Watching the silent Nine-Tails, Hayato Ren continued speaking:
"Kurama, your current situation isn't exactly favorable. There are people outside who want to revive the Ten-Tails."
Hearing this, a trace of apprehension flashed in the Nine-Tails' eyes. Because Hayato Ren knew its name and the Sage of Six Paths', it somewhat trusted him.
However, simply abandoning the dignity of the strongest Tailed Beast to cooperate with Hayato Ren...
This made the Nine-Tails feel it would lose face.
So, the Nine-Tails placed Hayato Ren back on the ground with its claw.
Then it turned around and lay down, speaking in a cold tone:
"Alright, I'm getting sleepy. You should go back now. I absolutely won't cooperate with cunning humans."
Exchanging a glance with Kushina, Hayato Ren withdrew from the consciousness space.
After returning to reality, Kushina immediately poured out her confusion to Hayato Ren.
"Ren, how did you know that big fox's name? And who is Hamura Otsutsuki? You're amazing - you actually made that big fox quiet down so quickly! Before this, no matter what I said, it ignored me."
Seeing Kushina's face full of "I'm so curious," Hayato Ren couldn't resist gently pinching her smooth cheek, then roughly explained the Nine-Tails' origins.
After listening to Hayato Ren's explanation, Kushina said with emotion:
"So the legend of the Sage of Six Paths is real... I always thought it was just something to fool children..."
...
After sending Konan to the Ninja Academy, Hayato Ren's life became completely leisurely.
Every day he researched the Flying Thunder God at home, went on dates with Kushina during his free time, and occasionally went to Tsunade's place to "exercise."
Two years passed in the blink of an eye. Both Kushina and Mikoto had shed their youthful innocence and grown into elegant, beautiful women.
Konan, who was originally malnourished and thin, had also recovered her health - anyone could tell she would become an extraordinary beauty in the future.
Today was a special day - the birthday of the great Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki, Kushina.
To celebrate Kushina's birthday, Hayato Ren had arranged with Konan and Mikoto the day before to come celebrate.
That day, Hayato Ren was carving the Flying Thunder God symbol on specially made kunai as usual.
After two years, he had finally barely mastered this space ninjutsu, the Flying Thunder God.
Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open from outside.
Then, Kushina's energetic figure rushed in.
"Ren, Ren, do you know what day it is today?"
Since he planned to surprise Kushina, Hayato Ren deliberately pretended to be indifferent.
"Is it Ramen Festival today?"
"Of course not! Today's my birthday, you big dummy. But the Ramen Festival idea is good—I'll definitely establish that holiday when I become Hokage someday."
Although Hayato Ren seemed to have forgotten her birthday, Kushina felt no displeasure in her heart.
After saying this, she took Hayato Ren's hand, planning to call Mikoto to join them for a celebration in town.
However, when the two arrived at Mikoto's house, they were told Mikoto had gone out early in the morning.
Kushina's expression visibly fell after coming up empty-handed.
"Ren's a big dummy, and Mikoto's a big dummy too! How could you both forget my birthday? That's just too much."
Watching the dejected Kushina, Hayato Ren was wrestling with whether he should comfort her.
Before Hayato Ren could speak, Kushina bounced back on her own.
"Hmph, getting angry with you guys is useless anyway. I've decided—today I'm going to eat like crazy and empty your wallet, Ren!"
Seeing Kushina's completely restored spirits, Hayato Ren couldn't help but smile.
Over the years, he'd earned considerable money through his writing and had invested it in mining and real estate, accumulating substantial wealth.
Even Tsunade, who inherited the Senju family fortune, might not be as wealthy as Hayato Ren.
After all, with no wars to fight, the idle Tsunade had returned to her old habits—being the cash cow at gambling halls.
Perhaps because Nawaki was still around, Tsunade hadn't accumulated any gambling debts. Otherwise, Nawaki might not even have money to get married.
Though Kushina threatened to eat Hayato Ren poor, she didn't choose any fancy place, instead heading to their familiar Ichiraku Ramen.
At Ichiraku Ramen, Teuchi had transformed from a young boy into an uncle, taking over his father's legacy as the head chef.
"The usual, Teuchi!"
Upon entering Ichiraku Ramen, Kushina led Hayato Ren to their usual seats and called out familiarly.
Soon, Teuchi brought out a large shoyu ramen and a large seafood ramen.
However, the chashu on Kushina's shoyu ramen was practically overflowing—clearly not a normal portion.
Facing Kushina's puzzled expression, Teuchi showed a gentle smile.
"Happy birthday, Kushina! You and Ren should be thinking about settling down soon. You must invite me to the wedding when the time comes."
Even the usually boisterous Kushina became somewhat bashful upon hearing this.
"Ren and I aren't at that stage yet..."
But soon Kushina grew flustered and angry. She reached out with her right hand, pinching and twisting Hayato Ren's side while complaining indignantly:
"Even Teuchi remembered my birthday, but you dared to forget, Ren! I'm really angry now. I'm punishing you to sleep on the sofa tonight."
Hearing this, Hayato Ren instinctively replied:
"Then I'll just go sleep at my teacher's place."
At these words, Kushina instantly exploded.
She even forgot about her beloved shoyu ramen, standing up to glare at Hayato Ren.
"Fine then, go spend your life with your teacher Tsunade."
After saying this, Kushina turned and left immediately, giving Hayato Ren no chance to explain.
At that moment, Teuchi's voice suddenly drifted over faintly.
"What are you still sitting here like a fool for? Hurry up and go after her."
Only then did Hayato Ren snap out of his daze as if waking from a dream, and rushed off in the direction Kushina had gone.
Watching Hayato Ren's frantic retreating figure, a reminiscent expression appeared on Teuchi's face.
He seemed to have had a similar experience in his youth. If he had chosen to back down back then, he might have regretted it for a lifetime...