《Naruto: The Ōtsutsuki Bloodline》Chapter 48: Heading to Kirigakure

"Damn it, it's all your fault..."

Inside Ichiraku Ramen in Konohagakure, Naruto was wolfing down his ramen while shooting a resentful glance at Kitagawa Minamoto, who was also busy eating. With a disgruntled huff, he muttered,

"If you hadn't stopped me that day, I wouldn't be in this mess now. Iruka-sensei keeps watching me like a hawk! I can't even sneak in a nap without getting caught, and going out is practically impossible. Life's too hard!"

"Tch, how is that my fault?"

Minamoto raised his head and gave Naruto a quick glance before lowering it again to focus on his food. Only after slurping up the last noodle did he wipe his mouth and reply,

"I warned you back then not to go, didn't I? You just didn't listen."

"But why didn't you tell me those mushrooms were poisonous?!"

"Isn't that something they teach at the academy? Oh, wait, I get it—you weren't paying attention in class, were you?"

"N-no! I just didn't learn it yet."

"Don't give me that. You definitely weren't paying attention. No wonder I heard you're at the bottom of the class. You better hope you don't fail the exams."

"You jerk!"

Naruto's temper flared instantly. Thinking about his current miserable situation only made things worse.

With Iruka constantly keeping an eye on him, he couldn't do anything freely. And now, Minamoto's verbal jabs were rubbing salt in the wound.

"Hey, hey, watch your tone."

Minamoto raised an eyebrow, tilting his head as he looked at Naruto.

"Don't forget, I'm the one treating you today."

"..."

Naruto's face froze. Ever since he had spent all his money on a batch of limited-edition ramen, his wallet had been empty, and his next allowance wouldn't come until next month.

After school today, feeling utterly dejected, he had run into Minamoto, who was heading out for a meal. That's how he ended up being invited along.

Knowing Minamoto's mischievous nature, Naruto realized that if he offended him, he might actually get left behind to pay the bill.

"Haha... uh, by the way, why are you carrying a sword?"

Naruto's eyes darted around nervously until he finally noticed something on Minamoto.

"Oh, this?"

Minamoto, of course, saw right through Naruto's attempt to change the subject. Shrugging, he replied,

"This is a gift from my teacher. Pretty cool, huh?"

"It looks alright, I guess... but it's so short!"

Naruto couldn't help but feel a bit envious. After all, this was a proper ninja weapon. But after taking a closer look, he pouted,

"I've seen other swords that are much longer. Why is yours so short?"

"That's because this sword is no ordinary blade."

Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, had been eyeing the sword on Minamoto's back for a while now. Chuckling, he finally spoke up,

"I never thought I'd see that sword again after all these years."

"Huh?"

Naruto blinked in confusion and asked,

"Old man, you recognize this sword? Is it famous or something?"

"This sword? Oh, I'd say quite a few people know it."

Before Teuchi could answer, a voice suddenly came from behind them.

Turning around, they saw Hiruzen Sarutobi walking in, his pipe in his mouth. He wasn't wearing his Hokage hat, likely having just finished work for the day.

"Grandpa Hokage!"

"Hokage-sama."

Naruto immediately lit up with excitement, while Teuchi and Minamoto both bowed slightly to show their respect.

"No need to be so formal."

Hiruzen smiled warmly at Teuchi before affectionately patting Naruto on the head. However, his gaze lingered on Minamoto for a moment.

Perhaps he was reminded of that infamous pot of poisonous mushroom soup, as his hand paused slightly before resuming its motion.

"The previous owner of this sword was no ordinary person. It carries the memories of many. It's a fine blade, and I hope you'll use it well."

"I will, Hokage-sama."

Minamoto nodded with a smile, though internally, he couldn't help but grumble.

He had been waiting all day!

After demonstrating the Flying Thunder God Technique, he had been anticipating a response from Hiruzen. Yet there had been no word. Just as he was about to head to the Hokage's office the next day to report in person, Hiruzen had shown up here instead.

Still, Minamoto had to admit, this approach did make things feel more personal.

"Minamoto, I've heard your name many times, but I believe this is our first proper meeting, isn't it?"

Hiruzen's face remained kind and gentle as he spoke. After a moment's thought, he added with a smile,

"Would you care to take a stroll with this old man? Consider it a post-meal walk."

