Early the next morning.

Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou arrived at the entrance of Konoha.

A large number of ninjas were already standing in orderly formation before the village entrance, waiting for the order to depart.

Needless to say, they were the ninjas Konoha was sending to the Land of Rain.

Natsuki scanned the area and estimated there were hundreds of people.

It seemed the battle situation in the Land of Rain was even more intense than he had imagined.

Right at that moment, his gaze sharpened. He spotted a girl with long, straight black hair in the crowd—Uchiha Mikoto.

Now, she had grown into a graceful and elegant young woman. Very eye-catching.

Natsuki considered, then waved at her.

His action attracted the attention of many people.

Because he was currently very famous in Konoha—it was no exaggeration to call him the cream of the crop of the future generation.

Mikoto was slightly taken aback. Somewhat surprised.

But she still walked over.

"Natsuki, long time no see."

A gentle smile appeared on her face.

This smile completely shattered her previously aloof image.

"Senior Mikoto, if I had known you were going to the Land of Rain, I definitely would have treated you to a meal in advance to see you off."

Natsuki said with some regret.

"It’ll be the same if you treat me when I get back."

Mikoto said softly.

"Then it’s a deal. Come find me after you return."

Natsuki nodded.

"Mm."

Mikoto responded with a smile.

Because they were about to depart, she exchanged a few more words with Natsuki, then returned to the formation.

Natsuki and Nonou met up with Nawaki and the others, arriving before Orochimaru and Jiraiya.

Everything that needed to be said had already been said yesterday. Orochimaru and Jiraiya didn’t say much—just exchanged greetings and led their teams out of Konoha.

"The village has caught quite a few spies recently."

Tsunade reminded them. "Although it won’t affect you directly, try not to go to secluded places during this period."

"Yes, Teacher Tsunade."

Natsuki knew the purpose of these spies was to find the inventor of the Red Healing Potion.

Fortunately, Tsunade had stepped forward to confuse the public for him.

"Why are there suddenly so many spies?"

Nawaki asked, confused.

"It shows that there are undercurrents surging in the ninja world right now. The situation is very chaotic."

Tsunade said casually.

Natsuki’s thoughts suddenly stirred.

The kidnapping of Uzumaki Kushina. Could it happen earlier than expected?

The main reason he thought so was due to two factors.

First, Kumogakure’s attack on the Uzumaki clan had failed because of Konoha.

Second, there were currently many Uzumaki clan members in Konoha.

Natsuki couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.

There was definitely a certain possibility.

Although Kushina wasn’t kidnapped during this time period in the original story, his appearance had already changed many things.

The butterfly effect might manifest in this matter as well.

"Teacher Tsunade."

Natsuki spoke up. "If there are spies from Kumogakure and Kirigakure, would they make a move against Kushina and the others?"

Hearing this, Tsunade frowned and began to ponder.

"I think it’s possible."

Nawaki punched his palm. "After all, Konoha ruined their plans previously."

"Natsuki makes sense."

Tsunade nodded. "I’ll notify Teacher later and have him send ANBU to protect Kushina and the others."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Kushina said immediately.

"Nawaki, here is the Greatsword Samehada for you."

Tsunade produced a scroll and handed it over.

"Kushina doesn’t want it?"

Nawaki took the scroll.

"It’s too ugly!"

Kushina said without hiding her feelings.

"That does sound like a girl’s reason."

Nawaki didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "I’m different. As long as it can make me stronger, I can accept it no matter how ugly it is."

"You guys go to school."

Tsunade paused. "I’ll come pick you up when school ends at noon."

Whether it was Nawaki, Natsuki, or Kushina, they all only attended school for half a day now—using the remaining half for training.

But currently, Natsuki mostly sent his shadow clone to attend school.

"Kushina."

After Tsunade left, Natsuki asked with a smile. "Do you like cats?"

"Why do you ask?"

Kushina was taken aback. "Cats are quite cute—especially your cat."

"Since you like them, help me take care of it for a while."

Natsuki then used the Summoning Jutsu and summoned the Ninja Cat Shirayuki.

"Really?"

Kushina cheered and hugged Shirayuki in her arms.

"You’re already hugging it. How could I lie to you?"

Natsuki asked in return.

"Natsuki, are you afraid something might happen to Kushina, so you’re having Shirayuki follow her?"

Nawaki asked, struck by sudden insight.

"That’s part of the intention."

Natsuki admitted.

Besides Shirayuki, he also planned to have the Crow Kurobane follow Kushina in secret.

First, because he didn’t want anything to happen to her.

Second, because the unlock condition for Ability 3 of the Uzumaki Naruto template was to prevent Kumogakure from kidnapping Kushina.

Although Natsuki didn’t know if Kumogakure would attempt it, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Kushina subconsciously raised her head.

Reminded by Nawaki, she finally understood why Natsuki suddenly wanted her to help take care of the cat.

"Why are you looking at me with those eyes?"

Natsuki smiled.

"N-Nothing."

Kushina turned her head away, her face slightly red.

"Class is about to start!"

Nawaki couldn’t stand this atmosphere and reminded them loudly.

Minato, on the other hand, had a calm expression.

He had previously had some affection for Kushina—but he had long given up.

After all, he could tell she liked Natsuki more.

Furthermore, Natsuki was his good friend and was better than him in every aspect. He felt he didn’t have the strength to compete, so he now maintained a normal attitude.

"Let’s go."

Natsuki smiled.

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

Over the past half month, nothing major happened in Konoha, and no members of the Uzumaki clan were kidnapped.

But to be safe, Natsuki still didn’t recall Kurobane or Shirayuki.

Anyway, even if they returned, they wouldn’t be of much use for the time being. It was better to have them follow Kushina.

Weekend.

After eating breakfast, Kushina said goodbye to Uzumaki Mito and headed to Orochimaru’s residence.

Just as she walked out of the Senju clan compound, she bumped right into Natsuki and Minato.

"Natsuki!"

A look of pleasant surprise appeared on her face.

But the Ninja Cat Shirayuki, following far behind her, suddenly stopped in its tracks.

It sensed something was wrong.

This Natsuki didn’t seem to be its boss.

"Kushina."

Natsuki walked up to her.

"Why are you guys—"

Before she could finish, Natsuki raised his hand and knocked her unconscious.

Without a word, he grabbed her shoulder and fled at extreme speed.

Minato followed closely behind.

"Stop!"

Two Konoha ANBU ninjas appeared.

But just as they were about to give chase, two more ninjas popped out from the surroundings and blocked their path.

A battle unfolded.

The two people disguised as Natsuki and Minato were Kumogakure ninjas.

Half a month ago, they had transmitted the Red Healing Potion and Uzumaki clan intel back to Kumogakure.

Not long after, they received a reply.

Temporarily abandon the Red Healing Potion. Capture a member of the Uzumaki clan to bring back.

They observed for a long time and finally determined their target to be Uzumaki Kushina.

First, because the chakra in her body was very special.

Second, because she was very close to Tsunade.

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