Naruto: I get stronger by drawing lots

The flames flickered, reflected in the eyes of the master and disciple as if they were beating hearts.

Minato Namikaze stared at the fire for a while before a smile finally appeared on his lips.

That smile shone even brighter in the firelight.

"Has the knife, which should have taken lives, sheathed its sharp edge?"

"Hasn't someone already made a choice for me? Why think so much? If it were Tsukiki, she would definitely say that."

"I will not let down Senior White Fang's choice, but I will also do my best to resolve this matter."

Minato Namikaze's gaze gradually hardened, and Jiraiya beside him also revealed a smile.

"A good answer."

"Alright, it's cooked through, let's eat!"

The aroma was irresistible. Jiraiya licked his lips and took the lead, picking up the grilled meat in his hand and taking a bite.

Minato Namikaze was a little helpless, but that helplessness eventually turned into a smile, and in the end, he joined Jiraiya in speaking.

All the unease slowly dissipated with the fragrance—

Meanwhile, in Konoha Village, the village's sharpest blade seemed to have rusted, losing all its luster in an instant.

Yue Shu hasn't done any sparring these past two days; she's been quietly keeping Bai Ya company.

As time went on, people learned about White Fang's situation, and many who cared about him came to offer their condolences.

Tsukishiki had seen quite a few people. These past two days, he had been keeping White Fang company. White Fang had only done two things: one was coaxing the baby named Kakashi—his own son, who had also taken away his most beloved one.

First, he sits in a corner against the wall, and apart from drinking a little alcohol, he basically doesn't eat anything else. Only Yue Shu can use his god-level cooking skills to feed Bai Ya a little food.

Perhaps he could taste the flavor of Nozomi Mano, because White Fang would silently eat the food that Tsukiki had prepared. Although he didn't cry, it was obvious that tears were welling up in his eyes.

Even the sharpest blade in Konoha, at this moment, is like an ordinary person, releasing its emotions without any need for control.

In Shiroya's home, the hallway was already filled with bags of gifts from his comrades. Good friends like Yuhi Shinku would knock twice on the door, and if there was no response, they would leave the gifts at the door.

Moon Tree would bring them all in at night; those were all genuine expressions of concern from others for White Teeth.

"Wow wow-"

That was the sound of a baby crying. White Fang would instinctively get up when he heard the sound and take good care of Kakashi. Although his actions were somewhat instinctive, like a robot, Kakashi didn't seem to mind. Otherwise, other children would have cried even harder.

"This is?"

White Fang picked up Kakashi, and Tsukiki noticed something was wrong. There was a small dent on the crib that had been bought long ago. It was just a small dot, and Kakashi had rolled over on it, so it was just visible.

When Yue Shu lifted the mat, she saw the truth behind the dent.

Sure enough, there was a small hole, very small, that wouldn't cause any trouble, but Yue Shu could see the mystery of this hole.

The purpose is to let others discover it, but without affecting the child. Looking down from above, you can clearly see that something is hidden under the crib.

When Yue Shu bent down, she discovered something—

After a while, White Fang put Kakashi back in place. Newborn babies can only drink some milk and can't do much else. Kakashi was quiet, which made things easier.

"This is for you. Sorry, I only glanced at it."

Returning to the same corner, Shiroya saw a diary lying there, and then Tsukiki began to speak.

"Sister Mano kept it."

White Fang was stunned after taking a look; he was more familiar with those handwritings than anyone else.

His breathing became heavy, and with a slight tremor in his hand, White Fang picked up the diary. Moon Tree also quietly retreated to another place, leaving White Fang alone.

With trembling hands, he turned to the first page, and White Tooth's eyes narrowed.

(Nozomi Mano's survival diary for the last ten months) (*∩_∩*)

Continue turning the page:

Day 1: What should I write? Oh right, let me first explain why I'm writing this diary.

Actually, I can't have children, haha. When I was little, I injured my body for some reason, and my body no longer supports me having children. If I force myself to have children, it will become a choice between two options. Originally, I didn't have that kind of idea. It would be nice if we could grow old together like Su Mao.

But everyone makes mistakes. He came into this world, and I don't want to lose him. Why? Because he was about to take my life. I guess that's what mothers are like. Really, mothers are such great people. I shouldn't have made my mother angry so many times before.

