Yoshi! To celebrate Nawaki's successful graduation, we're having barbecue tonight! Tsunade proposed, putting aside the unreliable thoughts in her mind for the time being.
Great! I want to eat what Minato makes! Nawaki suggested.
No way, let's just go to a barbecue restaurant, okay? Kushina frowned slightly. Minato works hard cooking every day, and Nawaki, you eat so much...
What? I eat a lot? Do you even hear what you're saying? Nawaki pointed at himself in disbelief. In this house, I probably have the smallest appetite, don't I? Even you eat more than I do!
Hearing this, Kushina's cheeks puffed out. Although she really wanted to blow a fuse, she had no choice but to admit Nawaki was right. Currently, the biggest eater in the house was Minato. Since some unknown point in time, Minato's appetite had begun to surge in a way they couldn't understand. The current Minato could easily eat as much as the three of them combined in a single meal!
Tsunade could use the Strength of a Hundred Technique to maximize the absorption of energy from food and convert it into Chakra, keeping her body in peak condition at all times, so her appetite was also not small. As a member of the Uzumaki Clan herself, she possessed powerful vitality and physical strength far beyond ordinary people. Correspondingly, she also required a higher intake of nutrients than others. It was fine two years ago, but now her appetite had indeed surpassed Nawaki's. So when Nawaki said she could eat, she really couldn't refute him.
That's exactly why we should go to a barbecue restaurant. Minato is already working so hard making so much food every day!
But I just want to eat what Minato makes. The things Minato grills are so varied; it's much richer than the single-style grilling at a restaurant. Nawaki complained. Besides, today is to celebrate my graduation, right? Can't you just satisfy me for once?
Then let's eat at home. Minato patted Kushina's little head and said with a smile. This also shows that my skills are better than a barbecue restaurant's, doesn't it?
Mhm, mhm! Nawaki nodded quickly, his eyes shining. The dishes in a barbecue restaurant were always the same few things. While he wouldn't say he was tired of them, they didn't offer any sense of freshness either. But for Minato, everything could be grilled!
Seeing that Minato had said so, Kushina didn't object further, her little head nuzzling into Minato's palm. In truth, she also preferred eating what Minato made. Everyone bought the ingredients on the way and returned home. Minato dived into the kitchen and began preparing the food.
Seeing that Kushina and Nawaki had returned to their rooms, Tsunade quietly entered the kitchen and walked up behind Minato, her soft hands gently resting on his shoulders. The posture was a bit ambiguous, but Tsunade didn't seem to notice. Minato?
What is it, Sensei? Minato didn't stop washing the vegetables, seemingly long accustomed to such contact.
Are you... very concerned about Grandfather's necklace? Tsunade asked softly, her tone carrying a deliberate casualness as she tested him.
Hmm? Minato was somewhat surprised. He looked up, only to find his vision obscured by a pair of grand peaks. Why do you say that, Sensei?
Just now, when I gave Nawaki the necklace, I felt like your mood wasn't quite right. Tsunade leaned forward, tilting her head. Her amber eyes watched Minato without blinking, her tone carrying a hint of teasing. Could it be that you're jealous?
I was just thinking about other things. In Sensei's eyes, I shouldn't be the kind of child who likes to fight over things, right? Minato said casually. And even if I were jealous, I shouldn't be jealous of Nawaki, right?
Hearing this, Tsunade's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously blurted out. Then whose jealousy would it be?
Who does Sensei think I should be jealous of? Minato threw the question back at her, his tone inscrutable, asking with a faint smile. Who does Sensei want me to be jealous of?
You brat! Tsunade was suddenly at a loss for words, a flush rising to her face. She rubbed his little yellow hair, gritting her teeth in frustration. She finally confirmed that those habitual physical contacts and the subtle ambiguous chemistry weren't just her own perverted delusions; they also included the factor of the other party's intentional flirting.
If she had designs on Minato, then from Minato's reaction, this brat also had ulterior motives toward her, his teacher... This made her feel joyful, yet inevitably a bit ashamed and annoyed—ashamed that she was actually being toyed with by her own Disciple! Thinking of this, she pulled Minato's cheeks with both hands. Are you feeling very proud of yourself?
Guh, I don't know what you're talking about, Minato mumbled indistinctly.
Don't play dumb! Tsunade scolded lightly, letting go of his cheeks and staring at him with burning eyes. Give me a reason!
Does Sensei think one needs a reason to like someone? Minato rubbed his cheeks, seemingly still able to feel the lingering warmth from her fingertips.
You don't... Tsunade said, then couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. But you do need one to like two people!
Minato gave a sheepish laugh. That is indeed a headache-inducing matter.
Hearing this, Tsunade's eyes narrowed dangerously. You brat, you really dare to think that?
It's not a matter of daring or not. If emotions could be controlled, Sensei wouldn't be discussing this with me. You should have more of a feeling for this than I do, shouldn't you? Minato said calmly, and Tsunade suddenly felt a sense of embarrassment as if her thoughts had been seen through. She really wanted to ask what he actually planned in his heart, but because she was afraid of not getting the answer she wanted, she ultimately didn't press further.
That night, Tsunade suffered from insomnia. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep, feeling a sense of confusion and being at a loss. As soon as she closed her eyes, she seemed to see Minato with a wicked smile on his face, saying to her: Sensei, this is a crime, right? To actually have feelings for your own Disciple... You loser Sensei! Or something like: Sensei, you wouldn't want Nawaki to find out about this, would you? You wouldn't want to bring shame to the name of the First Hokage, right?
It scared her so much that she woke up from her stupor several times. She washed her underwear twice, and it wasn't until dawn that she finally managed to fall asleep. In contrast, Minato wasn't affected at all and got up early to prepare breakfast. With memories of his past life, he was very open-minded about such things. And since Tsunade didn't press for an answer, it meant that to her, his presence was more important than the answer. This attitude already spoke volumes.
Good morning, everyone! Nawaki came to the living room full of energy. Seeing only Minato and a listless Kushina, he asked. Has Older Sister not gotten up yet?
She probably didn't sleep well last night? Minato served a bowl of hot porridge to Nawaki. Don't worry. Don't you have your team placement today? Eat first.
Thanks for the hard work! Nawaki ate his breakfast, letting out a silly laugh from time to time, as if he had already foreseen his future of becoming Hokage. After finishing his meal in a hurry, he solemnly put on his Forehead Protector. I'm full! Just leave the dishes in the sink, I'm heading out!
Wait, Nawaki. Minato tossed a bag to him. Ninja missions carry a certain level of danger. Take these clone seeds with you. They can help in a critical moment and make it easier for me to provide support.
Ah, thanks! Nawaki didn't refuse. He knew Minato's strength and didn't try to act tough for the sake of some pointless pride. Looking at Nawaki's excited retreating figure, there was a hint of inquiry in Minato's eyes. Regarding the theory of the cursed necklace, his attitude was that he'd rather believe it exists than not. After all, Tsunade's own luck was quite uncanny. So he planned to secretly protect him for a period of time to see what was really going on.
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