24 - Minato

"Zizi——"

The premium beef sizzled on the grill, its fat rendering and emitting a tantalizing aroma. The meat's vibrant color promised a delectable feast.

Yet Chiba and his teammates weren't focused on the mouth-watering display before them. Instead, their eyes were fixed on the cards in their hands, expressions a mix of awe and disbelief.

Kushina Uzumaki, noticing their bewildered looks, explained, "These are passes for the Konoha Library. With them, you can borrow any Ninjutsu books, though they must remain within the library. If you're ranked below Chunin, you're limited to Ninjutsu below C level."

Chiba's mind raced. 'Konoha Library? Borrowing Ninjutsu below C level?' His initial confusion gave way to excitement. With his exceptional talent for Ninjutsu, access to these resources could significantly enhance his abilities.

Kushina then produced three more badges, crafted from unique wood and emblazoned with the Konoha symbol. "However," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial, "with this badge, you can access higher-level materials, including B-level Ninjutsu."

'B-level Ninjutsu?' Chiba's eyes widened.

"Teacher Kushina," he began, "did you delay your arrival to prepare these for us?"

"Hush!" Kushina's hand shot out, covering Chiba's mouth. "What are you doing? Hide them quickly."

The trio hastily tucked the library cards and badges into their clothing, Kushina's urgency infectious.

A waiter approached, setting down their ordered dishes. "Your meals are ready. Please enjoy," he said before moving to another table.

Despite the restaurant's lively atmosphere, the wooden partitions afforded them privacy. No one had noticed their secretive exchange.

Chiba's eyes narrowed, his mouth twitching. "I have to ask... Kushina-sensei, you didn't steal these, right?"

"Hush! Hush!" Kushina's hand clamped over Chiba's mouth once more.

A collective shudder ran through Chiba, Hirohiko, and Yukina. 'She really did steal them!'

Releasing Chiba, Kushina leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Be careful and keep quiet. I took these while the Third Hokage was distracted. Use them wisely and don't get caught."

The trio's hands instinctively moved to their hidden treasures, conflicting emotions warring within them. Yet none made a move to return the items.

Kushina's expression softened as she turned to Yukina. "I'm sorry, Yukina. Your family's *Gentle Fist* technique is passed down internally, and they've rejected all Ninjutsu. This card won't be of much use to you."

Yukina straightened, her pale eyes resolute. "Understanding Ninjutsu is essential for combat. This is very beneficial. Thank you, Kushina-sensei."

Chiba and Hirohiko nodded in agreement.

"Oh, by the way," Kushina began, a mischievous glint in her eye, "next time I'll help you steal from K—"

Chiba's warning glance cut her short. She turned to find a blond, handsome man staring at her in shock — Minato Namikaze.

At that moment, a lazy, indifferent voice drifted over. "You're late again, Obito. We and Sensei waited for half an hour. Now we can't even enjoy barbecue."

"Kakashi, it's still early!" another voice retorted. "What does this have to do with hogging the barbecue seats?"

"Okay, okay, stop arguing," a female voice interjected. "Let's go eat!"

Three figures appeared behind Minato: a silver-haired boy wearing a face mask — Kakashi Hatake; a boy with large goggles and a round face — Obito Uchiha; and a girl with short brown hair, large dark eyes, and two purple facial marks — Rin Nohara.

Chiba's gaze lingered on Rin, recognizing her as the source of future pain for both Obito and Kakashi.

"Good evening, Minato!" Kushina managed a forced smile, praying her earlier conversation hadn't been overheard.

She and Chiba exchanged nervous glances, sweat beading on their foreheads.

"Kushina! What a coincidence!" Minato's warm greeting suggested he hadn't caught their earlier discussion.

Relief washed over the group. After all, Kushina's audacity was staggering. To steal such sensitive materials directly under the Third Hokage's nose... the consequences of discovery were unimaginable.

Chiba wiped his brow, only to notice Minato's curious gaze upon them. He coughed, attempting nonchalance. "This barbecue fire is really intense, so hot."

Yukina and Hirohiko, sensing Minato's scrutiny, nodded vigorously in agreement, sweat glistening on their skin.

Minato observed them thoughtfully. 'Are these three truly geniuses?'

"Sensei, what are you looking at?" Kakashi and his team approached. "Is there room?"

"How could there be?" Kakashi added dryly. "Most people have just started eating; they couldn't have finished so quickly."

"That's fine!" Rin interjected with a smile, eager to prevent another argument.

"Kakashi, Obito, Rin!" Kushina greeted them warmly.

"Oh... it's Sensei's girlfriend..." the trio chorused.

Both Kushina and Minato's cheeks flushed at the remark.

Chiba blinked, their reaction reminiscent of an innocent love manga.

Kushina cleared her throat. "Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, let me introduce you. These are my students: Chiba Taki, Hirohiko Uchiha, and Yukina Hyuga."

"Hello, disciples of Sensei's girlfriend," Obito grinned broadly. "I'm Obito Uchiha. One day, I'll become Hokage."

"Kakashi Hatake," Kakashi said succinctly. His gaze lingered on Chiba, and they exchanged nods of recognition.

"Hello, I'm Rin Nohara," Rin's introduction was gentler than the boys'.

"Hello!" Chiba and his teammates responded in unison.

Obito's eyes widened suddenly. "Uh... Hirohiko! Are you the genius Hirohiko?"

Hirohiko's face remained impassive as he nodded. "I am..., Obito-senpai." He hesitated before adding the honorific, aware of Obito's reputation within the clan.

Obito's chest swelled with pride. "If you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask me."

"Yes, Obito-senpai," Hirohiko replied solemnly.

Before Obito could continue, Kakashi cut in. "Before seeking advice, maybe you should first learn from your junior how to awaken the Sharingan, Obito. How about that?"

"Ka! Ka! Shi!" Obito's forehead vein throbbed visibly.

"That's enough!" Rin quickly intervened, stepping between them.

Kakashi merely shook his head, sighing heavily.

Minato, observing his students' antics, smiled warmly. "We won't disturb you further. Let's go."

"Hmm!" Kushina glanced at Minato, a blush coloring her cheeks. She leaned in, whispering so softly it was almost inaudible. "I have a mission tomorrow, so I need to rest early."

Though her voice was barely a breath, Minato seemed to catch every word. He nodded. "I understand, thank you." Turning to Chiba and his friends, he added, "Then, goodbye."

"Goodbye..." the trio responded, still slightly dazed by the encounter.

As Minato departed, Rin dragged a still-fuming Obito away, apologizing to Chiba and the others for the disruption. Kakashi followed, his eyes half-closed, further agitating Obito.

"Kakashi, you wait for me!" Obito called out.

Chiba and his friends watched the scene unfold, then turned back to Kushina. Her demure behavior left them utterly bewildered.

'Is this really the same Kushina known for her fierce temperament and bold enough to steal from the Third Hokage?' they wondered, exchanging glances of disbelief.