"Hmm?" Jiraiya pointed at Shinji and looked at Tsunade. "Tsunade, you know this kid?"
"He's my student."
Jiraiya's eyes widened, and he quickly let go.
"So it's him!"
After returning to the village, he had indeed heard rumors about Tsunade taking on a new disciple. At first, he dismissed it as gossip and didn't pay much attention until Minato personally confirmed it, making him realize it was true.
But he never expected that Tsunade's new disciple would be the kid who caught him peeping that day.
He scratched his head, stammering as he tried to figure out how to gloss over that embarrassing incident.
But Shinji didn't give him the chance.
He straightened his clothes, which had been ruffled by Jiraiya, and quickly said to Minato, "A few days ago, I caught Lord Jiraiya peeping, so that's how we met."
Tsunade also reacted, clenching her fist as she angrily charged toward Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, you're dead!"
"You little brat!"
Jiraiya was both furious and flustered. In the end, he couldn't hide it and could only frantically circle around Minato and Kushina, dodging Tsunade's punches in a sorry state.
His image had once again crumbled.
Minato awkwardly cleared his throat, clearly well aware of his teacher's character.
Kushina tugged at Minato's sleeve, her eyes carrying a hint of warning. "Minato, the three prohibitions for shinobi—don't learn from Jiraiya-sensei."
"Don't worry, Kushina, I won't!"
Minato quickly nodded emphatically, already showing signs of being henpecked, not daring to argue in the slightest.
The atmosphere instantly became light and cheerful, with many unable to hold back their laughter.
But at the same time, many gazes quietly fell on Shinji.
Today, shinobi from various major clans were also present, and their eyes held a trace of curiosity as they looked at Shinji.
"Is that Lord Tsunade's new disciple?"
"I heard he's also from the Uchiha Clan."
"But why isn't he sitting with the other Uchiha?"
Everyone subconsciously glanced toward the back right of the venue, where the exclusive seating for the Uchiha Clan was located.
Fugaku and the three elders also saw what was happening up front but remained silent.
For them at the moment, Shinji being able to get along well with Konohagakure's higher-ups might actually be a beneficial thing.
In a corner, Shisui watched Shinji interacting easily with the higher-ups, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.
He pursed his lips, thinking to himself: Senior, perhaps you really are suited to be clan leader.
This little commotion quickly ended under Hiruzen Sarutobi's "teacher's death glare."
Today was Minato and Kushina's big day, so Tsunade and Jiraiya couldn't continue causing a scene and reluctantly stepped aside.
Before leaving, Jiraiya glared fiercely at Shinji, only to immediately receive a heavy punch from Tsunade.
...
Shinji returned to his companions.
Just then, Kushina waved in their direction and called out, "Kakashi, Rin, come here for a moment."
As members of Team Minato, it was normal for the two to be called over by the newlyweds.
Shinji gave Rin a slight nod, and she followed Kakashi to stand before Minato and Kushina.
Watching this, Shinji had a thought.
This was a good opportunity.
He calmly walked over to Kurenai Yuhi and asked in a low voice, "Did you really like that bouquet of flowers that won't wither just now?"
Kurenai looked at him and nodded gently, her tone carrying a hint of reproach.
"Yes, but someone never thought to give me any."
Shinji smiled, took out a Ninjutsu Scroll from his robe, gently took Kurenai's hand, and placed the scroll in her palm.
It was precisely the "Magic: Sound Lock" obtained from the A-rank Gift Box.
Seeing Kurenai was a bit jealous, this scroll was perfect for soothing her.
"I originally planned to give it to you later, but it seems now isn't too late either."
He leaned close to Kurenai's ear and whispered, "As for those flowers that won't wither, I'll give them to you alone in the future."
Kurenai's cheeks instantly flushed a light pink, her heartbeat quickening slightly.
W-what is this? Giving her a gift at someone else's wedding?
In such a formal setting, if anyone saw, they'd definitely be laughed at.
She glanced around guiltily, confirming no one was paying attention to them, then hid the scroll behind her back and whispered to Shinji:
"I'm going to talk to my father for a moment."
After saying this, Kurenai glanced around once more and hurried away.
Not long after, Rin finished speaking with Kushina and Minato and quickly walked back.
She looked around but didn't see Kurenai's figure, tilting her head in confusion. "Where's Kurenai?"
Shinji smiled, casually pointing in a direction. "Seems she went to find her father."
Rin nodded.
Shinji seized the opportunity to step forward, taking out a small booklet from his robe. "Rin, I actually prepared a gift for you too."
A few minutes later, Nohara Rin held the Chiyo Medical Notes (Volume 2) in her arms, her cheeks slightly flushed as she whispered, "I-I'm going to find Shizune and the others!"
Then she also ran off.
Shinji watched the two leave, let out a sigh of relief, and thought to himself:
Done!
For Kurenai, he gave the Magic: Sound Lock, which suited her Genjutsu path. For Rin, he gave the precious notes that could precisely enhance her Medical Ninjutsu.
Two gifts, perfectly stabilizing both and temporarily avoiding the risk of exposure.
He sighed inwardly, As expected of me!
...
Minato and Kushina's wedding lasted from day until late into the night.
At this moment, with the great war concluded, it was a joyous occasion worth celebrating for all of Konohagakure.
As the banquet dispersed, Shinji waved goodbye to his companions and finally left the scene with Tsunade.
Two days later.
Shinji received a summons from Uchiha Fugaku.
He thought it was just a routine inquiry and didn't think much of it, but the moment he stepped into the Police Force office, he heard Fugaku say seriously:
"Shinji, there's a secret mission. I need you to cooperate with me."
After repeated discussions with the clan elders, Fugaku had temporarily decided to agree to cooperate with Danzo.
But the premise of this cooperation was that they would remain vigilant throughout.
The moment they sensed a trap, they would immediately withdraw, abandoning Danzo without hesitation.
And to guard against Danzo secretly playing tricks, the clan decided to send someone to accompany Fugaku on this mission.
Thus, Shinji's name appeared on their shortlist.
He was the only Medical Ninja with the Sharingan, and among Sharingan users, he was the strongest in Medical Ninjutsu!
Capable of fighting, healing, and supporting—he was almost the perfect candidate.
Therefore, the clan decided to recruit Shinji, having him accompany Fugaku to the Land of Rain to win over Hanzō.
After hearing Fugaku's full explanation, Shinji was stunned on the spot.
He never expected that Fugaku would actually get involved with Danzo.
When did this happen?
He couldn't help but try to dissuade him. "Clan Leader, Danzo won't truly help us."
Fugaku nodded lightly, his tone calm. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
This confidence wasn't unfounded.
In his own view, he was the strongest among the currently existing Uchiha because he had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
However, he didn't know that Shinji and Shisui possessed the same eyes.
Fugaku stood up, his gaze burning as he looked at Shinji, pleading earnestly:
"Shinji, I need you."
Shinji: "..."