"Talking"

'Thinking'

Biju talk/think


Kousei blinked owlishly as a warm hand gently shook his shoulder. He looked up to see his sensei, a kind-faced man with a neatly trimmed beard, gazing at him with concern. "Kousei-kun," the sensei said softly, "I noticed you've been sleeping through most of the lessons. Are you feeling alright?"

Kousei, still half-asleep, simply stared at him with wide, unblinking eyes. He wasn't quite sure how to respond. Truthfully, he was feeling alright, perhaps a bit bored even. The lessons were rather basic, a repetition of things he'd already learned from his mother and the various revived figures from history who had been his tutors in the future. But he didn't want to be rude or disrespectful to his sensei.

The sensei, misinterpreting Kousei's silence, frowned slightly. "Can you understand me, Kousei-kun?" he asked, his voice laced with worry. "Do you need me to speak slower?"

Kousei shook his head quickly, his crimson hair swaying with the movement. "No, sensei," he mumbled, finally finding his voice. "I understand."

"Then why are you sleeping in class?" the sensei inquired gently. "Is it because you already know all this?"

Kousei hesitated, unsure how to explain his situation without revealing his unusual background. He couldn't exactly tell his sensei that he'd been educated by legendary figures from the past, could he? He settled for a simple nod, hoping it would suffice.

The sensei's eyes widened in surprise. "You already know all the material?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. He paused, considering his options. "Well, then," he said with a smile, "perhaps you'd like to take a test? We can see if you're ready to move to a higher class."

Kousei blinked again, surprised by the suggestion. He hadn't expected that. He glanced towards the other students, who were watching the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and envy. He didn't particularly want to be singled out, but he also didn't want to waste his time in a class that was too easy for him.

He looked back at his sensei and nodded slowly. "Okay," he agreed, his voice quiet but firm.

The sensei beamed. "Excellent!" he exclaimed. "I'll arrange the test for you right away. In the meantime, why don't you go outside and get some fresh air?"

Kousei nodded again and slipped out of the classroom, leaving behind a buzz of excited whispers. He wasn't sure what to expect from the test, but he was strangely eager to prove himself. He missed Kakashi, who was already in the graduating class, and he wanted to catch up to him as soon as possible.


The academy doors spilled forth a tide of chattering children, and Kakashi, leaning against a nearby tree, scanned the crowd until he spotted a familiar head of crimson hair. "Kousei!" he called, waving a hand.

Kousei, emerging from the throng of students, grinned and ran towards Kakashi, his small form weaving effortlessly through the legs of the other children. "Kashi!" he chirped, launching himself into Kakashi's arms.

As Kakashi caught him, Kushina, laden with shopping bags overflowing with groceries, approached them, her bright smile lighting up her face. "There you two are!" she exclaimed. "Ready to go home?"

Before either of them could answer, a voice called out, "Kushina-san!"

Kushina turned to see a man with neatly trimmed brown hair and a kind face hurrying towards them. "Shiranui-san!" she greeted warmly.

Kousei blinked, tilting his head curiously. Shiranui-san? The name sounded familiar.

The man, Fujinari Shiranui, smiled at Kushina. "I wanted to catch you before you left," he said. He then turned his attention to Kousei, his expression softening. "Kousei-kun," he began, "I wanted to talk to Kushina-san about your performance in class today."

Kousei shifted slightly in Kakashi's arms, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious.

Kushina's smile faltered slightly. "Oh?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "Is everything alright?"

Fujinari chuckled. "More than alright," he replied. "In fact, I was quite surprised. Kousei-kun seemed rather…bored during my lesson. So, I offered him a test to see if he was perhaps in the wrong class."

Kushina's breath hitched. A test? She exchanged a quick glance with Kakashi, who raised an eyebrow in silent question.

"And…?" she prompted, her voice barely a whisper.

Fujinari beamed. "He nearly tested out of the academy entirely," he announced, his voice filled with admiration. "Just one point away! He could have gone straight to the ninja program!"

