"Itadakimasu!"
That evening, the Yue family of three was having dinner together. After the triumphant forces returned in the morning, Minato had gone straight to the Hokage's office with the Third to give a report, only returning home just in time for dinner.
"Father, can you teach me some ninjutsu tomorrow?"
Yue took the initiative to speak to Minato. As always, his topic revolved around training, but to Minato—who had been struggling to find something to talk about with his son—it was a pleasant surprise.
"I'd love to spend more time with you, but I just got back from the front lines, and there are still many things I need to report to the Hokage. How about after your birthday?"
Minato flashed his signature bright smile, radiating warmth.
"Kushina told me that you've already mastered Wind Release chakra transformation. Can you tell Dad who taught you?"
"I just figured it out when I was bored. I accidentally discovered that doing it this way improves my chakra control."
"Really? A lucky accident, huh? Yue, you really are a little genius!"
Yue didn't react much to the praise. He had seen many talented individuals who had wasted their potential. He understood very well that only through constant effort and self-improvement could one reach the top.
"Yue, tomorrow, once I finish my work, how about we visit Kakashi together? Lately, he's been…"
"Alright."
At this point, the conversation fell into silence. Yue had met Kakashi a few times and had a deep impression of one of his teammates. That kind of overly naive person would always stand out no matter where they were. However, in Yue's eyes, such a "sweet but dumb" type would only meet an early demise on the battlefield. And sure enough…
"Little Sun, when is Mikoto's child coming back? Ever since that kid left, Yue hasn't socialized with anyone else."
Sensing the somber atmosphere, Kushina quickly changed the topic.
"Itachi, huh… This afternoon, I heard from the Hokage that the battle on the Earth Country front has ended as well. Right now, Fugaku and his forces should be on their way back. Speaking of which, Yue, are you mad that I refused to take you to the battlefield?"
Minato sounded a little uneasy. Last year, Yue had asked him if he could go to the battlefield to gain experience, but Minato had refused.
It was out of love and concern as a parent, but also because Minato was the commander of the Lightning Country front and had a high chance of encountering the AB Duo. He was truly worried that something might happen to Yue. Unlike Fugaku, Minato couldn't take that risk…
"No, Father. I understand."
Yue had a mature mindset, so he wouldn't hold a grudge over such matters.
"Father, can you get me a good sword? I want to practice kenjutsu."
Seeing his son rarely ask for something, Minato, feeling guilty for not spending enough time with him, couldn't bear to refuse.
"Of course! Tomorrow, I'll check out the ninja tool shop in the village. I remember the owner has a fine blade, though it might be a little long for you. But… Yue, can you tell Dad why you're so determined to train? You're still young—you should focus on making friends."
Kushina, hearing this, also stared at Yue, eager to hear his answer.
"I just don't want to be like Kakashi, powerless when facing certain situations."
Upon hearing that, Minato lowered his head, his hands clenched into fists on his lap, his expression pained.
"Maybe I wasn't a good teacher. When my students needed me the most, I couldn't be there… It's ironic, really. People call me the Yellow Flash, the fastest in the ninja world, yet I couldn't even save my own students… twice…"
"Little Sun…"
Seeing Minato's self-reproach and sorrow, Kushina held his hand tightly.
"No, Father. In my eyes, this isn't your fault. It's not anyone's fault. If there is a fault to be found, then the only thing to blame is this world itself…"
"This world?"
Minato looked at Yue, curious about what kind of view his young son held toward the world.
But Yue didn't answer him. His upbringing and experiences were completely different from everyone else's, so his worldview naturally differed too. Even if he said it, no one would understand, nor would they agree.
"Hey! Little Sun! Tomorrow, you better make sure to get Yue a good sword!"
Kushina, sensing the awkwardness, hurriedly shifted the conversation.
"Of course! Let's do our best together, Kushina, Yue."
Minato smiled again.
Yue, on the other hand, didn't bother to say anything more. If they continued talking, he and Minato would just end up disagreeing—after all, their perspectives on life were fundamentally different.
He had no interest in protecting his comrades or the village. In Yue's heart, the only ones who mattered were the two people in front of him—perhaps with half an exception for Uchiha Itachi.
The next afternoon, the family of three walked through the bustling commercial district. Along the way, people continuously greeted Minato, a testament to his immense popularity in the village.
Among them were quite a few love-struck young women, though upon seeing Yue holding Minato's hand, they sensibly backed off.
Before long, they arrived at their destination—a rather unimpressive-looking ninja tool shop, which didn't seem to be doing great business.
"Yue, don't underestimate this shop. The owner, Marusei Kousuke, is actually a formidable ninja, and his ancestors were famous swordsmen. It's just that his family's legacy declined by the time it reached him… Such a shame."
Seeing the doubt on Yue's face, Minato quickly explained, worried that his son might think he was just bringing him here to buy a toy sword.
"Oh! What a rare guest! Lord Minato, what brings you to my humble shop today? Hmm… are these your family members?"
"That's right, Kousuke-senpai. This is my wife, Kushina, and my son, Yue. We're here today because Yue wants a good sword to practice kenjutsu, and you were the first person I thought of."
Minato maintained his ever-sunny smile.
Meanwhile, Yue was sizing up Marusei Kousuke. His appearance was unremarkable, and he carried a large black pot and several cooking utensils on his back, looking somewhat comical.
But Yue knew that this old man wasn't as simple as he seemed. He could sense the extraordinarily powerful chakra within him. Though it wasn't as overwhelming as his parents', it was far denser than Kakashi's.
"I see… Minato, your son looks like a prodigy! Let me think… Hmm… I do have a good sword. It's been passed down in my family for generations. But I've long abandoned swordsmanship…
"I'll give it to Yue today. Consider it my way of repaying you for saving my life, Lord Minato. I believe Yue will grow into a shinobi just like his father!"
Marusei Kousuke's gaze was sharp as he looked at Yue, while Minato and Kushina felt embarrassed, hesitating to accept such a valuable heirloom so easily.
Yue, however, was already examining the sword. It resembled a Tang Dao, single-edged with a slightly shorter blade, though still almost as tall as he was.
"Thank you, Kousuke-senpai."
While Minato and Kushina were still politely refusing, Yue had already accepted the gift, making the couple feel even more awkward.
"Maybe this sword will shine once again in Yue's hands! Yue, this blade is called Longquan in the Marusei family. Since you're its new owner, would you like to rename it?"
Longquan… Longyuan… What a coincidence.
"No need, Senpai. Longquan is fine."
And with that, Marusei Kousuke handed Longquan over to Yue.
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