Naruto: I get stronger by drawing lots

"elder brother?"

"Brother is someone who will protect you at all costs, just like you and Ying. Ying is still young, so you have to protect her like your brother does."

"Hmm! When will my brother come to protect me?"

"Yes—I will definitely come to protect you in the future, I promise!"

"Ok!"

The boy walked quietly, protecting the girl beside him. As they walked, he smiled and said to another boy who had caught up with them:

"The rest is up to you."

The boy who caught up said:

"Like you."

The boy laughed, stopped, gave up his spot, and quietly watched the two walk away.

He should go and be with that person who always looks strong but has a gentle heart.

All these years have passed, I wonder if she's been lonely or isolated.

The boy stood there for a while, then finally turned around and walked back.

"Xiao".

The boy seemed to hear him, and his pace quickened.

A woman appeared before him, her golden hair flowing, her eyes full of tenderness, her arms outstretched towards him.

The boy rushed into her arms, his voice filled with joy.

"Mother--"

Chapter 113: Fallen Leaves

"elder brother!"

Ying sat up abruptly, panting heavily.

Her beautiful face was filled with panic. She first looked around, and then immediately stood up.

"elder brother."

Ying began to call out, her unease lingering in her heart.

She wanted to find that person who would always be there for her, the one who would always be by her side no matter what.

With him around, there's nothing to be afraid of.

A rustling sound reached her ears, very softly, but Ying still heard it.

"elder brother!"

As she turned the corner, Ying's eyes widened in shock.

Minato Namikaze and Jiraiya were there, along with someone she knew best.

She had seen that face countless times; it was handsome and gentle. But now, it was quiet with its eyes closed, and it would never look at her with those gentle eyes again.

Xiao was there, his whole body buried in the ground, with only his head sticking out.

Minato Namikaze glanced at Ying, his eyes flickering, but he couldn't say anything.

That's exactly how it was done; it was all so that Ying could see Xiao one last time.

Ying shouldn't have been denied even a final glance at her brother who protected her until the very end.

Ying suddenly knelt on the ground, completely stunned, as if her computer had crashed.

"elder brother--"

Ying's hands were trembling, as was her voice.

"Feel sorry."

"roll!"

Why didn't you die?!

Ying shouted at Minato Namikaze.

"Why not you? Why do you keep taking away my loved ones? Why didn't you appear?!"

Ying cried out, while Minato Namikaze was speechless.

"Mom always said you would come to protect us, so why have you never shown up?"

"I know what my brother has been thinking all along. I know he has been protecting me since I was little, but why? Why!"

Snapped.

Jiraiya knocked Hotaru unconscious with a single chop to the neck, then gently caught her.

"She's just too heartbroken. Don't take it to heart. It's not your fault."

Minato Namikaze lowered his head and remained silent.

Jiraiya sighed and said again:

"You take care of the funeral arrangements. I'll go and put this girl away properly and keep an eye on her, otherwise she might run away as soon as she wakes up."

Minato Namikaze paused for a moment before nodding.

Jiraiya glanced at Minato Namikaze a few more times before walking away.

At this moment, only Minato Namikaze and Sora, who had already closed his eyes, remained here.

Minato Namikaze took a few steps, sat down next to Xiao, and then looked up and gently exhaled.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya rearranged Hotaru and then sat down to watch her.

"This girl."

"Haven't you been affected by illusions for a long time?"

Jiraiya looked at Ying, whose tear stains were still clearly visible on her face.

Ever since Jiraiya met Hotaru, Hotaru has been acting like a little madwoman, as Chisui said.

During their second encounter, Jiraiya sensed a faint fluctuation of chakra emanating from her, leading him to believe she was under the influence of genjutsu. However, it now seems that perhaps it was a disguise she was making, but even within that disguised chakra, there was a trace of Xiao's aura—

The two siblings have been under constant control. The older brother bears all the pressure, and the younger sister wants to help and share his burden as much as possible. But the older brother knows about this, so he remains silent and lets his sister continue on her own.

Jiraiya gradually sorted out each of these matters.

Jiraiya shook his head, also marveling at the feelings between the two.

Such pure affection, and everything Xiao did for Ying, makes him fully deserving of the title "brother".

Jiraiya glanced in the direction of Minato Namikaze.

"Hopefully he can figure it out himself and not worry about it too much."

Yes, that's the only way. Perhaps no one can compare to what Xiao has done.

Minato Namikaze took over Sho's responsibilities, and the burden he had to bear was far more than just a little bit.

After a long while, Minato Namikaze walked over with light steps.

"So? What have you thought about it?"

Jiraiya asked, "These are all things that Minato Namikaze should bear. Give him space to think. Whether it's his own affairs or Hide's affairs, these are things that Minato Namikaze should think about. Even as a master, he has no reason to interfere in his disciple's family affairs."

"Ah."

A resolute glint flashed in Minato Namikaze's eyes.

"Go back to Konoha, I won't leave her alone."

"Because I am also her brother."

"Although he can't compare to Xiao."

Minato Namikaze smiled helplessly, a look that made Jiraiya raise the corners of his mouth in response.

“This is my true disciple.”

Jiraiya gently patted Minato Namikaze on the shoulder.

He admires Minato Namikaze's unwavering spirit and his determination to always do what he should do.

No matter how much pressure he faces, or how difficult the road ahead may be, Minato Namikaze will not be afraid; he will only move forward with even greater determination.

Minato Namikaze gave a wry smile:

"We'll need Jiraiya-sensei's help then."

"Don't worry, it's just a resident's problem."

"Okay, then let's get going when she wakes up."

"What if she doesn't want to leave?"

"Then kidnap her."

Minato Namikaze's words came without hesitation, not even a hint of them.

Jiraiya laughed after hearing this.

Such a Minato Namikaze is rare. He looked at Minato Namikaze, this boy who was like a little sun, who always treated others gently, but this time he was different with Ying, and was much more domineering.

"Good answer."

Jiraiya affirmed that he admired Minato Namikaze's decisiveness. Perhaps the other party would hate him, but without a doubt, this was the best course of action, and also the one that Akatsuki most hoped for.

Minato Namikaze's gaze was firm, just as it had always been, only now with a touch more tenderness.

The leaves drift and drift, falling in the same way no matter when, and the wanderers who have left will always embark on their journey home no matter when.

Jiraiya was like this, Minato Namikaze was like this, and so were Sho and Hotaru—

Meanwhile, in the distant village of Konoha, the people there also begin their daily lives.

Tsukiki started from Senju's house, passed by Sakuya's house, and peeked inside, only for a glance or two.

The place was no longer as messy as it was yesterday; things were scattered everywhere, and it had been cleaned up.