Ch-57 Relationship.

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...

Michikatsu made his way back to his home, and at the gate, he found Kakashi eagerly waiting for his return.

"Brother, where did you suddenly disappear to?" Kakashi inquired.

"Nothing much, I had to take care of a few 'bugs,'" Michikatsu replied cryptically, referring to the Kumo ninjas as such.

"Other village's ninjas?" Kakashi sought clarification.

Michikatsu nodded. "Yes."

Curiosity piqued, Kakashi asked, "But how did they manage to breach the security of Konoha?"

Sakumo, who had just arrived in his Anbu uniform, provided an answer, "They were Kumogakure ninjas. They came here during the Chunin exams held a few days ago, with a mission to kidnap someone very important from Konoha."

Kakashi nodded, realizing the gravity of the situation. "That explains how they were able to infiltrate so easily."

Sakumo suggested, "Alright, let's go. Your mother must be worried."

Kakashi agreed, "Yes, she's been anxiously waiting for both of you to return. Let's go home; dinner is ready."

With that, Sakumo, Michikatsu, and Kakashi entered their house. Kiyomi, their mother, visibly relieved to see them all safe, said, "It's good to see you all unharmed. Now, go get freshened up and come for dinner; it's been prepared."

After Kakashi, Sakumo, and Michikatsu had freshened up, the family of four sat down to have dinner together, cherishing this rare moment as a complete family.

----

Three days had passed, and Michikatsu continued his rigorous training, dedicating himself to honing his skills. He also took it upon himself to train his younger brother, Kakashi, alongside him.

On this particular day, as they sparred in the courtyard, Tsunade paid an unexpected visit to Michikatsu's house. She had mentioned that she would come to meet Jiryoku once she returned from the battlefield.

"Yo, it seems you're keeping up with your training," Tsunade remarked as she entered the courtyard. Michikatsu and Kakashi paused their sparring as they greeted her. Michikatsu was assisting Kakashi in mastering the 'Hatake Swordsmanship' and the 'Lightning Enhanced Mode.'

"I have to," Michikatsu replied, catching his breath. "The upcoming battles are going to be tough, so I need to be well-prepared."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, reminding Michikatsu of their prior agreement. "You haven't forgotten our deal, have you?"

Michikatsu shook his head. "How could I forget? I remember it well."

Nawaki and Kushina, who had followed Tsunade, stood behind her. Nawaki simply nodded at Michikatsu, knowing that Michikatsu was not one for unnecessary displays of affection; a simple greeting sufficed.

Kushina stepped forward and expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you very much for saving my life. I wasn't able to thank you properly back then because I was in shock. It was only after sister Tsunade arrived that I was allowed to move."

Michikatsu responded with humility, "You had already thanked me before. You don't need to do it again. As I said, you're a member of Konoha and, not to mention, Tsunade-Senpai's sister, so saving you was only natural."

Following their conversation, Michikatsu turned his attention to Kakashi and addressed him, "Okay, Kakashi, you continue your training here. I'll go with them as I promised to treat them to a hearty meal after their return from the battlefield."

Kakashi nodded and responded, "Alright, brother, I'll inform mother not to make dinner for you."

Michikatsu assured him, "No need for that. I'll have dinner later in the evening. You just focus on your training, and I hope to see some improvement when I return." With that, he left the courtyard with Tsunade, Kushina, and Nawaki.

Kushina, feeling grateful, offered, "Let me pay for the treat as a token of my gratitude."

Michikatsu, however, had made a promise, and he explained, "I don't see any problem with that, but I promised Tsunade-Senpai that I would be the one to treat her. If she wants to receive the treat from me and I'm the one who should cover the expenses, then I'll take care of it. You should ask Tsunade-Senpai, not me."

Kushina turned to Tsunade, her eyes pleading. It was a gesture that she felt was the only way to express her gratitude to Michikatsu for saving her life. Tsunade, understanding the significance of this act, nodded and approved, making Kushina quite content.

They eventually arrived at one of the barbecue restaurants owned by the Akimichi Clan. Michikatsu and the others took their seats and placed their food orders. It was during this meal that Michikatsu decided to share some news with Nawaki.

"By the way, Nawaki, I wanted to let you know that the Hokage has plans to make us both a similar kind of legendary force, like the Sannin," Michikatsu revealed.

Nawaki nodded in understanding. "I'm aware. The Hokage mentioned this to me as well. I believe it's a great opportunity for both of us, especially in pursuit of our dreams to become Hokage."

Michikatsu responded with a hint of indifference, "Becoming Hokage is your dream, not mine."

Tsunade, who had been listening to their conversation, smiled warmly and expressed her thoughts, "I'm delighted to see both of you progressing at such a rapid pace. I hope that one day, you both will surpass me."

In response, Michikatsu and Nawaki nodded in agreement.

Tsunade felt positive about the future, all because of one reason, that Nawaki had not met his premature fate five years ago, thanks to Michikatsu's intervention. This had prevented Tsunade from getting close to Dan Kato, as Nawaki was still alive. Michikatsu, on the other hand, had grown closer to Tsunade over the years, though their relationship was yet to develop into anything romantic. The future remained uncertain, and only time would tell what it held.

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