Shimizu's Outsourcing Work

"What's the matter? Is there a problem with me being from the Uzumaki clan?"

Uzumaki Kushina raised an eyebrow.

If Shimizu dared to speak ill, she would personally help Mikoto teach this junior a lesson. After all, she was a senior now!

"No, no. It's said that the Uzumaki clan has an extraordinary vitality, an immense chakra reserve, and excels in sealing techniques. The people of your clan are also known for their bold and cheerful personalities, as radiant as summer blossoms. Seeing your fiery red hair now, it truly resembles those summer flowers."

Shimizu smiled as he spoke, carefully choosing words of praise.

It was true that the Uzumaki clan was known for their vibrant temperaments and boundless energy, which often left them needing an outlet. However, some members were prone to impulsiveness, offending others easily, and their formidable sealing techniques made them a source of fear for other shinobi villages.

Ultimately, these factors led to the downfall of their homeland. The nation of Uzushiogakure was destroyed, its people scattered or killed, and the once-thriving Uzumaki clan was reduced to a shadow of its former glory.

Kushina's face lit up with a radiant smile at Shimizu's words.

"Hehe, you're quite good at giving compliments, aren't you?"

Mikoto chose this moment to chime in.

"Take a seat, Shimizu. What do you feel like eating? It's my treat."

"Really?"

Kushina cheered, ordering a bowl of salty ramen.

Shimizu sat at the far-right seat, glanced at the menu, and chose a classic tonkotsu pork ramen.

"Mikoto-nee, is there something you needed from me?"

While waiting for Ichiraku Ramen to prepare their food, Shimizu turned slightly to Mikoto.

"Oh, it's nothing major. Fugaku said he wanted to meet and catch up with you. You recently passed the Chūnin Exams, right? Fugaku wanted to congratulate you."

"I see. Please thank Mikoto-nee for me."

Shimizu chuckled inwardly.

Congratulate him? If not for his exceptional talent in medical ninjutsu, Fugaku's intentions might have been purely celebratory.

However, Fugaku seemed determined to master medical ninjutsu. He had even begun teaching it to several Uchiha clan members, though their progress was slow. Medical ninjutsu was based on yang release, and it seemed the Uchiha's talents leaned more toward yin release.

Shimizu said no more, quietly listening to Mikoto and Kushina chat about daily life.

Before long, three steaming bowls of ramen were placed on the table.

"I heard from Mikoto that you can do massages?"

Kushina asked through a mouthful of noodles, her words barely comprehensible.

"I know a bit. It's a relatively simple part of medical training."

"Then you should come and give me a massage sometime."

Kushina found the concept novel. She had never experienced a massage before.

In Konoha, there were no massage parlors, and Kushina had never seen one. She had heard about them in cities outside the village but was restricted from leaving Konoha, making it impossible to explore such things.

"Mikoto, you mentioned I could give massages. I hope I didn't impose on Shimizu?"

Mikoto gracefully wiped a drop of soup from her elegant face and looked at Shimizu.

"It's no trouble at all."

Shimizu shook his head.

In fact, it suited him perfectly.

He hadn't approached Kushina earlier due to a lack of time. Between his work at the Konoha hospital and being home, even Mikoto had rarely seen him.

This was a good opportunity to interact with Kushina. It wasn't as though he was after the Nine-Tails, and the ANBU wouldn't interfere with harmless interactions.

Even in The Minato Team Chronicles, Kushina had interacted with Obito when delivering meals to Minato.

The ANBU hadn't stopped the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki from meeting an Uchiha.

This meant Shimizu could interact with her safely, as long as he didn't cross any lines.

"Kushina... is that your name?"

Shimizu feigned ignorance.

"Yes, Uzumaki Kushina."

"Alright, Kushina. Whenever you're free, have someone let me know. I can provide house-call services."

Shimizu, ever perceptive, offered.

He understood Kushina's limited freedom of movement within the village. She couldn't visit his home.

But to establish a good rapport—and perhaps gain access to some advanced sealing techniques—he was willing to be flexible.

"Okay!"

Kushina nodded enthusiastically. Her opinion of Shimizu improved greatly; he seemed like a genuinely kind person. She buried her head in her bowl of ramen.

"Eat up, Shimizu, before it gets cold."

Having fulfilled Fugaku's request and helped her best friend, Mikoto gently reminded Shimizu to enjoy his meal before it lost its flavor.

Shimizu nodded.

At Ichiraku Ramen, the only sounds were the faint noise of chewing.

Not long after, Shimizu was the first to finish and politely excused himself.

Shortly after Shimizu left, a blond-haired shinobi entered Ichiraku Ramen.

"Kushina, you're here too."

Fresh from completing a mission, Minato decided to grab a quick meal and was surprised to see Kushina.

"Hmph, of course, I'm here! Unlike some people, I don't spend all day running around outside."

Kushina pouted, clearly displeased.

"Minato, you know, being gone all the time can make a woman feel lonely."

Mikoto joined in to support Kushina.

"I've completed a lot of missions lately, so the Third Hokage said I could take some time off..."

Minato hadn't finished when Kushina interrupted.

"Really?"

"Yes, but I still..."

"Great! You have to spend time with me."

Kushina beamed, her eyes narrowing with joy.

Seeing her so happy, Minato didn't have the heart to say otherwise.

Under the starry Konoha night, Shimizu found himself at Fugaku's house.

In the brightly lit living room, Shimizu sat across from Fugaku at a small table.

"Congratulations on becoming a Chūnin," Fugaku began, speaking like a senior offering guidance to a junior.

"However, don't let this achievement make you complacent. The path ahead is still long."

"Thank you for your concern, Fugaku-sama."

Shimizu nodded, his dark eyes meeting Fugaku's equally dark gaze.

Shimizu's eyes carried a profound depth, paired with his thin lips, exuding a cold austerity.

"Did the Hokage assign you new teammates?"

Fugaku probed, trying to discern whether Minato, under Sarutobi Hiruzen's orders, had approached Shimizu for any particular reason.

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