Minato's team

Chapter 24 Minato's team

The enticing aroma of sizzling beef wafted through the air, mingling with the lively chatter of diners at Konoha Yakiniku. Kiba's stomach rumbled in response to the tempting scent, but the three young ninjas' attention was fixed on the cards in their hands.

"This is the pass for the Konoha Library. You can borrow any ninjutsu books with it, but you can't take them out of the library. Also, since you all are genin, you can only borrow ninjutsu below C-level," Uzumaki Kushina explained, noticing their bewildered expressions.

Kiba was initially confused but soon felt ecstatic. With his exceptional talent for ninjutsu, being able to learn just by seeing the hand signs, this library card was a treasure trove of knowledge. The possibility of expanding his skills excited him to no end.

Uzumaki Kushina then handed out three more badges, each carved from a peculiar kind of wood and bearing the Konoha logo. She leaned in and whispered, "However, with this medal, your borrowing conditions can be raised to a higher level, allowing you to access B-level ninjutsu."

"B-rank ninjutsu?" Kiba's eyes widened in amazement. "Sensei Kushina, were you late because you were arranging these for us?"

"Hush!" Kushina placed a hand over Kiba's mouth. "Keep it quiet and put it away."

Realizing the seriousness in her tone, the three quickly tucked the library cards and medals into their clothing.

Just then, a waiter approached with their order. "Your dishes are here, please enjoy," he said before moving on to the next table. The barbecue restaurant was bustling with patrons, separated by wooden partitions, ensuring no one noticed their conversation.

Kiba, half-joking and half-worried, asked, "Sensei Kushina, did you steal these?"

"Hush! Shh!" Kushina quickly covered his mouth again.

Chills ran down their spines. It was true!

Kushina released Kiba's mouth, pointing at them with a stern look. "Be careful. Don't let anyone overhear. I took these while the Third Hokage wasn't paying attention. Use them wisely and discreetly."

The trio touched the library cards and medals hidden in their clothes, questioning the reliability of their sensei. Still, none of them planned to return the cards.

"I'm sorry, Yukina. Your family's Gentle Fist techniques are taught internally, and they reject all ninjutsu. This card might be of limited use to you," Kushina sighed.

Yukina quickly reassured her, "It's important to know some ninjutsu knowledge; it can be beneficial in combat. Thank you, Sensei Kushina."

Kiba and Hirohiko nodded in agreement.

"Oh, by the way, I'll help you get the Konoha-style techniques next time," Kushina said with a mischievous smile, but her expression changed when Kiba gestured for her to look behind.

There stood a handsome blond man, Namikaze Minato, looking at her in surprise.

At the same time, a somewhat lazy and annoyed voice said, "Obito, it's all your fault. You've been late for so long, making us wait with the sensei. Now we can't even get barbecue seats."

"Kakashi, it's only been a while! How is it my fault all the seats are taken?" retorted Obito.

"Okay, okay, stop arguing. Let's go eat ramen," a female voice interjected to smooth things over.

The trio turned to see Kakashi, Obito, and Rin approaching. Kakashi, with his silver hair and mask, was easily recognizable. Obito wore his trademark goggles on his forehead, and Rin had short brown hair, large dark brown eyes, and two purple lines on her cheeks, giving her a delicate and lovely appearance.

Kiba's pupils shrank slightly. This is Nohara Rin—the eternal pain in the hearts of Obito and Kakashi.

"Kushina! What a coincidence!" Namikaze Minato greeted with a gentle smile, seemingly unaware of the conversation about the stolen cards.

The four of them breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Kushina introduced her disciples to the new arrivals. "Kakashi, Obito, Rin, these are my students—Taki Kiba, Uchiha Hirohiko, and Yukina Hyuga."

"Hello, disciples of our sensei's girlfriend," Obito greeted with a big smile. "I'm Uchiha Obito, and one day, I'll become Hokage."

"Kakashi Hatake," Kakashi said succinctly, giving Kiba a nod, which Kiba returned.

"Hello, I'm Nohara Rin," Rin introduced herself warmly.

"Hello!" Kiba, Hirohiko, and Yukina replied in unison.

Obito suddenly recognized Hirohiko. "Hirohiko? You're the one who activated Sharingan at seven, right?"

Hirohiko nodded with a poker face. "I am...senpai Obito."

Obito, feeling a bit more relaxed about this prodigy, replied seriously, "If you need any advice, just ask."

Hirohiko nodded. "Yes, Obito-senpai."

Before Obito could say more, Kakashi quipped, "Maybe you should ask him for advice on how to activate your Sharingan first."

"Ka-ka-shi!" Obito's frustration was evident, but Rin quickly stepped in to prevent a fight.

Namikaze Minato smiled gently at his students. "We'll leave you to your dinner. Enjoy!"

"Goodbye," Kiba, Hirohiko, and Yukina responded.

As they left, Obito apologized for the disturbance. "Sorry about that."

"It's okay," Kiba replied, watching as they walked away.

The three young ninjas turned to see Kushina, still flushed from her encounter with Minato.

Is this really the same sensei who isn't afraid to steal from the Third Hokage and is always so bold?

The group finally sat down to enjoy their long-awaited barbecue, the promise of more adventures and challenges ahead.