Chapter 24: Cool, but Useless

When Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered Shindai to accompany Minato Namikaze on missions, Shindai immediately became anxious. 

Of course, the Yellow Flash Minato Namikaze, already famous across the ninja world, would be rushing into the most dangerous situations next. 

If he followed Minato, wouldn't he end up risking his life as well? 

Shindai hurriedly said, "Hokage-sama, although I truly wish to follow Lord Minato, I really don't have the strength for it. As you know, I've always been weak—I can barely walk ten steps without gasping for air. Even when using ninjutsu, I can barely maintain it for a moment before collapsing from exhaustion. 

Won't I just be nothing but a burden to Lord Minato?" 

To avoid being a burden to Lord Minato and Konoha, I think it's best for me to stay behind in Konoha!" 

Shindai spoke so righteously, looking as if he genuinely had Konoha's best interests at heart. 

Hiruzen cast a subtle glance at Minato Namikaze. 

Minato shot Hiruzen a slightly helpless glance, as if to say, 'You see? He's always putting on this act.' 

Hiruzen put down his pipe and earnestly told Shindai, "Shindai, if you were simply a civilian from another country wishing to join Konoha, I could easily approve your application. 

But your previous identity was as a ninja from Sunagakure. As a shinobi yourself, you cannot receive the same treatment as ordinary civilians. Moreover, the entire shinobi world is gradually edging toward war, and tensions between Konoha and Kumogakure are already rising. 

Therefore, Konoha has entered a state of full alertness and preparation for battle. Given your background as a former ninja from Sunagakure, we cannot allow you immediate acceptance into our village. Minato must have already explained this to you—that shinobi from other villages must contribute to Konoha and obtain sponsorship before being accepted here. 

Your memories have already been examined, and nothing suspicious was found. Minato has also agreed to serve as your sponsor. However, you aren't officially part of Konoha yet, so staying long-term is not permitted. According to regulations, you may only remain in Konoha for three days before having to leave. Thus, there's no way for you to stay here and contribute. 

The only way for you to prove yourself to Konoha is by acting outside its borders." 

Don't worry, Shindai—we'll make sure Minato keeps you out of harm's way. Once you fulfill the contribution criteria required to enter Konoha, I'll approve your membership immediately." 

Shindai frowned as he turned his gaze toward Minato Namikaze. 

So if he wanted to join Konoha, he had no choice but to stick with Minato. 

Still, following Minato was better than anyone else—at the very least, Minato was incredibly powerful. As long as he stayed by Minato's side, he probably wouldn't be in any real danger. 

After all, even the tragedies with Obito and Rin happened only when Minato was away. 

And since the full-scale war hadn't begun yet, tagging along with Kakashi and the others shouldn't be too risky… Probably?

Shindai had no choice but to agree, saying, "Understood. Thank you, Hokage-sama, thank you, Minato-sama. Minato-sama, I'll be in your care from now on."

Minato Namikaze smiled and said, "Don't worry, Shindai. I won't let anything happen to those close to me."

Shindai secretly admired how truly handsome Minato looked when he said those words—it was filled with a deep sense of reliability.

But it didn't matter anyway.

Because in the end... sadly, only Kakashi was left alive.

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke to Minato, "Minato, you probably won't have much time to rest. The Kumogakure ninja in Hot Water Country (retained as per Japanese-style naming) have noticed your absence and launched a new offensive. Therefore, you must depart tomorrow morning and head straight to Hot Water Country."

Minato nodded and said, "I understand. Tomorrow morning, I'll head to Hot Water Country with Kakashi and the others—including Shindai."

After leaving the Hokage building, since Shindai had nowhere else to go, Minato decided to let him stay at his home for now.

Minato was still single at this time, so there wouldn't be any trouble having him around.

Minato said to Shindai, "Shindai, it's already evening now. Just rest here at my place. There's food in the refrigerator. If you're bored, you can watch TV. I need to go out for a while."

Shindai raised his eyebrows curiously and asked playfully, "Is Minato-sama going to meet his lover?"

Minato's face immediately turned red. "N-No! Anyway, it's getting late—I'm off now, I'll come back soon."

Minato instantly disappeared from the spot.

However, Minato hadn't completely lowered his guard around Shindai either—after all, they were in Konoha Village. Regardless, Shindai was still an infiltrator for now.

Therefore, Minato summoned one of the Frogs to secretly monitor Shindai nearby.

Meanwhile, Shindai had no intention of going anywhere. He actually enjoyed staying indoors without stepping outside.

As for things like Ninjutsu or secret techniques—he just wasn't interested in any of that right now.

What fascinated Shindai the most was the television.

Well—not exactly its programming content, but rather its internal structure.

Unable to resist tinkering, Shindai used Magnet Release to manipulate the screws on the TV, muttering to himself, "I'll just pop it open for a quick look. I can put it back together later."

...

Minato arrived not far from a house located away from the central area of Konoha.

When Minato approached the entrance of the building, two Anbu members instantly appeared before him.

Minato told the two Anbu members, "I'm here to visit Kushina."

The two nodded and straightforwardly vanished using the Shifting Body Technique.

Since the Nine-Tails was sealed inside Kushina Uzumaki's body, and currently she still couldn't fully control the beast, her residence had been deliberately moved away from the village center and surrounded by protective barrier seals.

This barrier was not only meant to prevent Kushina Uzumaki from endangering Konoha in case she unexpectedly lost control, but also helped her suppress the Nine-Tails sealed within her.

Therefore, the area where she could move freely was strictly limited to the space within the barrier surrounding this building.

Anyone could enter or leave the barrier zone, but access to this building itself was restricted.

The two newly arrived Anbu had been assigned specifically to guard this building and Kushina Uzumaki.

Of course, Minato Namikaze had unrestricted access.

As soon as Minato entered through the building's main entrance, he saw Kushina running toward him.

Kushina visibly lit up when she saw Minato come to visit her.

"Minato!" Kushina called out. Seeing her rush toward him, Minato couldn't help but smile. "Kushina."

After quickly sprinting up to him, she pouted slightly. "Minato, you haven't come to see me in ages!"

Apologizing to Kushina, Minato said, "Sorry, sorry! I've been out on missions and only got back today."

Kushina's unhappiness came quickly, but faded even faster. Soon she was excited again. "Minato, hurry up and tell me everything that's happened lately! I've been stuck here going crazy from boredom!"

Grabbing his wrist, Kushina yanked Minato inside with excitement.

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