Naruto: By lying low and hiding, he eventually became the leader of the Legendary Sannin.

Seeing this, the two exchanged a glance and then presented the gifts they had prepared to Kagura.

Kagura was slightly taken aback when she saw the gift in front of her.

This was, in fact, the first time he had ever received a gift from his disciple.

For some reason, he felt a strange sensation as he looked at the gift in front of him.

He wiped his hands, then solemnly accepted the gifts from the two of them and examined them carefully.

The gift from Japan was a very exquisite decorative item.

From the outside, it looks like a pen holder shaped like a lucky bamboo.

Its main body is a section of emerald green lucky bamboo, which has been carefully carved to present a natural and elegant curved shape.

Lucky bamboo has distinct segments, each segment delicately showcasing the texture and feel of bamboo.

The bamboo leaves on the pen holder are lifelike, with bright and realistic colors, adding a touch of liveliness and freshness to the entire pen holder.

This is not only a practical stationery item, but also a beautiful work of art.

Even though Kagura isn't particularly knowledgeable about these kinds of things, this gift still looks very expensive.

It's exactly what the Hyuga clan, a traditional family, would give as a gift.

As for the gift that Minato gave.

They were several round objects stacked together, their surfaces snow-white, and they had a soft, elastic, gelatinous texture.

Kagura was also taken aback upon seeing this thing, and said somewhat uncertainly:

"This is... rice cake?"

Upon hearing Kagura-sensei's words, Minato blushed and nodded silently.

There was nothing he could do; he had just bought this gift at the last minute.

But on New Year's Eve, when it's almost dark, which shops are still open?

Finally, having no other choice, he bought a serving of rice cake, a dish that people all over the world eat during the Lunar New Year.

Compared to that kid from Japan, my gift is utterly pathetic...

Sensing Minato's embarrassment, Kagura chuckled softly.

He solemnly accepted their gifts, reached out and silently patted their heads, and said:

"Yes, I really like all your gifts."

Because I know that this contains your good intentions, and that is enough.

"Alright, let's sit down first. We'll start eating after Kushina arrives."

Upon hearing Kagura's words, Minato's embarrassed expression gradually faded, replaced by a joyful smile.

Following Kagura's instructions, the two took their seats and waited for Kushina's arrival.

But they didn't expect that this wait would last for an hour.

Chapter 39 My teacher really went to great lengths to act as a matchmaker!

As the clock ticked away, the four of them waited for a full hour.

At this moment, Tsunade also began to realize that something was wrong. While looking at the clock, she asked Minato and the others:

"Did Kushina tell you she was going to other places after she came back?"

The two looked at each other, then shook their heads in unison.

Seeing this, Tsunade frowned even more deeply and muttered to herself:

"That shouldn't be the case. Kushina is usually the most punctual."

Besides, logically speaking, her house should be the closest to ours.

There's no reason why she hasn't come over even though you've all been here for so long.

Could it be...?

Kagura's heart skipped a beat when she heard Tsunade's words.

Um...

By the way, after tonight it will be Konoha Year 41.

Konoha Year 41...

Seriously? Do those guys in Kumogakure have to be so competitive?

During the Lunar New Year, instead of staying at home, why are they coming here to act as human traffickers?

Thinking of this, he sighed inwardly, then stood up decisively.

His face was now solemn as he looked at everyone and said:

"No need to be confused, it's obvious that something happened to Kushina."

Logically speaking, a low-ranking ninja like her shouldn't be of much value.

The only reason they would abduct her was because of her identity as a member of the Uzumaki clan.

The problem is that Kushina's identity was intentionally hidden by the Konoha higher-ups.

Why are these ninjas from the Hidden Cloud Village able to find their targets so accurately?

However, this is clearly not a problem he needs to consider right now.

After roughly guessing what had happened, Kagura immediately gave instructions to everyone.

"Tsunade, go to the old man's place and tell him to send people to seal off the village entrance immediately."

At the same time, they sent people to help search outside the village.

Upon hearing this, Tsunade immediately nodded.

Without hesitation, she immediately turned and left.

Thanks to Mito Uzumaki, she has practically come to regard Kushina as her own younger sister over the years.

So after hearing Kagura's analysis, she couldn't help but feel anxious.

After Tsunade left, Kagura looked at Minato and said:

"You and I will split up and search for Kushina's possible whereabouts."

Upon hearing this, Minato immediately nodded and got up to go out with Kagura.

At this moment, the last one, Hiashi, hurriedly asked:

"Teacher, what about me?"

Hiashi has also developed a deep friendship with Kushina, his companion, over the past few days.

Hearing that she might have been abducted by outsiders, Hiashi felt a pang of worry.

Seeing that everyone else had their own tasks, but Kagura seemed to have forgotten about hers, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious.

Kagura, who was about to leave, turned to look at him upon hearing this and casually said:

Oh, it's you.

You stay here and don't go anywhere.

"what?"

Hearing this, Japan was also stunned.

Then Kagura said, as if explaining:

"that...

Kushina might be able to get rid of those people on her own, and after she does, she might come to me.

So you stay where you are, and if you see her coming, notify us immediately.

Upon hearing the explanation, Hiashi looked as if he had just realized something and nodded solemnly.

What he didn't see was that Kagura, who had already turned her back to him, had a playful expression on her face.

How come this kid has no sense of propriety?

His explanations were obviously just to fool Hitachi.

Since the opponent has made a move, it certainly cannot be resisted by a mere genin.

After all, Kushina's abilities are clearly somewhat lacking in actual combat.

The reason he kept Hiashi here was precisely to ensure things went according to plan.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but look down at the water gate beside him.

It's important to understand that during this period, although Kushina and Minato's relationship wasn't bad, it certainly didn't reach the level of a romantic relationship.

In the original storyline, it was because Minato saved Kushina during this incident that he won the beauty's heart.

So, just in case, he dared not let that kid Hiashi run around everywhere.

Although the chances are slim, if the male lead in the script were changed, how would Naruto ever be born...?

So although she felt bad for Hiashi, Kagura could only keep him in place by using lies.

Looking at Minato beside her, Kagura couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

"Sigh, your teacher has really gone to great lengths to act as a matchmaker..."

As the two stepped out of the room, Kagura immediately said to Minato:

"Let's split up the search; it'll be more efficient that way."

After silently nodding, Minato immediately ran off in one direction.

A few minutes later, Minato arrived at the door of Kushina's house.

At this moment, the usual innocent look on his face was gone, replaced by a serious and sharp expression.

After Kagura guessed that Kushina might have been kidnapped, he was anxious but did not panic.