Uzumaki Kushina took Shiranui Riku's hand and entered the classroom, stunning all the kids.
Riku and Uzumaki Kushina were holding hands so closely that it was obvious they had become friends.
The two people the class hated the most had actually become allies.
They couldn't defeat Uzumaki Kushina, nor could they defeat Riku.
Now that the "Blood Red Pepper" and the "Traitor" had teamed up, how could they possibly get revenge?
Shiranui Riku didn't pay attention to these kids. Instead, he focused on Minato Namikaze.
At that moment, Minato Namikaze was staring at the joined hands of Uzumaki Kushina and Riku.
Riku narrowed his eyes slightly.
Did Minato already have feelings for Kushina?
Well, this time, things would be different. Kushina wouldn't end up with you!
Kushina blushed and tugged Riku toward her seat.
The reason she was so bold was because she wanted everyone to know that Shiranui Riku was her friend.
Masada Hayabusa entered the classroom and began teaching.
Riku adjusted his state of mind and focused on the lesson.
Although the content at the Ninja Academy was basic, it was often the fundamentals that mattered most.
The afternoon classes passed quickly.
Once Masada Hayabusa left, the students began packing up their things and preparing to go home.
Uzumaki Kushina, however, looked like she was preparing for battle. She glanced around cautiously.
Riku asked curiously, "Kushina, what's wrong?"
Kushina replied seriously, "Be careful. Those annoying guys always ambush me after school."
Riku felt a pang of sympathy for her. Despite being brought to Konoha as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki candidate, she was bullied by ignorant brats.
Jinchūriki worked for the good of the village. If not treated as heroes, they at least didn't deserve this kind of scorn.
"I'll walk ahead," Riku offered. "If they show up, I'll help you fight them off."
Seeing Riku walking protectively in front of her, Kushina felt a deep warmth in her heart. From today on, she had a real friend.
Riku escorted Kushina out of the academy, and surprisingly, no one blocked their path.
Kushina looked baffled. "They harass me every day. Why not today?"
Riku smiled. "Maybe you've already beaten them into submission, Kushina."
"Really? That'd be great!" Kushina cheered. "I'm so tired of them. Finally, some peace!"
Riku naturally took Kushina's hand. "Come on. I'll walk you home."
"Okay!"
With her hand in Riku's, Kushina suddenly grew softer and quieter, her usual loud demeanor mellowed.
Though the villagers still looked at Riku strangely, no one dared curse or mock him in the streets anymore.
Riku guessed that word had spread about Sarutobi Hiruzen visiting him at the Ninja Hospital.
Under Kushina's direction, Riku escorted her to the front door of Uzumaki Mito's mansion.
He let go of her hand and waved goodbye. "Kushina, see you tomorrow."
Kushina ran to the entrance, waving cheerfully. "See you tomorrow, Riku!"
She bounced happily into the mansion, while Riku turned toward his new home, lighthearted and smiling.
Inside, Kushina spotted Uzumaki Mito sitting on a chair and ran straight into her arms.
"Grandma Mito! I'm back!" she said joyfully.
Uzumaki Mito gently stroked her red hair. "You're in a great mood today. Let me guess—Riku was discharged and you two became friends?"
Kushina shyly buried her face in Mito's embrace. "Yeah."
Mito smiled warmly. "Tell Grandma how it happened."
Kushina recounted the entire story.
Mito's expression softened even more. "So it was Riku who reached out first. Since you've agreed to be lifelong friends, you must always cherish each other."
Kushina nodded firmly. "I will!"
Over the next few days, Riku and Kushina were practically inseparable—going to school and returning home together every day.
Their bond deepened. They could talk about anything.
Three days later.
After escorting Kushina back to Mito's mansion, Riku made his way to the Hokage Building.
He had promised Sarutobi Hiruzen that he would share the Thunder Breathing technique with Konoha. Now was the time.
He didn't want to test the Hokage's patience.
Upon entering the building, Riku felt the weight of curious stares falling on him.
He walked forward with calm composure and arrived at the Hokage's office on the second floor.
He knocked.
"Please come in," came Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice.
Riku entered.
The Hokage smiled. "Riku, you've recovered?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Riku replied gratefully. "Thanks to your care, my injuries have fully healed."
"Good," Hiruzen nodded. "So what would you like to discuss?"
Riku sighed inwardly. The Hokage clearly knew why he was here—why ask?
He pulled out a scroll and offered it with both hands. "This is the training method for Thunder Breathing: Full Sword Form. I've written everything in detail so future generations can learn."
Sarutobi Hiruzen opened the scroll and began to read. The instructions were detailed and precise.
For example, the Thunder Breathing: First Form – Thunderbolt Flash required the user to channel lightning chakra through their legs and arms, wrap it around a weapon, and then strike in a single explosive movement.
The Hokage paused. "Does wrapping lightning chakra around a weapon require chakra metal?"
Riku shook his head. "No, it just needs the user to shape their lightning chakra correctly and envelop the weapon. Of course, chakra metal enhances the effect, but it's not required."
Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe as he read further.
The more he read, the more impressed he became. This was not a simple technique. It wasn't even purely ninjutsu—it straddled the realm of taijutsu.
Thunder Breathing met all the core traits of ninja taijutsu: chakra refinement, no hand seals, and a physical attack medium.
It had the potential to become a powerful secret art—worthy of passing down through generations.