As they walked back toward the Uzumaki compound, Minato Namikaze scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Kazuki… sorry. I didn't think it would turn into something like that."
Kazuki smiled lightly.
"You didn't lure me out on purpose, did you?"
Minato's face changed instantly.
"No! Of course not!"
He waved his hands quickly.
"I just thought… if I hadn't asked you out, none of this would've happened."
Kazuki shook his head.
"This was coming sooner or later."
"If you hadn't called me out, I would've stepped out eventually."
And honestly—
It was a good thing.
Now he understood his strength clearly.
At 20% Hashirama fusion—
He wasn't just elite jōnin.
In real combat?
He was already brushing the edge of Kage-level.
At worst—
High quasi-Kage.
And beside him—
Kushina's small hand was still in his.
Natural.
Comfortable.
Like it belonged there.
The system notification had quietly updated earlier.
Kushina Favorability: 90+
Kazuki didn't need it to tell him.
He could feel it.
Mito's Silent Joy
Walking ahead, Mito Uzumaki couldn't hide the faint smile on her face.
If she could match these two together—
She could rest peacefully.
"Minato-kun, would you like to join us for lunch?"
Minato stiffened.
"No, no, that's okay, Mito-sama!"
"Kazuki, we'll spar again next week!"
He vanished instantly with Body Flicker Technique.
Staying any longer was emotional self-harm.
Originally, Minato had feelings for Kushina.
Now—
Kazuki was holding her hand openly.
Minato decided retreat was wiser.
System Prompt
[Ding! Choose:]
Option 1: Let Minato go. Invite him to Ichiraku next time.Reward: Ramen VIP Card.
Option 2: Let him grow on his own.Reward: B-Rank Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
Option 3: Force him to stay for lunch.Reward: S-Rank Sealing Technique — Yin Seal.
Kazuki's eyes flickered.
Yin Seal.
Chakra storage compression.
Foundation for Creation Rebirth.
Foundation for Strength of a Hundred.
Created by Mito.
Perfected by Tsunade.
With Hashirama-level chakra—
If he stacked Yin Seal on top?
He could fight wars alone.
No hesitation.
"Kazuki, wait—!"
Minato hadn't gone far when Kazuki grabbed him by the collar.
"You're eating with us."
"That's really not necessary—"
"Don't argue."
And just like that—
Minato was dragged back.
One Hour Later — Uzumaki Compound
They sat around the table.
Mito.
Kushina.
Kazuki.
Minato.
The atmosphere was warm.
Domestic.
Peaceful.
[Ding! Option 3 completed. S-Rank Sealing Technique: Yin Seal acquired.]
Knowledge flooded Kazuki's mind instantly.
Sealing arrays.
Chakra compression mechanics.
Storage theory.
He could almost visualize the diamond mark forming on his forehead.
He would practice later.
Alone.
Properly.
Lunch
"Minato-kun, eat more," Mito said warmly.
"Yes, Mito-sama."
He didn't dare touch the food until invited.
Kushina picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Kazuki's bowl.
"Eat."
Minato stared.
His heart cracked audibly.
It must be nice.
To have someone care about you like that.
He suddenly questioned his life choices.
Why had he agreed to come?
Was he stupid?
The meal had barely begun—
And he was already emotionally defeated.
Afternoon
Minato stood outside preparing to leave.
"One week."
"I'll challenge you again."
"I'm learning something incredible."
Kazuki smiled faintly.
"Incredible?"
Minato nodded confidently.
"When I master it, you'll be shocked."
He left with determination burning in his eyes.
Kazuki watched him go.
Flying Thunder God, huh?
He already had it at Level 3.
He didn't say anything.
Some lessons are better experienced personally.
After Minato Left
Kushina leaned slightly against Kazuki.
"You really embarrassed him today."
"He'll be fine."
"He's strong."
And he would grow stronger.
That was Minato's nature.
Kazuki flexed his fingers slightly.
Yin Seal.
Hashirama fusion.
Wood Release mastery.
The gap between him and the rest of the village was widening rapidly.
But—
He didn't rush.
For now—
He was satisfied.
Root had been suspended.
Danzo weakened.
Political balance shaken.
And Kushina's hand was still in his.
That was enough.