Kushina's eyes widened in panic. One point away? Her mind raced with a flurry of thoughts. Kousei, so young, so small… already facing the pressures and dangers of the shinobi world? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She looked at Kousei, who was watching the exchange with wide, innocent eyes, seemingly oblivious to the implications of what his sensei had just said. The color drained from her face. She couldn't believe it. Her little cousin, her family, was nearly gone from the academy.

Fujinari beamed, oblivious to Kushina's inner turmoil. "So, I've decided to place him in the graduating class," he announced. "He'll be with Kakashi-kun. It seems they get along quite well, and it would be beneficial for Kousei-kun to be challenged at a higher level."

Kushina's breath hitched again. The graduating class? That meant…missions. Dangerous missions. Her mind conjured images of Kousei, barely five years old, facing hardened criminals and enemy shinobi. The thought was unbearable.

"The graduating class…?" she echoed, her voice strained. She glanced at Kakashi, who was still holding Kousei, a slightly confused expression on his face. He was five, she knew. And Kousei…Kousei would be five next month. Too young. Far too young.

Fujinari nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! He's incredibly talented, Kushina-san. A prodigy, really. He has the potential to become a truly exceptional shinobi."

Kushina managed a weak smile, her mind reeling. She knew Kousei was intelligent, that he had received an…unconventional education. But she hadn't anticipated this. She hadn't imagined him being pushed into the shinobi world so soon. She had wanted him to have a childhood, a chance to play and laugh and be a child, not a weapon.

"That's…wonderful, Shiranui-san," she said, her voice betraying her true feelings. She reached out and gently took Kousei from Kakashi's arms, holding him close. She could feel the rapid beat of his small heart against her own, and a wave of protectiveness washed over her. She wouldn't let them take his childhood away. She wouldn't let them put him in danger.

Fujinari, still beaming, didn't notice the panic in her eyes. "Well, I should be off," he said. "I just wanted to let you know. I'm sure Kousei-kun will thrive in the graduating class." He gave them a final nod and then turned and walked away.

As soon as he was gone, Kushina turned to Kakashi, her eyes wide with worry. "Kakashi," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "did you know…did you know Kousei was so close to graduating?"

Kakashi frowned. "He's really smart," he mumbled. "He knows a lot of stuff."

Kushina bit her lip. "But…he's just a baby," she whispered, clutching Kousei tighter. "He's not ready for…for all that."

Kousei wriggled slightly in Kushina's fierce embrace. "Nee-chan," he squeaked, his voice a little muffled against her chest. "Nee-chan, can't…breathe…"

Kushina immediately loosened her hold, her eyes still filled with a mixture of worry and affection. "Oh, Kousei! I'm so sorry," she exclaimed, her voice laced with guilt. She cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs gently brushing against his cheeks. "You're okay, aren't you?"

Kousei nodded, taking a deep breath of fresh air. "I'm okay, Nee-chan," he reassured her, a small smile gracing his lips. He really wasn't that bothered by the whole graduating class situation. He was just happy that he would be in the same class as Kakashi. He liked being around Kakashi. He was…comfortable with him.

Kushina looked at him, her eyes searching his face. "Are you sure?" she asked softly. "You weren't…scared? When Shiranui-san said you were going to be in the graduating class?"

Kousei shrugged, his crimson hair swaying slightly. "Not really," he mumbled. "I'm with Kashi."

Kushina blinked, her gaze shifting to Kakashi, who was watching the exchange with a quiet amusement. "With Kakashi?" she echoed.

Kousei nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah," he said. "Kashi's my friend."

Kushina smiled, her worry easing slightly. It was true that Kousei and Kakashi had formed a close bond in the short time they had known each other. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if they were in the same class. At least Kousei would have someone he knew and trusted by his side.

"Well," she said, her voice regaining its usual cheerfulness, "if you're sure you're okay with it, then I guess it's alright. But," she added, her tone turning playful, "that doesn't mean I'm not going to keep a close eye on you, mister nearly-a-genin!"

Kousei giggled, leaning into Kushina's side. He didn't mind her fussing over him. He knew she cared about him, and he cared about her too. She was his Nee-chan, after all. Even if she was a little overprotective sometimes.

As they walked towards the Hatake compound, Kousei's stomach rumbled loudly. He hadn't had a chance to eat anything since his…interesting encounter with Obito and Genma at the academy. He glanced up at Kushina, his eyes pleading.

