A Meeting at Uzumaki Mito's Residence
The warm glow of paper lanterns flickered softly in Uzumaki Mito's home, casting long shadows against the wooden walls. The scent of herbal tea and faint incense lingered in the air, creating a tranquil yet solemn atmosphere. The weight of the conversation settled over the gathered group like an unseen force.
Minato, Kushina, and Nawaki stood before Mito, their expressions ranging from curiosity to mild apprehension. Seated around them were Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Ryūsei.
Mito, regal as ever, regarded them with piercing eyes. "The ninja world is changing," she said, voice calm but firm. "And those who remain stagnant will be left behind."
Kushina crossed her arms, tilting her head. "And what's this gotta do with us, Granny?"
Mito chuckled. "Everything. You three represent the next generation, and we have decided to pass down a method that will allow you to reach your true potential—something greater than mere training."
Ryūsei stepped forward, his golden Byakugan gleaming under the lantern's light. "Bloodline Purification and the creation of a Chakra Seed. It is the foundation of true evolution, refining your very existence beyond natural limits."
Minato's sharp blue eyes flickered with interest, but he remained quiet, analyzing the information. Nawaki, on the other hand, grinned. "So this is about getting stronger, right? Sounds good to me!"
Orochimaru chuckled, his golden, slit-pupiled eyes gleaming. "Eager as always, Nawaki. Just be aware—this process is not without risks."
Kushina narrowed her eyes. "What kind of risks?"
Mito sighed. "Pain. Long adaptation periods. The possibility that your body may reject the process. It is not something to be taken lightly."
Minato, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "If it helps me protect what's important to me, then I have no reason to refuse."
Kushina smirked, elbowing him. "Hah! Look at you, acting all noble. You sure you're not doing this just to impress a certain redhead?"
Minato's face turned slightly pink, and Nawaki immediately burst out laughing. "Oh man, she got you good!"
Even Jiraiya grinned. "You better be careful, Minato. If you let your guard down, Kushina might just propose to you first."
Kushina, instead of denying it, smirked. "Tch, maybe I should. Saves us both the trouble, huh?"
Minato, utterly flustered, coughed into his hand. "L-let's focus on the topic at hand."
Ryūsei, watching the exchange with amusement, shook his head. "In any case, your decision to undergo the process will shape your future. Choose wisely."
Nawaki vs. Orochimaru: The Unexpected Rivalry
After the serious discussion, Nawaki turned to Orochimaru with an expectant look. "Since you're my teacher now, I guess that means you'll be treating me to food after every training session, right?"
Orochimaru gave him a blank stare. "You're mistaking me for Jiraiya. If anything, you should be paying me for the privilege of being my student."
Nawaki scowled. "Tch. Should've gone with Jiraiya."
Jiraiya, smirking, threw an arm around Nawaki's shoulder. "You made your bed, kid. Now you get to learn all about snakes, poisons, and how to be terrifying."
Orochimaru tilted his head, eyes glinting. "Perhaps I should test my new petrification ability on you, Nawaki. It would be… educational."
Nawaki took a step back. "W-Wait, sensei, let's not be hasty!"
Kushina burst out laughing, while Minato sighed, already accustomed to the chaos.
A Question That Stuns Jiraiya
As the conversation continued, Ryūsei suddenly turned to Jiraiya with an unreadable expression. "By the way, Jiraiya… Minato doesn't have a bloodline, correct?"
Jiraiya blinked, caught off guard. "Uh… yeah? Why?"
Ryūsei's next words made the entire room go silent.
"Would you be willing to let him transplant a Senju or Uzumaki bloodline?"
Minato nearly choked on air. Kushina's jaw dropped. Nawaki, mid-sip of tea, sputtered in shock. Even Orochimaru's eyebrows lifted slightly, intrigued by the idea.
Jiraiya just stared. "Wait, hold on. Are you serious?"
Before Ryūsei could answer, Mito's hand shot out with the speed of a seasoned kunoichi, twisting Ryūsei's ear with surprising force.
"Ryūsei! What on earth are you suggesting, throwing around bloodlines like party favors?!" she scolded.
Ryūsei winced, trying to gently pry her hand away. "I was just exploring possibilities! Minato's potential could be—"
"Potential is one thing," Mito interrupted, finally releasing him with a huff. "But respect for a shinobi's choices comes first."
Minato, still recovering from the shock, gave a sheepish nod. "Thank you, Uzumaki-sama. I… I'd rather grow strong through my own means."
Kushina grinned, nudging him. "See? He's got guts, dattebane!"
Hiruzen's Gift & Ryūsei's Shameless Compensation
Just as things settled down, an Anbu suddenly appeared in the room, kneeling before Jiraiya. He carried a scroll with a Hokage seal.
"Lord Third has approved your request. This is the Flying Thunder God Technique."
The room fell silent once again. Jiraiya took the scroll with an impressed whistle, handing it to Minato. "This is what I asked for earlier. Hiruzen agreed, so it's yours now, Minato."
Minato accepted the scroll carefully, his hands trembling slightly. The legendary technique of the Second Hokage… now in his possession. "Jiraiya-sensei… thank you."
Before anyone could say anything, Ryūsei suddenly clapped his hands together. "Perfect! That settles it then."
Jiraiya frowned. "Settles what?"
Ryūsei smirked shamelessly, gesturing toward Minato. "Since I offended you earlier with my bloodline comment, I'm compensating you by giving you Minato. Take good care of him."
Minato's eye twitched. "Excuse me?!"
Jiraiya groaned. "Ryūsei, he's my student already."
Ryūsei waved him off. "Yes, but now I've made it official. He's your burden now. Congratulations."
Kushina doubled over laughing, while Nawaki grinned. "Man, Minato, you really got sold off like a bargaining chip."
Minato sighed, rubbing his forehead. "…I should've just stayed quiet."
A Moment of Reflection
Later that night, Ryūsei stood atop the Hokage Monument, watching the village lights flicker below.
Tsunade joined him, arms crossed. "You really enjoy messing with people, don't you?"
Ryūsei smirked. "It makes life more interesting."
She rolled her eyes. "At least try not to sell off our friends next time."
Ryūsei laughed softly. "No promises."
As they gazed at Konoha, the future felt uncertain yet full of promise.
And Ryūsei would make sure it unfolded on his terms.