Evil Hokage: Naruto over Tsunade

Inside the barbecue restaurant, Kushina's fair little face began to puff up slightly.

Her dark eyes shimmered with a trace of tears, making her look pitiful and aggrieved—like a child who had suddenly lost the love of her parents, pouting and acting coy.

After years of knowing her, how could Naruto and Mikoto not see through her? They could tell that Kushina's tears were nothing more than an act.

Still… Naruto decided to play along.

"Kushina, don't move. Sit there quietly," Naruto said suddenly, his face growing stern. His tone was serious, carrying an air of authority.

Startled, Kushina straightened up, sitting obediently on her chair with a solemn expression.

"Pfft…" Mikoto couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. She quickly raised a hand to cover her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.

This side of Kushina was too amusing. Normally so carefree and bold, her drastic change in demeanor was quite endearing.

Only Naruto, Mikoto mused to herself, could make this high-spirited girl transform into such a meek, obedient person.

Naruto lowered his head, his expression unreadable, before suddenly extending his arm and pulling Kushina into an embrace.

Kushina froze momentarily, clearly not expecting the bold, blond-haired boy to hug her so openly in public.

"Wow…" Mikoto's eyes widened in surprise. Is this a confession?

"Let go, you idiot!" Kushina exclaimed, shocked at first but quickly reacting as she struggled to break free from Naruto's arms.

She darted backward, only to be caught again within seconds. This time, her back pressed firmly against Naruto's chest, her head nestled against him.

The strength of his grip unexpectedly brought back memories of a certain evening years ago.

No way… Naruto wouldn't actually… not here… Kushina's mind raced with conflicting emotions.

But after a while, Naruto simply held her.

Kushina exhaled in relief, a sense of safety washing over her. Yet, hidden deep within her, a subtle disappointment lingered—an emotion she couldn't quite put into words.

Naruto's warm breath brushed against her cheek, and her fair skin flushed with a faint pink hue.

"Don't… don't do this. Let me go, please," Kushina murmured softly, her delicate tone unintentionally tugging at Naruto's heart.

Her vibrant red hair tickled his nose, causing an itch that he ignored.

"No. And didn't I already say? Don't move!" Naruto's brows furrowed slightly, his tone crisp yet commanding. "Just stay here, my dear."

Hearing this, Kushina's half-hearted struggles ceased.

Naruto's blue eyes sparkled with amusement as a faint smile graced his lips. He reached for a napkin and gently wiped the oil stains from around Kushina's lips.

"Idiot… let go already!" Kushina eventually wriggled free, her face beet red, panting in exasperation. "Don't do such things in public!"

She turned her head towards the window, refusing to look at him.

Naruto blinked, a bead of cold sweat forming on his forehead. "What do you mean by 'such things'? Explain yourself!"

Mikoto, meanwhile, rested her hand on her flushed cheek and murmured to herself, "Naruto-kun is such a gentle person…"

"Mmhmm," Kushina nodded in agreement, her tone soft.

For a brief moment, she allowed herself to sink into the warmth Naruto had just shown.

---

Just as the three from Team 7 were about to dig into the next round of food, the crisp sound of footsteps approached.

A group of teenagers entered the barbecue restaurant, their red-and-white attire and kumogakure forehead protectors unmistakable.

Kushina and Mikoto's curiosity turned to dread as they looked up, their pupils constricting. Uncontrollably, their bodies began to tremble.

The sight of the kumogakure ninja reignited memories of a past attack, the trauma still fresh in their minds.

Naruto noticed the unease in their expressions. He reached out, clasping their hands tightly.

The trembling subsided.

"Don't worry. They're just here for the Chūnin Exams. Ignore them, and they'll leave soon enough," Naruto reassured them with a gentle voice.

"Okay… we understand," Mikoto replied softly after a brief pause. "Naruto-kun, can we head back? I suddenly don't feel well."

"Alright."

With a faint nod, Naruto got up and walked to the counter. He handed the owner a lifetime discount voucher embossed with the Akimichi clan's insignia.

"Here, could you verify this?" Naruto asked calmly.

The shop owner inspected the voucher carefully, rubbing the emblem between his fingers before nodding. "Yes, it's authentic. Thank you for dining with us. Please visit again!"

Naruto returned to the table, took the girls' hands, and led them out.

As they passed the Kumogakure team, one of the boys called out, "Hey, you up front—wait a moment…"

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