Come to think of it, it hasn't been ten months, it's only been nine months or less, but never mind.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Time is running out, and my belly is already quite big. He even kicks me sometimes. He's such a naughty little guy. But that's good, otherwise he wouldn't be like his dad. Boys should be more lively.

I want to be as handsome as my dad, but I can't be like him; I should be more lively.

------

Kakashi, the baby got a name today! His dad chose it himself, he must be so happy, he made a lot more noise than usual, hahaha.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"There's only a little time left. Time flies so fast, and I'm almost there too—I really don't want to die. But, in a little while, I'll see his birth. Kakashi, will you listen to your father? Sumo, will you blame me for making this decision on my own? I'm sorry, this child is my flesh and blood, I won't abandon him."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Kakashi, you'll be coming to this wonderful world in just a few days. You need to listen to your father, be lively, eat more, and strive to become a powerful ninja like your father. Also, I hope you can marry someone like your mother. Your mother is clumsy and not good at talking. Although you always say that your father is silly and can't talk, your mother is the same way.

There are only a few days left. I don't want to—(crossed out)—I must live well and carry on my mother's will.

Don't let Dad be too lonely.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

I'm going to the hospital now, Sumo. I love you. I'm entrusting our child to you. We're a little late than expected. You've already given me all those girlish things, so I have no regrets. Let's be together again in the next life. Kakashi is in your hands now, my dear husband.

Okay, that's fine, because I'm not very good at talking.

tick, tick-

Bai Ya bit her lip, tears streaming down her face.

The last part of the diary was already a bit blurry because it was wet; that was from the tears that Nozomi Mano shed while writing it.

White Tooth's tears mingled with hers, a testament to their deep love for each other.

"Ahhh!"

White Fang's first and only howl wasn't loud; it only echoed nearby and didn't even disturb the sleeping Kakashi.

Yue Shu listened quietly to the crying from behind the wall.

Chapter 110: Bofeng Village

"Jiraiya-sensei, could you take me to Namikaze Village?"

That was a request made by Minato Namikaze after the story was told.

Jiraiya looked at Minato Namikaze for a long time before finally deciding to take him with him.

Bofeng Village wasn't far from their location, but it was in a remote area with a somewhat peculiar geographical environment, making it difficult to find.

But that was, after all, Minato Namikaze's hometown.

Jiraiya understood this, and that's why he nodded.

Children who leave home will eventually need to return.

"Oh, that's interesting."

"Are the two leaves not heading towards Konoha with the wind, but instead planning to go home?"

On the other side, the man who had been monitoring Minato Namikaze laughed.

Behind him stood two children, a boy and a girl, who were about the same age.

The woman was a little excited, while the man remained expressionless and quiet.

Their blond hair was extremely eye-catching, paired with their striking blue eyes—

One day later:

A cool breeze blew by, and the dilapidated village looked desolate.

The grass was growing everywhere, and it was already as tall as Minato Namikaze.

Is its lushness and height due to excessive nutrients?

Those are grasses that grow by sucking blood.

The ground beneath my feet was unlike any other; it was dark and much harder.

Was it because blood seeped in?

The surrounding houses all collapsed; not a single one survived.

Over a decade or so has ravaged and corroded these wooden planks and bricks.

Looking at it, it is full of traces of time, and looks very fragile. Perhaps it would break if touched lightly.

"Is this my home?"

Minato Namikaze gently stroked the broken bricks and tiles, which still seemed to retain a trace of warmth, even though they had cooled completely.

"Yes, this is Namikaze Village."

“I helped them erect a monument, right in the middle.”

Jiraiya pointed to a small clearing in the middle of the village, where the land had been cleared and a tombstone stood with only two large characters on it:

Waves and wind.

"Thank you, Jiraiya-sensei."

Minato Namikaze gently touched the tombstone, as if it conveyed the words of the people of Namikaze Village.

Minato Namikaze's eyes were lowered, and even he himself didn't know how to describe his feelings at this moment.

"Human greed is so great that it can't even erect a tombstone."

Jiraiya sighed and quietly stayed by Minato's side.

When he first arrived here, the place was littered with corpses. He knew the story of this place, but he never expected that the story would end the same way. Only greed led him here, and not a single ray of light shone in.

"How about it?"