Chapter 78: The Blue Pill
A familiar laugh echoed from outside the hospital room.
Even before the person entered, Koshino knew it was the Fourth Hokage, the current commander of this Konoha ninja unit!
However, listening to what the Fourth Hokage said afterward, Koshino couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Especially when his gaze landed on Shikaku, noticing the faint smile at the corner of Shikaku's mouth and the wise glint in his eyes, Koshino was momentarily stunned.
He then thought to himself:
"Could it be... Uncle Shikaku's earlier words were meant for Minato-sensei to hear?"
"If that's the case, then Uncle Shikaku is truly impressive, predicting that I would wake up and Minato-sensei would come!"
Thinking this, Koshino felt a mix of admiration for Shikaku's cunning and a sigh at the numerous intrigues within Konoha.
Almost at the moment Koshino saw through Shikaku's plan, with the Fourth Hokage's arrival, Koshino began to understand why Shikaku would deliberately reprimand him despite his excellent handling of official matters.
Wasn't it just as Shikaku thought, a show for those with ulterior motives?
Originally, Koshino believed that after Sarutobi Asuma returned to the Konoha camp and then defected, those with ulterior motives couldn't use this incident against him.
Little did he know, in Konoha's history of internal strife, as long as someone with an agenda truly had intentions, even a small blemish could condemn a person to eternal damnation.
Just like in the original story, Konoha's White Fang, Kakashi's father, Sakumo Hatake, wasn't he driven to "suicide" over a minor issue?
Therefore, the real reason for Shikaku discussing official matters with Koshino was firstly to silence those with ulterior motives, and secondly to gain the Fourth Hokage's support.
With the Fourth Hokage's backing, the Third Hokage could support Koshino.
Respect the monk for the Buddha's sake.
For the Nara Clan, who have guarded the Hokage for generations, both the Fourth and Third Hokage should give some face to Shikaku, the clan leader, and be lenient in handling certain matters, right?
And at this moment, Koshino's thoughts were indeed correct.
Initially, the Fourth Hokage was just listening to Koshino and Shikaku's conversation from outside.
But upon hearing Shikaku "reprimanding" Koshino over official matters, he couldn't help but walk in.
He first smiled at Shikaku, then turned his gaze to Koshino.
Noticing the bandages wrapped around Koshino's shoulder, still stained with red, the previously smiling Fourth Hokage couldn't help but retract his smile,
apologetically saying to Shikaku, "Shikaku, I'm truly sorry. It's my failure for not protecting Koshino well."
"There's no need for such formality, Minato."
Hearing the Fourth Hokage's words, Shikaku nonchalantly smiled and replied, "You have so many things to handle every day, how could Koshino's matters trouble you?"
Saying this, Shikaku slowly stood up, secretly handed something to Koshino, and then said to the Fourth Hokage, "Alright, Minato, I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you and your student catching up."
"Farewell!"
"Take care, Uncle Shikaku!"
"Alright then, Shikaku, see you later!"
As Shikaku left, Koshino glanced at the item in his hand out of the corner of his eye, discovering that Shikaku had secretly given him a blue pill.
A pill, and it's blue?
Recalling a certain medication from before his transmigration, Koshino couldn't help but twitch his eye at the sight of the blue pill.
The Fourth Hokage, with his sharp eyes, noticed the blue pill in Koshino's hand and laughed,
"Koshino, Shikaku really values you! Don't underestimate this blue pill. Even your Nara Clan produces only a few each year, and only a handful are given to the village.
The last time Kakashi was seriously injured, I had to plead with Shikaku for a long time to get this secret medicine from him."
"Otherwise, even if Obito handed over his Sharingan to Kakashi, without the effect of this secret medicine, Kakashi's Sharingan might have been ruined!"
"Sigh!"
Mentioning the "fallen" Obito Uchiha, the Fourth Hokage couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.
In contrast, Koshino was staring at the blue pill in his hand with an expression of utter astonishment.
Are you kidding me? Kakashi's eye was severely injured, and he hastily had a Sharingan implanted. Yet, this blue pill could work wonders and aid in his recovery.
Now, with just an arm injury, Uncle Shikaku gave me such a precious secret medicine for healing? Thoughts of Shikaku's kindness filled Koshino's mind as he held the blue pill like it was a priceless treasure, afraid it might dissolve in his hand.
After sighing over Obito Uchiha's "death," the Fourth Hokage prepared to discuss serious matters with Koshino.
First, he observed Koshino's changing expressions, nodding to himself, thinking that Koshino was indeed a person of deep emotions and loyalty.
The Fourth Hokage got straight to the point and said to Koshino,
"Koshino, your status is only that of a temporary Anbu.
Even if you achieve merits on the battlefield, the village might not be able to reward you much.
I hope you can understand the village's position."
"Is this the treatment of a temp worker?"
Seeing the Fourth Hokage start with this topic, Koshino secretly sneered, but outwardly maintained his passionate demeanor, responding excitedly, "Completing missions is a ninja's duty."
"Minato-sensei, talking about merits would be unnecessary, wouldn't it?"
"Koshino, it's impressive that you have such thoughts at your young age. As expected of my student. But you must know, not everyone in the village has your level of awareness, just like Uchi..."
"Never mind, let's not mention it!"
Saying this, the Fourth Hokage shook his head slightly and continued, "Moreover, Koshino, because of the Asuma incident, the village might not be able to reward you much. I hope you can understand."
"Of course, as I said when I arrived, completing a mission for the village deserves a reward, doesn't it?"
"Even if the village doesn't reward you, as your teacher, Koshino, do you think I would treat you unfairly?"
"So, from today onwards, stay by my side. Whenever I have time, I'll guide you in your next steps of training!"
After the Fourth Hokage finished speaking, Koshino didn't have much to say and could only nod silently.
But thinking about how everything stemmed from Sarutobi Asuma, recalling Asuma's arrogant demeanor, Koshino couldn't help but wish he could strangle him!
"Sarutobi Asuma, just don't ever return to Konoha!"
"And in the original storyline, even if you died, didn't you and Kurenai have a child named Sarutobi Mirai?
Now that I'm here, your Sarutobi Mirai will become my Nara Mirai!"
"Just wait and see!"
As a member of the Nara Clan, Koshino might not be able to directly retaliate against Sarutobi Asuma.
But knowing the original storyline, Koshino could certainly disrupt Sarutobi Asuma's romantic path, right?
Moreover, Kurenai Yuhi, even at a young age, was already a beauty in the making.
Even if not for revenge against Sarutobi Asuma, pursuing Kurenai Yuhi for his own future wasn't wrong, was it?
Unfortunately, Koshino was only four years old now, so winning over Kurenai Yuhi would have to wait.
For now, he could only lay a solid foundation for their future.
While Koshino was lost in thought, his mind filled with images of Kurenai Yuhi's youthful face, the Fourth Hokage's words brought him back to reality once again.
"Koshino, I see your injuries are healing well. You should be able to walk now, right?"