Chapter 419: Act Like Momonosuke
"Ugh, this sucks."
Yasushi lay in his hospital bed, sighing heavily.
Of all the places to be reincarnated, why did it have to be the shinobi world?
Everyone here had twisted values and died left and right. It was dangerous as hell.
He was just an ordinary elementary school student. First day at the academy, and he'd already been caught up in an assassination attempt. He'd almost died.
Who knew what other dangerous incidents happened in all those parts the manga never covered?
How was anyone supposed to survive in this nightmare world?
At least nearly dying had triggered his past-life memories. Could've been worse. He could've awakened them the night of the Uchiha Massacre and immediately died.
Plus, thanks to his brush with death at age six, he'd already awakened his single-tomoe Sharingan. Made him a minor prodigy in the clan.
Whether it shortened his lifespan wasn't even a consideration anymore. What mattered now was planning how to change his fate.
At minimum, he couldn't get caught up in the massacre.
As for the Uchiha clan's survival or seeking revenge or whatever? Not his problem.
Emotional attachment was influenced by time and experience. He'd been in the shinobi world for six years total, minus the first two or three he couldn't remember. That left maybe three years of actual memories with these people.
That was nothing compared to his previous life. He hadn't developed any deep feelings for his so-called clansmen or family.
Harsh truth? Even if his parents in this world dropped dead in front of him right now, he'd be sad for a bit and then get over it. Probably wouldn't even be enough to awaken a single tomoe, let alone three.
And the Mangekyo? Forget about it.
For an Uchiha who couldn't awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, the ceiling was set. At best, he'd become an ordinary jonin.
In the shinobi world, would a mere jonin even qualify as cannon fodder in the major events to come?
The door opened, interrupting his brooding.
"Yasushi, honey, how are you feeling today?"
"Oh, Mom. I'm fine. Feeling way better. Probably ready to be discharged."
Yasushi forced a smile. Calling someone who felt barely older than his mental age "Mom" was awkward as hell.
This wasn't the internet where you could jokingly call random pretty women "mommy."
His mother ignored his discomfort. She set down the food container she'd brought and ladled out some carefully prepared medicinal porridge. She stirred it, blew on it a few times to cool it, tested the temperature, then brought the spoon affectionately to his lips.
"I know you don't want to stay in the hospital, sweetie. But the doctor has to approve your discharge first."
"Come on, open up. Mommy made your favorite porridge."
"I added red dates, just how you like them. Smells wonderful, doesn't it?"
Her voice was coaxing and sweet, eyes full of doting love. It made Yasushi squirm internally.
"Heh..." Yasushi had no choice but to smile awkwardly and obediently open his mouth like a good boy.
One spoonful down, another coming. She kept feeding him endlessly. Yasushi quickly reached for the spoon.
"Uh, Mom, I can feed myself."
She swatted his little hand away and brought the spoon back to his mouth.
"No, no. You're injured and lost so much blood. Don't move around. Let Mommy feed you."
"Mom, really, I can do it myself. I'm grown up now."
His mother paused. Then she saw the embarrassed expression on Yasushi's face and burst out laughing.
She reached over and pinched his soft little cheek, grinning mischievously.
"Ohhh, our little Yasushi is all grown up now!"
"Getting shy, are we?"
"Did you meet a pretty girl at the academy?"
"Do you have a girlfriend already?"
"Have you held hands yet?"
Her eyes curved into crescents, gleaming with teasing delight, as if she'd discovered a fascinating new milestone in her son's development.
"What? No!" Yasushi gaped at his mother's playful expression. He couldn't believe this.
"Who'd be interested in little girls like that?"
"They're all tiny kids!"
"Mom, you're terrible! Making fun of your own son!"
"Hahaha..." His mother laughed freely, nearly dropping the porridge bowl. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
Seeing Yasushi's adorably indignant pout, like he was genuinely upset, she quickly suppressed her laughter and brought the spoon back to his mouth.
"Okay, okay, Mommy won't tease anymore. Let's eat, shall we? Keep eating..."
She pressed her lips together trying not to smile, but her trembling mouth corners and the crinkles at her eyes betrayed her lingering amusement.
That coaxing tone was clearly meant for soothing a ruffled kitten.
"Ugh."
Yasushi sighed in defeat and resigned himself to opening his mouth for more porridge.
After his mother finished laughing, her expression softened, though concern quickly replaced the mirth.
As she fed him, she began complaining indignantly.
"Your father's useless, you know. Couldn't even protect his own son!"
"You got hurt so badly, and your dad? Not a scratch on him!"
"I always knew he was a coward, but I thought that was fine. Who knew he'd be completely worthless when it mattered? I was so wrong about him!"
She rambled on, revisiting old grievances, her tone full of frustrated disappointment.
The emotional venting was mixed with deep, lingering fear from yesterday's danger.
"I yelled at him all last night. Made him get you a set of steel plate armor too."
"From now on, you'll wear steel plates everywhere. Yes, it's heavy, but it's safe!"
