In short, I just shouldn't show my emotions, right? Kushina took a deep breath. Although she was displeased, what Tsunade said did make sense. After all, she didn't know what Minato was thinking; it was just her one-sided like for him. What right did she have to interfere in his business? Having thought this through, Kushina immediately felt a bit regretful. She really wanted to ask Minato directly what he thought of her, but she worried that if she didn't get the answer she wanted, it would ruin their relationship instead.
Seeing Kushina calm down, Tsunade nodded in satisfaction, quietly breathing a sigh of relief. Exactly. Besides, things like liking someone are still a bit too early for children your age. Though Minato has a gentle personality, he has always been steady. From what I know of him, he absolutely wouldn't consider such things at this time. Even if there's a girl he likes, he would probably exercise restraint and not show it easily.
That's true... Kushina nodded repeatedly, completely swayed by the rhetoric. Then what should I do? Do I just watch?
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Tsunade raised her index finger and shook it gently. Nothing touches the heart more than silent companionship.
Mm... Kushina clenched her fists, her eyes burning with determination. I plan to go follow and see tomorrow!
Hmm... alright, I'll go with you. Tsunade didn't object; she was also a bit curious about that girl named Nonou.
The next day, Kushina tried hard to put on a gentle expression, but the moment she saw Nonou, her eyelids couldn't help but twitch. Kushina, what's wrong? With just a glance, Nonou understood Kushina's emotions. Are you okay?
I'm fine. Kushina lowered her small head and spoke in a muffled voice. She wasn't angry with Nonou. After all, according to what Minato said, she was already quite pitiful, and Kushina felt sympathy for her. But sympathy was one thing; her heart still couldn't help but feel a bit sour.
You look a bit pale. Although I don't know what happened, you have to cheer up! Nonou smiled gently. If Kushina is unhappy, Minato-kun will probably be very worried. Kushina doesn't want to make Minato worry, right?
H-How... how could that be? Hearing this, Kushina's cheeks felt slightly hot. She stole a glance at Minato, who was chatting with Shinnosuke, and curled her lips obscurely. He wouldn't care...
That's not true! Seeing through Kushina's insincerity, Nonou couldn't help but smile. I can see that Minato-kun actually cares about Kushina a lot. His attitude is different from how he treats others.
Eh? Is that so? Upon hearing this, the corners of Kushina's mouth couldn't stop rising, and she cupped her cheeks bashfully.
It really is. Minato-kun is with Kushina most of the time, inseparable every day. He even defended you in front of Kota and the others before. How could he not care? Nonou spoke gently, and with just a few words, she had Kushina completely charmed.
It... it's not as much as you say. Kushina unconsciously let out a silly laugh, her head spinning from Nonou's praise, being played like a fiddle by the other girl.
Speaking of which, Kushina and Minato-kun are childhood friends, right?
Child... childhood friends? Cough cough, I guess so. We live together at Sister Tsunade's house.
Eh? That's so nice. Even though there are many people my age at the Orphanage, I don't really have any friends.
Who said that? Aren't we friends? Oh right, I heard Minato say... In just a few sentences, Nonou had extracted the information she wanted from Kushina. Was the matter of joining Root kept a secret by Minato?
Minato really is a very gentle person... From Kushina, Nonou learned that she planned to go to the Orphanage to help with Minato after school. Nonou readily accepted and expressed sincere gratitude. Learning that Tsunade would also be coming along, although she wasn't very surprised, she showed just the right amount of pleasant surprise.
After a few classes passed, by the time school let out, Kushina and Nonou had become like best friends who talked about everything. Minato didn't get involved in the interaction between the two girls, silently watching from the side as Nonou hooked Kushina effortlessly. The three walked out of the school gate together, where Tsunade was already waiting. Kushina ran forward quickly and introduced Nonou to Tsunade with a face full of enthusiasm. Sister Tsunade, this is Nonou, my good friend!
Hmm? Kushina's enthusiastic attitude surprised Tsunade a little. This girl wasn't the type who could hide her feelings. Yesterday she looked like she had a deep-seated grudge, so how did she become so enthusiastic after just one day? Her gaze turned toward Nonou.
Seeing Tsunade looking at her, Nonou greeted her gently and gracefully. Nice to meet you, Senior Tsunade.
Mm, hello there, little sister. Tsunade gave a friendly smile. I heard Minato mention you yesterday, so I planned to come with Minato today to see if I could help with anything. You don't mind, do you?
How could I? Nonou was immediately overwhelmed by the favor, waving her hands repeatedly. Senior Tsunade is willing to lend a hand, I'm more than grateful, how could I mind?
Hmm... Tsunade nodded slightly, her amber eyes reflecting the girl's beautiful face. For some reason, the girl in front of her gave her a strange sense of threat. It wasn't about strength, but rather a woman's emotional intuition. This girl is definitely also after Minato! And unlike Kushina, her level was very high. The threat level was not even in the same league as Kushina's. Thinking of this, Tsunade subconsciously ruffled Minato's yellow hair. Why is this brat so outstanding?
The group arrived at the Orphanage, and the potatoes Minato had planted yesterday had already been dug up. Before they even entered the building, the Priest welcomed them enthusiastically, followed by a chubby young Nun. Minato-kun is here, please come inside.
I'm in a hurry to get home, so I won't disturb you. Minato formed Hand Seals with both hands. The earth surged, and seedlings broke through the soil, growing round watermelons one after another. Watermelons are very expensive in the Ninja World, especially now during winter. The price for $100$g could even soar to $30$ Ryo, making them a true luxury fruit.
Seeing the ground full of watermelons, the Priest and the chubby Nun were stunned! Were these watermelons? This was clearly a field full of gold! Neglecting to attend to Minato, the two quickly called the children out to move the watermelons, fearing that if they were too slow, the watermelons would freeze.
Minato and the others didn't stay long. After planting the watermelons, Tsunade offered some condolences, left some money, and the group departed. Along the way, Kushina's steps were light, completely immersed in the joy of making a good friend and helping others. Tsunade's expression, however, was slightly solemn. Nonou's gentle personality made her feel very uneasy. She had wanted to drive the tiger to swallow the wolf. But looking at it now, Nonou was indeed a tiger, but Kushina could at most be considered a stray dog by the roadside...
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