Jiraiya turned his head and looked at him.
The sensei and disciple met each other's gaze for a few seconds.
Then Jiraiya let out a snort of laughter, reached up to scratch his head, and the heavy expression he had just moments ago dissipated by more than half. "You brat, the way you talk is still so—"
Before he could finish, the kitchen door was pushed open.
Kushina walked out carrying a large pot of steaming stew. Her red hair swayed lightly with her movements. She set the pot down on the table, placed her hands on her hips, and looked at the two grown men in the living room.
"Dinner's ready! What's with the two of you looking so grim? Why so serious?"
Jiraiya immediately sprang up from the floor, his face breaking into a wide grin. "No, no, we were just talking about the weather today! Wow, this smells amazing!"
He leaned in toward the pot, the steam hitting his face—then suddenly froze.
"Huh? Isn't this… Malatang?"
Minato also walked over, glanced at the bubbling red oil and assorted ingredients in the pot, and smiled. "It is Malatang. Kushina's been really into it lately."
Kushina lifted her chin proudly. "Well? I learned it on purpose! That recipe was actually published by Shinichi in the appendix of his manga. I tried it several times—this one should be my most successful attempt yet."
Jiraiya picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, blew on it, and stuffed it into his mouth. It was so hot he winced, but he refused to spit it out, mumbling through it, "Mm… delicious! Really hits the spot!"
Seeing his reaction, Kushina couldn't help but laugh. Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Jiraiya-sensei, you know about Malatang too? Weren't you traveling around the different lands that whole time?"
"Of course I know it." Jiraiya waved his hand with a grin. "You wouldn't believe it, Kushina—this stuff has already spread to other lands. When I was in the Land of Hot Water, I saw several shops on the street with signs that said 'Shinichi-style cooking.'"
"Huh? Using Shinichi's name?"
Kushina froze for a moment, then frowned. She set down her chopsticks, her expression turning indignant.
"That's piracy, isn't it? Did they pay him any royalties?"
Jiraiya was amused by her sudden seriousness and scratched his head. "Well… I didn't exactly ask."
"They definitely didn't pay!" Kushina huffed. "Shinichi worked so hard to develop that recipe, and they just use it like that—and even use his name to make money. That's way too much!"
Minato smiled slightly at the side and ladled himself a spoonful of soup.
"I think even if Shinichi knew, he wouldn't mind. After all, he did say in his manga that food is meant to bring happiness to people."
Kushina blinked, and the indignation on her face slowly faded.
"That's true…" she muttered. "But it still feels like they're getting off too easily."
Jiraiya burst out laughing and picked up another bite. "Alright, alright. Shinichi himself isn't worried, so why are you? Come on, eat—this Malatang won't taste good once it cools down."
Kushina pouted, then picked up her chopsticks again.
...
At the same time, in Orochimaru's residence.
Under the lamplight, Orochimaru set down the document signed "Special Jōnin Higashino Shinichi."
"Heh…"
He let out a soft chuckle, stood up, and slowly walked to the window. Outside, the night was deep, and the lights of Konoha flickered in the distance.
"Before the war has even begun, you've already grasped the entire course of its development?"
"Shinichi-kun…"
He murmured to himself, the curve of his lips deepening, his voice carrying a genuine sense of interest.
"Just where is your limit? And what other talents do you still have that no one knows about?"
"How fascinating… heh…"
...
At Tsunade's house, she set down the document with a grave expression, leaned back in her chair, and let out a long breath.
Outstanding talent and strength, a mature and steady personality, and a forward-looking strategic vision…
The image of that boy surfaced in her mind.
From the first time she saw him in the hospital and found him unexpectedly pleasing to the eye, to the intense conflict at the barbecue restaurant, to treating his severely injured arm, and later, after becoming the instructor of Team Ten, watching him grow step by step.
That child had never spoken of "becoming Hokage" out loud.
But she knew—he had always been moving in that direction. Step by step, steady and grounded, without showiness, without noise. Just quietly, firmly walking forward.
If that child were to become Hokage one day…
The thought suddenly surfaced in Tsunade's mind.
He would definitely become a great Hokage.
He would definitely do an excellent job.
That was what Tsunade thought.
But in the next second, her gaze dimmed.
Hokage…
Nawaki's dream had been to become Hokage. That boy who always smiled and followed behind her, calling her "nee-chan" again and again—he died on the battlefield, and even his body hadn't been brought back intact.
Dan's dream had also been to become Hokage. That gentle and resolute man who said he would protect the village and his comrades—he collapsed right in front of her, blood spilling everywhere, and she could do nothing.
They both wanted to become Hokage.
But they both died.
"Tsunade-sama!"
Shizune's voice came from outside the room, interrupting her thoughts. "Dinner's ready!"
Tsunade paused, came back to her senses, took a deep breath, and set the document aside.
"Coming."
...
At the dinner table, steaming dishes filled the surface.
Tsunade picked up her chopsticks, took a bite, barely chewed, then suddenly spoke while looking at Shizune.
"Shizune."
Shizune looked up, blinking. "Hm?"
"What do you think…" Tsunade paused, as if choosing her words carefully. "If that brat becomes Hokage in the future… what would it be like?"
Shizune froze for a moment, the spoon in her hand stopping midair.
Then her eyes lit up, and she blurted out: "That would definitely make him the best Hokage!"
"Tsunade-sama! Look—he's talented, strong, and incredibly smart. He treats his companions really well, and he's also kind to everyone in the village. Everyone in the village really likes him."
The more she spoke, the more animated she became, setting down her spoon and counting on her fingers.
"And the manga he draws—everyone loves reading it. His cooking is delicious too, and he even teaches people how to cook, so many people can enjoy good food…"
"If Shinichi becomes Hokage, the village will definitely become better, right? Everyone will be happier, right?"
Tsunade listened quietly, her gaze resting on Shizune's slightly flushed face, bright with excitement.
Then she smiled and reached out to rub Shizune's head.
"You silly girl—you've got even more confidence in him than he does in himself."
After saying that, Tsunade's gaze drifted toward the window.
If that brat becomes Hokage…
Hiruzen-sensei was already over fifty. At most, he could remain Hokage for another ten years. After ten years, when he steps down, someone will have to take over.
And ten years from now, that brat will have grown into an adult.
Still young—but Konoha, and even the entire shinobi world, has never had such a young Kage.
But his talent, his intelligence, and that heart he has for the village and his companions—he is fully qualified to become Hokage.
At that thought, Tsunade withdrew her gaze, lowered her head, and continued eating. But in her heart, a decision had already been made.
If that brat really wants to become Hokage in the future…
Then she, as his teacher, will support him with everything she has.
She will personally push this child to where he belongs—onto the seat he deserves.
...
Namely, Minato, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade—these names were only a microcosm.
More and more chūnin captains, Special Jōnin, Jōnin, and clan heads were shaken that day by the same name and the same document.
That name was Higashino Shinichi.
And that document described the war they were about to face.
Five days later, in the grand conference hall of the Hokage Building—
This ten-year-old child, Konoha's brightest rising star, the most outstanding genius of recent years, the youngest Special Jōnin in Konoha's history—Higashino Shinichi—
Would stand there.
And personally explain to them…
How this war would be fought.
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