"I understand."
Minato nodded, not pushing the matter further. He added, "If you ever get tired of being in the Anbu, just tell me. I can help you out."
"Thank you."
Aoki nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. Minato's words allowed him to feel a spark of warmth in the cold ninja world. Since he had transmigrated, he had been working in the Torture Force. Everything he touched—the environment, the memories—was leaning toward the dark side of humanity. Being surrounded by negative emotions all day could influence even the most steadfast person.
Aoki was no exception. It was like being in a room where everyone was depressed; eventually, your own mood would begin to shift. Minato's appearance was like a beam of light, reminding Aoki that the ninja world wasn't just made of shadows—it had a bright side, too.
"Since when did you become so polite with me?" Minato asked with a smile.
"It's been a long time since we saw each other, after all," Aoki laughed. He was beginning to truly settle into this friendship, accepting Minato in his heart.
"Where are you living now? I can come find you more often," Minato asked.
"I'm in the Anbu dorms," Aoki thought for a moment. "Anbu work is inconvenient. It's better if you don't look for me there. If I can get out, I'll come to Ichiraku Ramen. Let's leave our meetings to fate."
"This..." Minato's lip twitched. He hadn't expected Aoki to suggest such a luck-based meeting method, but he accepted it nonetheless. "Alright then."
"I have to head back."
Aoki stood up immediately. He had been away from the Anbu for too long. According to Captain Eaton's instructions, he had come out to eat. Now that he was done, lingering wouldn't do him any favors. After all, he worked in the Torture Force and handled massive amounts of intelligence. Morino Eaton, as the Captain, would certainly be monitoring whether his subordinates were leaking information.
"Check, please."
Aoki pulled out the black pouch and poured the coins onto the counter. Not knowing the exact denominations, he pushed the whole pile toward Teuchi.
"It doesn't cost this much..." Teuchi smiled, picking out four coins from the pile.
"Count theirs as well." Aoki had about twenty coins left; based on the four Teuchi just took, it was more than enough to cover Minato and Kushina.
"Very well." Teuchi took three more coins.
"Aoki, you don't have to..." Minato was surprised by the gesture, a look of sheepishness crossing his face.
"It's a rare occasion for me to be out."
Aoki smiled at Minato. Back in his old world, he had always liked Minato Namikaze while watching Naruto. Now that he was here, being able to befriend him and buy him a meal felt like nothing at all. Plus, who knew when he'd get to leave the underground again?
Aoki put the remaining coins back into his pouch and turned to leave. As he brushed past Minato, he paused for a split second.
"Minato, you have good taste. Your girlfriend is very beautiful."
Aoki lowered his voice, making sure only Minato and Kushina could hear.
"Ah?!"
Kushina's face flushed a deep crimson instantly. She froze on the spot, looking like she wanted to find a hole in the floor to crawl into.
"Of course she is!"
Minato, however, looked incredibly proud and pleased with the compliment.
Aoki left the shop immediately, leaving the two of them behind as his figure vanished into the night.
Inside the ramen shop.
"What are you smiling at?"
Kushina's voice was tinged with irritation, like a volcano about to erupt. Her red hair seemed to defy gravity, floating upward slightly.
"No... nothing... I wasn't smiling..."
Minato instantly wiped the grin off his face and stood at attention. He knew better than to provoke Kushina when she was embarrassed.
"Hmph!" Kushina snorted, trying to shake off the awkwardness. "Minato, what's the deal with that Aoki? Why do I feel like he has such a... gloomy aura?"
She had looked at Aoki and seen a boy her age who should have been full of youthful energy, yet he felt heavy and dark, possessing a steadiness that didn't match his years.
Minato looked toward the door, his expression turning helpless.
"Anbu ninjas carry weight they shouldn't have to bear. they walk the edge of darkness, and over time, it leaves a mark. Other Anbu I've met are the same way," Minato explained.
"Then why do they do it?" Kushina asked innocently.
"For the village, someone must walk through the dark," Minato sighed. Even now, he was beginning to think with the mindset of a Hokage.
"Then why did you offer to transfer him out?" Kushina was confused.
"Aoki is my friend. I hoped he wouldn't have to be the one to carry that burden. I just didn't expect him to have such strong conviction," Minato said truthfully.
"Maybe that's just his fate. Everyone has a mission to carry," Kushina's eyes dimmed slightly. She couldn't help but think of herself—as the new Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, she didn't even know where her own fate would lead.
Aoki returned to the Anbu dorms.
On the way back, he felt several faint, lingering gazes on him, as if he were being followed. However, he didn't try to confirm it. He acted as if he noticed nothing.
Once he entered the dorms, the feeling vanished.
If I'm not mistaken, Captain Eaton arranged those observers.
Aoki mused to himself. He didn't resent Eaton for it; in fact, he agreed with the caution. As the head of the Torture Force, Eaton had to ensure there were no leaks. Aoki had seen this process in Eaton's own memories—every member was screened multiple times.
Aoki wasn't afraid of being checked. The more they checked, the more "clean" he looked.
But... a specific thought popped into his head.
If my own memories are ever read... will they see the transmigration and the system?