"Nee-chan," he whined softly, "I'm hungry."

Kushina chuckled. "I figured you might be," she said. "Don't worry, I picked up some of your favorite onigiri. We can have them when we get home."

Kousei's face lit up. "Onigiri!" he exclaimed, his earlier apprehension forgotten. He loved onigiri. It was his favorite food. He snuggled closer to Kushina, his stomach rumbling in anticipation. He couldn't wait to get home and enjoy a warm, delicious onigiri with his Nee-chan and his friend Kashi.


The aroma of sizzling meat and fragrant spices filled the cozy apartment as Kushina hummed happily in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The warm light from the setting sun streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on the living room. She glanced over at Kakashi and Kousei, a fond smile gracing her lips.

Kakashi, perched on one end of the plush couch, was engrossed in a scroll, his brow furrowed in concentration as he deciphered the ancient text. Kousei, nestled beside him, was equally absorbed in his own reading material – a thick book on level one fuinjutsu. Minatsuki had emphasized the importance of mastering seals, and Kousei, eager to please his Kaa-chan, was diligently studying the intricate diagrams and explanations.

Kushina chuckled softly. It was endearing to see the two boys so focused on their respective pursuits. She knew that Kakashi was already quite advanced for his age, and she was impressed by Kousei's dedication to learning fuinjutsu.

Minatsuki had told her that Kousei had a natural talent for seals, just like her. Kushina admired Minatsuki's skill with seals; she was incredibly knowledgeable and had even helped her with some of the more complex ones.

"Dinner's ready!" Kushina called out from the kitchen, her voice echoing through the apartment. The delicious smells wafting from the kitchen made Kousei's stomach rumble, and he marked his page in the fuinjutsu book before closing it gently. He glanced at Kakashi, who was still deeply engrossed in his scroll, and nudged him gently with his elbow.

Kakashi blinked, startled from his concentration. He looked up at Kousei, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Is something the matter?" he asked.

"Dinner," Kousei replied, pointing towards the kitchen. He wasn't sure what Kushina had cooked, but the enticing aroma had definitely piqued his interest. He and Kakashi exchanged a look of slight apprehension.

Kakashi and Kousei took their seats at the dining table, their eyes widening slightly at the feast laid out before them. Kushina beamed proudly as she presented her culinary creations: a platter of perfectly formed onigiri and a steaming pot of sukiyaki. The savory scent of the sukiyaki, a rich blend of beef, vegetables, and tofu simmered in a sweet and savory broth, filled the air, making their mouths water.

Kousei's eyes immediately gravitated towards the onigiri. He loved onigiri, and the sight of the perfectly shaped rice balls, wrapped in crisp nori and filled with various delectable ingredients, was almost irresistible. He reached out tentatively, picking up one of the onigiri and admiring its delicate form.

Kakashi, on the other hand, was more intrigued by the sukiyaki. He had never tried sukiyaki before, and the bubbling pot, filled with colorful ingredients and emitting such an enticing aroma, was a culinary adventure waiting to happen. He picked up his chopsticks, eager to sample the savory broth and the tender slices of beef.

Kushina, watching their reactions with anticipation, gestured for them to start. "Go ahead," she urged, her smile warm and encouraging. "I hope you like it. It's a family recipe."

Kousei took a small bite of his onigiri, his eyes widening in delight. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the filling, a mixture of seasoned tuna and mayonnaise, was bursting with flavor. He chewed thoughtfully, savoring the combination of textures and tastes.

Kakashi carefully dipped a piece of beef into the sukiyaki broth, then lifted it to his mouth. The tender beef, infused with the sweet and savory flavors of the broth, melted in his mouth. He nodded in approval, his eyes meeting Kushina's.

"This is delicious, Kushina-san," Kakashi complimented, his voice sincere. He reached for another piece of beef, eager to explore the other ingredients in the pot.

Kousei, equally impressed with his onigiri, nodded in agreement. "It's really good," he mumbled, already reaching for another rice ball. He had chosen one filled with pickled plum this time, and he was curious to see how it compared to the tuna mayonnaise.

