Chapter 57 – The Whisper of Fear
Late at night, the hospital lights dimmed, and the shinobi quarters grew quiet. Minato escorted Akira back toward the dormitory, then gave him a gentle smile.
"Rest. Tomorrow you'll begin advanced anatomy studies."
Akira nodded obediently and disappeared inside. His footsteps were light, fading into silence.
Only then did Minato turn, where he sensed another chakra waiting for him outside.
Leaning casually against a lamppost, red hair spilling over her shoulders, Kushina raised her brows.
"Well? How's the prodigy doing?" she asked with a smirk.
Minato let out a soft sigh, rubbing his temple. "Prodigy doesn't begin to describe it."
They walked together under the moonlight, the night air cool and still. Minato's voice dropped lower.
"Kushina… he mastered Mystical Palm in three months. Three."
Her eyes widened. "What? That's—Minato, even with perfect chakra control, that's supposed to take years!"
"I know." His expression hardened, the golden shine of his hair glinting in the dark. "His chakra isn't just abundant—it's precise, flexible, and endless. He's not like us, Kushina. He learns too fast. It's like the jutsu were just… waiting for him."
For once, Kushina had no witty retort. She frowned, arms folding as she glanced toward the hospital.
"…You're worried."
"I am," Minato admitted. "If anyone—especially the Hokage or the Council—realizes the full scope of what Akira can do… they'll try to use him. Or worse, they'll fear him. You know how shinobi politics are."
Kushina's fists tightened. "Tch. Same story as always—power makes the higher-ups stupid. Akira's just a kid! He deserves a chance to live, not be treated like some weapon."
They paused at the village wall, where the lanterns cast soft light over their faces. Kushina turned to him, eyes sharp.
"Minato. Promise me something. If anyone ever tries to push him into that corner… you'll protect him. Even from the Hokage if it comes to it."
Minato looked at her, his expression quiet but steady. Then he nodded.
"I promise."
Above them, the stars stretched endless across the sky.
Unseen, Akira stood by his window, gazing at those same stars. Though he hadn't heard their words, some instinct inside told him the truth—
His path would never be simple.
But he would walk it anyway.
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