Dreams... In my past life, my dreams could be said to be that I wanted to become rich, marry a beautiful woman, have wealth, and live a happy life.
Even now, most of it stands true, but now that I have many more possibilities, I also wish to become immortal... No, it wasn't like I didn't want this in my past life, but back then, it was almost impossible...
God, I sound like Orochimaru now... but I don't want to be exactly like Orochimaru. He was basically immortal but far too weak, so weak that he could only hide or run away from anyone considered powerful... Orochimaru only survived...
I don't want that. So, to complete my dream, I also have to become strong—at least strong enough that I can live freely...
Which brings us back to my current situation.
'So nothing changes at all... I still have to become stronger, so training continues, I guess...'
Anyway, as I had mentioned before, Kushina would arrive soon, and soon, it was time.
Udon-sensei coughed a bit to draw everyone's attention.
"Today, we are getting a new transfer student. Everyone, welcome her," Sensei announced.
A red-haired girl walked in. She seemed quite nervous at first as she looked around the class. Of course, the entire class, too, looked at her curiously—her red hair was quite distinctive to go unnoticed.
As she stepped onto the podium and turned towards the class, she started to introduce herself. Her voice sounded a bit nervous, especially hearing the conversations about her strange hair going on between the students. Her fingers slid into her hair as she fiddled with it, looking a bit insecure.
This very hair was the identification of her clan, who were now being hunted, and this rare hair was also the reason they became easy targets.
"I am Kushina Uzumaki... I will become the first female Hokage of Konoha!! Believe it!!"
Well, she started a bit meek but practically shouted the end...
But her declaration was not received well by her new classmates, who all started to throw insults at her, like, "As if a tomato like you can become Hokage," and similar stuff like that...
Of course, seeing this, I knew I had to do something. Since if I didn't, Minato would act before me and spout his talk about wanting to become Hokage like he did in the original work.
I needed to act before him, or else, if he expressed his interest in Kushina before I could do so, I would be bound by the Bro Code and would have to give up my plans on Kushina, and support Minato in getting her. But if I am the one who expresses it first, then it's gonna be the other way around.
"Quiet down, all of you... Do you think having dreams is funny? If you don't even dare to dream, do you really think you ever have a chance of succeeding?" I said loudly, catching everyone's attention.
Now, if anyone else had said it, he might have become the next target of bullying, but when the same thing is said by the most handsome, undisputed strongest in the class, they don't mock; they listen. They follow.
Unlike Minato's declaration in the original work, Kushina did not protest against this.
And as I had carefully planned before, in my seat, only Minato and I were sitting. So—
"Well said, Mahoraga. Everyone, you must not mock anyone. Having dreams is good; every one of you should aspire to become the Hokage. Kushina, you go and sit at the empty seat next to Mahoraga," Udon-sensei exclaimed.
Nice assist there, Sensei. Your contribution will be remembered.
And Kushina came and sat beside me.
Now, Minato next to me was having some internal conflicts, but being the nice guy that he is, I am sure he would make the same decision I would make had Minato taken action first.
After all, even though I may not exactly be the most saintly person, I value friendships.
Now, I may not act like how Naruto did for Sasuke, doing everything just to bring him back to the village, but I would, at the very least, never betray my friends.
And of course, I expect the same sentiment from my friends too.
Trustworthy people are rare, even more so in this world, where deception is the very foundation of the shinobi... So we must cherish whomever we have.
"Thank you for helping me," Kushina said to me as she sat beside me... there was a slight blush on her face...
Looking at her now, I understand why she got the nickname Tomato, 'cause she really does look like one right now...
No, I am not saying that she is ugly—it's cute in its own way—but the similarities are indeed uncanny.
"You're welcome, but there's no need to mention it. So you're a transfer student... Where are you from?" I replied, starting the conversation.
And then we started talking.
Well, it seems my communication skills have definitely gotten better, since I am certain that by the end of just a single day, we could both be considered friends.
In just a few classes, Kushina completely shed off her previously reserved act with me and started talking as if we were old friends.
Udon-sensei even looked at us quite a few times but ignored it, since this was Kushina's first day, and I was the top student of the class.
Of course, this ended when the classes ended, and I wished farewell to Kushina.
It would have been strange if I had offered to walk her home on the very first day...
"Let's go, Minato," I said, waving at Minato, calling him to walk towards our homes together, which were in the same direction.
"Oh, you finally remember me now? You pretty much ignored me the entire day as soon as the transfer girl appeared. And the declaration in front of the whole class... Do you like her or something?" Minato asked.
Well... I really didn't want to ignore him... believe me, I just didn't notice it before...
"Sorry about that... I was too focused, I guess. Won't happen again.
As for Kushina... well, she's cute... I'd have to say that," I replied.
"OHHHH!! I didn't expect you to admit it. Well, I will help you out wherever I can," Minato replied with a smile.
It seems he has made the decision... the right decision.