That night, in a cave in the Land of Rain, the blue-haired girl slowly regained consciousness.
Feeling the warmth radiating from the fireplace beside her, a flicker of confusion crossed her eyes.
Her high fever had long since subsided. As she struggled to sit up, she noticed she was now wearing a clean set of clothes.
Remembering the golden-haired figure she had seen before fainting, a faint blush crept across her face.
"You're awake?"
A gentle voice reached her ears. She turned and met the gaze of a handsome face with warm, golden-yellow hair that instantly lit up her eyes.
"I'm Namikaze Minato. What's your name?"
"Konan—"
Konan's voice was slightly hoarse. She sat up straighter, feeling awkward. "Um... thank you for saving me."
Sensing her embarrassment, Minato smiled. "Don't worry. I asked the lady at the town's fruit shop to help change your clothes."
"You were almost dead! What's there to be shy about?"
A gruff voice cut in. Yahiko placed a bowl of fish porridge in front of Konan.
"This is Yahiko. He's a bit blunt, so don't take it personally," Minato said softly. "After a serious illness, your stomach might have trouble digesting. Start with some porridge."
"Okay, thank you—"
Konan reached out and accepted the bowl of porridge. It was warm, just the right temperature to eat.
Feeling the hunger in her stomach, Konan quickly finished the porridge.
As if she had drunk too quickly, she let out a small burp, her face flushing crimson as she lowered her head in embarrassment.
"You... you're an orphan, aren't you?" Minato asked after she finished.
"Mm—" Konan's expression darkened. "My parents... were caught in the crossfire of a ninja battle."
Minato pressed on, "Which village were the ninja from?"
Konan's voice grew somber. "I heard they were rōnin from the Land of Birds—"
"The Land of Birds..." Minato frowned slightly. The Land of Rain was in turmoil. Even before the war between Sunagakure and Konoha began, Hanzō had repeatedly launched military expansions into neighboring small nations.
This was the primary source of conflict between Konoha and Amegakure.
Countries like the Land of Rain and the River Country were largely allies of Konoha. Though Konoha advocated for peace, they couldn't stand idly by while their allies were invaded.
The situation was similar for Sunagakure and Iwa, which is why they tacitly agreed to make the Land of Rain the main battlefield.
"Do you have any other relatives?" Minato inquired.
"No," Konan replied, shaking her head. She looked at Minato tentatively. "Can I... stay with you?"
"Ha! So you've taken a liking to Big Brother Minato, huh?" Yahiko laughed heartily.
Konan's face flushed crimson as she stole a glance at Minato, then lowered her head in silence.
"Don't say such things, Yahiko," Minato said, a headache already forming. He tapped the forehead protector on his forehead. "As you can see, I'm a ninja from Konoha, and this is just a clone. It wouldn't be convenient to keep you by my side."
Konan's eyes dimmed at his words.
"However, I can offer you two choices."
Minato continued, "The first is like Yahiko. I'll teach you Ninjutsu for a while until you can survive on your own, then I'll return to Konoha."
"The second is to come with me to Konoha. With my guarantee, you'd have a life of comfort and security, and even the chance to attend the Ninja Academy—"
"I choose the second!"
Konan's eyes lit up at the second option.
So it's like this after all...
My damn charm!
Minato sighed imperceptibly. "What about Yahiko? Won't you reconsider?"
"No," Yahiko said, shaking his head firmly. "I'm staying here. One day, I'll change this country!"
"I understand. Then I'll take her back first."
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato transported Konan to the Konoha Orphanage.
The orphanage was no longer the desolate and dilapidated place it once was. The small building, constructed using the Minato Clan's Four Pillars Technique, was now painted a warm, sunny yellow.
Behind the building lay a small vegetable patch, and further beyond were animal pens and a fishpond. The sound of children's laughter drifted from the building, filling the air with life and vitality.
Minato knocked on the door, and a plump Sister opened it.
The Sister's face lit up with surprise and delight at seeing Minato. "Oh my, if it isn't Minato-kun! Are you here to see Nonou?"
"Good evening, Sister," Minato replied with a slight nod. "I'm actually here to see the Father. This is Konan, an orphan I met in the Land of Rain."
"I see! Follow me, then!" The plump Sister immediately understood and led Minato to the Father.
Upon learning of Minato's request, the Father readily agreed. "Of course, Minato-kun. Rest assured, we will take excellent care of this child."
"Thank you for your kindness, Father," Minato said politely.
"Don't mention it!" the Father replied.
The Father feigned displeasure. "If not for Minato-kun's help, these children would likely still be hungry. There's no need to be so formal with us."
Just as he spoke, there was a knock at the door. The plump Sister entered with Nonou.
"Minato! The plump Sister told me you were here, so I came to say hello."
Nonou's eyes lit up at the sight of Minato, then her gaze quietly swept over Konan standing behind him.
A girl, pretty, and clearly dependent on Minato.
Instantly assessing the situation, Nonou offered Konan a radiant smile.
Konan was momentarily startled, but her expression gradually softened.
"It's been a while, Nonou," Minato said, greeting her before introducing Konan. "This is Konan. I met her in the Land of Rain. Please take good care of her."
"Of course," Nonou agreed readily. "I'll take good care of her. You're Konan, right? How old are you?"
"I'm seven—"
Konan looked up at Minato with wide, pleading eyes. "Can't I stay with you, Minato?"
"Minato's usually busy with missions."
A hint of helplessness flashed in Nonou's eyes as she cast a wistful glance at Minato.
This guy... he's really popular with girls.
Kushina, Mikoto... and now Konan too!
"Oh, and one more thing."
Minato led Nonou aside and said in a low voice, "Please don't tell Kushina about this."
"Oh?"
Nonou gave him a meaningful look, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Why not?"
"I— I'm dating Kushina."
Minato smiled sheepishly. "She just agreed to it. I promised not to flirt with other girls."
"Huh?!"
Nonou's pupils suddenly contracted. "Then— the one who came back with you—"
Minato: "I'm dating both of them!"
Nonou: "???"
Wait, that's even possible?!
"Does Kushina know?"
"She does."
"!!!"
Nonou's eyes widened in shock.
This can't be right...
If that's allowed...
Then technically, I was here first!
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