Kushina

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**"I know there's conflict between you, but Muzan is still a shinobi of Konoha. So, do not interfere with him anymore,"** Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, warned sternly.

Among the entire village, only Danzo Shimura had the influence and ambition to cause trouble on such a scale. The Third Hokage's words were an ultimatum—if Danzo continued his schemes...

**"You're mistaken, Hokage-sama. I simply want Muzan to inherit the foundation of Root. You should understand that he is uniquely suited for it,"** Danzo replied, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.

Danzo had given up the idea of eliminating Muzan. Instead, he now sought to control him, understanding that even the strongest shinobi had weaknesses. A ruthless man like Orochimaru had been swayed by his thirst for knowledge, leading him down dark paths. Danzo believed the only reason Muzan hadn't joined Root was that he hadn't yet discovered his vulnerability. But once he did, Muzan would fall in line.

Outsiders were unaware of the conversation between the two elders, but at that moment, Muzan was dealing with a different problem.

**"Uzumaki Kushina? Why is she coming here?"** Muzan thought, recognizing her unmistakable red hair as she approached.

Kushina's reputation as a fierce and strong-willed kunoichi preceded her, and Muzan had no desire to provoke her. While Kushina was technically Kakashi's mentor, she also held the title of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, though this fact was kept a closely guarded secret within Konoha's inner circle. With the Nine-Tails sealed within her, she was effectively Konoha's greatest weapon, though she was forbidden from leaving the village to minimize risk.

**"Best to avoid her if possible and leave with the others once they've rested,"** Muzan decided, hoping to steer clear of any confrontation.

But avoiding Kushina was easier said than done. She was notoriously difficult to shake once her mind was set on something. She had already grilled Kakashi about Muzan on multiple occasions, eager to learn more about him.

As soon as she spotted Muzan near the Hatake residence, her eyes narrowed. **"Don't you dare close that door!"**

**"Boom!"**

With a single blow, Kushina knocked a hole through the door with her raw strength.

**"What the...?"** Muzan stared in disbelief at the destruction.

**"She's stronger than most taijutsu specialists,"** he thought, sensing her immense chakra, even though she wasn't fully utilizing it.

Having witnessed Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, fully transform into his tailed beast form, Muzan knew the overwhelming power that came with being a Jinchuriki. Kushina's strength as the host of the Nine-Tails was on an entirely different level.

**"Why are you avoiding me, brat?"** Kushina growled, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Though her looks were striking, her temper was legendary, and Muzan had no desire to get caught up in it. He quickly thought of an excuse.

**"I was just about to rest. Orochimaru-sensei expects me to assist him on the front lines soon,"** Muzan said, trying to maintain his composure.

**"Hmph! And why can a brat like you leave the village while I'm stuck here?"** she snapped, her frustration clear.

Just as she was about to press further, the door creaked open from the outside. Kakashi entered, freezing when he saw Kushina glaring daggers at Muzan.

Seeing the look on her face, Kakashi gave Muzan a resigned glance. **"What did you do this time?"** his expression seemed to say.

**"Kakashi!"** Kushina called, her voice filled with impatience.

Kakashi, sensing an impending disaster, tried to back away, but it was too late. Kushina was already focused on him.

**"You're back? Where's Minato?"** she asked, the irritation in her voice palpable.

**"He's reporting the battle situation to the Hokage,"** Kakashi answered, cautiously.

Minato Namikaze, with his incredible speed, was often tasked with urgent deliveries, leaving little time to see Kushina when he returned to the village.

**"Hmph! That idiot doesn't even have the decency to come find me!"** she muttered angrily.

Suddenly, Kushina's eyes locked onto something in Kakashi's hands—a book sticking out from his pouch.

**"What's that?"** she asked, suspicion growing.

Muzan, noticing the familiar cover, immediately recognized it. **"No way… Is that…?"**

**"Icha Icha Paradise, Volume 1,"** Muzan thought, realizing the situation. **"Jiraiya-sensei strikes again…"**

Jiraiya's *Icha Icha* series was a worldwide bestseller, and Kakashi's love for the book was no secret. But now, caught in Kushina's crosshairs, Kakashi stiffened like a deer in headlights.

**"Hand it over, Kakashi,"** Kushina demanded, her tone dangerous.

She likely thought it contained secret jutsu, and with Kushina's fiery temper, it was best to comply. Kakashi, however, desperately tried to hide the book.

**"This… this…"** Kakashi stammered, clutching the book tightly, shooting daggers at Muzan. **"Of all the people to rat me out, why him?"**

Before he could make a break for it, the door suddenly swung open. Kakashi, caught off guard, stumbled backward into the arms of none other than Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.

The book fell to the ground in plain sight.

Minato glanced down, instantly recognizing the cover. A strange feeling of déjà vu washed over him. **"Ah… Kakashi, you're following in Jiraiya-sensei's footsteps, I see,"** he thought, suppressing a chuckle.

But his amusement faded when he noticed Kushina glaring at him, clearly misunderstanding the situation.

**"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"** Minato swiftly destroyed the book with a fireball before Kushina could react, the smoldering ashes a testament to his quick thinking.

Kakashi watched in horror as his precious book turned to ash. **"My… my *Icha Icha*…"** he thought, utterly heartbroken.

Kushina crossed her arms, glaring at both of them. **"What have you two idiots been doing behind my back?"** she demanded, her temper flaring once again.

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