[Chapter Size: 2200 Words.]
Third Person POV
Konoha, Year 41.
...
...
"Another one, please!" Kushina exclaimed, raising her empty tray with both hands, eagerly waiting for another full bowl.
"Of course, another ramen for Miss Kushina!" Teuchi shouted as he prepared another dish.
Tonight, Ramen Ichiraku was packed. All the tables were full of people laughing and eating while Teuchi and his wife worked tirelessly to serve everyone. His wife juggled serving customers while caring for a baby held by a little girl.
In the past few days, more and more ninjas had been arriving in Konoha after the war. Everyone was celebrating, filling restaurants, barbecue joints, and bars across the village, rejoicing in the return of their comrades and loved ones.
Minato hadn't even made it home yet. He had spent his time catching up with people he hadn't seen in a long time — from the orphanage where he was raised to old companions from his missions.
Now, he was sitting at a table with his friends, enjoying the night. Mikoto, Hanabi, and Kushina shared the table with him, chatting and eating.
Minato quietly ate his bowl of ramen, listening to Kushina's lively chatter. His gaze wandered across the restaurant, taking in the cheerful atmosphere.
People at the other tables were engaged in lively conversations and laughter. At the front counter, a group of jonin gathered, deep in discussion.
Outside the restaurant, children ran around, their joyous shouts filling the streets. Cries of "Daddy's back!" or "Mommy's home!" echoed, bringing smiles to many faces.
The entire village seemed to be wrapped in a shared feeling of relief and happiness. Minato, too, felt it, a soft smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"What are you thinking about?" Mikoto's voice broke his reverie as she looked at him, noticing his quiet smile.
Kushina, still animated as she waited for her next bowl of ramen, also turned her curious gaze toward Minato.
"I'm just happy... happy to be back," Minato replied. It felt strange to say out loud, but he knew it was true. This was his home, his place.
"That's good to hear, kid. I've been hearing a lot about you. You've really made a name for yourself, Minato," Teuchi commented, approaching with Kushina's freshly prepared bowl of ramen.
"Of course Minato stood out in the war, dattebane!" Kushina exclaimed, grabbing her ramen excitedly and digging in right away.
"It wasn't just me. Many ninjas did their part," Minato said modestly.
"Don't be so humble. Either way, tonight's on the house. After everything I've heard, you deserve it," Teuchi added with a smile.
Minato nodded in thanks before glancing at his companions. Mikoto was quietly observing him, a small smile on her lips — an uncommon sight for an Uchiha. Hanabi ate in silence, trying to behave properly, a stark contrast to Kushina, who devoured her ramen as if it were her last meal.
Tsunade, however, seemed distant. Her expression was less somber than usual, but she still barely touched her food.
Minato's gaze lingered on her. He knew she was dreading going home, where her mother and uncle — both deeply scarred by the war — were waiting for her. The absence of her father weighed heavily on her heart.
Just as Minato was about to say something to her, he sensed a familiar presence approaching.
"Kai Kurama, don't even think about sneaking up on me like that," Minato said without turning around.
"Damn, you already sensed my intentions, hero?" a woman's voice teased.
Kai Kurama, known by the codename Mirage, was a member of the Phantom Squad, the elite unit Minato had served with during the southern campaigns against Suna.
"It's obvious. And I can tell you've been drinking," Minato replied, catching the scent of alcohol in the air.
"Damn it, you're good. I'll give you credit for that," Kai said with a smirk before calling out to someone outside. "Furi, come here! Look who I found!"
The group at Minato's table glanced at the scene with suspicion as Kai made a scene.
It didn't take long for Furi Akimichi to arrive, carrying a bucket of fried chicken wings. He grinned as he stood next to Kai.
"Minato?! You finally made it, my boy! We've been in the village for three days now," Furi said cheerfully.
"That's right. You must've just arrived today. And look at you, already turning into a ladies' man… My boy's growing up!" Kai exclaimed, dramatically wiping an imaginary tear from his eye in mock pride.
