Chapter 34: The Wingman and the Windfall
The touching speech concluded perfectly. Naturally, Shinra didn't forget the victor's prize.
When Hiruzen heard Shinra's final, "humble" request—not for a special jutsu, not for a legendary weapon, but for a regular, ample supply of meat—his fondness for the boy swelled to new heights.
The audience was moved once more.
"What a poor child!"
"He must go hungry! To ask for food on such an important day…"
"No parents, all alone… he must have had such a hard life."
"Give it to him! Give him all the meat he wants!"
The murmurs of sympathy washed over the stands. Shinra was inwardly impressed. Such an empathetic, generous people.
Hiruzen, swept up in the moment and the display of his own magnanimity, puffed out his chest. With a grand, theatrical wave of his hand, he declared, "Excellent! From this day forward, all of your food expenses will be covered by the office of the Hokage!"
The arena cheered its approval for the generous leader.
Only Shinra and Kushina exchanged a brief, knowing glance. A subtle, intriguing smile touched Kushina's lips as she leaned in. "Shinra… with your appetite… you're not going to eat the Hokage out of office, are you?"
"Ahem… It should be… fine. He is the Hokage, after all," Shinra replied, a flicker of guilt quickly drowned by a surge of pure, unadulterated joy. His biggest logistical problem—funding his monstrous nutritional needs—had just been solved. And by the village treasury itself!
No more relying on "soft rice." A real man didn't get strong on charity. This was the most important development of the day.
Of course, the beaming, proud Hiruzen Sarutobi had no idea just how deeply he would come to regret this particular act of public generosity in the coming months.
With the academy's midterm evaluations concluded, Shinra and Kushina made their way to the infirmary to visit the injured Mikoto.
The moment they entered, Kushina launched into storytelling mode. Words spilled from her like a waterfall, painting a vivid, dramatic picture of Shinra's rise to glory—crushing geniuses, claiming the title, his every move a masterpiece.
She placed special, passionate emphasis on the battle with Uchiha Shota.
"And then he said," Kushina puffed out her chest, trying to mimic Shinra's deep voice, which came out as an adorable squeak, "'One move! I'll end this in one move!' So domineering!"
She spun the tale into an epic saga of righteous vengeance, her eyes even misting up with emotion. By the end, she had portrayed it as a life-or-death struggle Shinra had endured solely to avenge Mikoto.
Mikoto, who knew Shinra had grown strong but believed Shota and his Sharingan were a formidable threat, listened with wide, worried eyes that slowly filled with profound guilt and overwhelming gratitude.
"Shinra-kun… you… you fought Shota for me?" she asked, her voice soft and trembling.
Shinra, standing by the bedside, felt a herd of miniature horses stampeding through his mind. Is this… the legendary Ultimate Wingman?
Externally, however, he maintained an air of serene nonchalance. "Of course," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "He dared to hurt my precious Mikoto. Consider it mercy I didn't do worse."
Hearing words that were both tender and fiercely protective, Mikoto could no longer hold back. She covered her mouth with a hand, tears spilling over.
Shinra immediately stepped forward and gathered her into a gentle embrace. "Don't worry," he murmured. "From now on, no one will ever hurt you or Kushina again. I'll protect you both."
The words struck a deep chord in Mikoto's heart. A seed, tender and new, took root—a seed named love.
Naturally, Shinra didn't neglect Kushina. He reluctantly released Mikoto and turned, feigning mild annoyance as he ruffled Kushina's vibrant hair. "And who asked you to tell it like that? Mikoto needs to rest, not get worked up. You should be more considerate."
(Inside, he was cheering: Yes! More! Make it more dramatic! More tragic and heroic!)
Kushina just stuck out her tongue playfully, completely unrepentant, and turned back to continue her animated conversation with her best friend.
Watching them, Shinra felt an immense wave of relief and satisfaction. He made a silent vow: I will treat Kushina well for the rest of my days.
After all, what man in the world could hope for such a powerful, dedicated wingman as his future partner?
Honestly, who?
Even the legendary love gurus of history probably wouldn't dare dream of a wingman this effective.
At this moment, Shinra felt profoundly, supremely happy.
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