The Ninja World War is related to the lives and deaths of countless people, and it began with the announcement of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
But none of this had anything to do with two small fry—Uchiha Tatsumi and Minato.
For Minato, he had endless things to say to Uchiha Tatsumi. So, if he accidentally started talking, he would forget the time.
Minato glanced at the clock on the wall and patted his blond hair awkwardly. "Ahaha, I've been talking for so long. I've kept you from resting."
Uchiha Tatsumi waved his hand. "It's fine, anyway, I'm not doing anything. Otherwise, I'd just be reading the comics that Yuzuki bought."
"By the way, speaking of comics, I almost forgot what Teacher Jiraiya asked me to bring you," Minato said, quickly rummaging through his bag.
Uchiha Tatsumi became curious, wondering if Minato had brought him one of Jiraiya's treasured books.
After a moment of digging, Minato pulled out a book.
"Here."
Uchiha Tatsumi took it and saw the title: Konoha's Ups and Downs: Twenty Years, authored by Jiraiya.
"..."
Minato said proudly, "This is a novel written by Teacher Jiraiya over three years. He said that he's now a writer and will reach the pinnacle of his life with this book."
"He still remembers that when you were in second grade, he said he'd write a little yellow book. That's why this book was finally published, and he asked me to bring it to you to relieve your boredom."
Uh, Jiraiya actually remembered that? However, Minato, why are you so proud? It's not even your novel.
Uchiha Tatsumi took a glance at the book and then placed it under his pillow.
"By the way, Jiraiya also said he wishes you an early success on the streets."
"..."
After Minato left, Uchiha Tatsumi lay back on the bed. Just as he was about to read his comic book, there was another knock at the door.
Patients have rights too!
Uchiha Tatsumi thought for a moment. At this point, it definitely wasn't Kushina or Mikoto. Tsunade and Rooseki wouldn't knock on the door either, and those kids had already visited the other day.
So, who was it? Uchiha Tatsumi really couldn't figure it out. Since he didn't know the visitor, he decided to ignore it.
Just as he was about to lie back and pretend to be asleep, he heard more knocking.
This person was persistent. After receiving no response, they kept knocking on the door.
Uchiha Tatsumi, instinctively feeling that the visitor would be troublesome, finally couldn't stand it and sighed weakly.
"The door is unlocked, come in."
The door opened, and in walked Hyuga Himeji.
As expected, the troublesome person.
Uchiha Tatsumi hadn't expected her to show up. The last time they spoke was three years ago. After that night, Uchiha Tatsumi never saw Hyuga Himeji again. She had been in the fifth grade at the time and soon after graduated to become a Genin.
Later, Uchiha Tatsumi heard that her brother, Hyuga Nissa, was being groomed to become the next head of the Hyuga clan. He hadn't heard anything else about her.
Uchiha Tatsumi observed Hyuga Himeji—why was she using her Byakugan? Was she checking if anyone was in the room?
Hyuga Himeji, carrying a bouquet of decorative flowers (thankfully not a wreath), didn't seem to intend to speak to him. She walked over to his bed, took the flowers Minato had brought, and replaced them with the bouquet she had.
Uchiha Tatsumi: "...?"
What's going on here?
Uchiha Tatsumi, who had just sat up to eat, was gently pushed back down by Hyuga Himeji.
She covered him with the quilt, went to the window, and opened it. The cool breeze from the air conditioner finally cut through the summer heat.
"Did you fight with me?" Uchiha Tatsumi asked.
"I just came to visit the patient," Hyuga Himeji replied, expressionless.
She sat quietly by his bed, and the two of them sat in silence. The atmosphere in the room grew strange. Then, she began to peel the apple Minato had brought and, once finished, handed it directly to Uchiha Tatsumi.
After a while, the air-conditioned breeze dissipated. Hyuga Himeji stood up, closed the window, and said, "Multiple ventilations are good for the body."
She bowed to Uchiha Tatsumi, opened the door, and walked out.
"..."
After sending off Hyuga Himeji, Uchiha Tatsumi lay back in bed.
He was about to eat the apple in his hand when his door was knocked again.
What's going on? Uchiha Tatsumi thought about calling the police!
Doesn't anyone care about security around here?
This time, Uchiha Tatsumi had learned his lesson and directly called out, "The door is unlocked, come in."
Then a woman walked in.
She was in her thirties, with striking features, her hair tied up, and earrings on her ears. Her presence was imposing, and Uchiha Tatsumi instantly felt she was a strong, authoritative figure.
Uchiha Tatsumi thought for a moment. He didn't recognize this woman.
He sat up and asked politely, "May I ask who you are?"
The woman looked at Uchiha Tatsumi, slightly surprised, and then smiled. She walked over to his bed and sat down.
"You can call me Aunt Koharu. I was your father's best friend during his lifetime. We were both disciples of the Second Hokage, just like your father."
Uchiha Tatsumi froze, finally recalling who she was.
This was Koharu Utatane, a direct disciple of the Second Hokage and one of the three elder advisers who held significant political power. She had participated in many decisions regarding the Hokage's choices. She was a true power player.
Uchiha Tatsumi had never really met her, given that she was already in her sixties or seventies when she appeared in the manga. So, it made sense he didn't know her personally.
She was one of his father's old teammates, but Uchiha Tatsumi had only met Sarutobi Hiruzen over the years.
"Your eyes really resemble your father's," Koharu commented as she looked at Uchiha Tatsumi.
"Clam?" Uchiha Tatsumi responded, hearing the familiar words.
Aunt, are you in on this too?
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