~ “What?
Not spending time with your little girlfriend today?” Akira looked at Minato with a teasing grin.
“W-We’re not like that!” Minato hurriedly waved his hands.
“Don’t say things like that.” “It wouldn’t be good if rumors affected Tsuki.” “Tsk.” Akira clicked his tongue.
“You keep saying you’re not together, yet you’re already calling her ‘Tsuki’ so affectionately.” “I never knew you were this kind of person, Minato.” “You’ve already won her over, and now you’re refusing to admit it?” “What a scumbag.” “I…” Minato’s face turned bright red as he struggled to find a response.
“Alright, alright.” Akira laughed.
“I’ll stop teasing you.” “Seriously, you’re a grown man.
Why are you blushing this much?” “Let me tell you something.” “The Uchiha Clan admires strength above all else.” “If you don’t take the initiative, someone else might steal her away.” “That can’t happen!” Minato immediately panicked.
“And you still say it’s not like that?” Akira sighed helplessly.
“Enough.” “Let’s get down to business first.” “Afterward, I’ll give you a few tips.” “Right!” Only then did Minato remember why he’d come.
“That’s right—we’re here to spar.” He assumed a fighting stance and looked at Akira with complete seriousness.
“Come.” “I want you to fight me with everything you’ve got.” “Are you sure?” “I’m sure.” “Alright.” Akira nodded.
“Don’t regret it.” “A real man never regrets his decisions!” Whoosh!
The two instantly widened the distance between them.
After exchanging the traditional hand seal of a friendly spar, their expressions became serious.
“Here I come!” With a flick of his wrist, three shuriken appeared between Akira’s fingers before flying straight toward Minato.
Without saying a word, Minato calmly watched the incoming projectiles.
His kunai flashed.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
All three shuriken were knocked aside.
“What incredible strength…” Minato felt his hand go slightly numb from the impact.
Taking advantage of the dust kicked up by the clash, he quickly shifted to one side.
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how strong my taijutsu is.” Before Akira had even finished speaking, he was already standing beside Minato.
His voice sounded almost like a devil whispering in his ear.
Minato’s hair stood on end.
Without hesitation, he lunged forward while simultaneously throwing a kunai backward.
Akira casually caught it.
“Tsk.” “Your strength really isn’t all that impressive.” “Hmph.” Minato smiled confidently.
“Who says battles are decided by physical strength alone?” Akira froze for a split second.
Then…
He felt the cold edge of a kunai resting against his neck.
“I win, Akira.” Standing behind him, Minato couldn’t hide the smile on his face.
“I’ve been losing to you all this time.” “So I’ve been training really hard.” He had finally managed to win one.
“Really?” The Akira held at knifepoint chuckled.
“Then why don’t you turn around?” “Hm?!” Minato’s heart skipped a beat.
He quickly looked back— Only to find the real Akira standing behind him with a kunai pressed against his kidney.
“When…” His eyes widened.
“I didn’t even see you make a hand seal.” Akira smiled as he lowered the kunai.
“So your speed is allowed to be fast…” “But I’m not allowed to become stronger?” “If I were your enemy…” “That strike would’ve crippled you.” Even if it didn’t kill him…
The rest of his life certainly wouldn’t be very happy.
Though…
Akira suspected that little girl Tsuki would probably hunt him down if that ever happened.
“…Sigh.” Minato laughed bitterly.
“I still can’t beat you.” He hadn’t even gotten the chance to use any of his other techniques before Akira had already subdued him.
Seeing his dejected expression, Akira opened his mouth.
He felt like he should comfort his friend.
Before he could say anything, however, Minato suddenly began talking to himself.
“But that’s alright!” “It just means I still have room to improve!” “Akira!” “You’re truly my lifelong friend!” “Let’s keep moving forward together!” “One day…” “I’ll definitely surpass you!” Any trace of disappointment had vanished.
Minato was once again overflowing with fighting spirit.
The corner of Akira’s mouth twitched.
He suddenly wanted to ask…
Exactly what kind of relationship does your family have with Might Duy?
“Then do your best.” Akira waved casually.
“I hope you’ll catch up to me someday.” “Hmph.” “Just you wait!” “Oh, right.” “A new ramen shop opened in the village.” “I heard it’s really good.” “Want to give it a try?” “A ramen shop?” A strange expression crossed Akira’s face.
Could it be…
Ichiraku?
It already opened during this period?
Then again…
Thinking about the timeline, it was about right.
“Sure.” “Let’s go.” “But you’re paying.” “Tch.” Minato waved his hand generously.
“Fine.” “My treat.” “Consider it your reward for sparring with me.” “Then I’ll make sure to eat plenty.” The two soon returned to the village.
By now, the sky had already begun to darken.
The sun had set some time ago.
If not for the many shops lining the streets, they would have had to walk home in complete darkness.
“Here it is.” Minato pointed toward a modest little storefront.
“This is the ramen shop.” “Let’s go.” After entering, Minato spoke with practiced familiarity.
“One bowl of tonkotsu ramen!” Then he looked at Akira.
“What about you?” “I’ll have the same.” “Alright.” “Boss, two bowls of tonkotsu ramen!” “Coming right up.” The young Teuchi nodded with a smile.
“Please wait just a moment.” Looking at the youthful Teuchi busily preparing the noodles, Akira couldn’t help feeling a little emotional.
Is this guy really an Ōtsutsuki?
That sounds way too ridiculous…
Then again…
That was just something fans on the internet liked to joke about.
Taking it seriously would only make you the fool.
“You two young men are ninja?” Teuchi asked while cooking the ramen.
“No.” “We’re still students.” “Students, huh…” Something seemed to cross Teuchi’s mind as nostalgia filled his eyes.
“Being young really is wonderful.” In truth, he wasn’t much older than the two boys.
Unfortunately…
He simply hadn’t been born with the talent to become a ninja.