Kushina hadn't slept well for two consecutive nights, constantly troubled by the issue of not being able to marry Minato.
Even while training with Rin, she was completely distracted.
"Kushina-nee?" Rin's voice called out, for who knows how many times, snapping her back to reality.
"What's wrong with you today? You've been spacing out," Rin asked with concern.
Looking at Rin gently wiping her sweat, Kushina hesitated for a moment and then asked, "Rin, what do you think of Makoto?"
Rin froze instantly, her arm halting mid-motion.
Her expression became somewhat unnatural.
"Why... did you suddenly bring him up?"
Kushina didn't notice Rin's reaction. She was too agitated and simply smiled. "No reason, just asking casually."
Both had their own thoughts.
Kushina was wondering whether Makoto would genuinely help her.
Rin, on the other hand, recalled the moments she'd spent with Makoto.
It had been a while since she'd last seen him, as she'd been fully focused on her training.
Rin felt that was probably for the best.
"Makoto... he's not a bad person, I guess," Rin said after some hesitation.
After all, she couldn't just casually badmouth someone in front of others.
He's just a completely unreliable guy, Rin thought to herself.
"Do you think he's reliable?" Kushina suddenly asked, as if reading Rin's mind.
"..."
Rin didn't know how to respond this time, realizing how strange Kushina's question was.
Rin cautiously asked, "Kushina-nee, what do you mean?"
Kushina pondered for a moment before saying, "Do you know he has a very beautiful secretary?"
Rin nodded slightly.
She had heard about it and even knew the secretary's background.
After all, in a place as bustling as the Hokage's building, a sudden appearance of such a stunning girl would naturally draw attention.
However, not many people knew that Samui was a captive from Kumogakure. When Rin learned about it, she'd secretly cursed Makoto, thinking, That guy really has a wandering heart!
She couldn't believe she'd spent time foolishly thinking about him—what a waste!
Kushina then cautiously asked again, "Do you think he's... a pervert?"
Rin hesitated. "Probably... yeah."
Kushina nodded in agreement. "I think so too."
After that, she drifted off into a daze again, lost in thought.
Rin couldn't understand why there was anything worth gossiping about with Makoto.
That guy... he was just a complete jerk—nothing worth discussing!
Every time Rin thought of Makoto, she felt a surge of frustration.
What was even more infuriating was that he had never once reached out to her!
Jerk! Jerk!
Rin drank her water and continued her training.
In the afternoon, Kushina went to the Hokage's office again and happened to run into Makoto, who was about to leave.
"Do you need something?" Makoto asked her.
"About what I asked you earlier... how's it going?"
"The Hokage has been busy these past two days with his own matters. Give it a few more days," Makoto replied.
"Oh..." Kushina responded softly, her gaze scanning Makoto up and down.
"Anything else?" Makoto asked, a bit helpless.
"Well..." Kushina stammered, lowering her head and fiddling with her fingers in front of him.
"I recently... found some new books on sealing techniques..."
"Do you... want to come to my place and check them out?"
Makoto was momentarily stunned by Kushina's words.
Then, seeing how embarrassed she looked, he suddenly shivered.
What's this woman trying to do?
He stared at her for a long moment before squeezing out a question: "Now?"
Kushina still kept her head down. "Whenever... it's up to you."
Makoto couldn't help but lean in closer, noticing the flush spreading to the back of her neck and ears.
The fresh scent of her hair reached his nose, sending a chill down his spine.
Hiss—
Is this woman... hinting at something?
Makoto found it hard to believe—this was Uzumaki Kushina!
Although he'd had fleeting improper thoughts before, he never imagined she'd ever take the initiative.
His throat involuntarily bobbed as he said, "Sure... I happen to be free this afternoon."
Kushina bit her lower lip tightly.
Hearing his response, she remained silent for a moment, standing there stiffly before turning and heading toward the door.
Seeing this, Makoto followed her out of the Hokage's building.
Kushina kept her head down in silence the entire way, making the atmosphere between them awkward and subtly tense.
When they reached her doorstep, Kushina glanced around nervously, as if afraid of being seen.
It was Makoto's second time visiting her home.
He still vividly remembered the sensual scene from his previous visit, and now he couldn't help but feel anticipation for what might happen next.
"Have a seat," Kushina said, pouring him a glass of water before disappearing into the bedroom.
Makoto held the glass, his gaze sweeping around the place.
He hadn't expected that Kushina and Minato, despite being a passionate couple, weren't living together.
Maybe women here were more traditional and valued marriage and their first night together deeply.
After a few minutes, Kushina reappeared—wearing a different outfit.
Kushina wore a sleeveless top and a light-colored long skirt.
She also brought out a book, which was indeed related to sealing techniques, but Makoto's attention was no longer on the book at that moment.
Kushina noticed Makoto's intense gaze and subconsciously brushed her hair behind her ear before gracefully sitting down on the sofa next to him.
"This is some advanced sealing techniques from the Uzumaki clan. Lord Third didn't ask me to hand all of them over to the village back then… Makoto, if you're interested, you can take it and read it."
As Kushina spoke, she avoided his gaze, and Makoto reached for the book, deliberately brushing the back of her hand.
She immediately pulled her hand back in surprise, seeming both embarrassed and angry, but she held back from reacting further.
Makoto smiled inwardly at her reaction.
He almost wanted to ask Kushina:
What? Did you invite me to your home just to show me a book?
He casually flipped through the book in his hands.
It did indeed contain sealing techniques he hadn't seen before, but they weren't particularly useful to him.
With his mastery of the Sage Seal, he no longer needed these kinds of sealing techniques.
He relaxed, no longer in a hurry.
After all, he wasn't the one begging here.
He continued reading the book on his own.
"This is indeed a rare book," he said slowly. "Thank you, Kushina, for letting me see something so important."
Kushina forced a smile. "We're friends, aren't we? If you need it, I'll naturally help."
"Can I take it with me to study it properly?"
"Of course."
"In that case, I'll take my leave now."
With that, Makoto stood up from the sofa and made his way toward the door.
Kushina was momentarily stunned and quickly stood up as well. "You're leaving already?"
Makoto smiled. "I'm a bit eager to study these sealing techniques. Is there something else you need, Kushina?"
"I..." Kushina stammered, hesitant to speak.
"It's nothing... Just about me and Minato. I hope you can put in a good word for us with Lord Hokage."
Makoto immediately showed a troubled expression. "I'll try to help you and Minato persuade Lord Hokage, but I really can't promise anything. Once Lord Hokage makes a decision, it's hard for anyone to change it."
After speaking, he handed the book back to her. "Since it's something I might not be able to accomplish, I shouldn't keep this book."
Kushina grew anxious and tried to push the book back into his hands.
"Makoto, you..."
Makoto sighed. "Kushina, you're putting me in a difficult position."
"..."
Both of them held onto the book, but Kushina's hand trembled uncontrollably as she lowered her head, nearly biting her lip until it bled.
Makoto, however, remained calm as he looked at the woman in front of him, who was clearly struggling inside.
It was as if he were watching a flower in full bloom, dazzling and vibrant.
How could he resist the urge to pluck it, to crush it between his fingers?
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