Hoshita Shūichi's gaze settled on the red-haired girl, quietly observing her.
Her crimson hair cascaded loosely, framing a delicate, pitiable figure.
Yet the oversized glasses she wore dulled her natural beauty considerably.
Namikaze Minato introduced, "This is Asuka."
Uchiha Shisui offered a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Uchiha Shisui!"
Just as Hoshita Shūichi was about to speak, Asuka suddenly blurted, "Um... your companion is already dead. I... I can't heal that."
Her words plunged the trio into stunned silence.
Asuka shrank back under their quiet stares, fear creeping into her expression.
After a long pause, Namikaze Minato finally spoke. "We're not asking you to heal anyone. We want to take you to Konoha."
"Konoha..."
Asuka's lips parted, then closed. The awkward silence returned, leaving even Namikaze Minato at a loss.
He knew fragments of Uzushiogakure's fall—how it had been besieged by multiple villages on the eve of the Second Shinobi War.
Kiri, Iwa, Kumo, Suna, even minor villages—all had joined the slaughter.
Konoha, embroiled in its own turmoil, had been powerless to intervene.
Then the war erupted fully, scattering Uzumaki survivors to the winds.
To Konoha, the Uzumaki clan had effectively perished with Uzushiogakure.
"Asuka-san..."
Hoshita Shūichi shattered the quiet with brutal honesty. "We're not actually asking for your opinion. The one taking you from Kusagakure isn't Minato-sensei or Konoha—it's me. Hoshita Shūichi."
Asuka gaped at the boy half her height. "You...?"
"Is it... because of my ability?"
Hoshita Shūichi sidestepped the question. "Your power should've been a treasure. But you're too weak. Now it's poison."
"If you stay in Kusagakure, you'll eventually bleed yourself dry."
"And it won't end with you. Your children will inherit this curse—their bodies littered with bite marks, their lives just as miserable."
"Asuka-san... you wouldn't want your daughter—or son—to suffer like that, would you?"
Asuka paled. The horrific imagery sent her crumpling to her knees.
Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Shisui shot Hoshita Shūichi odd looks.
His logic was sound, but the phrasing felt... off.
"Besides, Asuka-san, you don't actually have a choice."
"Even if you refuse, I'll drag you to Konoha. Leaving your gift wasted here would be a crime."
Hoshita Shūichi stepped closer, his voice softening. "But if you come willingly, I'll teach you medical ninjutsu—so you never have to heal like this again."
"I'll show you how to protect yourself... and those you love."
"Most importantly, Minato-sensei, Shisui, the Third Hokage—all of us will stand beside you. As comrades."
He extended his hand.
Asuka looked up, meeting unwavering sincerity in his eyes. "Th... thank you."
Her trembling fingers brushed his.
Hoshita Shūichi gripped her icy palm and hauled her upright—only for her to stumble forward, accidentally pulling him into an embrace.
"S-Sorry, Shūichi-kun!"
Flustered, Asuka pushed him away.
Hoshita Shūichi sniffed awkwardly.
Namikaze Minato cleared his throat. "Since we're agreed, let's rest. We depart for Konoha at dawn."
"Yes, Minato-sensei!"
The two chorused.
Namikaze Minato assigned rooms: "Shisui, with me. Shūichi, with Asuka."
Once alone, Hoshita Shūichi relaxed slightly.
Still not thick-skinned enough...
He gestured to the bed. "You take it. I'll guard the door."
He settled cross-legged by the entrance.
Asuka hesitated, then nodded silently. She lay facing the wall—but soon turned, studying his silhouette through her glasses.
Meanwhile, Hoshita Shūichi focused inward, reviewing his skill tree.
Trait: Pioneer
Requirement: Develop at least 5 A-rank (or higher) techniques—ninjutsu, fuinjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, etc. Primary contributor if collaborative.
Effect: Annual "Eureka Moment"—10 minutes of maxed creativity and insight.
Rasengan, Azure Flame Skyblade, Azure Flame Waterfall Blade, Fire Body Flicker: Lotus Steps, Fire Release: Buddha's Fury Lotus.
Four A-rank, one S-rank.
Azure Flame Waterfall Blade had been finalized during their mission.
"Activate."
The trait's leaf ignited—not blue, but crimson.
His first red-tier ability, surpassing even master-level traits.
But with only one chance per year, he'd need to prepare meticulously:
Foundation First: Even maxed stats meant nothing without groundwork.
Pre-Development: Use the burst for final breakthroughs, like an S-rank sword technique to unlock Sword Master.
Future Plans: Wind release next year, then medical ninjutsu...
Asuka watched his still form, her thoughts a whirl of hope, fear, and exhaustion.
For the first time since her mother's death, she slept deeply.
Dawn came.
"Time to wash up. We leave soon."
Asuka jolted awake at Hoshita Shūichi's voice. Blushing, she hurried to freshen up.
After breakfast, Muui saw them off.
They raced through Fire Country's borders before pausing to rest.
Hoshita Shūichi returned with game, leading Asuka to a stream to clean their catch.
Her eyes widened at the surgical tools he produced.
"These—"
"Sterilized," he assured. "Every medic must master them before progressing to Chakra Scalpel."
Asuka nodded, assisting as he deftly prepared the meal.
Fish soup and roast meat—the same menu, but the mood was somber.
Four seats, one forever empty.
By afternoon, they reached Konoha.
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled smoke. "Sanyō was a fine shinobi. Konoha will honor him—the funeral is set for two days hence."
Namikaze Minato bowed. "Understood."
He added, "Shisui has awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan."
Hiruzen's eyes sharpened through the haze. "At his age... he surpasses even Kagami."
"His temperament remains steady," Minato noted.
Hiruzen smiled. "A will of steel, that one."
Next came Asuka's situation.
After consideration, Hiruzen decreed, "Let her stay with Shūichi for now. Once vetted, Kushina can meet her."
He then asked, "And Shūichi?"
Minato replied, "Grieving, but unbroken. He wishes to advance his medical training."
Hiruzen nodded. "Assign him to the hospital—he'll teach Asuka there."
"Once ready, transfer him to Root for specialized training, then ANBU."
"As for Shisui... reassign him to a chūnin squad."
Thus, Team Minato disbanded.
Both Hoshita Shūichi and Uchiha Shisui had seen this coming.
Yet Kurama Sanyō's absence made the parting bittersweet.
Minato clasped their shoulders. "Rest well. We gather for Sanyō's rites in two days."
The trio separated.
Back home, Hoshita Shūichi rearranged the cramped two-bedroom apartment—clearing the study for Asuka while reclaiming the main room with a spare futon.
Need to buy a bigger place...
When Yakushi Nonō returned to find Asuka sweeping, she froze.
"Director!"
Hoshita Shūichi beamed. "This is Asuka, from Uzushiogakure. She'll be learning medical ninjutsu under me."
Yakushi Nonō took in the red hair and smiled. "I'm Yakushi Nonō. Just 'Nonō' is fine."
Asuka bowed. "Y-Yes, Nonō-senpai!"
"Relax." Nonō took her hand. "If Shūichi brought you here, this is your home now."
"Come, help me pick groceries."
"Any favorites?"
She whisked Asuka away, leaving Hoshita Shūichi scratching his head with a wry grin.
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