"Sarutobi Hiruzen!!!" Kushina clenched her fists tightly. If Hiruzen of this world weren't already dead, she would have definitely given him a piece of her mind!
There were some things that Rino hadn't elaborated on, but as a Jinchuriki herself, how could she not understand?
Compared to what Naruto endured… those endless forms of passive-aggressive cruelty, the cold stares, the ridicule… what she had experienced were actually somewhat mild!
"Kushina..."
Looking at the furious Kushina, Rino was also worried. If Kushina were to lose control here, it would be an ugly scene for everyone involved.
Seeing her concerned friend, Kushina forcibly suppressed her rage.
"I'm... sigh... I'm fine, Rino!" Kushina said to Rino with a gentle expression: "You all did what you could within your means. I can understand that."
"I believe, at least among classmates, your children had a normal relationship with Naruto, right?"
Kushina looked towards the nearby Ino.
By now, Ino, who had already snapped out of her earlier shock and listened to the full story of Naruto, learning that he was the son of the Fourth Hokage and Kushina, was utterly stunned!
"Y-yes, Auntie. I usually looked out for Naruto!" Putting on the obedient smile that parents love, Ino's voice carried a hint of guilt.
'Other than being somewhat annoyed by Naruto pestering Sasuke, I probably, maybe, was good to him, right?'
'At the very least, I never called him a fox demon, did I?'
However, Ino's little thoughts couldn't escape the notice of the perceptive individuals before her.
"Oh dear..." Looking at Ino, Rino hadn't expected her own daughter to deliver such a backstab!
"Ino, what did I tell you back then?!" Rino's eyebrows shot up as she angrily scolded her daughter!
She had never been this angry with Ino before! This was a first!
"I'm sorry, sorry Mom! I really didn't do anything to Naruto. I'm sorry, Auntie!"
Instantly frightened by Rino, Ino kept bowing and apologizing.
Seeing the apologetic Ino, Kushina's expression gradually softened: "Alright, alright, Rino, no need to keep scolding Ino. She's your daughter, just like you were in your youth!"
"I imagine Ino was probably focused on the handsome boys in class and didn't interact much with Naruto. In that case, the occasional little friction is understandable!" Kushina said.
"Y-yes, that's right!" Although she still wanted to scold Ino a bit more, since Kushina had spoken, what else could she do? She could only offer an awkward, apologetic smile.
After some awkward small talk, Kushina brought up her departure.
"Alright, Rino, wrap up a bouquet of chrysanthemums for me. I need to go."
Kushina said to Rino.
"Oh, planning to pay respects to Mito-sama? Of course, right away!" Rino said with understanding.
Then she turned her head, her expression instantly changing as she looked at Ino: "Ino, what are you waiting for? Go!"
"Yes, right away, Mom!" Hearing Rino's words, Ino fled as if escaping.
Watching her hopeless daughter disappear from sight, Rino finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Seeing Kushina's somewhat cool expression, Rino sighed inwardly, 'It seems we would have to apologize again later.'
As for Kushina's next destination, Rino was somewhat concerned: "Kushina, um, about your next steps..."
"Don't worry, the Third is already dead. I won't do anything."
"After getting the chrysanthemums, I'm not in a hurry to visit Mito-sama's grave. I plan to visit a few old friends' shops first. Rino, could I ask you to temporarily not disclose my presence to the Hokage's side?"
"Don't worry, I won't hide for too long. When the time comes, I'll meet them at Mito-sama's graveside!"
"As for the matter concerning Naruto, Konoha owes me an explanation, even if the Third is dead!" Kushina said calmly.
If her previous interest in this operation was merely casual...
Then after learning about this world's Naruto's situation, Kushina had become serious!
She truly saw herself as the Kushina from this story, and she wanted to seek justice for the 'her' of this world!
As for Kushina's request, what could Rino, who was in the wrong, possibly say?
"Yes, okay, no problem, Kushina. I'll only inform Inoichi, and I'll also make sure he stays quiet."
"Rest assured, Kushina, we are on your side!" Rino assured her.
"Hmph, I hope so." Kushina was noncommittal about Rino's words.
Soon after, Ino arrived with the carefully wrapped bouquet of chrysanthemums.
Taking the chrysanthemums from the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Kushina looked at Sora: "Let's go. Next stop."
"Where specifically?" Pakura asked.
"Hmm..." Kushina thought for a moment: "To the Nara household. I need to buy something. I plan to give a little gift to 'my' child in this world."
"Alright."
Everyone nodded, having no objections to Kushina's arrangements.