After the hug, Kushina felt her face heat up in embarrassment.
Uchiha Shin, on the other hand, was completely unfazed. Thick-skinned as ever, he didn't react even when passersby cast curious glances their way. With an easy confidence, he took Kushina's hand and led her down the streets of Konoha.
The village had changed drastically under his leadership. It wasn't just about infrastructure; Shin had rewritten Konoha's policies, introduced a taxation system, and streamlined administration. His reforms were based on his knowledge of governance, combined with the reality of Konoha's current state.
He had also eradicated the dangerous beasts in the forests surrounding the village, making the outskirts safer. Additionally, he pushed for large-scale farmland cultivation and heavily subsidized agricultural development. To counteract deforestation, he used his mastery over Wood Release to maintain ecological balance.
Thanks to these policies, Konoha was slowly becoming self-sufficient.
As they walked, Kushina couldn't help but notice the effects of these changes. The street vendors were selling fruits and snacks at lower prices, and more villagers had the means to afford them.
Though tempted, Kushina refrained from eating too much—after all, she was supposed to have dinner at Shin's house later.
Unbeknownst to her, Shin had no intention of taking her back home.
He had already brought her out; there was no way he was letting her go back so easily.
Mikoto and Tsunade were expecting him home for dinner after their work, but Shin had other plans. He wasn't about to let them interfere.
Only once things were irreversible would he truly feel at ease.
Kushina, still oblivious to Shin's ulterior motives, was simply enjoying their rare alone time together. Usually, Mikoto, Konan, or Kanako were always around, making such moments incredibly scarce—and thus, even more precious.
Her fingers unconsciously intertwined with Shin's, her deep violet eyes occasionally sneaking glances at him. There was an unmistakable affection in her gaze, emotions swirling like rippling water.
It was then that she suddenly remembered something.
"Shin-kun, before I left, Grandma Mito asked me to ask you—what should we do about the Nine-Tails?"
As she spoke, her expression faltered slightly. She knew exactly what Uzumaki Mito meant—these were her final instructions before passing on.
Even with Shin's Sage-enhanced sealing techniques prolonging her lifespan, Mito's time was nearly up. And now that Shin was Hokage, the decision of the Nine-Tails' future fell squarely on his shoulders.
Kushina looked at him, waiting for his answer.
"I've already decided on that," Shin said calmly. "Kushina, you don't need to become a Jinchūriki—it won't benefit you."
Kushina's heart skipped a beat at his words. She had always assumed she would take on the responsibility, regardless of the burden.
"I don't mind," she said earnestly. "If there's no one else, I can do it."
Hearing her determination, Shin felt a trace of amusement, but he shook his head.
"I really don't need you to be a Jinchūriki," he said firmly. "I'm going to extract the Nine-Tails' chakra for my own use. I have no need for a walking seal."
Kushina's breath hitched. There was something about the sheer confidence in his tone that sent a shiver down her spine. It wasn't arrogance—it was absolute certainty, as if the very idea of a tailed beast being a threat to him was laughable.
And perhaps, it was.
Though she hadn't seen his battle against Hiruzen firsthand, she had witnessed Shin summoning a massive wooden construct and effortlessly sending Akimichi Takefusa flying.
To her, Shin was already stronger than the so-called legendary creatures known as the Tailed Beasts.
"Shin-kun really is the best," she murmured before adding, "But I'll catch up to you someday!"
She wasn't just flattering him—she believed in her own potential. Her talent was undeniable. She was about to graduate from the Academy, and her strength was already at a level where she could fight seasoned Chūnin. In a few years, reaching Kage-level wouldn't be out of the question.
Shin chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I'd like to see that day, Kushina~"
He indulged her enthusiasm, though whether he actually believed it was another matter entirely.
The sky gradually darkened, and though Kushina was reluctant, she knew it was time.
"Shin-kun, we should head back," she said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
But instead of agreeing, Shin tightened his grip on her hand and gave her a playful smirk. "Kushina, do you really want to go back?"
Kushina hesitated, biting her lip. Her heart pounded in her chest.
After a moment, her face burned red, and she whispered, "Not really…"
She wanted to spend more time with him. Just the two of them.
Shin chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "In that case, let's make your wish come true. The real fun begins at night."
With that, he pulled her forward, ignoring any lingering doubts she might have had.
Meanwhile, back at home, Kanako was setting the table when Mikoto and Tsunade returned, both wearing suspicious expressions.
"Where's Shin-kun?"
The two spoke in unison before glancing at each other warily. Mikoto, in particular, narrowed her eyes at her teacher. Tsunade's sudden interest in Shin hadn't gone unnoticed, and she didn't like it one bit.
Feigning indifference, Tsunade quickly changed the subject. "Even if he's up to something, he should at least be home for dinner."
Kanako, who had been avoiding eye contact the entire time, stiffened under their scrutiny. She had encouraged Shin's plans with Kushina, but she had no intention of telling Mikoto.
If Mikoto found out, things would not end well.
"Um… the young master must have lost track of time…" Kanako said, forcing a smile.
Mikoto's sharp eyes locked onto her. She could tell Kanako was hiding something.
Instead of pressing further, she turned her attention to Konan, who was eating quietly.
With a gentle smile, she asked, "Konan-chan, was Shin-kun home today?"
"Hm?" Konan blinked innocently. "Big brother was home, but he left with Sister Kushina a few hours ago."
Silence fell over the room.
A dark, ominous aura slowly emanated from both Mikoto and Tsunade, filling the air with an almost tangible pressure.
Kanako swallowed hard.
Konan, blissfully unaware, took another bite of her food.
Mikoto and Tsunade exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
Shin had some serious explaining to do.
---
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