Chapter 55

Wiping his face with the towel draped around his shoulders, Shinki walked to the doorway and leaned against the frame, watching the two boys training with kunai in the yard. Sometimes, a difference of just two or three years doesn't prevent true friendships—it only takes the right moment or situation.

Despite the age gap between Nawaki and Minato Namikaze, they had grown close. Their friendship reminded Shinki of Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi, who had an even bigger age difference yet were both friends and mentors to each other. Unfortunately, Shisui had influenced Itachi with complex ideals, ultimately leading him down a path filled with tragedy.

Shinki silently hoped Nawaki and Minato's friendship would remain simple and free of harmful influence. Tsunade, for her part, was relieved that her brother was making friends and not causing mischief for once.

"Minato," Shinki called out after the boys had taken a break from their training.

Minato looked up, surprised. "Yes, senior?" he asked as he jogged over. Nawaki, curious, draped his arm over Minato's shoulder and followed along.

"Don't be nervous. Sit down," Shinki said, gesturing to a spot on the porch. Nawaki sat down next to Minato with a carefree grin, eager to know what Shinki wanted to talk about.

Shinki watched the two boys, noting how they'd gone from being mere acquaintances to forming a close bond. Nawaki's cheerful, boisterous nature had complemented Minato's calmer demeanor perfectly.

"So, do you have any plans for the New Year?" Shinki asked Minato. "If not, why don't you celebrate with us? It'll be more fun with more people."

Minato's eyes widened. "Ah?"

"Perfect!" Nawaki clapped his hands, jumping up with excitement. "Minato is always alone at home. This way, he won't have to spend the holiday by himself. We can all celebrate together!"

Minato looked flustered, shifting nervously. "I... I don't know what to say."

It was the first time someone had invited him to celebrate the New Year. The gesture touched him, but he felt unsure about accepting.

"It's settled, then," Shinki said, cutting through Minato's hesitation. "We'll see you here for the New Year."

"Yay!" Nawaki cheered, grabbing Minato by the arm and pulling him back toward the yard.

Once the boys were gone, Tsunade stepped down from upstairs and wrapped her arms around Shinki's waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. "You seem to think highly of that boy."

Shinki nodded. "I do. He's got potential. If he stays on the right path, he'll grow into a formidable shinobi."

"A civilian genius, like Orochimaru?" Tsunade asked, tilting her head.

"Not exactly," Shinki said, considering Minato's steady, progressive growth. "He's more like a blend of Orochimaru and Jiraiya. He's not as flashy as Orochimaru, but his strength builds consistently over time."

The little yellow-haired boy was undeniably talented, but his early accomplishments weren't as jaw-dropping as Orochimaru's had been. Only a few Konoha shinobi—like Kakashi or Uchiha Itachi—had ever matched Orochimaru's childhood brilliance. Unfortunately, Kakashi's potential had plateaued, and Itachi's life was a series of tragic events.

Minato, however, had shown a unique capacity for steady improvement that could push his limits higher with each step. His only flaw had been his untimely death.

"Steadily improving?" Tsunade echoed, frowning. "That's saying a lot, especially compared to Orochimaru's talent."

Shinki smirked. *If only you knew,* he thought. The little yellow-haired boy would grow to outmatch even Orochimaru in his prime.

"Why don't you take him on as a disciple if you think so highly of him?" Tsunade suggested.

"....."

Shinki was momentarily taken aback. Just because he respected Minato didn't mean he was ready to take him as a student. And even if he wanted to, the Third Hokage would probably have reservations. Sarutobi Hiruzen, despite his flaws, was sharp at judging people's intentions.

Shinki opened his mouth, then thought better of it and let the topic drop.

Seeing his reaction, Tsunade let out a small sigh and walked toward the bathroom. "Is Kushina still asleep?"

"Yeah. She said she wanted to eat ramen today—homemade," Shinki said with a hint of exasperation.

"....."

*You're still in bed and placing food orders?* he thought, shaking his head.

---

By the river where they were training, Minato glanced at Nawaki, confusion on his face. "Why do you think senior invited me for New Year's?"

"How should I know?" Nawaki replied as he threw more firewood onto their small fire and turned over the fish they'd caught. "But my sister says he's sharp. If he invited you, it's because he sees your potential."

The thought made Minato blush slightly. Nawaki, noticing this, perked up. "Hey, I just thought of something! Why don't you ask him to be your teacher? My sister always says he's a top-tier ninja, even though he's officially a medic. Having a teacher like that would keep anyone from messing with you at school."

Minato's eyes widened. The idea of having Shinki as a mentor was appealing. Beyond the protection, there was so much he could learn.

"Really? Senior's that strong?" Minato asked, half to himself.

"Of course! My sister wouldn't lie. Plus, think of how much you'd learn!"

Just as Minato was mulling over Nawaki's suggestion, a burnt smell filled the air.

"Oh no! The fish is burning!" Nawaki yelled.

The two boys panicked as they rushed to save their lunch. Luckily, they managed to salvage it, but their faces fell when they tasted it.

"Ugh, it's terrible."

Nawaki grimaced. "We forgot the seasoning. It tastes too fishy."

Minato laughed awkwardly. "Sorry, I forgot to bring it."

Nawaki shot him a playful glare. "I don't believe you. And don't call me 'Little Shushu.' It's embarrassing."

"Fine! But only if you stop calling me 'Little Yellow Hair.' That's embarrassing too," Minato retorted, a grin on his face.

---

After finishing her meal, Tsunade set off at a leisurely pace toward the Hokage's office building.

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Up to Chapter 130 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)

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