The next morning.
Uchiha Haru arrived just as she had the day before, knocking on the door at first light.
Seisui, having learned from yesterday's mix-up, was already up early today.
Haru barely knocked before seeing Seisui come out, neatly dressed from head to toe. A flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
No sight of that today, what a shame.
Thinking back to what she saw yesterday morning, a faint blush colored her delicate face.
Seisui gave her a curious look, then glanced at his tidy clothes, puzzled.
I thought I showed plenty of effort today?
Though a little disappointed, Haru quickly composed herself and said,
"Today's ninja academy is off. How about we go visit Kushina?"
"Hm?" Seisui paused, stroking his chin.
"Kushina's practicing sealing techniques, right?"
"Would it be awkward for us to just show up?"
Haru shook her head.
"Didn't you see Minato run over there every day?"
Her words made Seisui realize it was true, Minato seemed to spend every free moment at the Senju household with Uzumaki Kushina.
He sucked in a breath, Minato had basically turned into a total simp.
Their progress had only taken off after Minato saved Kushina from the spy.
Now Minato was even taking the initiative.
Seisui glanced at Haru and nodded,
"Alright, let's go now."
"Oh, we should call Minato too."
Seisui smiled, if Minato found out he and Haru went to see Kushina but hadn't called him, there'd definitely be some petty drama.
Haru nodded,
"Let's go find Minato first."
"Okay."
Seisui took Haru's small hand as they walked down the street. The vendors along the way saw them and smiled, calling out greetings.
"Seisui, here's a new drink I invented yesterday, two cups for you both, try it out!"
"Hahaha, didn't expect you'd get a girlfriend, Seisui!"
"You're getting old, huh?"
Having grown up here, Seisui knew all the vendors well and replied with a smile to each.
Haru heard the chatter and blushed but did her best to maintain her cool, aloof image.
She was so tense and stiff she resembled a marionette, dragged along by Seisui.
Once off the busy street, Seisui noticed something, Haru's clothes bore no Uchiha clan crest.
The Uchiha took great pride in their honor.
Curious, he asked,
"Why isn't the Uchiha crest on your clothes today?"
Haru hesitated, looking up at Seisui with a slight stammer,
"I-I wanted to wear something different."
She didn't wear the crest today because the Uchiha weren't very popular in the village, and she didn't want her date disturbed.
Seisui jogged ahead, inspecting her outfit from head to toe, scratching his head as he returned.
"But honestly, I don't see much difference."
Haru usually dressed mostly in black, today's clothes were also dark-toned, just a slight change.
She was a bit speechless.
Before she could respond, Minato appeared nearby. Her eyes lit up as she said,
"Look! Isn't that Minato?"
Seisui instinctively turned his head.
"It really is Minato."
"What's he doing here?"
Seisui kept holding her hand and walked forward.
Haru smiled softly behind him, relieved, and the topic successfully changed.
Seisui glanced at her with mild amusement.
Such an obvious distraction, and she thinks I'm a kid who can't tell.
But if she didn't want to talk about it, he'd let it go.
Before they could reach Minato, he spotted them and walked over with curiosity,
"Where are you two headed?"
Seisui frowned, eyeing the green tight suit Minato wore.
"Why are you still wearing that?"
Minato scratched his head, confused,
"Master Might Duy gave me this suit, super comfy."
"Is that a problem?"
"No." Seisui didn't want to argue and sighed,
"We're going to find Kushina. Figured you'd be going too, so we came to get you."
He glanced at Minato with a strange expression,
"But it looks like you want to train."
"I'll go with Haru then."
"You focus on training, I'll check in with Kushina for you."
Minato blinked, looked down at his green suit, and casually stepped into a nearby shop selling tri-colored rice dumplings.
Seisui and Haru exchanged puzzled looks as Minato quickly changed and waved back,
"Grandma Eimi, I'm off!"
"Hehe, Minato, you better find a girlfriend soon to show granny!"
Minato blushed, looking at Seisui and Haru holding hands, silently thinking,
I WILL win Kushina over!
==========
"Minato, you're really popular."
Seisui held Haru's hand as they walked, Minato beside him.
"Getting close with granny in just a few days."
Minato scratched his head shyly,
"Grandma Eimi and I met during a mission in the village."
"She lives near my place, so we became friends."
"Well done, Minato!"
Seisui gave him a thumbs-up.
"You're definitely the Hokage's trusted right-hand man!"
"Leave these kinds of things to you from now on!"
Minato was speechless.
"I WILL become the Fourth Hokage!" Minato said stubbornly, neck stiff.
"You just be the Fifth!" Seisui retorted with a smirk.
No comment, there were still years until the Third Great Ninja War.
As long as he performed well in the war and steadily boosted Sarutobi's favor, Hokage was a done deal.
Minato, what chance do you have against me!
The wind doesn't howl, the tiger doesn't roar, Minato, how laughable.
Seisui gave a knowing smile.
As the two began their usual banter again, Haru quietly stepped between them, breaking them apart.
"Alright, let's go find Kushina."
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