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Shin and Kushina arrived at the Academy just in time.
But someone was even later: Nawaki. Under Shin's amused gaze, Nawaki was sent out to stand in the hallway as punishment.
"Huh, where's Akiko?"
Shin scanned the classroom, but Akiko was nowhere to be seen.
"Shin, what are you thinking about?"
Mikoto asked curiously, noticing his distraction.
"I was just wondering why Akiko isn't here."
Kushina, who had been drowsy, suddenly perked up, her eyes fixed on Shin.
"Shin, don't tell me you have a thing for Akiko?" she asked suspiciously.
"Kushina, your eyes are scary," Mikoto giggled.
"I'm not interested in Akiko. I was just curious," Shin said, a bit exasperated.
He had no interest in little girls. He wasn't a creep.
Besides, Akiko wasn't as pretty as Kushina or Mikoto.
"I have an announcement regarding Uzumaki Akiko. I'm sure many of you are wondering why she isn't here today."
Tanaka-sensei stood at the podium.
"Akiko has taken a leave of absence. She won't be coming to school for a while."
Shin pondered the announcement, a suspicion forming in his mind.
After class, Shin approached Kai. "Kai, you live with Akiko. Do you know why she's absent?"
"Why should I tell you?"
Kai glared at Shin.
"Good question. How about this?" Shin placed a hand on Kai's shoulder, applying pressure.
Kai broke out in a cold sweat, his shoulder screaming in pain.
He didn't cry out, though, maintaining his pride. But he quickly caved.
"Akiko was called away early this morning. I think she went to Lady Mito's place."
"Thanks for the info." Shin smiled and returned to his seat, his suspicions confirmed.
He guessed that Akiko had been chosen as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. He didn't know why Akiko, but it was good news for him and Kushina.
Becoming a Jinchūriki wasn't a good thing. Not everyone could be like Naruto and gain the Tailed Beast's approval.
"Shin, you've never cared about Akiko before. Why are you suddenly interested in her?"
Kushina asked when Shin returned to his seat.
She knew Shin wasn't romantically interested in Akiko, but she couldn't help but feel jealous.
"Because it's important to us," Shin said cryptically.
If he or Kushina had been chosen as the Jinchūriki, he would have had to find a way to refuse.
Now, he didn't have to worry about that.
Akiko's absence meant she was probably receiving special training from Mito. Becoming a Jinchūriki wasn't easy; it required rigorous preparation.
After school, they received a notice that they wouldn't be attending Mito's lessons for the time being.
Shin wasn't disappointed. He had already learned everything he needed to know.
'Mind's Eye of Kagura!!!'
Shin closed his eyes, and his surroundings appeared in his mind. He could sense Chakra with incredible clarity.
He had awakened the Mind's Eye of Kagura, a secret technique that only the Uzumaki Clan could learn. Mito had taught it to him.
She had also taught it to the others, but he didn't know if they had mastered it. Kushina hadn't. He doubted Kai and Akiko had either.
He scanned the entire Senju compound and its surroundings with his expanded sensory range.
He continued using the Mind's Eye of Kagura for an hour before finally opening his eyes, exhaustion weighing on him.
It was mental exhaustion. The Chakra cost was minimal, but the strain on his mind was significant, especially with prolonged use.
But it had its benefits. It slowly increased his mental power. It was one of the ways he had found to strengthen his mind.
The other method was to use the System's Replication Cards to copy Uchiha ocular prowess.
"Looks like Tsunade isn't coming back. Let's eat."
Shin exited his room and announced to Kushina.
"I've been waiting forever! I'm starving!" Kushina whined dramatically.
Shin chuckled and prepared a lavish dinner. They had money now; there was no need to be frugal.
After dinner, Shin trained his Taijutsu and Kenjutsu in the training ground. He then dispelled his Shadow Clones, absorbing their memories and experiences.
He had secretly sent them out to train in Ninjutsu.
Shin organized the knowledge he had gained, refined Chakra for an hour, then took a bath and prepared for bed.
Just as he lay down, his door creaked open, and Kushina entered, clutching a blanket.
Shin stared at her, bewildered.
"Kushina, what are you doing in my room? Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"Did you forget what you said this morning? We're sleeping together from now on. You promised! Don't tell me you're going back on your word?"
Kushina tried to sound fierce, but Shin only saw cuteness. Fierce cuteness.
"Kushina, you're really going to sleep with me?" Shin asked, surprised.
"Of course! And we've slept together before, haven't we?"
Kushina climbed onto the tatami mat, snuggled up next to Shin, wrapped her arms around him, and rested her head on his chest.
"That was when we were little. Don't you feel awkward now, Kushina?"
Shin inhaled the sweet scent of her hair.
"Not at all. I feel comfortable sleeping with you, Shin."
Kushina snuggled closer, nuzzling him.
Shin wasn't going to argue. That would be stupid.
"Alright, let's get some sleep. But try to stay still, okay? No moving around."
"Shin, do you dislike me?"
Kushina pouted. Even in the darkness, with only the moonlight filtering through the window, Shin could see her expression.
"Even if I were to dislike someone, it wouldn't be you. Now go to sleep."
Shin pinched her cheek and closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of this human-shaped pillow.
Kushina also felt comfortable and safe in Shin's arms. She quickly drifted off to sleep.
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