Chapter 26

Shinki ignored Tsunade and cut a piece of meat for himself, sitting next to Kushina and eating together.

In addition to the meat, he also prepared fruit salad and juice.

There were also vegetables to cut through the richness of the meal.

Despite being woken up early in the morning to buy ingredients, in such weather, gathering around the fire and enjoying the fragrant barbecue created a great atmosphere for everyone.

To ensure that a certain someone who usually asked for three servings didn't go hungry, Shinki bought extra meat.

After finishing a plate of meat and some fruit salad, Shinki felt full.

Kushina seemed satisfied as well. Nawaki and Tsunade, however, were more voracious eaters and continued devouring their meals with enthusiasm.

Watching the siblings eating, Shinki could only smile and think that they truly were cut from the same cloth.

"Kushina, have you made any new friends at school recently?"

"No, only half."

Ever since she had knocked out a classmate's teeth on her first day, Kushina had become the class's little troublemaker, and almost no one dared to challenge her.

Similarly, her classmates were afraid of her and kept their distance.

"Half? How can a friend be half?"

Shinki was stunned for a moment, then laughed. The logic of children was indeed peculiar.

"Yes, half," Kushina said, crossing her small arms and pouting. "His name is Minato Namikaze, the little blond boy I mentioned before. He's the only one in class who's brave enough to be my friend and isn't scared of me."

"Tsk."

What could he say? The boy certainly had guts.

Shinki asked, "Do you like Minato as a friend, Kushina?"

"No."

Kushina puffed her cheeks, "He's only half a friend, and he's silly, always smiling for no reason, just like Nawaki."

"Ahem!!"

Nawaki, who had been devouring his food, nearly choked.

"Kushina, who are you calling silly? Am I that silly?"

"Hehe, even Mikoto said you're silly."

Kushina delivered a critical hit, a double whammy at that.

Instantly, Nawaki found his food less appetizing.

Due to the age gap, while Nawaki took care of Kushina, he didn't enjoy playing with her, thinking she was too childish. Kushina, on the other hand, thought he was foolish.

The siblings had a love-hate relationship.

"Hahaha..." Shinki laughed until his sides hurt.

Tsunade found it hilarious too.

Oh, silly little brother. Even Kushina thinks you're silly.

Uchiha Mikoto was widely regarded as a prodigy at the academy. With her beauty and gentle demeanor, she was the object of affection for many male students.

Although Nawaki didn't see Uchiha Mikoto as his "white moonlight," he couldn't deny his admiration.

This was why Kushina's comments stung him; mentioning Mikoto was enough to turn Nawaki sullen.

If someone you liked thought you were silly, it was hard to laugh it off.

"Don't worry, you're young; there's plenty of time to change," Shinki said, patting Nawaki's shoulder.

"Why?"

Nawaki, clearly frustrated, wondered why others could admire Uchiha Mikoto but not him.

Shinki gave Tsunade a look, silently asking if she planned to intervene and teach her brother a lesson. Tsunade acted as if she hadn't noticed.

"Shinki, can I invite my friends over sometime?" Kushina tugged at Shinki's sleeve and looked up at him with hopeful eyes.

"Alright, alright. Kushina's friends are always welcome. Just wait until I'm done with my current mission."

"Yay! Shinki, you're the best. I like you the most. It's a promise!"

Kushina jumped up joyfully.

Tsunade couldn't resist teasing: "Kushina, do you even know what love is?"

"Of course I do. Love is... love."

Children in the ninja world tended to mature quickly, even in emotional matters, but expressing those feelings was another story.

Kushina struggled for a while before falling silent, unable to explain.

Tsunade tried not to burst out laughing.

Unable to articulate it, Kushina got flustered: "It's like Nawaki-san liking Mikoto-san!"

"Pfft~~~"

The meat in Nawaki's mouth flew out.

"Don't mind her, Kushina. You'll understand these things when you get older," Shinki said, patting her head.

He couldn't help but think how spending time with kids always brought these awkward situations.

"Why?" Kushina asked, confused.

Seizing the moment, Nawaki shouted, "Because my sister hasn't found anyone she likes, and no one dares to like her! Right, Shinki?"

Ah... well played.

Seeing Tsunade's expression shift from amusement to something more threatening, Shinki decided to take cover. He picked up Kushina and made a quick exit to the house.

Nawaki, however, could only brace himself for what was coming.

"Sister, I'm sorry! I really am! Ow! It hurts!!"

Outside, Nawaki's wails echoed. Shinki and Kushina sat on the sofa, Kushina peeking through the window.

It was a pitiful sight.

"Shinki, is it true that no one likes Tsunade-san?"

Kushina whispered.

Shinki blinked and lowered his voice, "Not exactly. Some do, but most wouldn't dare say it."

Kushina's eyes lit up in understanding. "Then, does Tsunade-san have someone she likes?"

"....."

Why so many questions?

"Shinki, do you like Tsunade-san? Is that why you wouldn't say anything if you did?"

"....."

After eating and drinking her fill, Tsunade left with Kushina and the bruised Nawaki, leaving Shinki with a moment to rest and seal himself in thought.

In a tavern near the Shimura clan compound, the Third Hokage sat across from Danzo Shimura, having been invited there.

He sipped from the glass in front of him.

"Do me a favor," Danzo said.

The Third Hokage frowned and shook his head, "I'm sorry. I promised Lady Mito that your position…"

"I don't need it," Danzo interrupted, clenching his glass and grinding out the words. "Send Hyuga Shinki out. As for the position of Hokage advisor, I'll reclaim it myself."

What scheme is he plotting now?

>>>>>

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