Chapter 48
After lunch, the three returned to the classroom for afternoon lessons.
When classes finally ended, students began packing up and heading home one by one.
While gathering his things, Ling Yu suddenly felt as though something major was about to happen. He turned to Kushina, who was also packing, and warned her:
"The higher-ups are still in a meeting right now, so most of Konoha's security focus is probably there. If you're not coming with us, be extra careful on your way back."
Since Rina had invited Kushina to walk home together, Kushina had decided not to use Ling Yu's teleportation gate today. Knowing the current tense situation in Konoha, Ling Yu gave her this reminder.
He really didn't feel at ease leaving this scatterbrained girl alone.
"Hmph hmph hmph, Ling Yu, you're way too nervous. Konoha's so safe right now—how could anything dangerous happen? Besides, this lady is at jonin level now. Even if something does happen, I'm not scared."
Kushina dismissed his warning with full confidence, patting her still-developing chest proudly.
After training in the Six Powers and Crystal Release that Ling Yu taught her, she had truly reached jonin strength. If she couldn't win a fight, she could always fly away using her chains.
Plus, with almost every jonin currently in the meeting, the only real threat—Danzo—would surely be attending too.
That left almost no one in Konoha capable of beating her. That's why she was so confident.
"I think Ling Yu's right, Kushina. If you're not coming back with us today, you should still be careful."
Though Mikoto agreed with Kushina's assessment, she still gently reminded her.
She trusted that Ling Yu wouldn't say something like this for no reason. There had to be some basis for his caution.
"Fine, fine. I'll be careful. I'm heading out now."
Kushina waved impatiently, finished packing, and dashed out the door. Before leaving, she turned back and stuck her tongue out at them.
"You two worrywarts! See you tomorrow!"
Ling Yu and Mikoto exchanged a helpless glance.
With a shrug, Ling Yu spoke first, smiling wryly:
"Kushina really doesn't take anything seriously."
"That's just how Kushina is. It's why she's always so cheerful."
Mikoto smiled softly in response.
"Yeah… right now, she's probably the only one in the mood to joke around. Time to go."
"Mm."
With that, Ling Yu activated the teleportation gate and took Mikoto back to the Uchiha compound.
After spending a little time at Mikoto's place, Ling Yu returned to the Senju residence. He did his usual training while waiting for Tsunade to come back.
…
Meanwhile, on Kushina's side—
By the time Ling Yu had already reached home, Kushina and Rina had only covered half the distance. After chatting and laughing for a while, Kushina suddenly turned to Rina and asked:
"Hey, Rina~ How are things going with Minato?"
Her face was full of curiosity.
This was the real reason she hadn't left with Ling Yu and Mikoto today—she wanted to dig into the gossip between Rina and Minato.
Ever since spotting them walking together on the street yesterday, Kushina had acted like a seasoned love expert. That night, she cornered Rina and got the full story out of her.
In the end, the innocent Rina fell for Kushina's tricks and spilled everything about her feelings for Minato. She even asked for Kushina's help in winning him over.
Though Kushina had no real confidence, she still agreed. Relying on romance novel techniques, she gave Rina one piece of advice the previous night: "play hard to get."
She told Rina to act cold and distant today—don't talk to Minato first, make him come to her.
Now was the moment of truth, so Kushina couldn't wait to ask.
"Um… Kushina really is a love master! Minato talked to me way more today than usual!"
Rina's cheeks flushed. After a shy pause, she looked at Kushina with admiration. Clearly, today's plan had worked.
Because she'd been unusually quiet all day, Minato thought she was sick or upset, so he spent the entire time looking after her. Rina was convinced Kushina's strategy was a success.
"Hahaha, success! I told you—this lady is a love master!"
Kushina's vanity was fully satisfied, her heart bursting with pride.
Looks like her romance skills were pretty good after all. Only Ling Yu didn't appreciate them and kept mocking her.
Hmph. Tomorrow I'll tell him how I helped Rina and shut him up good.
"So… Kushina, what should I do next?"
"No rush, no rush. We'll wait a few days. Then I'll give you another move—guaranteed to make Minato fall completely into your hands."
In truth, Kushina hadn't figured out the next step yet, so she acted mysterious to buy time.
Decided. Tonight I'll re-read those romance novels. I'm sure I'll find something good.
Even though she didn't understand why Rina liked a wimp like Minato, Kushina was determined to help her friend achieve happiness.
"Thank you, Kushina."
"How about this—as thanks for your help, I'll treat you to a drink. Wait here, I'll be right back!"
Spotting a vending machine in the distance, Rina had a sudden idea. After telling Kushina to wait, she ran off toward it.
"Mm, I'll wait. Hurry back!"
Kushina shouted after her, then sat down on a nearby stone step, waiting happily.
Hehe, free juice again. Helping people really feels good.
But before she could enjoy her free drink, a sharp scream came from the direction Rina had gone.
"Ah! Help…!"
"Rina!"
Hearing Rina's cry, Kushina shot to her feet and sprinted toward the sound.
With her jonin-level speed, Kushina quickly reached the spot where the scream had come from.
She scanned the area. In the distance, several masked figures were fleeing toward the village outskirts. Rina had already been stuffed into a sack and was being carried over one of the larger men's shoulders—only her red hair visible outside.
"Stop right there! Give Rina back!"
Shouting urgently, Kushina chased after them.
Their escape speed was impressive—even at full power, Kushina could only trail them by about ten meters, unable to close the gap.
Finally, after passing through a hole blasted in the village wall, Kushina followed them out into the outskirts of Konoha. Only then did the group stop.
"Who the hell are you? Why did you take Rina?!"
Standing several meters away, Kushina shouted at the masked figures.
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