To welcome Kushina, Minato decided to prepare some hearty dishes that would appeal to the younger generation.
As the saying goes, "To capture a man's heart, you must first capture his stomach." This sentiment holds true for women as well.
On his way to the market, Minato picked up some water balloons for Nawaki to practice the Rasengan.
"Is this what you meant by 'training tools'?" Nawaki stared at the water balloon in his hand, disbelief written all over his face. "You mentioned buying something to aid your training, and I thought it would be some advanced equipment!"
Minato chuckled. "There are more advanced tools, but those are for the next stage."
"What are they?" Nawaki asked eagerly, already itching to start practicing.
"A regular ball."
"..."
After a long silence, the two returned home.
In the living room, Tsunade was gently chatting with Kushina, carefully nurturing the girl's delicate emotions as a newcomer.
Seeing this scene, a warm smile flickered in Minato's eyes.
This Tsunade was truly much gentler than the one in the original story.
"Sis, remember to call me when dinner's ready!" Nawaki called out as he hurried back to his room.
Tsunade was a bit surprised. "What's gotten him so worked up?"
Minato, carrying the ingredients toward the kitchen, chuckled. "He's busy training. He's planning a surprise for you later."
On his way back, Minato had just taught Nawaki the first stage of the Rasengan.
The cultivation of the Rasengan can be roughly divided into three stages:
First Stage: Rotation!
Continuously release chakra, allowing it to swirl chaotically within a water balloon until it bursts.
Second Stage: Power!
Increase the output of chakra, bursting a regular balloon.
Third Stage: Sustain!
Maintain the chakra output without letting it leak out. The standard is to condense the Rasengan within a fragile balloon without breaking it. This is also the most difficult stage.
"A surprise?"
Tsunade chuckled. "Alright then, I'll be watching with anticipation~"
Seeing Minato enter the kitchen, Kushina cautiously glanced at Tsunade. "Does he usually cook?"
"Yes." Tsunade nodded, her tone tinged with pride. "Minato's cooking is exceptional! It's so delicious you'll want to lick the plate clean!"
Kushina chuckled. "That's quite an exaggeration!"
Tsunade looked serious. "It's true! You'll see for yourself soon!"
"Is that so?"
Seeing Tsunade's earnest expression, Kushina was somewhat surprised. "This is the first time I've ever met a boy who knows how to cook."
"Heh heh, you might not believe me, but compared to Minato's strength and talent, his cooking is just the cherry on top. That kid is flawless in every way!"
Tsunade unconsciously boasted about her disciple, then suddenly remembered the family's... peculiar talent for naming children, and she coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem... That might sound a bit exaggerated, but it's true."
"Is that so..." Kushina nodded politely, not questioning Tsunade's words.
Suddenly, an enticing aroma wafted from the kitchen. Kushina's small nose twitched, and her stomach growled audibly.
Hearing her stomach grumble, Kushina flushed, feeling a little embarrassed.
"See? I told you I wasn't lying, didn't I?" Tsunade chuckled, ruffling Kushina's hair. "Just a little longer, and we'll be eating soon."
"Mm..." Kushina nodded obediently, her sweet demeanor softening Tsunade's heart.
Before this, Tsunade had worried that Kushina might have a bad temper. After all, the Shinobi World was full of rumors that the Uzumaki Clan were all hot-tempered, and her grandmother was said to have been the same way in her youth.
But now it seemed the child's personality was actually quite good.
Soon, various fragrant scents filled the house. Even Nawaki, who had been cultivating in his room, was lured out by the tantalizing aroma.
"Time to eat!"
Minato emerged from the kitchen, carrying a pot of chicken stew. "Chicken soup's here~"
"Dinner's ready!"
Nawaki rushed to the kitchen to help Minato bring out the dishes.
"Tonight's menu includes cola-flavored chicken wings, chili pepper chicken, crispy fried pork tenderloin, charcoal-grilled pork belly, earthenware chicken, and a double sashimi platter of salmon and tuna."
Minato pointed to each dish on the table, introducing them one by one.
"Looks amazing!" Nawaki sat down beside Minato, swallowing hard. "And everything's new to me! I had no idea you had this... this whole arsenal of dishes hidden away!"
Of course, I've practiced thousands of techniques! Minato chuckled softly, opening a jug of juice to pour for everyone.
Kushina stared at the table, captivated. Except for the sashimi, she'd never seen any of these dishes before, and they all looked absolutely delicious.
"Cola-flavored chicken wings..." Tsunade leaned over the plate, her voice hesitant. "Does that mean they're cooked with cola?"
Minato nodded. "Actually, you could use sugar too."
"It smells incredible. I just wonder how it'll taste..."
Tsunade picked up her cup. "Enough talk. We'll find out once we taste it. But before that, let's welcome Kushina to the table! Cheers!"
"Cheers!" (x3)
After clinking their glasses, Tsunade, Nawaki, and Kushina eagerly grabbed their chopsticks, each reaching for their favorite dishes. In unison, they exclaimed, "Let's dig in!"
Kushina first picked up a piece of crispy fried pork cutlet and took a small bite. The crispy exterior gave way to the mild, savory flavor of the meat, and her eyes lit up.
"So... so delicious!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her delight.
"I told you so," Tsunade said. "Minato's cooking never disappoints."
Tsunade took a bite of the cola chicken wings. "I never imagined cola could be used in cooking, and the flavor is surprisingly good."
Nawaki remained silent, shoveling down the spicy chicken with gusto, his face flushed from the heat, yet he kept eating without pause.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it," Minato said with a smile, refilling everyone's juice glasses. A quiet pride swelled in his chest seeing Kushina relish his cooking.
Unfortunately, tonight's menu had been heavy on oily and spicy dishes. The lingering smoke from cooking had already left him feeling suffocated.
"Thank you..." Kushina murmured softly, feeling a little embarrassed as Minato poured her some juice.
"Don't mention it," Minato replied gently, his sunny smile making Kushina's cheeks flush slightly.
This guy... he doesn't seem particularly effeminate.
More like warm and considerate, I'd say.
Kushina silently mused to herself, stealing a glance at Nawaki beside Minato, who was tearing into a piece of chicken.
And he's definitely the wild dog type...
Throughout the meal, no one spoke much. They were all too busy devouring the food, but the atmosphere remained relaxed, everyone immersed in the joy of eating.
Finally, Nawaki was the first to collapse, clutching his bloated stomach and sprawling across the tatami mats.
Tsunade put down her chopsticks and took a deep breath. Kushina pressed her lips together, remaining silent.
A long silence followed, the three of them too stuffed to speak.
Then, Nawaki suddenly sat up straight.
"Burp—"
The room erupted in cheerful laughter.
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