Chapter 29 "My Struggle" - My Story
In the forest, Kushina Uzumaki slowly lowered her hands, and the barrier around her disappeared as she stepped forward.
"It seems quite a few people have their eyes on our dear Kushina."
"Sister-Tsunade!"
Faced with Tsunade's teasing, Kushina Uzumaki felt a bit shy. Usually, she's bold, but this situation was almost like an arranged meeting, which even made her feel a bit bashful.
With her arms crossed, Tsunade spoke confidently, "Kushina, don't worry. The decision is yours to make."
"You saw it yourself. That blond kid you mentioned might really have a crush on you. And that Uchiha boy? He's probably attracted to your beauty as well."
Kushina felt warmth in her heart, smiling gratefully at Tsunade, who seemed willing to protect her.
"Thank you, sister-Tsunade, but these two...!"
Thinking of Minato Namikaze and Uchiha Yosuke, Kushina felt a bit lost. She tugged at her red hair, lowering her head as she spoke hoarsely, "Maybe what Minato said was true, but he was motivated by his duty to the village. Uchiha Yosuke, on the other hand..."
Mentioning Yosuke, Kushina hesitantly confessed her agreement with Mikoto about him.
"So, that boy just wants to go through the motions with you?"
Tsunade couldn't help but laugh at the situation, which she had already suspected, but teasing Kushina—whose face was now bright red—was too tempting.
Comparing the two, it seemed Yosuke might have a slight edge: one motivated by duty and a crush, and the other simply fulfilling a mission.
"However, under the proud exterior of that Uchiha kid lies something deeper."
Tsunade shook her head, laughing, trying to prevent Kushina from misunderstanding Yosuke. She had come to recognize something in him, after all.
"Jiraiya gave Minato a book, so I'll give you one as well. You wouldn't expect it, but this one was written by that Uchiha boy. Though it's a bit naive, with his youthful dreams of the future."
Tsunade pulled out a red-covered book from her pouch. Her investigation into Yosuke had led her to this discovery. Ninja work, after all, revolves around intelligence. (Before any giant gundams and aliens anyway.)
This book had actually become quite popular among ninja, revolving around bonds—something Yosuke understood better than most in their twisted world.
"A book by Uchiha Yosuke?"
Kushina was stunned. She hadn't heard about this. But seeing the title "My Struggle" in large characters on the red cover, she nodded and took it.
"Indeed, His Uchiha pride might be annoying, but after reading this book, you'll better understand the Uchiha mentality."
Tsunade shook her head with a smile. This boy's amateurish novel still captures that same childish Uchiha pride.
…
A bird flew overhead as Uchiha Yosuke, walking alongside Jiraiya, smirked slightly.
Though not a sensory ninja, he had the ability to communicate with animals—one of the abilities associated with the Sage Body. (According to official records, Jugo possesses similar abilities.)
He had already noticed someone observing them through a bird.
In the woods earlier, both Jiraiya and Tsunade were aware of a hidden observer: Kushina Uzumaki.
However, they both thought that Minato and Yosuke wouldn't notice her presence.
"Lord Jiraiya, I've been reading your 'Ninja Chronicles.' I really admire the main character Naruto's resilience. This is my own book, and I'd be honored if you could give it a look."
"Also, I think Minato would find it inspiring."
As he walked away with Jiraiya, Yosuke recalled the book Jiraiya had given Minato, smiling to himself. He wouldn't miss this opportunity.
With a respectful gesture, he took a red-covered book from his pouch.
When Jiraiya saw it, he couldn't hide his surprise.
"Kid! You wrote this book!?"
The red-covered book "My Struggle" was selling well, even rivaling most top selling books. And he had read it too.
"You really came up with something impressive!"
Seeing Jiraiya's amazement, Yosuke smiled modestly.
"No, it's not just my imagination—it's simply a reflection of my life. Of course, I do add a few idealistic touches. I've also modified some missions in the story for confidentiality."
Yosuke explained with a smile, "My Struggle," of which he had only released three parts.
The first part: My Family. The second part: At the Ninja Academy. The third part: Experiences on the Battlefield.
Under his shy smile lay a wild ambition.
No one understood what this distorted ninja world needed more than he did:
Bonds. Companions.
Not romance or those fantasies Jiraiya would later write about. His first three parts focused on bonds and companionship—like a drug for this broken world.
He had carefully crafted a character with the same proud (Uchiha) nature as himself, leaving readers unable to stop once they connected.
So far, the book was entirely positive—yes, it would remain positive in the future!
But slowly, he would introduce his dream, his "Ninja Way" (ambition).
"Kid, you're…"
Jiraiya was sharp and quickly caught onto Yosuke's intentions.
With a slight smile, Yosuke continued.
"Lord Jiraiya, compared to sheer perseverance, what Minato really needs is the sense of trust in his companions."
He was subtly pointing out that Minato's admiration for Kushina was more influenced by her status than her beauty.
Let's be real—it wasn't just "sincere" interest. It was all about beauty, status, strength—who doesn't fall for those?
Minato's crush on Kushina was genuine, but his resolve came mainly from her influence.
Yosuke, on the other hand, was openly interested in her beauty.
"You kid…"
Jiraiya chuckled. Minato did lack a real companion, unlike him, who had both Orochimaru and Tsunade.
Minato's two teammates couldn't keep up with him. Though he cared for them, it was more about his duty as a Konoha ninja and the Will of Fire.
Geniuses tend to be lonely. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade had each other. What about Minato?
"I should thank you on Minato's behalf."
Jiraiya laughed heartily, thinking this boy didn't seem so bad after all.
And Yosuke smiled too. No one could understand the thrill he felt.
It felt incredible to tell Jiraiya that the canon future Fourth Hokage lacked the sense of companionship.
"Kid, I have high hopes for you."
Someone who could write a book like this must truly value his comrades. Jiraiya smiled.
Especially with the Uchiha temperament in mind, he realized how rare it was for anyone to get close to a proud Uchiha. But once they did, that Uchiha would protect them fiercely.
With a laugh, Jiraiya remembered certain Uchiha he'd seen on the battlefield, unafraid of death, fighting furiously for their comrades.
…
At the same time, Kushina looked at the red-covered "My Struggle" in her hands, smiling slightly.
Proud Uchiha, using the excuse of beauty to mask his inner pride.
Though he claimed to be on a family mission, wasn't it really because he was charmed by her beauty?
"Are my red hair and looks really that appealing?"
Kushina murmured to herself, glancing down at her red hair and the red cover of the book, smiling again.
Uchiha, known for their fire techniques, and this book with its red cover—Yosuke must really like red.
If Yosuke could hear her thoughts, he'd be stunned, then sheepishly nod. Yes, exactly as you think.
***
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