Start with Naruto Awakening - Awesome!

　Later, I came to Konoha, and I never saw her again.

　Kushina spoke slowly, a look of reminiscence in her eyes.

　The village of Uzumaki, where the Uzumaki clan resides, is not as large and prosperous as Konoha. It probably only has about a thousand people and a few hundred households.

　Even among ninja villages, the scale of different villages is incomparable.

　Konoha is arguably the largest ninja village in the entire ninja world. It has a standardized ninja system, professionally trains ninjas, and dedicates them to various missions and personnel.

　Uzumaki Village, rather than being a ninja village, was more of a gathering place for the Uzumaki clan, a small village organized around clan units, which had developed over several thousand years.

　It's not a ninja system; the Uzumaki clan generally doesn't interact with the outside world, and ninjas make up a very small percentage of the population. Most families are a mix of ninjas and ordinary people.

　"I saw her once in the Land of Rain; it was Minato Namikaze who saved her."

　Ye Chen said

　"Minato Namikaze looks handsome and sunny, but I have a feeling he's after my cousin Miko."

　Kushina couldn't help but say

　"Is this how you see Minato?"

　Ye Chen couldn't help but say

　"Pretty much. Besides, Miko and Minato have been getting really close lately. My intuition is right; it's a talent of our Uzumaki clan."

　Kushina said confidently

　"So, what am I like in your heart?"

　Ye Chen asked, his eyes fixed on Kushina, his expression serious.

　Suddenly, Kushina's face turned bright red! What did Ye Chen mean by asking that? Was he about to reveal his true feelings, or had this blockhead finally come to his senses?

　At this moment, Kushina finally felt a sense of relief, as if the clouds had parted and the moon was shining brightly. She was so excited and was about to speak...

　Ye Chen simply said, "Looks like you haven't made up your mind. Never mind."

　""

　Kushina was frustrated, a surge of anger welling up inside her. "That idiot, couldn't he have waited a little longer?"

　Shouldn't girls be more reserved?

　Despite this, Kushina still smiled gently at Ye Chen, her expression calm, composed, and gentle.

　Looking at her, Ye Chen couldn't help but smile. Youth is wonderful, full of vitality.

　Suddenly noticing something, he reached out and gently stroked the corner of Kushina's mouth with his finger.

　Kushina was startled, bewildered. What had just happened? Ye Chen looked at his fingertips and saw some cream on them, then waved it in front of the confused girl.

　It was the very same...snack that Kushina just bought. She was so engrossed in it that she didn't even realize it was in her mouth—she's such a little glutton!

　She's different from other girls; she has her own unique qualities.

　Although she doesn't usually have much to do with Wenya, they're fundamentally different; otherwise, she wouldn't have the nickname "Bloody Red Pepper."

　This action immediately brought a lovely blush to Kushina's cheeks.

　"Hi! Night Lord, you're back."

　Just then, a voice, tinged with surprise and delight, came from behind.

　"Kushina!"

　(1/3)

　Another cheer erupted.

　Kushina Yoru turned around in perfect unison, and behind her appeared Minato Namikaze, whom she had just been mentioning, and Miko Uzumaki, the surviving girl from the Uzumaki clan.

　Speak of the devil and he shall appear; Minato Namikaze truly is a timely help!

　The Uzumaki clan is entirely composed of red-haired individuals. Uzumaki Miko and Kushina are about the same age, so when they stand together, they look like sisters.

　Minato, as always, sported his signature sunny smile.

　"Minato, it's been a long time."

　Ye Chen said

　I think I was the first person to meet you.

　Bar!"

　Minato Namikaze approached, exuding a gentle and refreshing aura.

　"it's me!"

　Kushina protested, "Why is a man getting so close to Ye Chen?"

　Sensing Kushina's hostility, Minato Namikaze smiled wryly.

　"Kushina, Minato is a bit of a ditz, don't mind him!"

　The girl with the whirlpool covered her mouth and laughed.

　"Naturally naive"

　Minato Namikaze felt as if an arrow had pierced his heart; it hurt terribly! "Where are you guys headed?"

　Ye Chen asked

　"Oh, let's go to Ichiraku Ramen! They're having a promotion today! And their ramen is amazing! You guys want to come along? Minato's treating!"

　Uzumaki Yoshiko extended the invitation, her eyes filled with anticipation.

　"OK!"

　Kushina agreed

　Minato Namikaze glanced at Yoruichi, revealing a wry smile typical of men, and subconsciously touched his wallet, finding it considerably thinner.

　Ichiraku Ramen

　At this time, Ichiraku Otsutsuki had quietly gone into seclusion in Konoha Village, opening a seemingly ordinary but incredibly delicious ramen restaurant, which would later solidify Ichiraku Ramen's reputation as a top-tier brand.

　On the wooden counter of the noodle shop, Ye Chen, Kushina, and two others sat in a row.

　Ichiraku personally cooked four special miso ramen dishes, which were also the most popular series.

　"Let's dig in!"

　Uzumaki Yoshiko performed a pre-meal ritual, something like a prayer.

　Minato Namikaze did the same, while Kushina didn't care and just started eating! Yoruichi did the same; this was his first time eating at Ichiraku Ramen in three years! And it still tasted…familiar! "Minato, you're treating, aren't you!"

　Otsutsuki Ichiraku, taking a break from his busy schedule, said while kneading dough.

　Yes, that's right.

　Mr. Ichiraku

　Minato Namikaze said quite politely

　"I heard you've already been promoted to Special Jonin. You're so young, that's amazing! No wonder you're a genius from the Ninja Academy!"

　Ichiraku Otsutsuki gave a thumbs up

　"It's nothing special! There are many people who are better than me."

　Minato Namikaze said

　"that is"

　Kushina expressed her dissatisfaction with this.

　"Little girl, you seem quite resentful."

　Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku squinted at Kushina's direction and the young man in black with black eyes and black hair beside her, feeling that he looked somewhat familiar.

　(2/3)

　br/

　"I think Konoha Rasetsu is stronger than Minato!"

　Kushina shouted loudly

　Upon hearing Kushina's words, the customers around the noodle shop stopped in unison and began to steal curious glances.

　There's no way around it, Konoha Rashad's fame is just too great these days! Anyone associated with Konoha Rashad will be relentlessly scrutinized by his die-hard fans.

　For example, at the Ninja Academy, people go there almost every day to collect information about Konoha Rashad's past, visit some Ninja Academy teachers, and then compile it into autobiographies to sell.

　Kushina, feeling the intense gazes stealing from her, was startled and instinctively looked at Ye Chen.

　As Kushina's gaze shifted to Ye Chen, the air seemed to freeze. Some sensed something, but no one spoke; a tacit silence descended upon them.

　"Haha, I was just kidding!"

　Kushina laughed awkwardly.

　"cut!"

　Suddenly, a second later, the noodle shop customers around them returned to their original expressions and continued eating and drinking.