Naruto : Konoha Light

Shimizu, however, was not at all bothered by their overwhelming talents. On the contrary, he was genuinely pleased. 

A single person's wisdom could never match that of a collective. This was a truth Shimizu had understood from an early age. Especially in a world that revered bloodlines, he needed all the support he could gather to climb to the peak—or at the very least, to cultivate more outstanding allies. 

Thus, the stronger his companions were, the happier he became. 

What mattered most was how to make their strengths work in his favor. 

'You… are my wings.' Shimizu sighed inwardly. Outwardly, however, he wore an expression of admiration. 

"Sister Kushina, Brother Minato, you're both incredible! I'm not nearly as talented—just trying to master a B-rank illusion technique is already giving me a headache!" 

This time, it was Minato and Kushina's turn to be surprised. 

Shimizu was already practicing high-level genjutsu? 

Unlike the Flying Thunder God Technique, which they assumed was far beyond his current level, practicing B-rank genjutsu suggested that Shimizu's instructors believed he had the qualifications to attempt advanced techniques. 

'As expected… Shimizu really isn't an ordinary talent," they both thought, feeling even more at ease. 

Speaking freely with a true genius meant they didn't have to worry about holding back or accidentally discouraging him. 

And so, the three of them launched into an enthusiastic discussion about their respective training. 

"Rasengan?" Minato's eyes lit up when Shimizu described the technique he was "considering" developing. It was a vague concept, but something about it resonated with him. 

"In theory, if this technique is successfully developed, it wouldn't require hand seals!" Shimizu replied with a smile. 

As someone who knew the future, Shimizu wasn't particularly shocked by the idea of a jutsu that didn't require hand seals. In fact, by later standards, using hand seals at all would seem outdated. 

But for Minato and Kushina, this notion shattered their understanding of ninjutsu. 

Even the Shadow Clone Technique required hand seals. 

In the world of shinobi, seals were as fundamental to jutsu as eating and drinking were to survival. 

Over time, shinobi had even refined the art of hand seals—single-handed seals, foot seals, and even lightning-fast seals performed at unimaginable speeds. 

Yet now, here was a concept that completely bypassed them. 

Minato muttered to himself, "A technique that requires no hand seals… wouldn't that pair perfectly with the Flying Thunder God?" 

The more he thought about it, the more he felt he owed Shimizu a great debt. 

"Shimizu, I probably owe you one for this," Minato admitted with a sigh. 

Shimizu quickly waved his hands. "Not at all! Actually, I was hoping you could help me develop this technique. That way, we both benefit!" 

Minato shook his head slightly. How could this be considered equal? 

If he had only received inspiration from Shimizu, it might take him three years to complete the technique. But Shimizu had already laid out a concrete concept and initial approach—all Minato had to do was refine the chakra control mechanism. With this, it wouldn't take him more than three months. 

Smiling wryly, Minato said, "Saying 'thank you' would be too shallow. The best way I can repay you is to help you complete this technique as soon as possible." 

Nearby, Kushina slumped over the table, pounding on its surface dramatically. 

"I'm so tired! You two keep talking about things I don't understand!" 

Seeing her frustration, Shimizu hesitated before asking, "Sister Kushina, would you be willing to teach me sealing techniques?" 

Instantly, Kushina perked up, her boredom vanishing. 

"Shimizu, you're interested in sealing techniques?" 

Since sealing jutsu could restrain even beings like Kaguya, their potential was limitless. Naturally, Shimizu was interested. 

Of course, he couldn't say it that bluntly. 

Instead, he lowered his head slightly. "When I was in the hospital, I saw many injured ninja who couldn't receive timely treatment… some were even left disabled or worse. So I started thinking—what if medical ninjutsu and sealing techniques could be combined? We could create medical scrolls, ensuring that even in battle, everyone could receive immediate treatment!" 

"Medical scrolls!" 

Despite having heard many of Shimizu's wild ideas, Kushina was still stunned. 

Even as a non-medical ninja, she could grasp the significance of this concept. 

The scarcity of medical ninja, combined with the rule that they were not to be placed on the front lines, severely limited battlefield treatment. 

But if medical scrolls could replace or supplement medical ninja, the survival rate of shinobi in battle would rise drastically. Such a development could even shift the tides of war. 

Both Kushina and Minato were visibly excited. 

"Shimizu, is this really possible?" 

"I'm not sure," Shimizu admitted, shaking his head. But his tone was resolute. "But if it can help others, I have to try!" 

Kushina, moved by his determination, nodded firmly and pounded her chest. 

"Leave it to me!" 

Shimizu hesitated, then cautiously asked, "But… sealing techniques belong to the Uzumaki Clan. Are you sure it's okay for me to learn them?" 

Kushina gave a self-deprecating smile. "Is there even an Uzumaki Clan anymore?" she murmured. Then, she added, "Actually… if you ever come across any other survivors of my clan, could you look after them for me?" 

Shimizu's expression wavered slightly. 

Then he nodded, firmly. 

"I will." 

"By the way, Sister Kushina, there's something else I'd like to ask you." 

Kushina crossed her arms and smirked. "Now you're getting all formal on me? That's not how you talk to your big sis!" 

"...Habit," Shimizu muttered awkwardly. 

Satisfied, Kushina gestured for him to continue. 

Rubbing his cheeks where she had just pinched them, Shimizu said, "Since I'll be learning the Flying Thunder God and sealing techniques here, I'll be spending a lot of time at your place… But I also run a psychology club at the Academy. If I'm gone too often, I'll be letting down my friends." 

"So… could I invite them over to your place?" 

"Friends?!" 

Kushina, usually so bold, actually stuttered. 

Friends… 

For her, that word had always been a luxury. 

She had never had friends. That was why she cherished the bonds she had now so deeply. 

Seeing her stunned reaction, Shimizu smiled gently. "They're really great people. I'm sure they'll like you, Sister Kushina." 

At that moment, Kushina understood. 

'He knows I don't have friends… so he's trying to introduce me to his. But he's worried I might be sensitive about it, so he's presenting it this way.' 

Her nose tingled as she felt a warmth she hadn't experienced before. 

For a moment, she almost wanted to cry. 

'Thank you… for letting me experience such precious bonds.'