Hikaku Uchiha agreed with Minato Namikaze's proposal to stay in Konoha and observe the Uchiha clan.
She had nowhere else to go anyway, and as Minato said, only by observing could she confirm what she needed to confirm. Besides, she didn't trust anyone—she had to see it for herself.
At the same time, Hikaku asked Minato Namikaze not to mention her to Shindai, a request he readily accepted.
Minato Namikaze called for Shindai again.
"Lord Minato, you're done talking with Asu Natsuka?"
Minato Namikaze nodded. "Yes. From now on, I'll trouble you, Shindai."
Shindai asked confusedly, "Huh? Trouble me? With what exactly?"
Minato Namikaze replied, "Asu has nowhere to go right now, and she only knows you. So for now, I'm entrusting her to your care. This is an official mission."
Minato Namikaze added the word "mission" deliberately, worried Shindai might refuse otherwise.
Shindai agreed immediately, "I see. Well then, let Asu Natsuka stay at my place temporarily. But does this mean Asu is joining Konoha now?"
"Not yet. We'll decide after she confirms what she needs to confirm."
"Confirms what she needs to confirm? What do you mean?"
Shindai turned to Hikaku out of curiosity and asked directly.
Minato Namikaze immediately interrupted him, "Shindai, this matter is confidential. Don't ask."
"Huh? So mysterious?" Shindai exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes. Now, Shindai, please show Asu around Konoha afterward. Don't worry about expenses—I'll cover everything."
At hearing that expenses would be reimbursed, Shindai's eyes sparkled.
"Great! Thank you very much, Lord Minato! Asu, let's go! I'll show you around Konoha first, then we'll visit Pakura. There are so many delicious foods here in Konoha I usually can't afford myself. Now that I can get reimbursement, how could I possibly pass up this chance?"
Shindai eagerly grabbed Hikaku and left right away.
After they departed, Minato Namikaze exhaled deeply.
What a 'big surprise' Shindai brought back this time.
The Mangekyo Sharingan—an ability powerful enough to make even Minato Namikaze sense danger. If she truly joined Konoha, it would definitely be good news.
However, she seemed rather bloodthirsty. If things didn't turn out to her satisfaction, she might attempt to wipe out the entire Uchiha clan—an unlikely feat perhaps, but still problematic.
Minato Namikaze still had great confidence in Shindai; after all, Kakashi overcoming his darkness was largely thanks to Shindai's influence.
Right now, the primary priority was confirming Hikaku's identity, and informing Fugaku Uchiha so he could prepare accordingly.
Although currently there was mutual understanding between them and Fugaku, plans couldn't be implemented too quickly—they required a gradual process.
Minato Namikaze summoned two ninja. "Go invite The Third and Clan Leader Fugaku."
"Yes!"
Shortly afterward, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Fugaku Uchiha arrived at the Hokage's office.
Minato explained to them the situation regarding Hikaku Uchiha and shared his suspicions.
Hiruzen and Fugaku listened in confusion.
Fugaku stared with wide eyes and asked, "The Fourth, is this really true? A member of the Uchiha clan from over eighty years ago is still alive—and is a child?"
Minato nodded. "It's unbelievable, I agree, but she possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan, and the seal was broken by Shindai. That leaves me with little choice but to believe it.
"If Asu Natsuka truly comes from the Warring States Era—and was sealed away through the combined efforts of the Senju and Sarutobi clans—then there might be historical records about her within either the Uchiha or Sarutobi clans.
"That's why I called The Third and Clan Leader Fugaku here—to ask you both to look into those old records and confirm her identity."
Hiruzen and Fugaku agreed. "Alright, I'll start investigating right away after I return."
Minato continued, "Also, Clan Leader Fugaku, Asu Natsuka deeply hates the Uchiha clan. She may have endured severe persecution in the past. Her coming to Konoha is meant to verify whether the Uchiha clan today is still the same as back then. So, I hope you can ensure discipline among your clansmen during this time."
Fugaku responded solemnly, "I understand. I will make sure they behave properly."
Then Fugaku asked, "The Fourth, where exactly is this Asu Natsuka being placed for now?"
Minato replied, "Perhaps because Shindai helped release her seal, she seems to listen closely to him. And since Shindai is such a cheerful and positive kid who easily influences people around him, I've temporarily arranged for her to stay with Shindai. Hopefully, through him, we can ease the hatred in her heart.
"I sense a dangerous presence from Asu Natsuka occasionally, and for someone so confident in declaring revenge against the Uchiha clan, her strength must not be underestimated. If we can resolve this hatred and welcome her into Konoha, it would certainly benefit our village."
Fugaku recalled how, during Minato's wedding ceremony, Shindai had suddenly started grumbling at him for no apparent reason after he had brought along his wife and Itachi.
To be honest, Shindai struck Fugaku at first as somewhat offbeat.
Because he didn't know Shindai well, Fugaku could only trust Minato's judgment.
...
After placing the goldfish Hikaku Uchiha had been holding all along into the pond at home, Shindai took him to Ichiraku Ramen. Since the ramen they had in Ōmaki Village didn't satisfy Shindai, he wanted to treat Hikaku to a proper bowl of real ramen and let him taste what authentic ramen should be like.
Shindai finished the broth at the bottom of the bowl in one gulp, placed the empty dish on the table, and then looked at Hikaku Uchiha beside him, who was halfway done with his meal. He asked eagerly, "How is it? Tasty, right?"
"Yeah, it's really good."
Unlike Shindai's manner of eating, which seemed like he hasn't eaten in centuries, Hikaku ate slowly and methodically.
Shindai declared confidently, "I told you so. Ichiraku Ramen serves the best ramen in the entire ninja world — without a doubt!"
Upon hearing Shindai's words, Mr. Ichiraku, who was making noodles at that very moment, instinctively straightened his back.
Then, a large portion of ramen was placed in front of Shindai.
Looking at the ramen in front of him, Shindai asked in confusion, "Wait, I didn't order this."
Mr. Ichiraku patted his own chest proudly, "This one is on the house. My treat!"
"In that case, I won't be shy!" Happily accepting the free meal, Shindai cheerfully picked up his chopsticks and started eating again.
"Oh right, another bowl of tonkotsu ramen please. We're going to visit Pakura later, and I want to bring her one too."
"Sure thing!" Mr. Ichiraku replied energetically.
After finishing their meal, Shindai headed off to find Pakura with Hikaku Uchiha.
Shindai introduced along the way, "I'm taking you to meet Pakura now. She's my best friend ever, though her temper can be kinda fiery sometimes. But she only acts that way around me — deep down, she's really nice. Pakura and I live together too. So if you end up crashing at my place as well, we'll all live together as roommates."
Actually, even before arriving at Konoha, Hikaku had heard Shindai mention Pakura many times.
Now that he heard Shindai say Pakura was his best friend ever, Hikaku pursed his lips slightly, a strange feeling stirring inside him.
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