Minato Namikaze formally invited Hikaku Uchiha to join Konoha.
Hearing Minato say she must've already confirmed everything, Hikaku pursed his lips briefly.
Confirmed? She'd nearly forgotten all about it.
After arriving in Konoha, she'd been following Shindai everywhere like a street wanderer. According to Shindai, if something was reimbursable, not dining out well would just be foolish.
Once Shindai opened the Puppet Shop, she helped manage it—she didn't have time for anything else.
The only Uchiha she really knew now was Obito.
Hikaku gave Shindai a quick glance. Truth was, she'd already made up her mind.
Hikaku agreed, "I'm willing to join Konoha."
A smile appeared on Minato's face. "Then, welcome to Konoha, Asu Natsuka. But I'd like to ask—one your identification papers, which name do you prefer to use?"
"Just call me Mi—" Hikaku was about to answer when Shindai interrupted, "Of course it should be Hikaku Uchiha!"
Hikaku looked at Shindai in confusion.
Shindai explained, "This is the name given to you by your beloved parents. This name is an heirloom from them, a wish for you to live a happy life. Now, that wish has come true—you're living in the light. So you should continue using your own name."
Hikaku stared at Shindai blankly, then suddenly her eyes reddened. Her smile, however, was radiant. "Okay… Then from now on, please call me Hikaku."
Minato smiled watching Shindai. As expected, only Shindai could say something like that.
But his seriousness didn't last more than three seconds. Rubbing his hands together with a playfully greedy grin, Shindai asked, "Lord Minato, since I worked so hard this time, is there any reward? Like a bonus or something~"
Minato almost sprained his waist from shock and helplessly replied, "Regarding this Nine-Tails incident, as Hokage, I sincerely thank you, Hikaku, and Pakura for your efforts. And personally, as Kushina's husband and Naruto's father, I'm also deeply grateful to you all. Without your help, Kushina and I would've been in serious danger.
However… There's no bonus available because Konoha sustained heavy damage. Everywhere needs funds, so all our resources must go toward rebuilding the village."
Shindai grumbled, "What? Just some verbal praise then?"
Pakura gently ruffled Shindai's hair. "Your Puppet Shop's doing pretty well these days anyway."
Shindai retorted, "Well sure, business is good, but who ever says no to extra cash? Even though I make good money, I still spend a fortune on research. Oh well, no bonus then. Anyway Lord Minato, how's Sister Kushina doing?"
A warm, joyful smile spread across Minato's face. "She's doing well. After one more day of observation in the hospital, she should be ready to check out."
After chatting with Shindai for a while longer, Minato said, "I'll take my leave then. Kushina will be discharged today, and Konoha still has countless matters waiting for me to handle. Hikaku, once I finish preparing your identification papers, I'll bring them tomorrow."
After saying that, Minato Namikaze left the hospital room.
Shindai remained in the hospital room, enjoying the full care of Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha.
Tch, Obito and them are taking forever. How long does buying a bowl of ramen take? One of you give me an apple to munch on while I wait.
I'm thirsty again. I want water! Warm water!
My face feels all greasy. I haven't washed in two days. Somebody wipe my face for me.
Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha each grabbed one of Shindai's ears, one from each side, angrily saying, "If you've got something to say, say it all at once! Stop whining or we won't hold back!"
Shindai's eyes became a dead-fish stare.
Why? Shouldn't he be getting special treatment? He *is* the patient after all!
...
After visiting Kushina Uzumaki in her hospital room, Minato Namikaze made his way to the Hokage Building.
Inside the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado were handling official duties.
Oh, Minato, you're here. You should rest a few more days. Don't worry, everything's under control with us around.
It was just chakra exhaustion; nothing serious. I've had enough rest already.
Minato Namikaze sat down, his expression turning serious. The Third Kazekage, Advisors—you must have investigated who those four individuals were. Any leads?
Hiruzen Sarutobi handed a scroll to Minato Namikaze. We only managed to identify one of them—Sasori, Chiyo's grandson from Sunagakure.
Minato Namikaze opened the scroll and started reading. So it's him—the Sasori Shindai mentioned. He turned the Third Kazekage into a human puppet. Shindai was right back then. It really was Sasori's doing.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. Correct. As for the other three people, we didn't find any forehead protectors or similar items that could prove their identities. Only this Sasori had a forehead protector with a slash mark through the center, symbolizing his status as a rogue ninja.
Minato Namikaze placed the scroll back on the table. Regarding Sasori, we should inform Sunagakure about this incident. Then there's that masked man. He possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan and was able to directly penetrate Konoha's barrier, summoning the Nine-Tails into Konoha.
At that time, the only person matching all conditions seemed to be Madara Uchiha. But he should've died long ago. When I confronted him, he didn't deny it—instead, he claimed to be an immortal being, practically admitting he was Madara Uchiha.
But this identity seems suspicious. I don't believe that man was truly Madara. I think it's more likely another Uchiha clan member impersonating him, seeking revenge against Konoha under Madara's name.
Koharu Utatane frowned. Should we question the Uchiha clan then?
"Minato Namikaze rejected Koharu Utatane's proposal. 'The Uchiha clan has made invaluable contributions during this chaos. Clan Leader Fugaku, Obito, Shisui, and many other Uchiha clansmen have been risking their lives defending Konoha. As for this mysterious Uchiha, I'm certain he has absolutely nothing to do with Konoha's Uchiha clan.
Interrogation is a method for questioning criminals. We shouldn't treat the heroes who defend Konoha like this. We cannot suspect our comrades just because of one enemy. However, we could ask Clan Leader Fugaku later about that mysterious Uchiha's left arm, which seems suspicious—it doesn't seem to belong to him. The opponent should be missing one arm.'
Hiruzen nodded in agreement. 'You're absolutely right, Minato. Thanks to Fugaku and others, Konoha's losses were kept from worsening. What concerns me more now is how the information about Kushina's childbirth was leaked. That was supposed to be a closely guarded secret known only to a handful of people.'
Minato Namikaze replied with a heavy expression. 'This is exactly what worries me most too. There might be a traitor within Konoha who leaked this information.'
Inside, Minato couldn't keep his anger in check. The Nine-Tails' attack had caused tremendous damage to Konoha. And what should've been a joyful day almost ended up being the day he lost Kushina Uzumaki forever.
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