Chapter 48

The food was truly delicious, and Shinki relished every bite. After a hearty meal, he planned to head home for some well-deserved rest.

The Akimichi family truly knew how to enjoy life! Their specialty barbecue alone brought in a hefty profit, enough to make other families in Konoha envious. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have the unique skills of the Akimichi clan and could only watch with longing.

"Not bad," Shinki said as he dipped a piece of perfectly grilled meat into the sauce and took a bite. The fresh ingredients, high-quality dipping sauce, and crispy side dishes created a harmonious blend of flavors. No wonder the Akimichi family's barbecue restaurants were always packed, despite their premium prices.

He picked up another piece of meat, ready to savor it when suddenly, a petite figure charged toward him.

So bold! Trying to snatch food right from under his nose!

Shinki reflexively raised his hand, but then he noticed a head of long red hair.

Kushina?

He adjusted his hand and caught the little whirlwind in his arms.

"Wuwuwu, Shinki, Grandma Mito is gone," Kushina sobbed as she clung to him.

"What are you—"

Before Shinki could finish, Tsunade reached over and snagged the piece of barbecue from his chopsticks, eating it in one bite. She smirked at him. "Tastes good."

"Well, long time no see," Nawaki said with a grin, dragging a stool over to sit next to him.

"Alright, alright, don't cry, Kushina," Shinki said, holding her gently and trying to soothe her tears.

Tsunade, sitting down beside Nawaki, picked up the chopsticks and placed more meat on the grill. She gave Shinki a knowing look, as if to say, *You better take care of her; she's been waiting for you all year.*

Kushina's emotions had reached a breaking point after not seeing Shinki for so long. Her little body shook with sobs, soaking the front of Shinki's newly changed clothes, but he continued to comfort her, hoping she would calm down soon.

"Kushina, how did you know I was back?" Shinki asked, trying a new tactic.

"Tsunade... Tsunade sister... told me you would arrive in the village today," Kushina said between hiccups and sobs.

Tsunade, munching on another bite of meat, snorted. "You didn't even come looking for us when you got back. You just went to the hot springs alone and came here for barbecue."

"Don't even start," Shinki replied, looking up at the ceiling in exasperation. "Life at the camp was rough. Even taking a shower was a hassle, let alone having a proper meal."

"Uncle Hokage is so mean for sending you to the border camp," Kushina muttered, her mood beginning to settle as her attention shifted.

Thankfully, the barbecue restaurant was busy and the tables were spaced out enough that Kushina's words weren't overheard. Otherwise, someone might have run straight to the police department to report them. The Third Hokage, known as a ninja hero, had a formidable reputation in the village.

"You look thinner; have you not been eating well? Look at how good this barbecue is—hey! Nawaki, slow down! You're almost done with it!" Shinki playfully called out, trying to lighten the mood and divert Kushina's attention.

"Brother Nawaki!" Kushina's tears dried up immediately, replaced by an indignant glare. "How could you eat it all by yourself?"

Tsunade, who had been eating comfortably, paused and put down her chopsticks, while Nawaki, holding a piece of meat, looked bewildered.

"W-Wait, this is only my second piece! The rest was all eaten by sister Tsunade!" Nawaki protested, pointing at Tsunade, who stared back with a warning gleam in her eye. He swallowed nervously, feeling trapped.

*You're all bullies, ganging up on me one by one,* he thought helplessly.

"Alright, Nawaki was just hungry. Let's order more meat; I'm hungry too, so let's all enjoy ourselves," Shinki said, calming Kushina down. He waved for the waiter and added more dishes to their order.

With Shinki's presence and Tsunade's playful intervention, the atmosphere lightened, and Kushina's mood stabilized. Shinki began sharing amusing stories from his time at the camp.

"By the way, Nawaki's about to graduate soon," Tsunade mentioned, steering the conversation to the topic.

"Yes! After my graduation exam, I'll officially be a ninja!" Nawaki said proudly, nearly standing up and striking a triumphant pose.

"You'll still be a rookie after you graduate," Tsunade teased, not missing a beat. "I graduated from the Ninja Academy at six years old."

"How can I compare to you?" Nawaki retorted. "Shinki graduated at ten, and you don't call him a rookie, do you?"

In truth, Nawaki was far from a rookie; that term only applied when compared to Tsunade. Among his peers, Nawaki excelled in almost every subject except academics.

Shinki watched their playful exchange with a smile, and even Kushina giggled, enjoying the scene.

"Shinki," Kushina whispered, leaning close while Tsunade was busy teasing Nawaki. "Can I invite some friends over to your house tomorrow? I want to have a barbecue party."

"Of course! I promise it will be a feast worthy of our little princess," Shinki said warmly.

"Hehe, Shinki, you're the best," Kushina beamed. "Oh, I need to tell you who I'm inviting."

"Go ahead."

Kushina started counting on her fingers. "There's Sister Mikoto, the little yellow-haired boy, and Mihui..."

"Pfft—" Shinki choked on his tea, spraying it out.

The little yellow-haired boy... Could it be?

"Is the little yellow-haired boy Minato Namikaze?" he asked, a knowing smile forming.

"Yes," Kushina said, her eyes brightening. "He's the only boy in class who's always kind to me. Oh, and Mihui—she doesn't talk much, but you said once that the little yellow-haired boy always attracts girls' attention, so I think it's a perfect name."

Minato Namikaze, even as a child, was a cheerful and handsome boy with a bright smile and excellent grades. Naturally, he drew the admiration of many girls in their class.

*What a twist of fate,* Shinki thought. *I didn't mean for you to actually call him that!*

Minato, being Minato, had accepted the nickname with a good-natured laugh after Kushina used it a few times.

"Shinki... when Mihui comes, don't scare her, okay? She's very shy," Kushina said, gazing up at him with hopeful eyes.

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