Chapter 389: Kushina’s Coming of Age Ceremony
Since the last meeting, all of Konohagakure had been operating under the will of the higher-ups. The Intelligence Division had ramped up its infiltration of Kumogakure, accepting that casualties were inevitable. Fortunately, many operatives had been successfully inserted, and intelligence from the Kumogakure had begun to flow in.
The Konoha shinobi, having grown complacent in peacetime, were undergoing rigorous practical exercises under the supervision of Duy, Nawaki, and Minato. Though no one spoke openly about it, sharp minds quickly recognized the unusual nature of the situation. Over time, an invisible pressure began to settle over Konohagakure, accompanied by a faint but unmistakable air of killing intent.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain, Yahiko and his group continued negotiating with others villages under Kawakaze's instructions. Both sides harbored ulterior motives, subtly testing and pulling against one another. It was clear their wartime alliance would not be finalized anytime soon.
Six months passed quietly, and on this day, Kushina reached a significant milestone in her life—she had become an adult! Minato, who had worked tirelessly even on his own eighteenth birthday, took special leave to spend the entire day with her. From sunrise to sunset, the two strolled from the eastern edge of Konohagakure to the western end, laughing together. As the setting sun painted the sky, a young man with yellow hair and a young woman with red hair returned to the Senju mansion.
"Hey, you two didn't get lost, did you?" Tsunade's teasing voice greeted them a few steps inside the door.
"Hey, hey, Sensei's wife," Minato replied, scratching his head apologetically.
"Sister Tsunade, we're not late," Kushina said boldly, standing her ground. Today was her birthday, and she wouldn't be brushed aside.
"It's not late; the moon hasn't come out yet," Tsunade quipped, deliberately glancing at the sky.
"I..." Kushina was about to fire back when a guest arrived.
"Kushina, we're not late, are we?" Mikoto called out as she entered, her slightly distended stomach supported by Fugaku. She had no intention of missing her best friend's coming-of-age ceremony.
"You take it easy," Kushina said, immediately stepping forward to relieve Fugaku of his role.