Under the dim yellow sky, the streets of Konoha remained bustling. With tomorrow being a holiday, the crowd seemed to grow rather than diminish.
A considerable number of the people were couples walking hand in hand.
For the first time without supervision, Kushina arrived at the familiar Konoha marketplace, her wide eyes filled with curiosity.
Minato followed her at a leisurely pace.
It was nothing unusual for two teenagers like them to be out on the street at this hour; they wouldn't draw much attention.
Acting her age, Kushina ran over to a mask shop that had not yet closed and stared at the various masks displayed outside, her eyes showing obvious interest. However, the shop owner was already packing up, preparing to shut the store.
Seeing her hopeful expression, Minato walked toward the shopkeeper and politely asked, "Miss, can we take a look at the masks here? It won't take long."
The shopkeeper appeared to be a young woman in her early twenties. She slightly raised her gaze and followed Minato's line of sight to Kushina. Perhaps by female intuition, with just one glance, she noticed the intense anticipation in Kushina's eyes.
"Sure," she said with a light laugh.
"Thank you," Minato replied politely. Then turning his head, he called out to Kushina, "Kushina, come in."
Smiling, Kushina ran inside and bowed to the young woman before beginning to examine the masks on display.
Masks shaped like cats, dogs—each different from the next—it was quite entertaining.
At this moment, a man about the same age as the woman dragged her outside. The two moved to a spot not far from where Minato and Kushina stood, talking about something.
They obviously didn't know these two were ninja, and at such a distance, Minato could effortlessly eavesdrop on their conversation.
The pair were a couple who had made plans for a date after the girl finished closing the shop. Because of this, their appointment needed to be delayed slightly.
Their relationship appeared very harmonious. Though the boy seemed somewhat eager, he respected the girl's decision wholeheartedly.
"Kushina, which one do you like? I'll get it for you." Minato returned his attention to Kushina beside him, asking softly.
Though he wasn't particularly wealthy, the inheritance left by his parents ensured Minato would live comfortably into adulthood.
"No, I don't want any of them," Kushina immediately shook her head firmly.
Minato hesitated slightly; he could clearly tell Kushina liked these things.
"You already told me I'm beautiful… If I wear a mask, you won't see my face, right?" Kushina answered without hesitation, leaving Minato momentarily stunned beside her.
He smiled slightly and said, "Well then, just don't wear it."
"But that would be such a waste."
"Kushina shifted her gaze away from the masks and said, "Let's go. Don't disturb others."
"Hmm," Minato nodded. Although Kushina wasn't as powerful as him, she was still quite formidable.
After thanking the shop owner, the two left the mask shop.
The sky gradually darkened as Minato and Kushina strolled through many places, yet bought nothing at all.
...
While walking, Kushina suddenly stopped and glanced toward a certain direction.
Minato startled slightly—the direction she was looking in should be where the Anbu following Kushina were stationed. Could it be she noticed them?
She suspiciously examined that spot but saw nothing, then turned her eyes away.
As Mito had said, Kushina's sensing ability was subtly improving, even noticing the presence of Anbu. Obviously though, she hadn't realized her own developing skill yet and merely assumed it was just an illusion.
"It's getting late. Let's grab something to eat," Minato suggested, hoping to shift Kushina's focus.
Soon after, they arrived at the barbecue restaurant Jiraiya had previously taken Minato to.
Tonight, the restaurant was unusually busy, but upon seeing Minato, the Barbecue Restaurant Owner warmly welcomed them and found a seat for the two.
"Uncle, thank you," Minato thanked the owner, who kept glancing curiously at Kushina.
A while later, the man leaned close to Minato, whispering into his ear with his hand concealing his mouth, "Is this pretty young lady your girlfriend?"
Minato's face immediately flushed red.
So did Kushina's. The owner's subtle maneuver might have fooled ordinary people, but he didn't know Kushina was also a student at the Ninja Academy...
"Uncle, let's just order our food first," Minato quickly changed the topic.
Being a seasoned person, the owner naturally understood Minato's feelings, but still remarked, "Knowing full well what Minato was feeling, the Barbecue Restaurant Owner still couldn't help but add, 'Let me tell you a secret—Jiraiya brought Lady Tsunade here when he was young too. I wonder whether those two ever got together.'"
Minato was momentarily stunned. He'd vaguely heard from Nawaki-senpai before that his teacher seemed to be pursuing his older sister Tsunade.
But apparently, he hadn't succeeded.
Although Minato had spent a whole year with his teacher, he'd never mentioned this matter—he just seemed to fear Tsunade somewhat...
"Although Kushina had great cooking skills of her own, this was her first time trying barbecue (known as yakiniku in Japan)."
Nevertheless, the restaurant's grilled meat was truly delicious, and Kushina really enjoyed it.
Happy moments never seem to last long. After finishing their meal, Minato accompanied Kushina to the doorstep of her residence.
Though still reluctant to end the night, Kushina, despite her mischievous personality, remained considerate and reasonable.
"Thank you. Today made me genuinely happy." Bathed in moonlight, Kushina's cheeks were still tinged with red—from everything the barbeque restaurant owner had said.
How could Minato himself not feel joyful too? Loneliness was something no one else could understand, and Minato, having lost his parents at a young age, knew this feeling all too well.
He now understood how incredibly precious it was to have bonds after so much loneliness.
"Then from now on, let's hang out like this more often."
Minato smiled. He wanted to give Kushina as much freedom as possible.
"Okay." Kushina lightly nodded.
Beneath the bright and clear moonlight, the boy and girl gazed at each other, their youthful faces glowing with joy and happiness.
Yet, their happiness was fated to be fleeting.
The Ninja World was already simmering with unrest — and they were both shinobi bound by duty.
And fate had marked them both to carry its cruel weight!
...
...
(End of Volume 1: Rebirth Arc)
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