What could we possibly do to help Minato Namikaze?
Kyosuke, Kakashi, and Hyuga Noriko looked at each other, their eyes filled with deep confusion.
After spending so much time together, they understood that although Minato could be a bit airheaded, his strength was unfathomable. If even he couldn't solve a problem, what use would three Genin be?
Noriko asked seriously, "Minato-sensei, what is it?"
Seeing the three of them look so grave, Minato let out an awkward laugh. He waved his hands repeatedly, assuring them there was no danger involved.
As it turned out, Uzumaki Kushina's birthday was coming up soon. Minato wanted to prepare a perfect gift and take the opportunity to confess his feelings.
However, he was incredibly shy and had the romantic density of a rock. Clueless about what to do, he had asked the adults around him for advice.
Unfortunately, their suggestions were each more unreliable than the last. For instance, his teacher, Jiraiya, had actually given him two bathhouse tickets—the kind for mixed-gender bathing. At the time, Minato's face had turned as red as a tomato.
With Kushina's birthday drawing nearer and still no good ideas, Minato was desperate enough to try anything. That included resorting to asking three children.
He was holding onto a glimmer of hope that, just maybe, they might have a good idea to help his confession succeed.
After hearing Minato out, Kyosuke and the other two were completely speechless. They were just kids; what did they know about chasing girls?
No wonder everyone said Minato-sensei was a bit dense.
Kyosuke smacked his lips. He remembered running into Minato and Kushina on the street before; they already seemed incredibly close. The man was interested, and the woman was willing, yet they still hadn't formally established a relationship.
Minato really is hopeless when it comes to emotions, Kyosuke thought. Even an outsider like me can see Kushina has feelings for him, yet he's still hovering in hesitation.
But then again, Minato was only around seventeen. It was normal to be a bit clumsy.
Seeing that the three weren't speaking, Minato's tone became somewhat pleading.
"Noriko, you're a girl and have a delicate mind. Think about what would be best from a girl's perspective."
"Kakashi, your observation skills are the sharpest. Think about what the girls around you like most."
"And you, Kyosuke, don't just stand there with your arms crossed like you're watching a show! Even though you're handsome and might have girls chasing you, you should still think hard about this. Treat it as practice; you might need it when you chase girls in the future."
After Minato finished, Noriko opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. Kakashi remained dead silent.
Kyosuke, however, could barely suppress the smirk on his face. Helpless, Minato pulled out his trump card.
"Work hard on this. Whoever can help me, I'll teach them a Ninjutsu," Minato bribed. "Kyosuke, didn't you want to learn the Rasengan? I can teach it to you."
Eh?! I can learn the Rasengan?!
Hearing those words, Kyosuke's eyes immediately lit up.
He had wanted to learn the Rasengan for a long time. Unfortunately, Minato felt that 'haste makes waste' and wanted Kyosuke to digest his current Ninjutsu before teaching him something so advanced.
Hmph. You just warned me not to bite off more than I can chew, and now for the sake of love, you're slapping your own face. Minato, you're quite the hypocrite.
With a whoosh, Kyosuke raised his hand, terrified Noriko or Kakashi would beat him to the punch.
Watching Kyosuke nearly jump with excitement, Minato's face darkened. He glared at him, his eyes saying: Didn't you just say you knew your mistake and wanted to solidify your foundation?!
Kyosuke glared right back: And you said craving quantity over quality was bad, yet now you're using Ninjutsu to tempt me!
In the end, Kyosuke was far more shameless. Minato felt a bit guilty, his eyes flickering as he looked away.
"What's your good idea?" Minato asked, defeated.
Hehe, your hearts have long been hooked together anyway. Any idea is a good idea; there's no difficulty at all. This is basically getting a Rasengan for free!
Kyosuke straightened his back, full of spirit as he began to direct the operation.
"Minato-sensei, how much preparation time is left?"
"Three days," Minato replied.
Kyosuke nodded confidently. "That's enough!"
"I'll arrange the tasks. Minato-sensei, go back and prepare the funds, then dress up well to improve your outward image," Kyosuke commanded. "Noriko, browse the markets—don't miss the clothing stores, gift shops, toy stores, pet shops, or jewelry stores. First, narrow down a selection of suitable gifts."
He turned to Kakashi. "Kakashi, scout the terrain to see if there are any beautiful, secluded, or romantic dating spots nearby."
Hearing Kyosuke's orderly arrangements, Minato's spirits lifted. He felt this plan was actually quite reliable.
Noriko, however, pointed an accusing finger at Kyosuke.
"We all have things to do, so what are you doing? You're not just going to be the supervisor, are you?"
Slacking off, of course. And while I'm at it, getting closer to Kushina so I can learn Sealing Jutsu in the future.
Kyosuke thought happily to himself, but aloud he said, "In our team, I'm the second most handsome after Sensei. Naturally, I have to go chat with our future Mistress and scout out her hobbies and feelings. This is the key to the entire operation. If we get a gift our Mistress doesn't like, Master will end up a bachelor for life."
Hearing Kyosuke call her 'Mistress' over and over, Minato beamed with absolute joy. Yet, he still waved his hand hypocritically. "What 'Mistress'? She isn't yet... ahahaha!"
Noriko was thinking about something else. She looked at Kyosuke's face, then at Minato's and Kakashi's. She realized their team actually had quite a few handsome guys with high visual appeal.
Kakashi covered half his face, but judging by his features, he probably wasn't ugly. Kyosuke claiming he was the second most handsome was actually quite accurate.
With the assignments finished, Kyosuke waved his hand dramatically. "Operation Date is officially underway! Move out!"
Kakashi looked at Kyosuke wordlessly. Why are you so fired up for someone else's date?
The group split up. Minato began counting his savings. Although he had saved quite a bit, he was still worried about coming up short, wondering if he should borrow some money just to be safe.
Noriko happily dragged some female friends along to go shopping, the group of them chatting and laughing lively.
Kakashi had the hardest time, circling the village for hours to find a suitable date spot until he was covered in dust.
Kyosuke was the most leisurely. He went home and rested for the afternoon.
When evening came and his stomach began growling, he casually strolled over to Kushina's house and knocked gently on the door.
Kushina opened the door, saw him, and smiled brightly. "Oh, it's Kyosuke! Come in quickly. Is there something you need?"
Minato occasionally treated Kyosuke's team to a meal as a reward for completing missions, and they had run into Kushina once before, so she knew him.
Kyosuke thanked her. After entering, he looked at Kushina with a dead-serious expression.
"Kushina-neesan, I'm here to blow the whistle. Someone is planning something highly improper against you!"
Hearing Kyosuke's words, Kushina looked shocked. "What's going on?"
As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kushina was of vital importance to the village. Could someone be targeting the Nine-Tails? But Kyosuke was just a Genin; he shouldn't know such classified secrets.
Besides, this was Konoha. Who would dare act out here?
Kyosuke leaned in close and whispered, "The person planning something improper against you is my captain, Minato Namikaze."
Without the slightest hesitation, Kyosuke sold Minato out completely. Not only did he sell him out, but he was fully prepared to give him a few good kicks while he was down.