"Yue, you've gotten a lot taller."
Rina had changed into a beautiful kimono for Konoha's grand New Year celebration. Seeing Yue dressed in a clean white robe, she teased him with a smile.
After more than a year in Konoha—and with the Third Hokage's financial support delivered monthly by Ueda—Yue's life had improved drastically. His nutrition and living conditions were entirely different.
He had grown into a fair-skinned, sharp-featured, handsome boy. His height now matched Shisui's, a far cry from the scrawny, malnourished kid who first arrived in this world.
Looking at the girl Rina had grown into, Yue couldn't help but sigh. "Yeah, I've grown a lot. You've gotten really pretty too, Rina. You could already find someone good for yourself."
To Yue, Rina was like family. Their bodies' ages differed by more than ten years—he never once considered her a romantic option. If she found someone she loved, he would sincerely bless her.
Rina hadn't expected him to fire back like that. Her cheeks flushed as she gave him a sharp flick on the forehead.
"You little brat! How dare you tease me like that? Only one year in Konoha and you're already trying to marry me off?"
Yue rolled his eyes. As expected—never try to reason with a woman.
---
The celebration was lively and vibrant. Rina pulled Yue through the throngs of people, letting him fully soak in the joy and festivity filling the village.
Tired from wandering, the group sat outside a small food stall enjoying snacks.
Rina poked Yue's forehead again, sighing dramatically.
"Sometimes I really want to crack open your little head and see what's inside. You never act like other kids—never innocent or playful. You're like a tiny adult, brooding all the time. What are you even thinking about every day?"
Ueda and Yamato exchanged amused glances. They had always felt the same—this boy was far more mature than his age suggested. But remembering that he was heir to that clan, their doubts faded. Ordinary children couldn't compare to the burdens he carried.
In Konoha, only this woman named Rina dared to treat Yue like a child.
Both men quietly turned to hide their smiles, not daring to laugh at Yue's misfortune.
Yue simply curled his lips and stayed silent. With Rina, any rebuttal would only look pathetic.
---
When the meal was done, the celebration approached its finale: fireworks.
Brilliant blossoms of light exploded across the night sky. People stopped in their tracks, gazing upward with wide, sparkling eyes.
"How beautiful," Rina breathed.
Yue smiled, nodding. "Yeah… it really is."
In his heart, a decision crystallized. If he gained enough strength, he would never allow Pain's destruction of Konoha to happen. The village's vibrant beauty blossomed inside him like those fireworks—and he would not let anyone destroy it.
---
After the celebration, the group headed home. As they walked, a couple approached from the opposite direction.
Ueda immediately stiffened and bowed respectfully.
"Lord Minato, Lady Kushina."
Among the jōnin, it was widely whispered that Minato Namikaze was the strongest candidate to become the next Hokage. His fame as the Yellow Flash was legendary. And his girlfriend was the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki—respect was natural for even a Hyūga jōnin like Ueda.
"It's Ueda. There's no need to be so formal—we're both jōnin," Minato said with a warm smile. His gaze then shifted to Yue, lingering there for a moment.
Yue's heart stirred with excitement.
Minato!
In the entire year he'd lived in Konoha, he had never once run into the famous ninja of his previous world's story. Konoha was a big village—people's paths didn't cross easily.
Seeing Minato felt surreal.
Noticing Minato's interest, Ueda quickly introduced the group.
"This is Lord Yue, this is Miss Rina, and that is Yamato."
Minato already knew of Yue. The very day Yue first arrived, Jiraiya had told him everything and asked him to take care of the boy in the future.
But… how should Yue address Minato?
Calling him "Lord Minato" made him seem too distant.
But calling him by name felt too casual.
"You must be Yue," Minato said, taking the initiative with a gentle grin. "I'm Minato, also one of Jiraiya-sensei's students. You can call me Brother Minato."
"Yes—Brother Minato!" Yue answered with genuine excitement, a childlike smile lighting up his face. Another powerful "backer" secured.
"If you have time, visit my home. I'll make sure you're well taken care of."
Yue nodded vigorously.
Of course he would go.
He had long coveted Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique and his self-created Rasengan. Even with the Third Hokage's support, learning Hiraishin alone from a scroll wouldn't compare to learning it directly from the one man alive who could use it.
He had always wanted a chance to meet Minato. Fate had now delivered it.
And besides—Minato was a key pillar in Yue's "retire peacefully in Konoha one day" plan.
Play it safe, lay low, grow strong, curry favor…
Later, anything would be possible.
---
After they parted ways, Kushina glanced at Minato thoughtfully.
"You seem to think highly of that boy."
Minato nodded.
"He's a descendant of the Senju—and he inherited the First Hokage's Wood Release."
Kushina's mouth fell open in shock. She did not ask further. Smart as she was, she understood immediately. No wonder Jiraiya had taken him as a disciple.
---
After encountering Minato, Yue was fired up. He couldn't calm down even after returning home. He planned to visit Minato in the next few days and try asking for instruction in the two jutsu he dreamed about. With their shared master, Minato wouldn't likely refuse.
"Ueda-sensei, could you contact Brother Minato and ask when he's free in the next few days? I'd like to visit."
Ueda nodded readily. Strengthening the bond between Yue and Minato was something he wholeheartedly welcomed.
~------------------------------------
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