https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-988-Hinata-Hyuga-s-Growth-into-a-Mature-Woman/13078813/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-990-Konoha-Can-t-Possibly-Be-a-Match-for-Night-City/13079362/
Chapter 989: The Long-Awaited Reunion of Master and Disciple
Chapter 989: The Long-Awaited Reunion of Master and Disciple
"Naruto, if anyone asks you about what happened last night, just tell them you had a dream and woke up forgetting everything. Remember, whether it's the Anbu or even the Hokage, don't say anything more than that."
Although confused by Kurenai's sudden excitement and tension, Naruto agreed to her request. After all, Kurenai had always been the one who cared for him the most since childhood, and he trusted that she would never harm him.
It wasn't surprising to Kurenai that Night City and Kushina would visit Naruto. She even understood why Kushina would want to take Naruto away from Konoha. Over the years, Naruto had endured unfair treatment, which had angered even Kushina, his birth mother.
Kurenai had considered speaking with the Third Hokage about this, but as the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails, her position in the village was delicate. If not for Night City, she would have been just an ordinary civilian ninja.
"Night City returned to the village without making a fuss, so he must have his reasons. I should find time to talk to him; I hope he doesn't end up fighting Konoha. Sigh."
Despite her dissatisfaction with the village leadership, Kurenai deeply loved Konoha. It was her childhood home, and she had friends and bonds there. Night City had been like a mountain of support to her, and if he were to oppose Konoha, her situation would become awkward.
Naruto left the ninja hospital full of energy, showing no signs of being affected by the previous night's events. All he wanted now was to find a powerful mentor to train him for the upcoming Chunin Exams.
As Kurenai watched Naruto leave with a smile, she was about to return to her office for a rest when she suddenly sensed a hidden presence. Without hesitation, she gathered her chakra, formed a chakra blade in her hand, and struck behind her in the next second.
However, just as Kurenai felt confident that her surprise attack would succeed, her chakra scalpel was caught by someone who grabbed her wrist in the next moment!
"Kurenai, you've become much stronger."
Before Kurenai could react, the familiar voice startled her, and she froze in place. When she looked closely at the figure before her and confirmed it was who she thought it was, she couldn't control her emotions and hugged the person tightly.
"Night City, is it really you? It's been over a decade since you last visited the village."
Kurenai had long considered Night City an extremely important person, as he had saved her life multiple times and imparted his knowledge to her. However, over a decade had passed since he left Konoha, and this reunion after such a long separation understandably made Kurenai emotional.
"Well, I came back to Konoha to see you, too. I never imagined that the once shy girl would become a renowned female ninja in the ninja world and even the director of the ninja hospital. I'm glad to see you standing on your own now."
Even though the current Kurenai was no longer the child she once was and had become a pillar of Konoha in many people's eyes, she was still delighted to receive praise from her mentor.
At her age, it was no longer appropriate for her to act coquettish with her teacher. After a brief moment of affection with her long-separated mentor, Rin soon noticed the female ninja standing beside Night City.
The woman wore a mask and had a white ponytail, and Naruto's previous words had given Rin a hint of her identity. She softly asked, "Night City, is the person beside you Kushina-sama?"
Night City and Kushina weren't surprised by Rin's guess, as they had just witnessed Naruto's departure.
Kushina didn't hide her identity and removed her mask, revealing her face to Rin. She said, "Rin, thank you so much for taking care of Naruto all these years."
Seeing her former teacher, Uzumaki Kushina, bowing solemnly before her, Rin was momentarily flustered and stammered, "Kushina-sama, you're being too kind. It's my duty to look after him.
Not to mention that Naruto is Water Gate's and your child, but I genuinely like that kid.
However, due to my role as a Jinchuriki and the unique circumstances of the Nine-Tails within Naruto, I haven't been able to help him as much as I would've liked over the years. I hope you don't mind, Kushina-sama."
Looking at Rin, who had grown in age and body but retained her polite and gentle nature, Kushina smiled and said, "No, you've been a great help.
As Naruto's mother, I'm truly grateful to you."
Kushina was genuinely thankful to Rin, who had been Water Gate's student and later formally apprenticed to Night City.
However, compared to Rin, Kakashi and Obito, who were also Water Gate's students, disappointed Kushina.
Obito had been deeply affected by the annihilation of the Uchiha clan and, as one of the only two remaining Uchiha ninjas in the village, he faced pressure from the Konoha leadership despite being the Fourth Hokage's disciple. He often ventured outside the village, and even when he returned, it was only to visit Rin and Kakashi.
Obito's situation was understandable, but what about Kakashi? Kushina had treated him well when he was Water Gate's student. Although she was relieved that Naruto had become Kakashi's student, she couldn't help but feel disappointed that Kakashi hadn't shown any concern for Naruto over the years, even though he knew he was their child. Even now, as Naruto's Jounin instructor, Kakashi couldn't treat him impartially. He clearly favored the orphaned Uchiha over Naruto, who was ridiculed for his low rank.
What was going on? Was Obito his only close friend, and wasn't Water Gate his teacher too? Kushina didn't intend to guilt-trip Kakashi, but she couldn't help feeling resentful towards him. She couldn't imagine how Naruto's personality would have been twisted if not for Rin's warmth, growing up in Konoha without the support of his relatives.
(End of Chapter)
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