Naruto: Shikigami Aizen

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Upon seeing Jiraiya's mischievous expression, Minato's face flushed with embarrassment, looking quite awkward. Standing beside Minato, Kushina noticed this scene and, being perceptive, realized something. A black tic mark appeared on her forehead, and her expression became somewhat irritated.

She gave Minato a sharp look, then glared at Jiraiya angrily. Their eyes met, and sparks seemed to fly between them.

Meanwhile, Tsunade, her face slightly red, quietly watched as Minato and Kushina arrived. She found the young duo's behavior quite amusing.

With a scrutinizing look, Tsunade gazed at Minato and gently asked, her lips slightly parted, "Are you Jiraiya's disciple?"

Seeing the faint flush of alcohol on Tsunade's face, Minato didn't dare look directly at her. He bowed his head and softly replied, "Yes, Lady Tsunade. I'm Namikaze Minato."

Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya, who was being overwhelmed by Kushina's sharp gaze, and quietly said, "Jiraiya always praises you, even I've heard about it. It seems you're indeed outstanding, though he's not always the most reliable."

Hearing this, Minato scratched his nose and chuckled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

At that moment, Tsunade turned her gaze elsewhere and calmly asked, "I heard from Jiraiya that your view of Aizen Sōsuke differs from that of the village. Could you explain why?"

Everyone was slightly taken aback by Tsunade's sudden question. Even Jiraiya stopped his playful exchange with Kushina and slowly grew serious.

Kushina glanced between Minato and the expressionless Tsunade, her small face showing signs of unease, though it was unclear what she was thinking.

Minato, seeing Tsunade's serious expression, grew more solemn as well and said sincerely, "Captain Sōsuke is the reason I became a shinobi. He's someone I've always admired."

"I will never forget the joyful smiles on the villagers' faces when they hailed him as the 'Child of Konoha'. I believe that at that moment, Sōsuke brought happiness to the villagers. That's what I want to achieve as well. Even now, though Captain Sōsuke has betrayed the village, I still believe that his initial intentions were for the sake of the people. That's why I've always respected him." Minato spoke with such sincerity that everyone present was moved.

By this time, the Ichiraku Ramen shop had only a few customers left. Their conversation in the corner was hidden from others.

Tsunade's eyes flickered as she softly asked, "But now, Aizen has allied with Iwa to destroy Konoha. Do you still hold to your beliefs, Minato?"

Minato's expression grew more serious. He lifted his head, locking eyes with Tsunade, and firmly replied, "I don't believe Captain Sōsuke would do something like that. Besides, the information hasn't been confirmed yet, has it?"

At his words, the atmosphere grew heavy. No one immediately refuted him.

*Clap, clap, clap!*

Suddenly, the sound of slow, heavy applause echoed through the shop. Everyone, including Tsunade, turned their gaze towards the source.

Standing near the back entrance of the shop was a young man, calmly clapping his hands. His eyes were bright and clear, and he wore a white kimono that revealed well-defined muscles at his chest. On his head was a white hat with the words "Ichiraku" written on it.

Seeing him, everyone was surprised, especially Kushina, who blurted out, "Boss Teuchi!?"

Hearing Kushina's greeting, the young man smiled warmly and said, "Welcome, Kushina."

Ignoring his greeting, Kushina asked in surprise, "Why is Boss Teuchi here...and why did you suddenly interrupt our conversation?"

Hearing her question, both Jiraiya and Tsunade narrowed their eyes and stared at Teuchi, while Minato looked puzzled.

After all, this guy had just clapped in support of his words. Could he also be a supporter of Sōsuke?

Teuchi smiled faintly, took off his white hat, and walked over to close the shop door before returning to them. With a smile, he said, "It's rare to meet someone who respects Sōsuke as much as you do. Let's close the shop for today. After all, keeping a cheerful spirit is what Ichiraku Ramen is all about."

Everyone present wasn't foolish. From his words, they gleaned important information.

He called Aizen "Sōsuke"? The famous boss of Ichiraku Ramen had once known Sōsuke—and not just casually, but closely!?

"Who exactly are you, and why do you address Aizen that way?" Jiraiya took a step forward, his tone serious.

Teuchi smiled warmly and replied, "No need to be so wary. I was merely a neighbor of Sōsuke. Nothing special. There's no reason to be on guard."

He glanced at Jiraiya, then added with a chuckle, "I remember your performance alongside Sōsuke during the Chūnin Exams. That summoning of yours—the giant toad—was quite impressive. I've been working on a new frog dish recently. If I had a specimen like that, I'm sure I could create a delicious new broth."

Everyone nearly collapsed at his words!

They couldn't help but feel a chill towards this man. Why did his words, despite his smiling face, send shivers down their spines?

Tsunade frowned slightly, her brown eyes fixed on him as she asked, "Do you agree with Minato's perspective? But you should know that the Aizen you admire has now allied with Iwa to attack Konoha!"

Teuchi's smile faded, his face growing serious as he solemnly replied, "I don't believe Sōsuke would do such a thing."

He looked at Minato and said firmly, "I agree with Minato. This hasn't happened yet, so why jump to conclusions based on baseless information?"

Tsunade and Jiraiya hesitated.

Tsunade clenched her fist, her white palm showing a slight tremble as she rasped, "But you haven't seen him recently. You don't understand what he's become."

Minato's face showed some doubt, but Teuchi narrowed his eyes and said sternly, "Can a person change so easily? Do any of you truly know Sōsuke?"

"In my view, he hasn't changed at all."

Everyone was stunned, including Tsunade, who had been deeply saddened.

Teuchi, his expression serious, continued, "Come with me. I think once you see where I'm taking you, you'll understand who Sōsuke really is."