark soon if we don't!"
The two soon arrived at the Uchiha compound. After a brief inquiry, they learned the location of Mikoto's house.
When the doorbell rang, Mikoto hurried to open the door. She froze slightly upon seeing Minato and Kushina.
As she met Kushina's gaze, a mix of anger and scrutiny, a wave of guilt washed over Mikoto.
"Kushina—"
"Mikoto-nee—"
"..."
Kushina drew out her words, her eyelids drooping as she stared at Mikoto with dead-fish eyes. "You actually snuck out behind my back?"
"I'm truly sorry!" Mikoto panicked, quickly bowing. "Please forgive me, Kushina. This has nothing to do with Minato-kun; it was all my fault—"
"Never mind, I forgive you~" Kushina waved her hand dismissively. Mikoto froze in surprise.
"Huh?"
"After all, Minato and I never really confirmed anything. We were just suited to liking each other." Kushina pouted. "As for who came first—that doesn't really hold water. At least Minato is free to like whoever he wants. I have no right to criticize him. Who's to blame but my slow moves?"
As she spoke, she turned and shot Minato a venomous glare.
Mikoto stared at Kushina blankly, unable to believe these were words she would ever say.
Feeling Kushina's fierce little glare, Minato smiled and waved his hand. On their walk here, he had come to understand her feelings a little better.
Ever since Kushina arrived in Konoha, she had stayed by his side, growing deeply dependent on him.
Three years had passed. Though they hadn't officially confirmed their relationship, they had long become inseparable parts of each other's lives.
Given Kushina's personality, how could she not be angry? How could she not be hurt?
This reaction was simply her way of accommodating him.
"Anyway, want to go grocery shopping with us? Minato's making a big meal later."
Kushina turned her head away, her little mouth pouting stubbornly, trying to sound tough. "After all, we're teammates in the same squad—"
"Kushina—"
Mikoto's gaze lingered on Minato's face for a moment.
Minato smiled gently at her, his eyes filled with apology and anticipation.
"Sure!"
Mikoto nodded readily, slipped on her shoes, and stepped forward to take Kushina's hand. "Let's go!"
Feeling the warmth of Mikoto's hand, Kushina suddenly felt a strange sensation.
Before she could dwell on it, Mikoto had already pulled her away and hurried off a considerable distance.
Watching the two figures recede, Minato felt a great weight lift from his heart, and a gentle smile bloomed on his lips.
After a while, he found himself in the shopping district.
Nawaki, having just finished his bath, wandered aimlessly through the streets.
I wonder what that Minato guy is up to? he thought. Could Kushina have already... you know, taken a knife to him?
With this thought, he continued to wander aimlessly, not daring to go home yet.
If he were to return, it would have to be with his Big Sis.
Suddenly, his steps halted, and his eyes widened abruptly.
At the street corner, Minato, Kushina, and Mikoto were buying groceries together, laughing and chatting.
Though Kushina occasionally pouted and glared at Minato, the overall atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious. Mikoto walked gently beside them, occasionally interjecting with soft words.
Nawaki stared blankly at the scene.
Damn, brother! You're amazing!
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