"Of course."

Minamoto didn't hesitate. He stood up and followed Hiruzen outside, leaving Naruto sitting there with a green face.

Unfortunately for Naruto, no one paid him any attention at the moment.

"I heard from Kakashi and Jiraiya that you've already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

Once they had walked some distance, Hiruzen smiled and asked.

"Yes."

Minamoto nodded, replying humbly,

"Well, I wouldn't say I've mastered it. I've just managed to grasp the basics. Really, I'd call it more luck than anything else."

"Luck, you say? Sometimes luck is a part of strength. Often, the breakthrough we need is just a stroke of luck away."

Hiruzen's smile grew even warmer, clearly in a good mood.

"Besides, even with luck, you need talent to make it work. Minamoto, you've truly given me a pleasant surprise."

"Thank you for your kind words, Hokage-sama."

Minamoto responded with a polite smile. The two continued to chat as they walked, their conversation light and easy.

After a while, Minamoto decided it was time to get to the point.

"By the way, Hokage-sama, earlier today, Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya-sama suddenly left for the Hokage building. Are they heading out on a mission?"

"Oh?"

Hiruzen paused briefly but didn't hide the truth. Given Minamoto's close relationship with Kakashi and Jiraiya, there was no reason to.

"Yes, they're being sent on a mission. It's something they can't avoid, given the circumstances."

"I thought so. Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama mentioned it to me before."

Minamoto nodded, steering the conversation as they turned a corner and began heading back toward Ichiraku.

"Kakashi-sensei carries burdens he can't let go of, and Jiraiya-sama still struggles with his feelings about Orochimaru.

When I accompanied Jiraiya-sama to search for Orochimaru, I realized it was only a matter of time before they'd be sent to Kirigakure."

"Indeed, some bonds are hard to sever."

Hiruzen sighed, nodding in agreement.

"The bonds between comrades are the threads that connect us in this cold, detached profession of ninja."

"Hokage-sama, I'd like to apply to join the mission to Kirigakure."

Minamoto decided to drop his pretense and stated his intention directly, causing Hiruzen to frown slightly.

"Kirigakure? This mission is no simple task. That place is in utter chaos. You..."

"Hokage-sama, I understand the difficulty of the mission. But I have my reasons."

Minamoto shook his head gently, his tone firm.

"Obito Uchiha was my discovery. I feel it's my responsibility to follow up on this matter.

Additionally, I want to further test the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Hokage-sama, any technique requires practical use to truly develop. What I lack right now is experience.

And with the Flying Thunder God Technique, even if I can't contribute much offensively, I can ensure Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya-sama can retreat safely. That alone makes it worth having me along."

Hiruzen remained silent as he listened. He had to admit, Minamoto's points were valid.

Experience was indeed crucial for a ninja. Without it, raw power was meaningless.

And while the Flying Thunder God Technique might not provide much offensive support yet, it could certainly guarantee a safe retreat.

Even so, Hiruzen hesitated. Before he could respond, Minamoto suddenly smiled.

"Besides, Hokage-sama, didn't you just say that the bonds between comrades are what connect us as ninja?"

A gentle breeze tousled Minamoto's hair and clothes as he gazed up at the Hokage Rock in the distance.

"I regret not having comrades after graduation. In a way, Kakashi-sensei is like a comrade to me.

If I lacked the ability, I wouldn't even think of tagging along. But since I do, I want to do what I can.

Hokage-sama, I hope you'll grant me this small act of willfulness."

Willfulness?

Hiruzen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he took a few puffs from his pipe, deep in thought.

This mindset, this determination—it was the very embodiment of the Will of Fire.

This boy...

Hiruzen's lips curled into a smile. He nodded and said,

"I'll think it over. For now, go home and get some rest."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Minamoto smiled and nodded before grabbing Naruto, who was trembling inside Ichiraku, and heading off.

Watching their retreating figures, Hiruzen's smile grew even broader.

This boy... he really does remind me of Minato.

Turning to leave, Hiruzen was suddenly stopped.

"Hokage-sama..."

"What is it, Teuchi?"

"Those two kids... they didn't pay for their ramen."

"???"

"Uh, the total is..."

"..."

Hiruzen bit down hard on his pipe. Perhaps he had been too quick to judge after all...

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