"Stop embarrassing him, Kai," Furi commented as he bit into a chicken wing.
"What do you mean by that? Are you saying I'm harming our dear Minato, you bastard?!" the woman exclaimed, raising her voice and catching everyone's attention in the restaurant.
"You're drunk. Stop causing a scene," Furi said, though this only seemed to make the woman even more furious.
"I'm just trying to be nice to our former comrade here. Don't be such a killjoy," she shot back.
"Hey, can you two cut it out...?" Minato intervened before the two could start one of their usual squabbles, the kind that often happened outside of missions.
"You're the ones making a scene here!" a new voice chimed in as a man approached them. "For the love of Rikudou, I still think you two are going to get married someday," he added with a smirk.
"Fumiko Sarutobi," Minato acknowledged, recognizing another member of the Phantom Squad.
"Hello, Minato. I saw your entrance into the village today. I must say, I'm impressed by how people are starting to talk about you. Still, it's strange how the village doesn't know their war hero yet..." Fumiko remarked, shoving Kai and Furi aside as he took a spot at the table.
"Good to see you, man," Minato greeted him warmly.
"Likewise. Well, I should probably take these two with me before they start trouble somewhere else in the village. Enjoy your night, and don't forget about us. Let's get the whole squad back together soon," Fumiko said before dragging the drunken pair out of Ramen Ichiraku.
"That was... strange," Hanabi observed, her calm and neutral gaze lingering on the scene.
"They're always like that, but they're good people," Minato assured her.
The group continued eating before eventually deciding to leave. As the five of them walked through the streets of Konoha, the festive atmosphere still surrounded them.
"So... I really can't go home right now. Can I stay with you tonight?" Mikoto suddenly asked, making both Tsuna and Kushina look at her in surprise.
"That... sure," Minato replied without hesitation. He didn't mind; he understood Mikoto might have been kicked out of her clan by now.
"W-wait! You're going to stay at Minato's house?!" Kushina blurted out, her voice rising with disbelief.
"What can I say? It's not the first time we've shared a bed," Mikoto teased, lifting her chin and closing her eyes with an air of smug satisfaction. Her words had the exact effect she expected — both Tsuna and Kushina gasped in shock, their mouths falling open, while Hanabi lowered her head, trying to hide her flushed face. After all, she too had spent a drunken night in Minato's bed.
"What the...!" Kushina began to fume, her hair rising as if it were on fire. "How dare you sleep with my Minato?!" she shouted, launching a punch at Mikoto, who easily dodged with a playful leap.
"I'm his fiancée and future wife. Didn't you know?" Mikoto taunted, sticking her tongue out as she dodged another swing from Kushina. The scene drew the attention of bystanders on the streets, who stopped to watch in bewilderment as Kushina chased Mikoto through the village.
"Hey, calm down! This isn't what you think. And you, Mikoto, stop provoking her," Minato intervened before things could spiral further out of control.
"Oh, my dear future husband, can't you let your woman have a little fun teasing the others?" Mikoto asked with a mischievous grin.
"Since when has this Uchiha been so bold?" Tsuna murmured, clearly astonished. Mikoto had always been reserved and composed. Seeing her playful side was something new — and shocking.
"I defied my father and was probably disowned from my clan because of it," Mikoto admitted, dodging another of Kushina's strikes. "So, I feel quite... liberated."
The group continued their walk until they reached the highest point in the village. Minato sat down, surrounded by his companions, the cool night breeze brushing against them. From there, they had a perfect view of the entire village, bustling with celebrations below.
"What a beautiful view!" Hanabi commented in her usual calm tone, though a faint trace of joy could be heard in her voice.
"Minato and I used to come here alone. Just MINATO AND ME! ALONE!" Kushina yelled, glaring pointedly at Mikoto.
In response, Mikoto simply stuck out her tongue at Kushina.
"Can we stop this already? We're not going to spend the whole night arguing, are we?" Minato finally said, hoping to put an end to the bickering.
