Chapter 05: Kushina and Minato

(That Day)

"I'm done, Boss! I'm heading home now!" Aoki said while wiping his hands clean of the remnants of his work, ready to go home.

His job at the blacksmith shop was indeed simple, but very tiring. Aoki spent his time forging kunai, using a 20-kilogram hammer.

Even though he was only 6 years old, the results of this training had already made him physically stronger than children his age.

"Be careful on the road, Aoki!" Kuzan replied, waving his hand.

On his way home, Aoki's thoughts drifted. 'It feels strange; I've been eating ramen a lot lately, almost every night. Back in my old world, I liked ramen too, but not this often.'

Aoki smiled slightly as he realized how familiar the taste and aroma of Ichiraku ramen had become a part of his life in this new world. 'Ichiraku ramen really is the best in Konoha.'

Upon arriving, Aoki immediately entered the shop that had become his regular spot. "Boss! One miso ramen and one katsu ramen! As usual, miso ramen first, then katsu ramen!" Aoki ordered with the same enthusiasm as always.

"Alright, Aoki! Hmm... Are you still working at the blacksmith shop?" asked Teuchi, the owner of the ramen shop, who could smell the charcoal and iron on Aoki's body.

"Yes, I want to continue my parents' work. They loved what they did, so I want to do it too. Besides, I can't be a ninja, so this is the most sensible job for me," Aoki replied with a smile that wasn't entirely sincere, but strong enough to mask his sadness.

Teuchi nodded in understanding before suddenly greeting someone enthusiastically, "Oh, who is this? Kushina and Minato! You both came this time too!"

Aoki, upon hearing those names, was immediately shocked and held his breath. Minato and Kushina? Aoki thought, his heart pounding loudly.

Aoki never expected to meet such important people at such an ordinary moment. He felt as if his whole body froze, not daring to look directly at them.

Aoki had never imagined he would encounter such extraordinary figures in such a short time. Just moments ago, he had crossed paths with Sakumo, a legendary ninja, and now fate had brought him face to face with two even greater characters. They were not just ordinary ninjas—without them, the main character of this world, Naruto, might never have existed.

As Aoki waited for his bowl of ramen at Ichiraku Ramen, he couldn't take his eyes off the couple who had just entered.

Kushina Uzumaki, with her fiery red hair, and Minato Namikaze, with his blonde hair, a calm figure who always stood by Kushina's side.

"Hmm... Wow? Kid, are you eating alone here? Where are your parents?" Kushina asked gently, noticing Aoki's gaze on them.

Aoki, surprised by the unexpected attention, lowered his head for a moment before answering, "They... passed away a few weeks ago, Sister."

Aoki then lifted his gaze again, smiled faintly, and added, "But, Beautiful Sister... your hair is very beautiful, like a blooming rose."

Kushina, who initially felt sad upon hearing about Aoki's parents, was suddenly taken aback and touched by the sincere compliment.

A wide smile adorned Kushina's face, and she chuckled softly, "Really? Haha... You're a good kid. Because of that, this beautiful sister will treat you to a meal."

Aoki's eyes sparkled upon hearing the offer, "Wow, is that true? Thank you, Beautiful Sister!" Aoki smiled broadly, showing genuine excitement.

"Hehe... What's your name, Kid?" Kushina asked, looking at Aoki with curiosity.

Beside her, Minato, who had been observing their interaction, simply smiled faintly. Minato hadn't expected a child to appreciate Kushina's red hair.

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