[Uchiha Madara]: Academy, huh? What can a place like that really teach? Would Konoha ever be willing to hand over its real jutsu to a bunch of civilians?
[Senju Tobirama]: Hmph. Speaking of jutsu, your Uchiha clan had the Sharingan. With those eyes, your clan probably copied more techniques than anyone else. So tell me—would the Uchiha have been willing to hand those over?
[Uchiha Madara]: Hmph. The Uchiha clan has had nothing to do with me for a long time.
The bitterness in his tone was obvious.
He still clearly had not let go of the fact that the Uchiha had abandoned him back then.
Of course, Tobirama would never let a chance like that slip by. He immediately started mocking Madara without mercy.
After trading a few more barbs, the two of them seemed to lose interest and finally quieted down.
…
But as Ryu got closer and closer to the Academy, a few people in the group started growing visibly more tense.
At last, someone could not hold back anymore.
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Ryu, you look about the same age as Naruto, right? Do you know him? Namikaze Naruto?
[Furukawa Ryu]: Namikaze Naruto? You mean Uzumaki Naruto.
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Uzumaki…? What, so Naruto didn't inherit Minato's surname?
[Namikaze Minato]: Then the Third Hokage must've decided not to reveal his background. That's probably for the best. It would count as a form of protection for Naruto.
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Minato… that's really unfair to you.
[Namikaze Minato]: It's nothing, Kushina. As long as our son can grow up safely, that's all that matters.
Outside, Ryu's mouth twitched.
He had to admire this husband-and-wife duo.
They could actually come up with a justification like that on their own.
That level of mental gymnastics was incredible.
He just wondered what kind of expression they would make once they saw Naruto's real situation for themselves.
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Wait… then that means you definitely know him, Ryu!
Kushina suddenly reacted.
Minato immediately perked up too.
[Furukawa Ryu]: Yeah. Not only do I know him, we're in the same class.
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Ah! That's wonderful! Minato, that means we'll have plenty of chances to see Naruto!
[Namikaze Minato]: Yes, yes! Exactly!
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Ryu… is Naruto doing well? Does he have lots of friends?
[Furukawa Ryu]: Whether he's doing well or not, you'll be able to see it for yourselves soon enough. As for friends… sure, he has some.
He did not want to spell Naruto's situation out for them.
Some things hit much harder when seen with your own eyes.
[Furukawa Ryu]: Though, his relationship with me isn't exactly great.
[Namikaze Minato]: Hm? Why not?
In an instant, both Minato and Kushina's hearts jumped into their throats.
Right now, they could only glimpse the outside world because they were relying on this network.
Everything depended on Furukawa Ryu.
If Naruto and Ryu did not get along, that really would be awkward.
[Furukawa Ryu]: Mm… mostly because of academic competition.
The moment he heard that, Minato relaxed.
He even sounded a little delighted.
[Namikaze Minato]: Ahahaha! Kushina, looks like our son must be an excellent student at school!
Once Ryu said academic competition, anyone would naturally imagine two top students constantly trying to outdo each other.
[Senju Tobirama]: Fourth, I'm starting to think you really aren't that quick on the uptake.
[Namikaze Minato]: Uh… Second Hokage-sama, why would you say that?
[Senju Tobirama]: You saw Ryu's strength before he received our gifts. He could barely manage the Three Basic Techniques. Do you really think someone at that level would be competing for the top of the class?
As an outsider, Tobirama saw through it instantly.
[Namikaze Minato]: Then, Ryu… when you said academic competition, you meant…?
In the Pure Land, Minato suddenly felt his throat go dry.
[Furukawa Ryu]: Yeah, the competition's fierce, alright. One little mistake from either of us, and we'll successfully claim the throne of dead last.
[Senju Tobirama]: Ahahaha! This is killing me!
[Uzumaki Kushina]: Minato… with this many people watching, this is so embarrassing…
Watching Minato sink into complete silence, Ryu grinned from ear to ear.
This wise, sharp Hokage completely lost his usual composure whenever the topic turned to his son.
That was what people meant by love makes you panic.
…
[Hyuga Hizashi]: Group Leader, Group Leader! Do you know Hyuga Neji?
Seeing Minato and Kushina ask about their son, Hizashi could not hold back anymore.
In the group, his status was basically at the very bottom, and he was extremely self-aware about it.
Everyone else called him "Ryu" or "Ryu brat."
Only Hizashi kept obediently calling him Group Leader.
[Furukawa Ryu]: Hyuga Neji? Yeah, I've heard of him. He's one year above me, famous as a prodigy, and the top student of his class.
[Hyuga Hizashi]: Ah! Neji… just as expected of my son!
Hearing that someone else's son was outstanding only pushed Minato deeper into silence.
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