Kushina beamed at their compliments, her cheeks flushing slightly with pleasure. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm so glad you like it."

"Kakashi," Kushina began, her voice taking on a slightly more serious tone, "I've been thinking… Instead of calling me Kushina-san, why don't you call me Kushina-nee?"

Kakashi blinked, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. He glanced between Kushina and Kousei, a flicker of confusion in his eyes. "Kushina-nee?" he echoed, the unfamiliar term feeling a bit strange on his tongue.

"Yeah!" Kushina replied enthusiastically. "It would be more…familiar, don't you think? We're practically family, after all." She smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with genuine affection.

Kakashi hesitated, a hint of his usual stoicism returning. He wasn't used to such displays of familial affection. His own family life had been…complicated, to say the least. The idea of calling Kushina "nee," a term that implied a close, sibling-like bond, felt a bit foreign to him.

"I don't know," he mumbled, his gaze shifting away from Kushina's. "Kushina-san is fine."

Kushina's smile faltered slightly, a hint of disappointment flickering across her face. "But Kakashi," she protested gently, "it would mean a lot to me. It would make me feel…closer to you."

Kakashi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the table. He wasn't sure why he was resisting. It wasn't as though he disliked Kushina. In fact, he quite liked her. She was kind, funny, and always made him feel welcome. But the idea of calling her "nee"… it felt like crossing a line, a line he wasn't sure he was ready to cross.

"Come on, Kakashi," Kushina persisted, her voice laced with playful teasing. "Don't be so stubborn. It's just a name."

Kakashi sighed internally. He knew Kushina wouldn't let it go easily. She was just as persistent as Kousei when she wanted something. He glanced at Kousei, who was watching the exchange with amusement, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Fine," Kakashi finally relented, his voice grudging. "Kushina-nee."

Kushina's face lit up, her smile radiating pure joy. "Yay!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I'm so glad! It sounds so much better, don't you think?"

The front door of the apartment opened and closed with a soft thud, and Minato walked in, a weary sigh escaping his lips. He shrugged off his jonin vest and tossed it onto a nearby chair, then made his way into the dining room where Kushina, Kakashi, and Kousei were already halfway through their meal. The aroma of the sukiyaki still lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of freshly cooked rice.

Kushina, her cheeks flushed from cooking, smiled brightly at her boyfriend. "Welcome back, Minato!" she greeted cheerfully. "How was patrol?"

Minato rolled his eyes, a look of exasperation crossing his face. "Don't even ask," he groaned, sinking into a chair at the table. "It would have been fine if a certain Nara hadn't decided to take an extended vacation in the hospital."

Kushina chuckled, shaking her head. "Shikaku?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

Minato nodded, his expression a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Yep," he confirmed. "That lazy bum is still 'recovering' from his 'injuries.' We can't go on any missions until he gets his lazy butt out of there."

Kushina rolled her eyes, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Minato," she said, her voice laced with gentle teasing, "what did you expect? He's a Nara. Laziness is practically a clan trait."

Minato pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. "That's not the point," he grumbled. "He's a shinobi! There's an unspoken rule that shinobi are supposed to hate hospitals, not lounge around in them like it's a spa."

Kushina laughed, her melodic voice filling the apartment. "Oh, Minato," she said, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "You're so naive. You'll learn. Nara are a special breed."

Minato sighed dramatically, but a small smile played on his lips. He knew Kushina was right. He had learned a long time ago that trying to understand the Nara clan was a futile endeavor. They operated on a different wavelength, a slower, more relaxed wavelength.

He glanced at Kakashi and Kousei, who were watching their exchange with quiet amusement. He winked at them, then turned back to Kushina, his expression softening. "So," he said, changing the subject, "what's for dinner? It smells amazing."

Kushina beamed, gesturing towards the steaming pot of sukiyaki. "I made your favorite," she announced proudly. "And Kousei seems to be a big fan of onigiri, so I made a whole platter of those too."

Minato's eyes lit up. He loved Kushina's cooking, and the sukiyaki was one of his favorite dishes. He thanked her with a warm smile, then picked up his chopsticks, eagerly joining the others in their meal.

