Naruto: I get stronger by drawing lots

Page 52

Kushina screamed and sat bolt upright.

His bright red hair was soaked with sweat, both on his back and forehead.

"Huff~ huff"

Kushina was panting, then she hugged herself up.

In the pitch-black night, the girl hugged herself, feeling utterly empty inside.

"Moon Tree".

For some reason, the girl called out that name.

The boy who always appeared by her side, becoming her hero—

Let's turn back time.

Five days after the first mission was completed, Jiraiya gave everyone a break.

Everyone naturally went home to their own families and enjoyed their vacation after this arduous task.

The excitement of leaving the village for the first time and completing the first major task still lingered in my heart.

Kushina was no exception.

After spending a few days shopping with her best friend Mikoto, she went to Tsukiki's house. To her surprise, Minato Namikaze, wearing an apron, was cooking at Tsukiki's house, while the person she was looking for was taking a nap in the yard.

That thing called a hammock, Tsukiki brought it out, and then squinted her eyes while sunbathing and enjoying the breeze.

Living such a comfortable life.

Especially when someone is there with you.

That's right, it's Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin.

Kushina and Mikoto were both stunned.

Unexpectedly, Tsukiki's illness has already infected Tsunade.

"Yo, Kushina Mikoto, are you here to see Tsukiki?"

Minato Namikaze greeted the two women with a smile; he and Shizune were cooking in the kitchen.

"That's right. By the way, why are you here, and dressed like this?"

Kushina looked at Minato Namikaze from bottom to top.

Surprisingly, Minato Namikaze actually looks quite good in an apron.

"I'm curious too."

Mikoto also asked a question from the side.

Minato Namikaze scratched his head and chuckled a few times.

"There are many reasons for this, and I don't really know where to begin."

"Minato, are you your teammates? How about we grab a bite to eat together?"

Shizune noticed the commotion and turned around.

"Hey?"

Kushina and Mikoto were unaware of what had happened, and in a daze, they sat down and agreed to have dinner together.

"Welcome, welcome."

Two more people sat at the Senju House dining table, but adding a few more pairs of chopsticks wouldn't be a problem.

After a dazed meal, Kushina and Mikoto understood why Minato Namikaze was there; as expected, it was Tsukiki who had caused the trouble.

However, Kushina and Mikoto actually agreed.

"If you'd like, you two are welcome to come often. Minato will treat you to a delicious meal."

"It really is me again."

Tsukiki generously invited Kushina and Mikoto, while Minato Namikaze, standing to the side, felt rather helpless, since he was the one who had to do the work.

Fortunately, he has always lived alone, so his cooking skills are quite good. Although they are not quite as good as Jingyin's, they are still pretty good.

"Well, come whenever you have time. It's better to have a lively meal."

Tsunade agreed, noting that the Senju residence had become increasingly vibrant lately, which pleased her.

Compared to the lifeless atmosphere before, where she was the only person in such a large room, it now does feel more like a home.

Since the war took the life of someone important to me, this house has also lost its vitality, but now it has been regained.

"Yes, thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Kushina and Mikoto thanked her and said they would come often.

After finishing their meal, Kushina and Mikoto said goodbye, while Minato Namikaze stayed behind, apparently to continue his work as a cook that evening.

But what Kushina didn't expect was—

Her own job was about to begin.

"Kushina."

Kushina was summoned to the Hokage's office, where she met her only relative, Mito Uzumaki, who, though not her biological grandmother, was like a grandmother to her.

There were quite a few people in the Hokage's office.

The three elders, the Third Hokage, and Mito.

"Kushina."

Mito's eyes were filled with sorrow, and her voice sounded weak and powerless.

Sadness was written all over her face, unlike how Kushina usually appeared.

Grandma Mito was always so gentle and tolerant of Kushina.

"Grandma Mito, what's wrong?"

Kushina felt a growing unease.

"Kushina, you are a strong child."

Mito walked over and gently touched Kushina's face.

Then--

"Kushina Uzumaki."

"Now I give you a task that only you can complete."

The third generation spoke up.

"To become the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

The Third Hokage's voice was clearly very gentle, without the coldness of a Hokage or someone in a high position, but Kushina still felt that there was no warmth in his words.

"The Nine-Tails' jinchūriki?"

Kushina muttered something to herself in a daze.

Mito, who was standing to the side, closed her eyes.

This is a burden that Kushina must bear, as she is the only survivor of the Uzumaki clan.

Princesses not only enjoy wealth and luxury, but also bear the responsibilities of a princess.

The same applies to the princess of the Uzumaki clan.

At that moment, the red-haired girl, around nine years old, learned the responsibility she would have to bear for the rest of her life.

With her face buried in the blankets, Kushina lay sprawled on the bed.

Kushina has been like this ever since she returned from the Hokage's office.

The sudden turn of events left Kushina at a loss for what to do.

The Nine-Tailed Fox, a demonic beast with nine tails, is a symbol of calamity.

Kushina had certainly heard its story.