Uchiha Haru followed behind, glancing at the two of them before speaking calmly.
"Let's turn in the mission first."
"Yeah." Yuki Seisui nodded, patting Minato's shoulder as he added,
"Minato, I'll leave the paperwork to you."
And with that, he took Haru's hand and walked off.
Watching Seisui retreating back, Minato's face darkened.
"Why is it always me?!"
"Because I'm training you!" Seisui called back without turning around.
"Didn't you mark the mission hall with Flying Raijin already? Just teleport there—it'll be faster."
"Damn you, Seisui!" Minato's face twisted in frustration.
"Fine, we're all going together! Every time it's me—people are gonna think I don't even have teammates!"
"Minato," Seisui replied over his shoulder, "I'm the team captain. A ninja follows orders!"
Hearing that, Minato clenched his fists, fuming in silence.
One day, he thought bitterly, we Flying Raijin users will stand tall again!
Just you wait, Seisui… you'll regret this someday!
Seisui ignored Minato's silent rage, walking hand-in-hand with Haru down the bustling street.
Since their mission had only been C-rank, they weren't wearing their flak vests—no need to change clothes.
"Hmm?" Seisui stopped mid-step, eyes falling on a new storefront ahead.
"What is it?" Haru asked, following his gaze.
"A new ramen shop," Seisui murmured, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Does it look suspicious?" Haru asked with a frown.
"No," Seisui chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm just curious about how it tastes. We've been walking for a while—it's about time for lunch. Come on, let's give it a try."
Haru nodded softly. "Alright."
She never cared much about food—any meal with Seisui was enough for her.
Seisui smiled as he read the signboard aloud.
"Ichiraku Ramen."
He couldn't help but grin. So this is when it opened, huh?
How could I come to Konoha and not try the legendary ramen of Otsutsuki Ichiraku?
That'd be like visiting Sichuan and skipping the pandas—unforgivable.
They entered the small shop. Seisui glanced over the menu and said,
"One tonkotsu ramen, please."
Then he turned to Haru. "What about you?"
"I'll have the same," she said after a moment's thought.
"Got it!" replied the young man behind the counter with a bright smile as he started preparing their order.
The shop was nearly empty—just Seisui, Haru, and an elderly man quietly eating in the corner.
Watching the young chef work, Seisui's eyes softened with nostalgia.
He remembered another ramen shop, years ago—when Teuchi was still an apprentice, dreaming of one day opening his own place.
Now, that dream had come true—and not just that, he'd go on to become one of the most beloved faces in Konoha.
"Good for him," Seisui murmured.
"What is?" Haru tilted her head.
Seisui smiled faintly. "Do you remember the first time Jiraiya-sensei treated us to ramen?"
Haru blinked, thinking back. "I do."
"The delivery guy from back then—that's him." Seisui nodded toward the busy chef. "He said he'd open a ramen shop someday. Looks like he did it."
Haru's lips curved into a small smile. "That's wonderful. Anyone who chases their dream with that kind of resolve deserves respect."
Seisui nodded in agreement.
A short while later, Teuchi brought out two steaming bowls of ramen. He'd even added a few extra Naruto fish cakes on top.
"You two look familiar," he said cheerfully. "Pretty sure we've met before. I added some extra Naruto rolls for you—hope you enjoy them!"
"Thanks," Seisui replied, putting his hands together in gratitude.
"I remember you from another shop before. Appreciate the treat."
Seeing Seisui's gesture, Haru instinctively reached for her fan, thinking he was about to weave a hand sign—then realized he was simply saying thank you and blushed faintly.
"Hahaha, no need to be so formal!" Teuchi laughed. "If you like it, come again anytime. It's opening day today—no charge!"
He went back to work, leaving the two to eat.
The ramen smelled divine—rich broth, perfect noodles.
As expected from the destined ramen of the future prince of Konoha, Seisui thought with amusement.
When he finally finished, he leaned back, rubbing his stomach and letting out a satisfied burp.
"Delicious."
The portions were generous—almost too much. Seisui glanced at Haru's empty bowl, then at her slim waist.
Where does she even put it?
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Haru blushed, covering her stomach with her hands.
"Nothing," Seisui smiled. "They say a good appetite is a blessing. Let's go."
"Mm." Haru nodded, still pink-faced.
==========
Meanwhile, at Konoha Hospital—
Uzumaki Mito lay pale and frail in bed, surrounded by Tsunade, Nawaki, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and Danzo.
At her bedside, young Kushina sobbed uncontrollably.
"Kushina, don't cry," Mito whispered gently, her white hair framing her kind, tired face.
"Everyone dies someday. Just think of it as Grandma taking a nap."
She turned to Tsunade and Nawaki, who were both struggling to hold back tears.
"You two as well—no sadness. My life has been full. You should smile."
Tsunade covered her mouth, tears slipping past her trembling fingers as she nodded.
Hiruzen stood silently, the weight of grief in his eyes.
Mito wasn't just the First Hokage's wife—she was the spiritual pillar of the village.
After comforting the younger ones, Mito looked to Hiruzen.
"Sarutobi… do you remember what I told you before?"
"Yes, Mito-sama," he said solemnly. "I've already sent word to Seisui. He'll be here soon."
"Good." She nodded, then reached out to stroke Kushina's red hair.
"The Senju have long been part of Konoha—I have no worries there. Tsunade is already a fine kunoichi. With her and you, Sarutobi, Nawaki will be in good hands."
"But I worry for you and Seisui," she said softly, her voice trembling. "And for the reborn Uzumaki clan."
"Kushina, promise me—teach Seisui our sealing techniques. Both of you carry my legacy now."
Mito's gentle smile returned. "To me, you're all my grandchildren."
"Seisui's path will be a hard one," she murmured. "I'll leave him a gift—and the village, a safeguard."
"With Seisui's protection, you won't have to suffer so much, Kushina."
Hiruzen stood by quietly, eyes downcast, as the last living link to the First Hokage spoke her final words.
==========
Note: the Third Ninja War is coming soon.