Konoha: This Uchiha is extremely sneaky

Chapter 364 Growth

Konoha at night is peaceful and serene.

In stark contrast to this tranquility and serenity is the brightly lit Hokage Building.

Even when it's late at night, one or two ninjas will occasionally come and go in a hurry.

They might bring news from the front lines, or they might deliver orders from the Hokage to the village ninjas.

Looking back at the night view of Konoha, the Third Hokage sighed heavily, then left his office with a somber expression and walked towards a quiet courtyard in the village.

This courtyard is located in a rather remote area, with few neighbors around. In the cold winter wind, it inexplicably gives people a sense of loneliness and alienation.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

After hesitating for a while outside the door, the Third Hokage finally knocked on the door of the courtyard.

Squeak!

A screeching sound, somewhat jarring in the winter night, rang out, and the owner of the house revealed himself.

Under the light from inside the room, it was only barely possible to make out that the person who opened the door was a woman with a curvaceous figure and long, flowing hair.

"Kushina...excuse me!"

Seeing the red-haired beauty who opened the door for him, the Third Hokage opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.

"So it's the Third Hokage, please come in!"

When Kushina saw that it was the Third Hokage knocking on the door, she was not surprised at all. Her expression did not change in the face of the Third Hokage arriving late at night.

It was as if the person in front of him wasn't the leader of Konoha, but an ordinary old man.

Upon entering, you are greeted by a comfortable living room. The soft sofa, the cushions embroidered with fox faces, the thick carpet, and the edged coffee table corners all exude a warm and inviting atmosphere.

In the corner of the living room, there's a lovely children's area, filled with all sorts of toys that kids love. A colorful children's tent, like a little castle, provides a private play space for the children.

On the other side, a comfortable rocking chair faces a bookshelf filled with all sorts of books and stories that children love, along with a warm floor lamp that illuminates the entire corner, as if inviting children to come and read and listen to stories.

This home is a warm little world, filled with maternal love and the warmth of life.

"Is Naruto alright? Is he asleep already?"

Sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of hot tea brewed by Kushina, the Third Generation did not go straight to the point as soon as he entered the door, but instead asked about the child's situation.

"Yes! I just told him a story, and he's asleep now!"

Whenever Naruto is mentioned, Kushina's face involuntarily radiates a gentle smile.

"Kushina...you've grown!"

Looking at the smile on the other person's face, the Third Hokage was somewhat lost in thought, as if recalling memories from a long time ago, and muttered to himself.

"People always have to grow up! And... now that I'm Naruto's mother, I need to set a good example!"

Kushina remained silent for a moment before speaking softly in response to the Third Hokage's words.

His tone was calm and his expression indifferent; even the Third Hokage could not glean more information from his tone and demeanor.

Is this still the same little girl who wore her heart on her sleeve and was also unruly?

That's truly... an incredible growth!

"But Third Generation, with so many things to do in the village these days, how come you have time to come to my little place?"

Since Minato Namikaze passed away, she has moved with Naruto to this somewhat remote place, living a semi-secluded life.

It wasn't that she did it on her own initiative. Living in the bustling city center would allow Naruto to interact with more children his age, which would be beneficial for his development.

Although the damage caused by the Nine-Tails incident was not particularly severe, there were still some casualties among the ninja and civilians in Konoha.

Her identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki somehow got leaked, which will inevitably have some impact on the child's development.

Therefore, she moved here with Naruto.

He also tries to stay home as much as possible.

"It's a matter concerning the Cloud Ninja. This time, the Fourth Raikage, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, and the Two-Tails Jinchuriki are all concentrated on the Konoha border, confronting us. Our high-end combat power is somewhat insufficient!"

After a long silence, the Third Hokage finally revealed the purpose of his visit to Kushina.

He now truly regretted sending Uchiha Toshiro to the front lines. The guy went straight there and captured the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, which then attracted the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

That's not all; he also wants to get involved in a vortex of secret scrolls.

Thinking about it, he felt a little regretful!

"…I see!"

After a brief silence, Kushina didn't say much and simply agreed.

"Going to the front lines is fine, but what about Naruto's safety?"

As a mother, she is very sensitive, and coupled with her special perception ability, she can sense those secretly watching her, or rather, the gaze of the Nine-Tails within her.

If Naruto were to get into trouble without her by his side, she would be filled with regret, and she couldn't help but turn her gaze to the Third Hokage.

"Don't worry, I'll personally take care of Naruto during this time!"

"We will absolutely not allow Naruto to get hurt!"

Pulling down his straw hat to avoid Kushina's gaze, the Third Hokage continued:

"The main purpose of sending you there this time is to serve as a deterrent. We will sign a peace agreement with the Cloud Ninja soon!"

Kushina was relieved after receiving the Third Hokage's assurance. As for why she agreed to leave Naruto behind and go to the front lines...

Because she knew that the person who protected her was no longer there, and as a Jinchuriki, she wanted to establish herself in the village while protecting Naruto so that he could grow up happily.

This is not something that can be done just by talking about it.

"Shikaku has the Flying Thunder God mark on him, I'll arrange for Genma and the others to take you there!"

"...Flying Thunder God!"

Hearing that familiar ninjutsu again, Kushina's eyes welled up with tears, and she thought of Minato with his sunny smile.

Unfortunately, the other party chose to sacrifice themselves in order to save their own life.

"I see!"

"We can set off after a little preparation!"

After calming herself down, Kushina didn't dwell too much on her memories and immediately started packing her things.

"…Thanks a lot!"

If he could, he really didn't want to disturb Kushina's life. He already felt very guilty about what happened with Minato last time.

However, Shikaku's repeated urgent requests for help forced him to come and disturb the other party's peaceful life.

'If only the Fourth Hokage were still alive!'

Thinking about the current situation in the ninja world, the undercurrents surging in the village, and... Uchiha Toshiro, that troublesome character.

He thought back more than once how much better it would have been if it had been him, not the young Fourth Hokage, who had sacrificed himself last time!

(End of this chapter)