"Minato's right. Stop arguing," Tsuna said in the end, and to Mikoto's surprise, it was only Kushina who kept pulling the fight this time. Still, Mikoto could understand Tsuna's situation, and she remained silent out of respect.
"What do you think will happen now?" Kushina asked, her voice calmer as she kept her gaze on the village below.
"Well, soon our leaders will negotiate peace, and everything will return to normal," Minato replied. "But now, we're adults. We'll be going on missions — either among ourselves or leading new teams we'll eventually train." He paused, his eyes following the lights of the village.
At that moment, Kushina shrugged slightly, feeling a pang of sadness. She would remain in the village as always, while the others might leave for missions. Minato noticed her unease and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about that, Kushina. We're not leaving anymore. Even if I have to go on missions with Mikoto and Hanabi, we'll always come back. We're not going anywhere," he said softly. His touch and words made her relax a little.
They continued talking for a while, watching the peaceful village below, enjoying the cool night breeze.
When the clock struck midnight, they decided to leave. The group made their way toward the village center, walking in silence. Eventually, they reached the Hyuuga Clan's walls, where Hanabi stopped.
"Take care," Hanabi said quietly before disappearing behind the gates.
Minato, Kushina, and Mikoto continued on toward the Senju Clan compound. The area was eerily quiet, with no lights coming from any of the houses. The place felt abandoned, a shadow of what it once was.
It wasn't long before they reached the main door of the Senju house. Suddenly, the door creaked open, revealing Tsunade, looking slightly disheveled. She stood there in a wrinkled robe, a tired smile crossing her face when she saw her daughter.
"Well, well... You've finally arrived, daughter," Tsunade said. Her tone was casual, but Minato could see the worry and sadness hidden in her eyes. He also caught a faint scent of alcohol lingering around her.
"Mom..." Tsuna murmured, her gaze filled with both concern and disappointment as she looked at her mother.
"Don't look at me like that, brat. Now get inside," Tsunade said, turning her attention to Minato and the others. "And you, brats... Thanks for bringing my daughter home."
Minato knew how much Tsunade was suffering. Losing her husband and seeing her brother Nawaki severely debilitated had taken a toll on her. Even now, Minato could sense Nawaki's presence inside the house, though his once-vibrant energy was faint and dim.
Suddenly, Kushina broke the silence.
"Aunt Tsunade, can I go to Minato's house?" she asked, catching everyone off guard.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "You want to sleep at his house?" Her voice was louder than usual, full of curiosity.
"Yes! I can't let this Uchiha put her hands on my Minato!" Kushina exclaimed, pointing accusingly at Mikoto.
Tsunade blinked, surprised by the outburst, before shrugging.
"Well... You can go," she replied simply.
Everyone stared at her, stunned by her unexpected answer.
"Just don't make a mess," Tsunade added dryly before turning to go back inside.
Kushina stood there, mouth agape. "Mom! How can you say something like that?!"
"Doesn't matter... I'm going to bed. Just behave yourselves, alright?" Tsunade said, disappearing into the house.
The group remained silent for a moment, still processing Tsunade's response. Eventually, they said their goodbyes to Tsuna and made their way toward Minato's apartment.
As they walked through the quiet streets of Konoha, Mikoto kept teasing Kushina, who was growing more and more irritated with every word.
"Stop that, Mikoto!" Kushina snapped, clenching her fists.
"Why? It's fun seeing you lose your temper," Mikoto replied, laughing as she skillfully dodged every punch Kushina threw her way.
People passing by glanced at the scene, curious about the commotion. Mikoto's laughter echoed through the streets, while Kushina's fiery temper drew even more attention.
Minato walked a few steps ahead, sighing deeply. 'Why do I always end up in situations like this?' he thought as the three of them headed toward his apartment.
-------------Nexts Chapters ----------------
Chapter 205 - Heroes of Konoha.
Chapter 210 - The Strength of the Eternal Genin.
Chapter 220 - 6 months later.
Chapter 229 - What does it mean to be a ninja? What does a village represent?
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