"Don't complain about it being cumbersome, sweetie. Think of it as daily training."
Wear armor?
Yasushi swallowed obediently while his mind worked.
Actually, that wasn't a bad idea. At least it would defend against bladed weapons and projectiles.
Though if it wasn't widespread practice, there must be some drawbacks.
What would those be?
Reduced mobility?
The thought crossed his mind briefly before he dismissed it.
He hadn't even started at the academy properly. How would he know these things?
Might as well use it for now and figure out the problems later.
After several days in the hospital, the doctor finally smiled after an examination.
"Everything looks good. You can be discharged today."
"Finally!" Yasushi exhaled deeply. All the pent-up frustration and the smell of disinfectant seemed to pour out with that breath. He almost jumped for joy.
"Thank god! I can finally get out of here!"
"Being stuck in the hospital is so boring. Nothing to do."
The family gathered their things, completed the discharge paperwork, and walked home hand in hand.
Yasushi was sandwiched between his parents, looking around curiously as they walked down the street.
Konoha's streets bustled with life.
Vendors calling out, people chatting, children playing. It all wove together into a vivid picture of the Naruto world.
Though he had memories of the streets and people, they'd meant nothing before awakening his past life. Now, seeing these familiar-yet-unfamiliar things with new eyes made everything interesting.
Seeing classic locations like the barbecue restaurant, ramen shop, flower shop... it created a strange mix of distance and familiarity. Like visiting a movie set. Kind of cool, actually.
"Oh, you're out of the hospital?"
"Is the boy alright?"
Along the way, many passersby greeted Takeshi warmly. He smiled and responded to each one.
Yasushi took note of this, relaxing considerably.
Seems the village's suspicion of the Uchiha wasn't too severe yet. At least people didn't avoid them or refuse to speak just because they were Uchiha.
Surface-level peace was still holding steady.
Once they entered the Uchiha compound, the clan members were even more enthusiastic. Many pressed supplements, meat, seafood, and other gifts into Takeshi's hands. He couldn't refuse.
Takeshi didn't stand on ceremony either. He accepted everything with a beaming smile.
He smiled, thanked everyone, and quickly ended up carrying armfuls of packages.
Once home, Takeshi sighed with a smile.
"Having the Sharingan awakened really does make a difference. Everyone's so much more friendly!"
"If this had happened before, people would've shown concern, but definitely not this many gifts."
He set down the presents, musing aloud.
Power was the Uchiha clan's currency and their most important measure of worth.
His mother rolled her eyes at him.
"Those three-tomoe came at the cost of our son's serious injuries. I'd rather not have them!"
"Hmph. If you'd worked harder before and awakened your eyes earlier, maybe our son wouldn't have gotten hurt at all."
Takeshi didn't argue. His face only showed more guilt.
"I'll work harder from now on. I'll never let Yasushi get hurt again."
His mother knew how much Takeshi had been tormented by guilt these past days. She didn't say more, instead heading to the kitchen to prepare a feast for her precious son's recovery.
At dinner, Yasushi spoke up suddenly.
"Father, I heard that Minato-san was the one who saved me that day. I'd like to thank him personally. Can you take me to visit?"
Takeshi looked surprised at first, then smiled warmly.
"That you thought of this shows real maturity, Yasushi."
"I already thanked him, but if you want to go in person, I'd be happy to take you."
But then Yasushi added:
"I'd like to ask Minato-san to take me as his student. Do you think that's possible?"
"Eh? Become his student?" Now Takeshi was genuinely surprised.
He thought carefully, then spoke with some hesitation.
"If you could study under Minato-san, that would certainly be excellent. I'd support it, and I'm sure Fugaku-sama would too. But..."
He scratched his head. There were things he couldn't really explain to a child.
Though he'd only been a genin, he wasn't completely ignorant of certain matters.
Yasushi pretended not to notice his father's hesitation and clapped his hands excitedly.
"That's great then!"
"Mom, can you help prepare some gifts?"
His mother knew nothing about political matters, but she understood that a good teacher could greatly benefit a child's future. She agreed enthusiastically.
"Don't worry, I'll handle the gifts."
"Honey, you don't have any missions right now anyway. Take Yasushi to visit Minato-san."
Takeshi never had much of his own opinion. Seeing both his wife and son in agreement, he conceded.
"Alright, we'll give it a try. Whether it works depends on what Minato-san thinks."
That evening, Takeshi took Yasushi by the hand, carrying gifts, to the Senju estate.
This had originally been the First Hokage Senju Hashirama's residence, later inherited by his wife Uzumaki Mito. Now that Mito had passed, the estate nominally belonged to Tsunade, but Uzumaki Kushina actually lived there.
As for Minato, he was common-born. Essentially living off Kushina's wealth.
After being announced, they entered and received warm welcomes from both Minato and Kushina.
Minato had actually visited Yasushi in the hospital earlier, but with too many people around, Yasushi hadn't been able to bring up the apprenticeship. Didn't want anyone interfering.
Now meeting again, they weren't strangers.
