Chapter 84: Parting Ways

When Kunio Shindo saw that the questioner was Mikoto, a flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes. However, he soon answered, "Ten days."

Upon hearing this, Mikoto nodded, completely unperturbed by the astonished looks around her.

For her, a vacation didn't mean rest but the beginning of more rigorous training. Previously, she had undertaken such training with neither dislike nor yearning.

However, after the Chunin Exams, she eagerly awaited this training period. While it was good to spend time with Minato and Kushina at the Academy, for her current goals of improving her strength, that environment would hinder her growth.

No one cheered or rejoiced at the sudden ten-day vacation; everyone had a somber expression.

Only Minato's eyes narrowed slightly. If all went well, the Land of Hot Water mission would likely be completed around this time frame.

Although there was no precise intelligence, Kuriyama Shinzo himself must have known that as a defector from Konoha, the village would not let him off easily. So, even with Cloud ninja protection, he wouldn't dare linger near the Land of Fire's border for too long.

Minato, who had previously worked in intelligence in Konoha, probably wasn't naive enough to think the village would be unaware of his movements.

Just what was he risking so much for, daring to enter the Cloud Village alone and return to the Land of Fire's border? Was it some important documents or items related to the Land of Fire or Konoha?

Regardless, Minato wouldn't go easy on such a traitor who had harmed his comrades. However, even his current self couldn't kill Kuriyama Shinzo, who was at least a special Jonin, if not quite on par with regular Jonin. His strength couldn't be underestimated.

Minato didn't even understand why the Third Hokage had involved him and Uchiha Homura in such a mission. Was it part of a test?

"It seems everyone has found their resolve. Good, then I expect to see your renewed selves in ten days," Kunio Shindo said with a smile, leaving the classroom without further ado.

The students gradually dispersed, but Minato, Kushina, and Mikoto remained seated.

"Alright, let's go," Minato said gently after a moment of silence, smiling at the two.

Mikoto nodded, put her belongings in her desk drawer, and stood up. Kushina seemed reluctant but stood up as well.

The three walked out of the classroom, the hallway only wide enough for three or four people. With Minato in front and Kushina and Mikoto side by side behind him, it felt a bit cramped.

This was the first time Kushina had seriously observed Minato from behind, and she felt an indescribable sensation.

The walk was short, and they soon reached the Academy's entrance, which had few people due to the unannounced early vacation. However, the woman who usually came to pick up Kushina was already waiting there.

Minato noticed that although the Anbu typically accompanying Kushina hadn't disappeared, their numbers seemed reduced.

As the three approached the entrance, Kushina hung her head, seeming unwilling to leave. Minato's emotions were also complicated, unsure of what to say.

"Well, see you in ten days," Mikoto noticed the atmosphere and waved goodbye, leaving first.

The two stood at the now empty entrance, neither knowing how to begin, while the woman waiting for Kushina remained at a distance.

"What are you going to do during the ten-day vacation?" Kushina broke the silence first, chuckling as she asked.

Upon hearing this, Minato's blue eyes flickered slightly. He didn't want to lie to Kushina but also didn't want her to worry.

Not to mention the Land of Hot Water mission was confidential, but he might also face real ninja in life-and-death battles, not just the point-based trials.

"Of course, I'll be training. Last time, Uchiha Homura almost pushed me to my limit. I can't let him catch up so easily," Minato subconsciously scratched his head, his gaze towards Kushina holding a hint of panic.

While Minato could usually remain composed, he couldn't maintain that around Kushina.

"I see," Kushina said, seeming not to notice Minato's earlier expression. Then she stared at him and continued, "Aren't you going to ask me what I plan to do these ten days?"

Minato blinked, surprised. Regarding Kushina's matters, he didn't have the clearance to know, so he had never planned to ask.

However, when Kushina questioned him directly, he felt flustered.

Of course, Kushina didn't know about certain things, so her expression became slightly disappointed.

Yet, uncharacteristically, Minato could sense Kushina's disappointment.

He smiled warmly at her, saying, "Though I won't ask what you're doing, at least I know that as long as you're safe and happy in Konoha, that's enough."

Today, he didn't see the usual melancholy in Kushina's eyes, and although he didn't know the specifics, Minato felt glad.

Kushina paused momentarily, then made a very boyish expression, grinning, "Mm, I haven't given up on my dream yet. Be careful, or I might surpass you."

Her words had a strange undertone, and Minato smiled, recalling their shared dreams on the first day of school.

To become Hokage.

"Don't worry, I'll become Hokage and protect all of Konoha and you!" Minato laughed wholeheartedly.

"Who becomes Hokage and who protects whom remains to be seen," Kushina pouted, her cheeks slightly flushed as she ran toward the waiting woman, waving goodbye to Minato.

Standing there, watching the smiling Kushina, Minato's complex emotions calmed.

The Land of Hot Water mission was fraught with danger, but he no longer bore just his own burden.

So he absolutely couldn't fail; he had to return alive. He still needed to become Hokage and keep his promise!

Meanwhile, Mikoto ran back to the Uchiha compound. It was just past noon, leaving her plenty of time for training.

Suddenly, an Anbu wearing a mask appeared before her, causing Mikoto to halt abruptly.

"Are you Mikoto Uchiha? Come with me. The Hokage wishes to see you," the Anbu said.

(End of chapter)