Two and a half years passed; Minato was now eight years old and about to enter the fourth grade. Nawaki also successfully graduated from the Ninja Academy, becoming a proud Genin of Konoha. Compared to two and a half years ago, the heights of the three youngsters had shot up quite a bit.
Kushina's chubby face had unknowingly thinned out, and under the influence of Tsunade and Yakushi Nonou, her personality had become much more gentle, giving her the faint air of a young lady, though she remained impatient at heart. Whenever she saw other girls approaching Minato, she would still stomp her feet in frustration and secretly stew in her anger. In contrast, Nawaki's personality hadn't changed much; he was as simple and straightforward as ever.
Look! A forehead protector! How is it? Do I look cool? As soon as the graduation exam ended, Nawaki rushed out of the examination hall. He pointed at the brand-new forehead protector on his head and grinned at Minato and the other two.
Mm, it looks very handsome! Tsunade patted Nawaki's head, but he tilted his head to dodge her hand.
I'm already a Genin, not a child anymore. Older Sister, stop always patting my head.
What does it matter? No matter how old you get, you'll always be my little brother! Tsunade smiled and opened her arms wide. Come, let big sister give you a hug!
No way! With Minato and Kushina present, and other classmates who had just finished their exams nearby, he was too embarrassed to let Tsunade hug him. Tsunade sighed with regret. Honestly, you're not cute at all anymore.
Congratulations on graduating, Brother Nawaki! Kushina took out a graduation gift she had prepared long ago—a long box. This is the gift I prepared for you.
A gift? What is it? Nawaki curiously opened the box; inside was a finely crafted Uchigatana.
A sword?
It's made of Chakra Metal, you know. It's very expensive! Kushina said with a serious face. Although she had been sent to Konoha to be a Jinchuriki, her clan hadn't mistreated her in other aspects. Not only did she have a complete Legacy of Ninjutsu, but her financial situation was also enough to ensure she would never lack food or clothing for the rest of her life. Even after Uzumaki Mito passed away, the Uzumaki Clan's compound in Konoha would be inherited by Kushina. She was a bona-fide rich woman!
Ha—thanks! Nawaki clearly liked the gift very much.
And mine. Minato handed Nawaki a trident-shaped Kunai with the Konoha symbol carved onto the handle.
What a strange Kunai... Nawaki picked up the Kunai and gave it a swing. Its texture was extremely light, thinner than a common Kunai, but it had two extra prongs. This Kunai seems very suitable for parrying an opponent's weapon?
This is a Hiraishin Kunai. It's for a Space-Time Ninjutsu I've been cultivating recently. Minato explained. As long as the Kunai is within my sensory range, I can teleport to your side. So you must keep it safe. Don't use it for combat unless it's absolutely necessary.
Eh?! Nawaki's eyes suddenly widened. Teleportation...? Saying that, as if worried his voice was too loud and would leak information, he stealthily looked around his surroundings.
Minato didn't mind. With his combination of stats and mechanics, no one below the level of an Otsutsuki could counter him even if they knew his secrets. The Hiraishin wasn't actually that useful for him in combat right now; its value was mainly reflected in travel and emergency rescues.
I didn't expect you to have actually learned this technique? Tsunade glanced at Minato in surprise. She knew he had dealings with Orochimaru. Although Root wasn't a good place, Tsunade believed Minato knew what he was doing, so she hadn't paid too much attention. What she hadn't expected was that Minato had even learned the Hiraishin.
What kind of Ninjutsu is this? Can I learn it? Nawaki asked with an expectant face.
We'll know after a test. Tsunade spoke casually and suddenly smashed a fist toward Nawaki's face. Nawaki's pupils shrank, and his body shuddered in fear. It wasn't until the fist was pressed against the tip of his nose that he finally reacted.
It seems you can't. Tsunade shook her head regretfully. The Hiraishin was created by my Second Granduncle. It not only requires an outstanding talent for Space-Time, but also sufficiently powerful reflexes. Your reaction is too slow. But don't be discouraged. People with Space-Time talent are few and far between in this world. In all these years, only my Second Granduncle and Minato have mastered this technique. Even the Third Hokage Old Man couldn't learn it.
Is that so... Nawaki looked a bit disappointed. His Rasengan, after nearly three years, was still stuck at the third stage. This wasn't to say Nawaki lacked talent. In fact, whether it was Chakra volume or Chakra control, Nawaki's talent was excellent, and his progress in the first two stages of the Rasengan had been very fast. However, the Rasengan was a technique with no shortcuts, only pure execution. To learn it, one could only rely on slowly grinding out the habit, or use the trick of Shadow Clones. At his current age, it was still difficult for him to reach the Chakra control standards for the third stage.
Alright, don't aim too high! Tsunade took out her own gift. Come, close your eyes!
Mm. Nawaki obediently closed his eyes. Suddenly, a touch of coldness landed on his chest. When he opened his eyes again, an emerald green necklace was around his neck.
This is...?!
The necklace left behind by Grandfather. Tsunade put her hands behind her back and looked at Nawaki with a smile. How is it? Do you like it?
Nawaki nodded. I love it! But why did you give this to me, Sister? This must be very important to you too, right?
Well, I just feel that you're more suited for it than I am. Tsunade said in a gentle tone. Besides, haven't you always wanted it? Make sure to cherish it!
Mm! Nawaki nodded heavily.
Minato's heart, however, skipped a beat. This was bad! If he remembered correctly, this should be the so-called Necklace of Death, right? In the original story, Tsunade gave the necklace to Nawaki, and he died the next day. Later, she gave it to Kato Dan, and he also kicked the bucket. Even Naruto, the protagonist, almost couldn't withstand it just by making a bet with the necklace... Minato wasn't a superstitious person, but Tsunade's luck was indeed a bit uncanny.
Minato felt it would be better for him to pay more attention over the next couple of days, preferably not letting Nawaki act alone. Thinking of this, he gave Nawaki a look with a complex expression. Little did Minato know, his complex expression was accidentally caught by Tsunade, but it was interpreted in a different way. This child's expression... Could he be jealous?
Noticing Minato's expression, Tsunade's heart skipped a beat. But on second thought, she felt it was unlikely. First of all, Minato didn't have that kind of personality. Secondly... there was actually a bit of a hazy understanding between her and Minato. For instance, occasional inadvertent physical contact and exchanges of looks allowed her to perceive that Minato wasn't entirely unaware of her feelings.
Was it because of the necklace? Tsunade looked at the necklace around Nawaki's neck. She hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping herself. If she asked for the necklace back now... her relationship with her brother would probably fall apart, wouldn't it?
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