Chapter 46: The Nature of Minato

"Yo, Minato! Right on time," Jin called, waving as the blonde boy approached. "We were just talking about our training plans."

Minato offered a polite nod, but his eyes briefly flicked to Kushina—her cheeks were still slightly flushed.

Jin noticed the fleeting disappointment on Minato's face, and his heart tightened. He understood it all at once. He quietly checked Minato's favor level—84 points, still unchanged.

"Minato has a strong heart. If someone I liked was slipping away, I couldn't act so composed… He's hiding it well."

Part of Jin felt guilty. Should I delay giving them the summoning contract? He didn't want to deepen an emotional wound that hadn't healed.

But Minato recovered quickly, brushing away the awkwardness.

"So—how do we begin?"

"First, I'll send a Shadow Clone with you to scout for a hidden training base," Jin explained. "Kushina and I will visit Lady Mito to confirm our use of clones for fūinjutsu study. Once we're done, we'll regroup and start our plan."

"Sounds good. I'm fine with leaving my clone at the Academy," Minato replied. "After yesterday's training, my clones can hold up longer now."

"Perfect," Jin smiled. "Let's find a quiet corner."

The three of them left the classroom. In a secluded spot, each created a Shadow Clone and dispatched it to the Academy. Jin then made an additional clone and sent it with Minato to scout for their secret base.

Meanwhile, Jin and Kushina made their way to the Uzumaki compound, seeking Lady Mito.

In the Uzumaki Clan Compound

"To use Shadow Clones to study fūinjutsu?" Lady Mito raised a brow, hands folded in her lap. "You realize sealing arts are delicate. Chakra control must be subtle—can you handle that?"

"I believe I can," Jin said, nodding confidently. "I have photographic memory—I remember every word from your teachings. I've been practicing daily, with my clones and on my own. I've already mastered over ten elementary-level fūinjutsu."

"If you'd like, I can show you."

Before she could respond, Jin swiftly wove hand signs. With a flick of his fingers, seal after seal flared into life—first a soundproofing barrier, then a chakra-insulating perimeter seal, a fire ward, a trap-disarming glyph...

Kushina's jaw dropped. Even Mito's expression cracked slightly in surprise.

"You really are full of surprises," Mito murmured. "To show such talent in such a short time... All right. I approve. You may leave a clone here to study fūinjutsu."

She watched him closely. Even without formal training, this boy's growth is astonishing. If we invest in him now… it may yield great rewards later.

"Thank you, Lady Mito," Jin said sincerely.

"Thanks, Grandma!" Kushina chirped, hugging her.

"Hold on," Mito said sharply, narrowing her eyes. "I agreed to Jin's request. I haven't said anything about you."

"Eh?!" Kushina froze, smile wilting. She darted forward, clutching Mito's arms. "Come on, Grandma! Please! I want to train with Jin—I want to get stronger!"

"If you want my blessing, you must take the training seriously," Mito warned. "If I find you slacking or distracted, I'll revoke your clone privileges immediately. Understood?"

Fūinjutsu was not optional for an Uzumaki—especially not one marked as a jinchūriki reserve. Even if Kushina didn't become the next Nine-Tails host, her potential made her valuable. And training gave the Third Hokage one more reason to keep her well-guarded.

"I understand!" Kushina answered quickly, bowing.

"Good," Mito smiled. "Then go ahead and summon your clones."

Kushina and Jin both created clones and handed them over to Mito for training.

Before they left, Mito turned to Jin.

"Jin, your chakra reserves and vitality still don't match Kushina's. Don't overextend yourself with too many clones—it'll stunt your growth."

"Yes, ma'am," Jin replied respectfully. "I'll be careful."

Without the Sea King meat he consumed daily, or the health exercises he practiced religiously, he would never have attempted such strain. But with these supports, he felt confident.

Today, he had four clones running simultaneously—one at the Academy, one studying with Mito, one scouting with Minato, and himself. It was a heavy drain, but manageable.

"Very well. Go," Mito dismissed them. "Your training has already begun."

By the Naka River

Jin and Kushina arrived near the Naka River. Though this land was no longer fully within the Uchiha Clan's control, the ancient Naka Shrine still stood nearby. It remained a quiet place, steeped in old chakra.

Jin scouted the forested surroundings, his eyes sharp.

"Not too luxurious," he muttered, "just secluded and quiet enough to be safe."

They needed a secret training base—one hidden from watchful eyes, but easy to access when needed.

Jin's mind was already calculating: a protected perimeter, natural concealment, enough space for movement drills and elemental practice. Somewhere Minato could train undisturbed. Somewhere clones could operate without being detected.

Kushina watched him in silence, her heart strangely light. She wasn't sure when it happened—when simply being near him became something she looked forward to.

Minato's earlier look flickered through her mind—but she shook it away.

They were all growing, each in their own way.

And somewhere ahead, fate waited with its own design.