The clatter of dishes and the murmur of conversation faded as Minato and Kushina finished cleaning up the dinner remnants. They stood side-by-side in the kitchen, the warm glow of the overhead light illuminating their faces. Minato leaned against the counter, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "That was delicious, Kushina," he said, his voice filled with appreciation. "Thank you."

Kushina smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You're welcome, Minato," she replied. "I'm glad you liked it." They chatted for a few minutes about their day, sharing anecdotes and lighthearted jokes.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Kakashi and Kousei had settled back onto the couch. Kakashi was flipping through a picture book, while Kousei was quietly tracing the intricate patterns on the rug with his finger. The two boys were comfortable in each other's company, a silent understanding passing between them.

Suddenly, a small figure darted across the living room floor, moving with an almost unnatural swiftness. Minato, still in the kitchen, let out a startled yelp as Kousei seemingly materialized out of thin air right behind him. The young redhead stood there, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Kushina, who had been facing the sink, whirled around, her eyes widening in surprise. She could sense chakra, and she was certain that Kousei had been sitting on the couch just moments ago. "Kousei!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with astonishment. "How did you…?"

Minato, still slightly jumpy from the surprise, turned to face Kousei, a look of bewilderment on his face. "You…you snuck up on me?" he asked, his voice incredulous. "How did you do that? I didn't even sense you."

Kousei simply shrugged, his grin widening. He didn't offer an explanation, just a playful twinkle in his eye. Kushina, however, was still trying to process what had just happened. She was a powerful sensor, and she couldn't believe that Kousei had managed to conceal his chakra so completely, even from Minato, who was known for his exceptional sensory abilities.

A chill ran down her spine as she considered the implications. Why would a child, especially one as young as Kousei, need to learn how to conceal his chakra so effectively? What had he been through? The thought made her heart ache for the small boy, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a comforting embrace. She didn't want to think about the reasons why he might have learned such a skill.


In a quiet room within the Hokage Tower, Minatsuki and Hiruzen pored over stacks of documents, their brows furrowed in concentration. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and the quiet hum of focused thought. Minatsuki, her usually vibrant teal hair pulled back in a severe bun, tapped a finger thoughtfully against a particularly lengthy report.

"The current curriculum is…archaic," she commented, her voice crisp and professional. "It focuses too heavily on rote memorization and basic taijutsu. It doesn't adequately prepare students for the realities of shinobi life."

Hiruzen, seated across from her, nodded in agreement. "I've long suspected as much," he admitted, his gaze thoughtful. "But the council has always been resistant to change. They cling to tradition, even when it's clearly outdated."

Minatsuki snorted softly. "Tradition for the sake of tradition is a dangerous thing," she countered. "Especially when it comes to training the next generation of shinobi. We need to adapt, to evolve, if we want to remain strong."

She gestured towards a series of charts and graphs spread across the table. "My proposal outlines a more comprehensive approach," she explained. "It incorporates practical skills, strategic thinking, and specialized training in areas like ninjutsu, genjutsu, and fuinjutsu. It also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and adaptability."

Hiruzen leaned forward, his eyes scanning the detailed plans. "This is…impressive, Minatsuki," he said, his voice laced with admiration. "You've clearly put a great deal of thought into this."

Minatsuki shrugged modestly. "It's something I'm passionate about," she replied. "I've seen firsthand what happens when shinobi aren't properly trained. It's a recipe for disaster." She paused, her expression turning serious. "We owe it to these children to give them the best possible chance of survival."

Hiruzen nodded solemnly. He knew that Minatsuki's concerns were valid. The shinobi world was a harsh and unforgiving place, and only the strongest and most skilled survived. He was determined to make the necessary changes to ensure that Konoha's future shinobi were up to the challenge.

"I agree," he said, his voice firm. "We need to make this happen. I'll call a council meeting and present your proposal. Be prepared for some resistance, though. There will be those who oppose any change to the status quo."

Minatsuki met his gaze, her dark green eyes filled with determination. "I'm ready," she said, her voice resolute. "This is too important to give up on."


End of Chapter 5

Author's Note: Hoped you enjoyed! See you in the next one!

Give me ideas on what should happen next!

Bye loves,

Slivia