Naruto : Konoha Light

If someone else had made this request, Minato might have taken it more seriously. 

But Shimizu was different. As a widely recognized prodigy of Konoha, Minato couldn't believe Shimizu truly needed his guidance. Learning space-time ninjutsu was one of the most difficult challenges, and most shinobi wouldn't even attempt it. Minato had confidence in Shimizu's talent—if he really wanted to learn, he could figure it out on his own. 

More importantly, Shimizu was already proficient in medical ninjutsu and genjutsu. With such specialties, he had little reason to urgently train in the Flying Thunder God Technique. 

"So, he's asking for this technique to help me train instead. And to preserve my dignity as his senior, he'll frame it as if we're exchanging knowledge," Minato thought, his expression softening as he looked at Shimizu. 

Seeing Minato lost in thought, Kushina happily patted his shoulder. "What's with you spacing out? My little brother is just asking about a jutsu, not challenging you to a duel!" 

Minato smiled modestly and shook his head. "You misunderstand. Shimizu is a talent even the Hokage praises. Why would he need my guidance? He's only phrasing it this way to save my pride." 

Kushina's eyes lit up in realization, and she nodded firmly. "I knew it! My little brother is too amazing to need your help!" 

Minato sighed. 'Kushina, you sure switched sides fast...' 

"You two start discussing things. I'll go prepare some tea and snacks," Kushina said cheerfully before skipping toward the kitchen, humming a tune. 

For her, such a lively scene had only ever existed in dreams. 

— 

In the living room, Minato watched Shimizu closely. For some reason, he saw his younger self in him. 

"Shimizu, I really wanted to thank you for what you did before. Without you, I might not have reached those Kumo-ninja in time." 

Shimizu shook his head. "No, I only did what I had to." 

"Chasing enemy spies isn't something you had to do. Really, I mean it—thank you." 

Minato was an open and friendly person, easily able to warm up to strangers. And since Shimizu had saved Kushina, plus shared a personality somewhat similar to his, their conversation quickly became natural. 

Eventually, the topic shifted to the Flying Thunder God Technique, and Shimizu hesitated before asking, "Minato-san, before we start, can I ask you something first?" 

Minato tensed up. 'Wait... is he going to ask about my background? My finances? Whether I own property in Konoha? Or—oh no—is he going to ask about my love life? Past girlfriends? My current salary? How soon I can be promoted to jōnin?' 

His mind raced as he considered his answers. 

But Shimizu, unaware of Minato's wild thoughts, simply asked, "Minato-san, why did you choose to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique? It's so difficult, and if you fail, the consequences could be severe." 

Hearing the actual question, Minato let out a relieved sigh. 

"It's because I nearly lost Kushina that day. I want to learn a technique that will let me reach her as fast as possible," he answered with a gentle smile. Then, his lips curled into a confident grin. "Besides, don't you think it's a really cool jutsu?" 

Shimizu chuckled. 'Right, I almost forgot—underneath all that brilliance, this guy is just a showoff at heart.' 

At that moment, Kushina returned, carrying a tray as she sat down. 

"What's so funny? How did you two get so deep into conversation?" 

"Haha, we were just talking about jutsu," Minato said, tactfully avoiding any mention of his previous admission about protecting her. 

"I want to listen too!" Kushina rested her chin on one hand, looking interested. 

"Aren't you only into sealing techniques?" 

"Ahem, you don't get to decide what I'm interested in!" 

"Fine, fine," Minato said with a fond smile before turning back to Shimizu. "Shall we officially begin?" 

Shimizu's eyes gleamed. "So, Minato-san, does that mean you've already made progress?" 

Minato rubbed the back of his head. "Well... let's just say I'm a little beyond the beginner stage." 

Shimizu's expression brightened. "So, you've crossed the threshold?" 

Minato hesitated, then modestly replied, "Let's just say... I'm a hundred million steps away from mastering it." 

Realizing how arrogant that sounded, he quickly added, "Maybe I just have a natural compatibility with the jutsu. Or maybe... I have a reason I need to succeed." 

As he spoke, his eyes flickered toward Kushina. 

Of course, as an Uzumaki, Kushina's sharp instincts caught it immediately. She clenched her fist and huffed, "Why are you looking at me? Is your 'reason' to defeat 'me'?" 

Minato hastily raised his hands in surrender. "No, no! Not at all!" 

Kushina relaxed slightly, unaware that her ears were tinged red. 

Meanwhile, Shimizu, having just been subjected to an unintentional romantic display, thought to himself, 'So strong emotions and determination help in mastering the Flying Thunder God? Does Minato only show his full potential when it involves Kushina?' 

Oblivious to Shimizu's inner monologue, Minato continued, "Anyway, I've definitely made fast progress with this jutsu. Watch closely." 

He pulled out a kunai and threw it toward the door. 

Then—he disappeared and reappeared half a meter away. 

Shimizu's expression shifted. "Minato-san... you learned this in just a few days?" 

Minato waved his hands dismissively. "No, no, I still have a long way to go. If I try to teleport more than half a meter, the jutsu fails completely." 

Though his words were humble, both Kushina and Shimizu, being talented ninja, immediately understood the significance. 

This wasn't just extreme speed—it was actual space-time teleportation! 

Kushina's expression darkened. "Unbelievable! You secretly mastered such an insane jutsu without telling me! How am I supposed to spar with you now?!" 

Minato laughed nervously and raised his hands in defense. "It's just one jutsu. It's not like I suddenly became unbeatable!" 

"Yeah, right. You probably learned a bunch of other high-level jutsu while you were at it!" 

"Uh... I mean, the A-rank jutsu I got when I graduated... I only learned about seventy or eighty of them?" 

There was a brief silence. 

Realizing how ridiculous that sounded, Minato quickly added, "But that's just because I happened to find ones that suited me! Kushina, your talent in sealing techniques is even more amazing!" 

Kushina considered this, then nodded. "True. Even though I haven't touched S-rank sealing techniques yet, A-rank ones? I just need to look at them a few times, and I can basically use them in a few days." 

Both of them smiled in satisfaction. 

Then, suddenly, they paused. 

They turned to look at Shimizu at the same time. 

'Oh no... we just spent the last few minutes showing off nonstop.' 

'Did we just damage his self-esteem?'