Chapter 149: Did You Go Pick Up a Wife?

Minato and the others didn't linger on the rest of their journey. Once they left the Land of Grass, they made their way toward the Konoha camp.

"They're back," Kawakaze said, sensing the Flying Thunder God Technique marks on the kids from within Sakumo's house. The serious expression on his face instantly gave way to a smile.

"It's good they're back. Let's go greet our heroes," Tsunade said, standing up and straightening the hem of her skirt.

"Okay, let's go," Sakumo agreed, standing as well. Regardless of their status, the two kids deserved this treatment. They had earned the honor themselves.

"They must be full of themselves," Kawakaze teased, following them out the door.

Duy and Shinku Yūhi joined them with smiles, forming a welcoming party worthy of heroes.

Meanwhile, Minato and the others were unaware of the gathering. As they neared the campsite, Nawaki let Misaki down.

"Let's walk—it's not far," Nawaki said, worried about how it might look if Kawakaze and Tsunade saw them like that.

"I'm fine with it," Misaki replied, standing quietly next to Nawaki.

"It's fine, let's go," Minato said, easily reading Nawaki's thoughts. Before Nawaki could explain further, Minato cut him off.

So what if they see it? Sensei is way more shameless than you.

"Let's go then," Nawaki said, scratching his head awkwardly. The group slowed their pace as they walked toward the camp.

From a distance, they saw a group waiting at the entrance of the campsite.

"It's Lady Tsunade and the others," Kanami said, her voice tinged with excitement. Recognizing a few faces, she couldn't hide her enthusiasm.

For them, this was the greatest honor.

"My brother-in-law must have sensed that we were back," Nawaki said, his good mood evident in his cheerful tone.

"Which one is your brother-in-law?" Misaki asked, sticking her head out to look ahead. Unfortunately, her eyesight wasn't good enough. Without the Mind's Eye of the Kagura ability of the Uzumaki Clan, she could only make out five figures in the distance.

Throughout the journey, Nawaki had praised Kawakaze endlessly, describing him as highly capable, wealthy, and someone who treated him like a real brother. This had piqued Misaki's curiosity. By contrast, Nawaki had only briefly mentioned Tsunade, offering just a few passing comments.

"Just the one standing next to the woman," Nawaki replied confidently. Though he couldn't see clearly either, he knew Kawakaze would undoubtedly be standing next to his sister.

"Ugh, I still can't see," Misaki said, trying to open her eyes wider. Her frustration was clear, but it only made her look more adorable.

"Haha, actually, I can't see either," Nawaki admitted, laughing as he glanced at Misaki's annoyed expression.

"Then you're just talking nonsense," Misaki huffed, puffing up her lips as she playfully hit Nawaki's shoulder.

"You'll see when we get there," Nawaki said, chuckling as he dodged awkwardly, only to get lightly hit again.

Not long after, they arrived at the campsite.

"Welcome back, our heroes," Tsunade said, stepping forward from Kawakaze and addressing the group warmly.

"Sister!"

"Sensei!" 

"Lady Tsunade," everyone greeted her, their excitement obvious in their expressions.

"You've done very well on this mission," Tsunade said. "I'll make sure it's noted in my report."

Her promise hinted at not just financial rewards but also the potential for promotions.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

...

At this moment, Kawakaze noticed the red-haired girl nervously standing behind Nawaki, tightly gripping the corner of his shirt.

"Is this kid on a mission or picking up a wife?" Kawakaze wondered silently.

"Okay, you guys can go back now. You've worked hard this time," Tsunade said, wrapping up the welcoming remarks. Kawakaze let the group disperse after Tsunade's kind words.

However, Misaki drew everyone's attention when she remained behind Nawaki, still clutching his shirt.

"Nawaki, what's this?" Tsunade asked directly, casting a questioning glance at her brother. With only two kids left standing, she wasn't as composed as Kawakaze and decided to get straight to the point.

"Ah, sis. Let me introduce you," Nawaki stammered, flustered as he pulled Misaki forward. His confidence wavered, and his speech faltered under the pressure.

Desperately, he cast a pleading glance toward the door, hoping for some assistance.

Minato, however, crossed his arms and looked up at the sky, feigning ignorance. It was clear he had no intention of stepping in—after all, this wasn't someone he had saved.

Realizing Minato wasn't going to help, Nawaki sighed internally. All brothers are liars!

"This is Misaki Uzumaki," Nawaki began, finally pushing forward. "We rescued her in the Land of Grass."

"Oh? From the Uzumaki Clan," Tsunade remarked, her sharp eyes examining Misaki's red hair. Its striking resemblance to their grandmother's left little doubt.

Holy shit, this is Karin's mom, right? Kawakaze thought, keeping a calm exterior. Though he didn't say a word, his mind was racing, convinced that she was indeed from the Uzumaki Clan of the Land of Grass.

"I won't cause any trouble," Misaki said softly, lowering her head. Her timid voice and the way she clasped her hands while nervously fiddling with her fingers made her unease evident.

Although Tsunade was undeniably beautiful, she didn't seem gentle to Misaki. The others were even more intimidating—Sakumo with his cold expression, Duy's unusual green appearance, and Shinku's serious demeanor. Even Kawakaze, despite Nawaki's praises, was carefully scrutinizing her.

Misaki's heart filled with unease. She didn't want to be left alone again. Those unbearable days of loneliness were the very thing she feared the most.

"Sister, let's just keep her. I've already thought it through," Nawaki said, his voice carrying a mix of nervousness and determination. "Sending her to her grandmother's side will give Kushina another playmate."

He nervously watched Tsunade's expression, afraid she might say something he couldn't handle.

"Did I say something?" Tsunade frowned, her tone sharp. Was she really that heartless in his eyes?

"It's fine, I'll decide. We'll keep her," Kawakaze interjected calmly. He knew Misaki was harmless and might even turn out to be talented. Leaving her in the Land of Grass, where she could meet a tragic fate, wasn't an option.

Kawakaze thought to himself that if Karin had inherited so much talent from her mother, there was no reason to doubt Misaki's potential.

"Thank you, brother-in-law!" Nawaki beamed, nearly jumping with joy.

"You've done a good job. Go back," Tsunade said, giving Kawakaze a cold look. She was already planning to question Nawaki properly once they were back at the house. After all, he'd gone on a mission and returned with a girl.

"Let's go," Nawaki said, his tone now relaxed as he invited Misaki to enter the camp with him.

"Hm..." Misaki followed him quietly, avoiding glances at her surroundings. She wasn't sure what lay ahead and still didn't feel secure.

"Don't worry. My brother-in-law's words carry a lot of weight," Nawaki said boldly, taking her hand with a confidence that mirrored Kawakaze's demeanor.

"I believe you," Misaki said softly, forcing a smile. Her delicate mind didn't want to add to Nawaki's worries. After a brief struggle, her hand relaxed in his grip, and she allowed herself to be led. Her heart, oddly, began to feel at ease.

Behind them, Minato made a "tsk tsk" sound, his expression amused.

Underestimated him again. Nawaki's learned more than just a little from Sensei—it's at least seven layers of secret tecniques.

Minato wasn't concerned. Misaki was just an ordinary person bearing the Uzumaki name. On the journey, he had already tested her indirectly multiple times. Nawaki's caution seemed over the top.

Since Kawakaze had agreed, the matter was already settled.