However, this peaceful moment did not last long.
"That must be Minato Namikaze, right?"
"Yeah, that's him—the sinner of Konoha!"
"My husband died on the battlefield because of him!"
"My family too!"
"Damn it, why is this guy still alive?!"
"...…"
Whispers and quiet accusations spread around them. Even though the villagers tried to hide their voices, both Kushina and Minato were skilled enough to hear every word clearly.
Minato's expression, which had only just begun to soften, froze on the spot.
"You!"
Kushina's anger flared instantly. She wanted to argue with them right then and there.
But Minato stopped her with a firm hand.
"Kushina… let's go."
It was pointless. A mistake was a mistake—nothing he said could undo it. Minato had understood that truth long ago.
"But…"
Kushina normally didn't give a damn about other people's gossip. But after seeing the pain in Minato's eyes, she swallowed her fury and walked away with him.
Along the way, Kushina tried to buy some snacks to lighten the mood.
But the vendor took one look at Minato's face and immediately rejected them.
"I'm not selling anything to a sinner!"
"You old fools! I've put up with your crap long enough!"
And with that, Kushina ripped down the storefronts of those snack stalls.
Naturally, the result was predictable—the villagers now stared at them with even more disgust.
Back home, Kushina looked at Minato. His usual gentle smile was gone, replaced by silent hurt.
She sighed and forced herself to speak calmly.
"Minato… it's okay. Tomorrow, let's go see Lord Liuyun."
"Lord Liuyun?"
Minato blinked, not understanding why she would bring him up now.
"If Lord Liuyun says something for you, the villagers won't dare say anything anymore!"
"...…"
Kushina's hopeful gaze made Minato fall silent.
Minato Namikaze wasn't stupid.
He knew why no one defended Sakumo Hatake when the White Fang incident happened.
Because it was useless.
Villagers who had lost loved ones would never listen to reason.
Especially those who wanted someone—anyone—to blame.
But seeing Kushina like this, he couldn't bring himself to shoot down her hope. Instead, he nodded softly.
"Alright. Tomorrow."
"Mm!"
As Kushina left Minato's house, her mood instantly brightened.
"Tomorrow, I'll go talk to Lord Liuyun first. Once everything is explained properly, I'll bring Minato over. He'll be so surprised!"
Just imagining Minato's relieved expression made her smile unconsciously.
She left happily.
But what Kushina didn't know was this:
After she left, Minato Namikaze did not sleep.
Instead, he knelt down in the center of his home and took out a Flying Thunder God kunai—the one inscribed with "Sword of Benevolence."
"Back then, White Fang-senpai must have felt even worse than this…"
At least Minato still had someone who cared about him.
When Sakumo fell, he stood alone.
Even his own son, Kakashi, couldn't understand him.
Minato used to wonder how a powerful shinobi like Sakumo Hatake could end his own life.
Now… he understood.
"Maybe only my life can settle this sin. I'm sorry… Kushina."
…
The next morning, Kushina went to find Aoyama Ryūun.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Kushina wasn't surprised that Tsunade was the one who answered the door.
Everyone in Konoha already knew Tsunade and Ryūun were together.
It was normal for them to live in the same house.
"Kushina?"
Tsunade looked puzzled as she saw Kushina at her door.
Is she here to see Liuyun?
"...…"
Coming to my house early in the morning to look for my man?
Tsunade felt an odd twist in her chest—but she pushed it aside.
"Liuyun went out to buy breakfast."
"Buying breakfast?"
Hearing that, Kushina relaxed. Nothing serious. He should return soon.
Tsunade stepped aside and let her in.
"By the way, why did Lord Ryūun have to go buy breakfast? Didn't you cook, Tsunade-neechan?"
"...…"
Kushina sounded genuinely curious.
But Tsunade's expression froze.
She couldn't cook to save her life.
"Ahem… I overslept."
"Right! I understand!"
Kushina nodded quickly, as if having a sudden realization.
"...…"
You don't understand anything!
Even though Kushina's guess wasn't wrong, Tsunade still felt strangely uncomfortable.
Thankfully, Ryūun returned soon with breakfast, easing the tension.
"You bought breakfast already?"
"Hm. Just something simple. Kushina, want to eat with us?"
After handing the food to Tsunade, Ryūun looked at Kushina with mild confusion.
He hadn't interacted with her much before.
He assumed she was here for Tsunade.
"Can I?"
Kushina's eyes lit up at the food. She hadn't eaten before rushing out.
"...…"
I was only being polite… how did this turn into a real invitation?
But since he'd bought plenty, Ryūun couldn't exactly refuse.
He let her eat.
Kushina finished breakfast looking absolutely satisfied.
Ryūun and Tsunade exchanged a glance.
Are you here for business… or for free food?
"Alright, Kushina," Ryūun finally asked, "what brings you here?"
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