Starting Over As Minato

Minato stared at the system screen, his thoughts swirling.

The false memories implanted in Rukia Kuchiki painted a past where they had known each other in another world—the *world of death*, as the system called it. She saw him as her close friend, someone she could trust with her life.

He let out a slow breath, glancing at the petite girl in front of him. Her body was trembling slightly, a clear contrast to her usual composed demeanor. Facing death had shaken her more than she let on.

With a sigh, Minato reached out and gently patted her back.

"It's alright," he said softly, reassuring her despite his own confusion.

Then, an idea struck him.

"System," he called out in his mind. "Does Rukia have a character panel?"

A crisp, pleasant voice responded instantly:

"Of course! Here you go, Hyouka!"

The system interface shifted, displaying a detailed status screen.

---

**Character: Rukia Kuchiki**

- **Ability:** Shinigami Transformation

- **Kido:** Mastery

- **Zanpakutō:** *Sode no Shirayuki*

- **Shikai:** Mastered

- **Status:** Recovering

- **Loyalty:** 100

- **Evaluation:** "Loyal to the host until death, willing to do anything for the host."

---

Minato's eyes lingered on the final line.

*Loyal until death?*

His past life flashed through his mind. A normal college student with nothing to his name, neither wealth nor prospects. Back then, he had seen the harsh reality of relationships—women who spoke of love with the rich but expected survival from the poor.

Now, things were different. He had power, a second chance, a wife, and even a son. And now, this mysterious system had thrown another person into his life—someone who, according to it, would remain completely devoted to him.

Minato exhaled, pushing aside his thoughts.

"You know," he murmured, "I don't say this enough, but… thanks, system."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, the system spirit sounded a little flustered.

"Why are you thanking me all of a sudden?"

Minato simply smiled.

The next moment, he snapped back to reality—only to find himself face-to-face with Rukia, her large violet eyes staring at him curiously.

He blinked. "Uh… something wrong?"

She hesitated, then shook her head. "No, Brother Minato."

Hearing that title again made his eyebrow twitch. He wasn't used to it yet.

Noticing her still wearing the white prison uniform from before, Minato frowned. He reached out, gently taking her hand.

"Come with me," he said.

Rukia blushed at the unexpected contact but followed without question.

Inside the house, Minato pulled out some clean clothes and handed them to her.

"Change into these. That uniform doesn't suit you."

Rukia's face turned even redder. "Brother Minato… if you wish, I can serve you…"

Minato nearly choked.

*What the hell is the system teaching her?!*

Suppressing his rising headache, he quickly shook his head. "That's not what I meant! Just—change your clothes. The prison uniform feels… out of place here."

Understanding dawned in her eyes, and she nodded. "I see. Thank you."

Minato stepped outside, waiting as she changed. When the door finally opened, he turned around—and froze.

Rukia now wore a simple white T-shirt, a knee-length pleated skirt, and a pair of white stockings covering her slender legs. Fluffy white rabbit slippers completed the look.

She looked… surprisingly adorable.

Then Minato's gaze landed on her chest—and he narrowed his eyes.

*Wait a second… wasn't she supposed to be flat?*

His sharp eyes noticed the discarded bandages on the bed behind her, and realization struck.

"...Rukia," he said seriously.

"Y-Yes?" she stammered under his scrutinizing gaze.

"Don't wrap your chest anymore. It's bad for your development."

Her face went from pink to bright red in an instant.

"Why are you saying that so seriously?!"

Ignoring her embarrassment, Minato grabbed her hand again.

"Come on, let's eat."

—

After finishing their meal of grilled fish and rabbit, Minato decided to head to the Hokage's office.

Initially, he wanted Rukia to stay home and rest. However, she adamantly refused.

"I need to understand this world," she argued.

In the end, he relented.

As they walked through the village, Rukia looked around with curiosity, taking in the sights. Her head turned left and right, eyes wide as she examined the different shops and bustling streets.

Minato couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.

Then, the inevitable happened.

"Hey, it's the Fourth Hokage!"

Civilians greeted him warmly as he passed, some even bowing respectfully.

"Good morning, Lord Hokage!"

Minato returned their greetings with polite nods.

But then—

"Hey, who's that girl with him?"

"Isn't she too young?"

"Hah! Hokage-sama moves fast! First thing after resurrection, and he already has a new girl with him!"

"Man, being strong really is different. I wish I had that kind of luck."

The knowing grins and whispered gossip spread like wildfire.

Minato's eyebrow twitched.

Rukia, on the other hand, remained oblivious, still distracted by the sights.

Letting out a helpless sigh, Minato continued forward, pretending not to notice the smirks of the villagers.

*Just another normal day in Konoha…*

---

(A/N: Advance Chapters Are Uploaded On My Patreon)