Published at 17th of September 2024 9:11 am

Chapter 63 The Rise of the Yellow Flash: 2 Unseen Forces

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Days had passed since the ambush on the border, but Minato’s mind remained restless. Though the mission had been a success, the coordinated attack against him lingered in his thoughts. Who would target him so specifically? He wasn’t Hokage yet, nor even a contender. He was just a rising shinobi, feared only for his speed and intelligence. But that ambush suggested something more.

As he sat in the office of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, Minato’s thoughts turned toward those he cared for the most. Especially Kushina. The mere thought of her brought warmth to his heart, even in the face of uncertainty.

"Minato," the Hokage's voice broke his thoughts. Hiruzen’s wise, experienced eyes met his. "You’re distracted."

Minato shifted in his chair. "Apologies, Lord Hokage. I’ve been thinking about the ambush. There was something too coordinated about it."

Hiruzen nodded, setting down his pipe. "You’re right to be concerned. I’ve reviewed the reports, and it’s clear you were specifically targeted. Someone knows about your unique skills. It could be a shinobi from one of the rival villages, but we have no clear leads yet."

Minato’s brow furrowed. The Hokage’s words only confirmed his suspicions, but they didn’t bring any peace to his mind. "I’ll be more cautious in the future, but we can’t ignore this threat."

"Agreed," Hiruzen said. "But for now, we must stay vigilant. I want you to remain focused on your missions and be prepared for any danger. You’re one of our village’s most promising jonin, Minato. Don’t let this shadow distract you from your duty."

Minato nodded. His sense of duty had always been unwavering. But with enemies lurking in the shadows, he knew that every step forward had to be carefully calculated.

As Minato left the Hokage’s office, he caught sight of a familiar face.

"Kushina?" Minato called out, seeing the red-haired kunoichi walking down the hallway, lost in her own thoughts. He hurried over to her, his heart beating faster in her presence, though he would never let it show.

"Minato," she said, her smile brightening the dim hallway. "What are you doing here?"

"Reporting to the Hokage," Minato said, his usual calm and composed demeanor softening when he spoke to her. "What about you?"

"Same. Just back from a mission," she replied, her voice carrying the slightest edge of exhaustion. "I’m about to head to Ichiraku for some ramen. Care to join me?"

Minato’s face lit up. "I’d love to."

The two walked through the village streets together, side by side. Minato’s mind raced, but not with thoughts of the ambush or the threats against him. Instead, all he could think about was Kushina. Every now and then, her fiery red hair would catch the light of the setting sun, and he’d steal a glance at her, wondering if she could feel the same pull between them that he did.

When they finally sat down at Ichiraku Ramen, the atmosphere was light. Minato loved how easy it was to talk to her. She was bold, funny, and full of life—so different from him in many ways, yet he felt that their differences only made them fit together better.

"You know," Kushina said between bites, "everyone talks about how you're the Yellow Flash, the fastest shinobi around, but I think you're the slowest when it comes to romance." She gave him a teasing grin, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief.

Minato nearly choked on his ramen. "Wh-What do you mean?"

Kushina leaned closer, resting her chin in her hand. "Oh, please. It's obvious. Half the village knows you like me, Minato."

He froze, utterly caught off guard. Minato had faced death countless times on the battlefield, had fought against some of the strongest shinobi alive, but nothing prepared him for the heart-pounding anxiety of this moment.

"I…," he began, fumbling for the right words. "I didn’t think it was that obvious."

Kushina chuckled, her laugh like music to his ears. "Don’t worry. I like you too."

Minato blinked, his heart skipping a beat. "You do?"

"Of course, you idiot," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "Now stop acting like a shy little genin and ask me out properly."

Minato swallowed his nerves, summoning the courage that had always been there, deep inside him. "Kushina… will you go out with me?"

Kushina grinned. "About time. Yes, I will."

_______________________________________________________________

That night, Minato walked home with a new spring in his step. The weight of the ambush, the unknown enemies, and the pressures of his missions felt lighter, as if Kushina’s acceptance of his feelings had given him a new strength. Yet, in the quiet of his apartment, his mind couldn’t help but drift back to the darker thoughts.

Who was after him? Why target him so specifically?

Minato didn’t have the answers yet, but he knew that he couldn’t afford to let his guard down. As much as his heart soared after his time with Kushina, he remained focused on the dangers that still lurked in the shadows.

And then, there was the future to consider. He wasn’t just a shinobi anymore—he was a man with someone to protect. His thoughts drifted to the possibility of a family, something more than his duties as a ninja. But first, he had to ensure that the future was safe, for both himself and Kushina.

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