After their meal, Minato parted ways with Orochimaru outside the barbecue restaurant.
Watching Orochimaru's retreating figure, Minato felt a strange mix of emotions.
He hadn't expected his actions to drive Orochimaru to prematurely embark on the path of seeking immortality.
Yet, this was a good thing. At least his presence could guide Orochimaru, keeping his experiments within manageable limits and preventing him from descending into the cruel and deranged path he took in the original story.
Given Orochimaru's scientific genius, it would be a tragedy if he went astray.
Especially when it came to survival, Orochimaru was practically the pinnacle. The Immortality Technique alone was enough to make Minato's heart flutter.
As a transmigrator with three cheat-like abilities, Minato himself didn't need such methods to achieve immortality. But that didn't mean those around him didn't.
Moreover, the Immortality Technique's significance extended beyond extending lifespan. It could also mitigate the effects of severe injuries, disabilities, and incurable diseases.
When Minato returned home, the damaged parts of the house had already been repaired by Wood Clones. Tsunade and the others had finished dinner and were watching TV in the living room.
Seeing Minato enter the house, Nawaki looked at the Wood Clone beside him in confusion. "Huh? Another Minato?"
"I ran into some trouble, so I had the Wood Clone return first."
Minato placed his hand on the Wood Clone's shoulder, and the clone slowly merged into his body.
"Don't tell me it's another assassination attempt?" Nawaki's expression darkened.
"No, it's not."
Minato explained, "It's a classmate who needs help."
"A classmate?" Kushina immediately grew alert. "Who? Male or female?"
Tsunade also turned her gaze toward him.
"It's Nonou."
Minato briefly explained Nonou's situation, omitting any mention of Danzo. He claimed he noticed Nonou was in low spirits, and upon asking, learned the orphanage was in dire straits. He offered to help.
After all, regardless of the circumstances, she had been instructed by Danzo to approach him, which was a stain on her record. Without the foreknowledge from the original story, he might have struggled to believe she was a good person.
"Minato-kun..." Kushina said, her smile strained and insincere as she leaned in. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand? I could have helped Nonou-chan too!"
Tsunade frowned and nodded, her expression serious.
What concerned her wasn't Minato's willingness to help Nonou, but why he had noticed something was wrong with her emotions.
Could Minato be paying special attention to that girl?
That's not good news...
Minato waved his hand dismissively. "I was also considering Nonou's pride. No one wants to expose their vulnerabilities to others."
"Exactly!" Nawaki declared, crossing his arms and nodding vigorously. He gave Minato a thumbs-up, grinning broadly. "That's our Minato! I support you! Helping our comrades with such enthusiasm—that's exactly what Grandfather meant by the Will of Fire!"
"Tch..."
Tsunade and Kushina both pouted simultaneously. However, hearing these words, neither could object further. Their target for criticism shifted to Nawaki.
"Nawaki-bro, that pose is so dorky," Tsunade said.
"Huh? What do you mean? I saw this cool guy doing that today—it was totally awesome!"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? A guy in a green tight suit, right?"
Nawaki nodded vigorously. "Exactly! You know him, Sis? I saw him training incredibly hard after school today. Even though his clothes were ugly and everyone was laughing at him..."
"I thought he was a fool too, until I saw him give everyone a thumbs-up and say—'Thanks for the encouragement!'"
"How cool is that? He's absolutely amazing! He's definitely super strong!"
It's Might Gai...
Minato knew exactly who Nawaki was talking about just from the description. "Anyone who can train so diligently with such focus is truly admirable."
Minato agreed, but he just wanted to change the subject quickly and stop these two from dwelling on Nonou.
Suddenly, a small face leaned close to him.
Kushina narrowed her eyes and smiled, her red hair like nine tails of a kitsune, swaying without wind and exuding a heavy pressure.
"Minato, let me come with you tomorrow too! After all, Nonou is one of my few friends!"
"But..."
"You'll agree, right?!"
"Uh, yeah, yeah!"
Minato nodded, feigning a startled expression.
But clearly, even if Kushina flew into a rage, her strength was no match for his.
Still, he could clearly smell the sour scent emanating from her!
As a warm-hearted guy, he might not understand these emotional complexities, but when a girl was upset, it was still important to offer her a way to back down.
Makoto-kun or Shido? Black and white or color photos?
You have to choose one, right?
As expected, seeing Minato's submissive attitude, Kushina crossed her arms and huffed lightly, leaning close to his ear to lecture him on how boys needed to be more careful when they went out.
She ranted about how Nonou, though her good friend, was probably just like most girls—scheming, insincere, and only pretending to be pitiful to trick men out of their money and their bodies, blah blah blah...
"Don't worry, Nonou isn't trying to trick me," Minato said, gently soothing her emotions. "I checked today—the orphanage is in dire straits."
That's not the point!
Why don't you get it, you idiot?!
Kushina tried to maintain her pouty expression, but staring at his face, she just couldn't stay angry.
Tsunade probably understood Kushina's feelings.
As peers, she could still throw a tantrum, but Tsunade would never dare show any emotion herself.
So, when Kushina was angry, she could only secretly fan the flames.
Just as she was about to let Kushina have her way, Tsunade reconsidered. If Kushina had no rivals her age, it would actually put her at a disadvantage. She pulled Kushina aside and whispered, "You can't act like this, Kushina."
"But, Sister Tsunade..."
"This will make boys think you're petty."
Tsunade's words silenced Kushina.
She continued, "I know you Uzumaki are all hot-tempered, but this isn't how you chase a boy. Even if you like him, this needs to be mutual. You can't force your feelings on him."
"I... who likes him..."
Kushina reflexively tried to deny it, but seeing Tsunade's knowing, half-smile, she lowered her head in a pout. "Then what should I do?"
"You've come to the right person! First, remember this: most boys like gentle girls."
Tsunade whispered her advice to Kushina. "They say men unconsciously choose partners based on their mothers. I looked up Minato's background—his mother was a very kind woman who always helped those in need. That's what shaped Minato's personality."
"So, even if other girls like Minato, don't act too impatient. It'll only make you look bad and make him think you're narrow-minded and petty."
"I get it!"
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