After seating them, Kushina served tea and snacks, then knelt beside Minato with perfect propriety.
After some pleasantries, Takeshi presented the gifts and formally expressed thanks with Yasushi.
Minato quickly helped them up, returning the courtesy.
"We're all comrades in the same village. Thanks are too formal."
"Besides, if anything, I should apologize. My failure to detect the enemy earlier led to this situation. I can't accept your gratitude."
They exchanged a few more polite words. As Takeshi was figuring out how to broach the apprenticeship topic, Yasushi smiled and scooted over next to Kushina. He looked up at her with big, innocent eyes and started laying on the flattery.
"Oh! You must be Kushina-neesan, the most beautiful woman in Konoha!"
"Only someone as amazing as Minato-san could possibly deserve someone as beautiful as you!"
Children's innocent words carried more weight.
The title "most beautiful woman in Konoha" clearly hit Kushina's sweet spot. Her dignified composure instantly gave way to a brilliant smile, eyes crinkling into crescents.
She reached over and gently pinched Yasushi's adorable little cheek, looking delighted.
"You two keep chatting. I'll take little Yasushi to find some candy in the back."
Without waiting for a response, she stood and pulled Yasushi by the hand toward the rear of the house.
Takeshi hadn't expected his son to pull this move. He quickly apologized to Minato, looking embarrassed.
"I'm so sorry. That was terribly rude."
Minato didn't mind at all. He laughed heartily.
"Kushina can sense people's malice. If she let her guard down around Yasushi, it just proves he's a pure-hearted kid!"
Hearing Minato praise his son and seem to have a good impression, Takeshi seized the opportunity to bring up the apprenticeship idea.
"Well..." Minato's smile stiffened slightly. He looked troubled.
After choosing his words carefully, he spoke gently.
"Yasushi and I do seem to have a connection, and I do like him. But I already have three students, and one of them is from the Uchiha clan. I really don't have the time to take on another."
"Besides, Yasushi is only six. Wouldn't it be better for him to study at the academy first and build a solid foundation? We can discuss this again after he graduates."
As an experienced genin, Takeshi immediately understood Minato's meaning. He quickly apologized.
"I was being presumptuous."
"Yasushi does need to focus on fundamentals right now. I was just being overly anxious. Please forgive me."
The matter was dropped. They moved on to lighter conversation.
After a while, laughter echoed from the back. Kushina returned holding Yasushi's hand.
Their rapport had clearly deepened.
Yasushi's face glowed with satisfaction, a lollipop in his mouth. His clothes bulged with more candy stuffed inside.
Seeing his son return, Takeshi stood to take his leave.
Yasushi quickly looked at his father. Their eyes met, and seeing Takeshi shake his head slightly, he immediately knew the plan had failed.
Well, he couldn't leave it at that!
Minato was the best teacher option in Konoha. Strong, responsible, way better than Jiraiya or Orochimaru.
If he couldn't become Minato's student today, what? Come back later to "thank" Orochimaru?
Uncle Snake could definitely boost his power fast. But he'd also probably die fast!
His eyes darted around as he changed tactics on the spot.
"Father!"
He jumped into the middle of the group, arms raised high, and declared solemnly:
"I've decided!"
"I want the beautiful neesan to be my teacher!"
"Eh?" x3
The living room fell into stunned silence.
Minato and Kushina looked at each other. Takeshi's jaw dropped. None of them had expected this sudden pivot.
The twist caught everyone completely off guard, though coming from a six-year-old, it somehow made perfect sense.
"No, no, that won't work!"
Minato was the first to shake his head, his gentle face clearly troubled.
He knew all too well the restrictions that came with his wife's special status.
Kushina also hesitated.
She knew her own situation. As the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, she couldn't freely associate with just anyone.
Otherwise, with her looks and abilities, how could she have so few friends in the village?
If Minato hadn't been from the Hokage's direct line and saved her life, even he couldn't have gotten close to her.
Seeing both Minato and Kushina opposed, Takeshi understood this was impossible.
He sighed inwardly and reached out to pull his "misbehaving" son back and apologize.
But Yasushi was too clever for that. Seeing opposition, he immediately deployed his shameless transmigrator spirit. Taking advantage of being a six-year-old, he threw his arms around Kushina's waist, buried his face in her chest, and rubbed back and forth, acting completely unreasonable.
"No! I want Kushina-neesan to be my teacher!"
"Please? Won't you take me as your student?"
"You seem so lonely at home with no one to talk to. I'll come visit often and keep you company, okay?"
His voice came out muffled from Kushina's embrace, heavy with childish dependence and a hint of perceptiveness beyond his years.
Especially that last line. Like a soft feather, it gently touched the loneliest corner of Kushina's heart.
She felt the warm little body in her arms and the completely unreserved trust. Her body froze. The hand that had been about to push him away stopped mid-air.
Even Minato's eyes showed pained guilt at those words.
He was being groomed as a priority in the village. His work kept him busy every day. Naturally, the time he spent with Kushina had decreased significantly.