"Ahhh, shaved ice is the best!"
Scooping a generous spoonful from her cup, Kushina savored the icy sweetness, letting out a blissful sigh.
"And not paying for it makes it even better," she added with a mischievous grin, glancing at Nawaki, whose face looked like life had abandoned him.
"So, what were you doing just now?" she asked.
Nawaki exhaled in frustration. "I was waiting for Nono. I planned to confess today."
Holy crap—breaking news! Kushina's eyes lit up, perked like a cat catching the scent of fish. "Great! I love a good show."
"...!"
Minato blinked in confusion. "Then go confess—why were you crouching on the bathhouse wall?"
"I meant to, but on the way, Nono ran into Kana. I figured I'd wait till Kana left, but..."
Hayashi finished for him, "So you followed them all the way here?"
Nawaki forced a laugh. "Not that it's creepy, but… yeah, pretty much."
"Tch!" Kushina's expression twisted in disgust. "Thought you were just a little sis-con, turns out you're a stalker too."
"I'm not…" Nawaki protested, turning to Minato with a pained look. "Minato, only you believe me."
"Sorry, their arguments are pretty convincing," Minato muttered.
Silence fell, the air thick with awkward tension.
"So, still planning to confess?" Kushina pressed eagerly, eyes sparkling for drama.
"Forget it," Nawaki muttered, shaking his head. "With all of you here, I can't work up the nerve."
"Face is overrated," Kushina advised. "Grandma Mito once shared some life wisdom with me—"
"Which was?" Nawaki asked, intrigued.
Hayashi and Minato pricked up their ears, curious.
"—When you meet someone you like, never give up. Just march up and snatch them."
"...!" Nawaki stared for a few stunned seconds, realizing Kushina wasn't joking. Then he shook his head. "Pass. I don't like forcing people; I'd rather attract girls with my own charm."
A heavy silence settled, awkward yet electric.
After a while, the shaved ice melting, Kushina tilted her head. "Uh… can I ask something a little rude?"
Nawaki hesitated. "If it's rude, maybe don't."
Rolling her eyes, Kushina softened, "Fine, I'll phrase it gently—this 'personal charm' of yours… what exactly is it?"
"...Does 'handsome' count?" Nawaki mumbled, causing the awkwardness to reboot.
"Hey, I'm doing alright! Became a Jonin at fifteen," he boasted, pointing at Kushina's light-green vest. "You're still a Chunin."
Here it comes.
Hayashi and Minato exchanged knowing looks, stepping back to avoid collateral damage. Nawaki—usually sharp—was now self-destructing in real time.
Sure enough, Kushina clenched her fists, crimson hair blazing, a murderous aura flaring.
It was the dreaded Ultra-Red Mode, blood-red chili pepper mode activated.
"The Hokage promised! Once I finish the Barrier repairs, I'll be promoted! So," she declared, voice rising, "I'm basically a Jonin already!!"
Nawaki shivered, realizing the weight of his words.
[Save me—fast!] he pleaded silently to Hayashi and Minato.
[Hard pass—she'll kill us!]
They retreated cautiously, helplessly shrugging.
Gritting his teeth, Nawaki shot Kushina a fierce glare.
[My private collection—yours if you help!]
Hayashi stepped forward resolutely; Minato held back.
"Kushina, listen—"
"After I clobber him, we'll chat," she interrupted, cracking her knuckles.
What are you planning—murder him on the spot? Nawaki thought frantically.
"Relax, it'll just hurt a little… then feel great~" she added sweetly.
"...Don't smile while saying something terrifying!" Nawaki trembled under her crimson aura.
Just then, a familiar voice called from behind.
"What are you all doing?"
Hayashi turned to see Nono and Kana, fresh from their baths in yukata, eyeing the chaotic scene.
Kushina exhaled sharply, reverting to her usual cheerful self, and smiled. "I've got something to tell you guys."
"...I'm doomed." Nawaki muttered, pacing nervously on the grass. "Kushina's bound to spill about me following Nono… might even ruin my confession plan."
Minato nodded. "Possible. Those three are definitely looking this way."
Sure enough, from a nearby bench, Nono, Kana, and Kushina were peeking, confirming Nawaki's fears.
"Enough teasing," Hayashi said, shifting into a comfortable position. "Knowing Kushina, she won't breathe a word."
"Really? Everyone says she's a blabbermouth," Nawaki muttered.
Hayashi shrugged. "This is an exception. She'd rather watch the show. If Nono finds out too early, it ruins the fun."
"So chill—she won't say a thing."
Nawaki, however, felt even worse.
Hayashi added with a smirk, "And if you succeed, she'll probably blab the whole story afterward."
Pfft! It felt like an arrow through his chest.
"Want some good news?" Hayashi asked.
"Shoot."
"They're not talking about you at all. Kana's sneaky glances? She's blushing—but definitely not because of you. And certainly not me."
They turned toward Minato.
"Minato, why's your face red?" Nawaki asked.
"Is it? You're seeing things," Minato replied, flustered.
"I've got my Sharingan out; don't say I'm imagining it."
Nawaki clicked his tongue. "You rescued Kana during the Chunin Exams, right?"
Hayashi nodded. "Seems familiar. Did you, or didn't you, Minato?"
Minato's face flamed. "Don't get the wrong idea—Kana and I are just friends."
"Is that so?" Nawaki muttered. "Let me tell my dim-witted sister she's only a 'friend'…"
"You little—" Minato growled, using Hayashi's catchphrase, and put Nawaki in a headlock.
"Help, Kana—he's killing me~" Nawaki cried as they all collapsed onto the grass.
The wall nearby cast a comforting shade, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of irises.
Remembering something, Hayashi pulled a scroll from his ninja pouch and tossed it to Minato, who was still staring at Kana.
Catching it, Minato asked quietly, "What's this?"
"Flying Thunder God Technique," Hayashi replied.
Minato fingered the scroll carefully. "Thanks."
Hayashi chuckled and closed his eyes, ready for a well-earned nap.
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