Chapter 20

Kushina and Mikoto were sitting side by side on one of the benches of the humble, yet always welcoming, Ichiraku ramen shop. The conversation flowed easily between them, as was common when they shared each other's company, but there was a concern hanging in the air.

"I don't know, Mikoto," said Kushina, idly toying with the chopsticks in her miso ramen, "lately, I can't communicate with the Kyuubi. It feels as if something or someone is blocking our connection."

Mikoto looked at Kushina, her eyes reflecting a mix of worry and curiosity. "Maybe something has happened... you know, with the Kyuubi," she suggested, thinking about all the stories they had heard about the fearsome nine-tailed beast and the complications that could arise for the Jinchuuriki.

Before Kushina could respond, a yellow flash emerged behind them, and Minato appeared with his instant displacement technique, the Hiraishin no Jutsu. "There's nothing to worry about," he said with a reassuring smile, placing his hand on Kushina's shoulder.

Kushina turned to look at Minato, her expression still laden with doubt, but clearly relieved by his presence. "Minato, are you sure about this?"

Minato nodded confidently. "It's alright, Kushina. The Kyuubi... let's just say she has her own matters to deal with, but you're safe."

Understanding that the matter was something that Minato had resolved or at least understood, Kushina decided to trust him. She knew that, as Hokage, Minato had his secrets and, if he said that everything was fine, it probably was.

Minato then sat down next to Kushina, turning to the owner of the establishment with a friendly smile. "Uncle Teuchi, can you bring me a ramen as well? I'm famished after a long day."

Old Teuchi, who had been following the scene with a smile from behind the counter, promptly replied, "Of course, Minato-san, it's coming right up. The usual?"

"Yes, thank you," responded Minato, as he settled more comfortably on the bench.

Little Naruto, with his still childlike features and the unmistakable blond hair inherited from Minato, was on Kushina's lap, fiddling with the ends of his mother's red hair. Minato looked at his son with a twinkle in his eyes and made some funny faces, eliciting contagious giggles from the little one. The atmosphere warmed with the joy of the family moment, but Kushina couldn't shake the concern from her mind.

"Minato," Kushina began, once the atmosphere seemed lighter, "what really happened? What were those explosions?"

Minato looked at her, his eyes serious for a brief moment before sharing what he knew. "The Kyuubi was fighting, yes, but it was against the Jinchuuriki from the Stone Village. There was an unexpected confrontation, but it's under control now."

Kushina's eyes widened, shocked. "The Jinchuuriki... are they okay? And the Kyuubi, how is he?"

"They're all alive and well, Kushina. The Stone Jinchuuriki initiated the confrontation. And the Kyuubi is fine too. There were no major injuries on either side," explained Minato, seeking to calm Kushina's worries, continued, "And you, are you feeling alright?"

Kushina furrowed her brow, confused by the sudden change of topic. "I... yes, I think so. But I don't understand, why can't I feel the Kyuubi like before?"

Minato smiled slightly, as if harboring a small secret, and pulled a small jar filled with sand closer to himself. "The Kyuubi sent this for you. She said that you should train with this."

"Training?" Kushina seemed even more puzzled. "With a jar of sand? What am I supposed to do, plant something in it?" she tried to joke, but her expression showed that she was seeking to understand the message.

Mikoto, who was listening attentively to the conversation, couldn't help but express her concern. "Minato, couldn't this escalate into a war? If the Stone Village is interested in the Kyuubi, they might not stop here."

Minato kept his calm expression, although the risks were clear. "I understand your concern, Mikoto, but the situation is under control. The Kyuubi, at the suggestion of the other Tailed Beasts, avoided killing the jinchuuriki during the confrontation. If their deaths had occurred, we could have a much larger conflict on our hands. The last thing we want is a war."

Kushina, still a bit shaken, looked at Minato with a worried expression. "Minato, what about you? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Kushina," Minato assured her, with a gentle smile. "The Kyuubi can be unpredictable, but we have a mutual understanding. And as for involvement with him, it's part of the Hokage's duty to ensure everyone's safety, including yours and Naruto's."

Kushina still seemed a bit tense, but trusted Minato's words and turned her attention to the jar of sand. "And this?" she asked, pointing at the jar.

Minato appeared slightly doubtful, but tried to explain. "Well, the Kyuubi told me that you have a natural affinity for magnet style, probably because of his influence. He thought training with this sand could help develop that ability. I don't fully understand it."

Kushina looked at the jar of sand skeptically. "Magnet style, huh? Minato, don't you think you could have been deceived? I've never shown any sign of having such an ability..."

Minato smiled, understanding Kushina's disbelief. "I also thought it might be a mistake at first," he admitted. "But then, I saw with my own eyes during the confrontation. The Kyuubi used the sand to imprison one of the jinchuurikis. It was something I myself did not expect."

Kushina looked at the jar of sand again, her eyes now reflecting a new determination. "If that's what the Kyuubi suggested, then I will trust him. And you, Minato. I will train and develop this ability."

Minato chuckled lightly, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Be careful, Kushina, at this rate, you'll end up being stronger than me. I'll have to work hard not to be left behind."

Kushina smiled, the previous worry disappearing as they delved into the banter. "Hah, that would be the day! And you, Mikoto, need to awaken that Mangekyou Sharingan you're hiding. Don't let us all get ahead of you."

Mikoto laughed, nodding her head. "Who knows? Maybe one day I'll surprise you both."

As they laughed, the scent of Minato's finally ready ramen drew everyone's attention. Teuchi placed the steaming dish in front of Minato with a modest smile. "Here you go, Minato-san. I hope it's to your liking."

Minato picked up the chopsticks and, after a brief prayer of thanks for the meal, took the first bite. "Delicious as always, Uncle Teuchi. You never disappoint."

Teuchi smiled, his expression modest. "Ah, Minato-san, you always exaggerate the praise. But I'm glad you like it."

With the atmosphere now light and pleasant, the concern that had hung over them dissipated. Kushina played with Naruto, who laughed at Minato's funny faces, while Mikoto watched the scene with a caring smile. This was a moment of peace, a moment for family and friends, in the humble Ichiraku ramen stand.

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