Kushina's Gratitude

Shimizu set down a basin of food for the white dove, telling it to guard the house well before leaving.

Just as he was about to head out, Tekka returned to inform him of Kushina's current location before jogging off again.

In truth, whether Tekka told him or not made no difference. Kushina's usual activity area was near the Uzumaki clan's ancestral shrine.

It was a small enough space that a casual walk would surely lead to a chance encounter.

Shimizu moved swiftly across the rooftops, occasionally passing other shinobi doing the same.

Perhaps because of this, the buildings in Konoha had excellent soundproofing; otherwise, people would hear footsteps from the ceiling all day.

"Dark Medical Ninjutsu can alter a person's physical body. Theoretically, it could also modify hormone distribution," Shimizu pondered as he moved quickly through the village.

Kushina was likely seeking him for a massage. Their relationship was fairly neutral at present, with massage sessions being their main interaction.

His C-rank medical ninjutsu, the Chakra Finger Massage Technique, might also be due for an upgrade.

Dark Medical Ninjutsu mimicked the power of Moryo, excelling in bodily modifications.

Of course, it still paled compared to Moryo's actual power.

The effects of Dark Medical Ninjutsu were temporary. In the movie, the shinobi who used it would lose their strength within minutes.

In contrast, Moryo's power permanently altered the body.

For instance, the daimyo of the Land of Demons had lost five to six decades of his lifespan to Moryo's consumption.

Not just his external appearance—his internal organs, muscles, nerves, and bones had all aged drastically, even affecting his mindset to become that of an elderly man.

It could be said that the daimyo was now incapable of even basic functions.

If he wanted his descendants, like Princess Shion, to be born in the future, he'd need to rely solely on his own efforts.

Uchiha Shion—that was quite a beautiful name.

What would happen if the priestess' death-predicting eyes combined with the Sharingan? Would it form a new bloodline limit?

That was unknown since no Uchiha had ever married a priestess in the past thousand years.

Lost in thought, Shimizu soon arrived at his destination.

On the streets of Konoha—

"Why haven't I seen you lately?"

Kushina looked somewhat listless, as though burdened by something.

Her once-vivid red hair seemed to have lost its luster, contrasting with her troubled face.

"I was out on a mission with Minato-sensei."

"Oh, that's right," Kushina recalled that Minato had mentioned it to her before.

"Could you... give me another massage?"

"Of course," Shimizu agreed without hesitation, refraining from asking further questions.

If Kushina wanted to talk, she'd tell him.

Asking directly sometimes only annoyed people.

Besides, someone as straightforward as Kushina couldn't hide her emotions—whatever she thought was written all over her face.

Seeing her like this, Shimizu could already guess that she'd had an argument with Minato after his return.

Before long, Shimizu found himself at Kushina's residence again.

As before, she lay face-down on the bed while he massaged the muscles on her back.

"I've recently developed new insights into massage techniques. This might be a bit different from last time," Shimizu said, intending to combine Dark Medical Ninjutsu with the Chakra Finger Massage Technique, starting with a small dose.

He mentioned it upfront to avoid raising any suspicions about his intentions.

"Whatever, just go ahead," Kushina replied, eager to relieve her fatigue regardless of the method.

"Alright, here I go."

Shimizu spread his hands, and faint green chakra glowed at the tips of his ten fingers. Beneath the green light, faint black strands flickered.

He began following the same routine as before, but this time, infused his touch with the chakra of Dark Medical Ninjutsu.

"Mmm\~"

Kushina felt waves of warmth flow into her back, swirling through her body and reaching every limb.

Even soaking in a hot spring couldn't match this sensation.

It was as if invisible hands were gently caressing her mind, bringing an unparalleled sense of relaxation.

"Why, why is Minato never by my side?"

Kushina suddenly muttered as if talking to herself.

"Minato-sensei is very busy. I'm sure he has his reasons," Shimizu responded.

Kushina was unsatisfied with his answer. She turned her head slightly, glancing at Shimizu from the corner of her eye.

"Then why do you always make time to help me? Always coming when I call? Shimizu, aren't you Minato's subordinate? And I heard from Mikoto that you're always helping out at the hospital too."

Kushina was confused and bewildered.

Why was someone like Shimizu, practically an outsider, so considerate?

Meanwhile, Minato, who was supposed to be close to her, always made excuses?

Did Minato already find her tiresome?

If Minato disliked being with her, he should just say it outright. She wouldn't bother him anymore.

"Because I grew up alone too. Apart from Aunt Hazuki taking care of me, I was by myself most of the time. I lost my parents when I was very young, just like you. I understand what it's like to feel alone."

Shimizu met Kushina's gaze, allowing her to see the "sincerity" in his eyes.

His acting skills were average at best, but before leaving home, he'd given himself a mental suggestion to treat Kushina as a cherished friend.

As a result, his expression now was more genuine than genuine.

Kushina seemed moved by the honesty in Shimizu's eyes. Her heart stirred, and she instinctively turned her head away, not daring to look further.

This was the first time, aside from Minato, that someone had shown her such kindness.

Coupled with Shimizu's tireless efforts in helping her, his words became even more convincing.

"Th-thank you."

"We're friends. No need to thank me."

Seizing the opportunity, Shimizu directly upgraded their relationship to that of official friends.

"Friends...?"

"Of course. You're someone I consider a true friend."

Shimizu nodded.

In the world of Naruto, "friend" was a word full of magic.

Once both sides acknowledged it, bonds would form, becoming inseparable.

People in this world placed immense value on friendship.

After that, Kushina said nothing more.

She closed her eyes, enjoying the fleeting tranquility. Shimizu continued his diligent massage work.

Half an hour later, Shimizu finished the massage.

Just as he was about to leave, Kushina suddenly grabbed the hem of his clothing and leaned closer, taking a deep sniff.

"Why does your scent seem to be getting stronger? What brand of perfume are you using?"

Kushina frowned slightly. The fragrance was pleasant but oddly persistent, making her heart inexplicably restless.

Strangely enough, the more she looked at Shimizu, the more pleasing he appeared.

"It must be because I'm really grateful to Shimizu," Kushina thought in a chaotic manner.

"It's natural. Maybe it's because Aunt Hazuki used to give me herbal baths all the time when I was little, soaking it into me."

Shimizu shook his head with a smile.

"I see."

Kushina frowned but nodded, seemingly accepting his explanation.

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