Last Time:

Kushina giggled. Minato was struggling to contain himself with Kushina in front of him. She released him, and he couldn't help but feel a little saddened by the loss of contact. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Minato smiled. He stepped back from her and cleared his throat. He pulled his jeans up a bit before kneeling in front of her. He took hold of her hand and enjoyed the embarrassed expression on her face. "Uzumaki Kushina, will you do me the honor of going on a date with me Saturday?"

Kushina was flustered. "You didn't have to get down on one knee for that."

"I'm not getting up until you answer me," Minato informed her. "So, will you?"

Kushina nodded. "Yes, yes. Now get up before someone comes by and sees us."

Minato chuckled before getting up and pulling Kushina into his arms. "I promise, I will not disappoint you this Saturday. I swear."

"I'll hold you to it then," Kushina assured him.

The Konoha Life: Chapter 8 – Saturday in the City: Minato and Kushina

Minato never spent more time in the mirror than he did just before heading out the front door that morning. He wasn't sure how long he was there, but he was there long enough to gain an audience in Fugaku, Kizashi, and Kakashi. He didn't notice the three of them until he turned to head back into the living room.

"What?" Minato saw the way Kakashi shook his head in disappointment before going back into the apartment. Confused, he looked at Kizashi and Fugaku, "What?"

Fugaku glanced down at his watch with Kizashi and Kizashi whistled. "Thirty minutes," Fugaku said and watched as Minato ran over and snatched his wrist. "Hey," Fugaku whined and watched as Minato squeezed by them and into the living room. "When are you supposed to pick up Kushina?"

"In ten minutes!" Minato answered as he quickly checked his wallet. Once he was sure everything was in place, he shoved his wallet in his pocket and grabbed ahold of his keys and phone. He went over to Kakashi and gave him a quick kiss on the head, "Aunt Kaori is coming to pick you up today so make sure you've packed everything by the time she gets here. Also, don't be too mean to Kizashi and Fugaku."

Kakashi quickly rubbed Minato's kiss off his head. "When is Okaa-chan coming?"

"She said she'd be here between five and seven so if you go out, be here by four thirty, okay?" Minato said as he popped into the mirror once more and checked his flannel. He adjusted it once more before putting on his shoes. "Be good, Kakashi!"

"Have fun on your date," Kizashi called as he headed into the kitchen. "Use a condom!"

"It's the first date," Minato called. "Fugaku, I'm leaving Kakashi to you."

"Would you leave already?" Fugaku urged as he opened the door and began to push Minato out of it. "Don't worry about Kakashi, I can handle an eight-year-old. Just focus on your date and have fun, okay?"

"Right, see you later!" Minato jogged down the hall and anxiously pressed the elevator button. He jumped in place before ultimately giving up on the elevator and heading for the staircase. Unbeknownst to Minato though, the elevator arrived as soon as the door to the staircase shut behind him. Fugaku shook his head and walked back into their dorm.

Once outside, Minato managed to hitch a ride with a Campus Cab and make it to Kushina's dorm with three minutes to spare. By the time he made it up to Kushina's dorm, he was right on time, and he confidently knocked on the door. He waited for just a few seconds before the door unlocked and he saw the door open with Mikoto on the other side.

"Hi Minato," Mikoto greeted him with a large grin. "Kushina," Mikoto called back into the room, "Minato's here for your date."

Minato watched as Kushina came into the hallway wearing a pair of form-fitting, ripped, black jeggings and a white tank top. She paired it with a blue checkered flannel with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of matching Converses.

"Eh," Mikoto whined, "what happened to the dress I gave you?"

"I wanted to be comfortable," Kushina whined.

"Aren't you a Fashion Design Major? You should know that fashion isn't comfortable," Mikoto argued.

"It's perfect," Minato interrupted, and while Mikoto puffed her cheeks out, Kushina blushed. "Are you ready?"

"I am," Kushina said. She grabbed her purse off the hook by the door and slung it over her shoulder before stepping out of the apartment. She felt Minato grab her hand and she couldn't help but smile. She looked back at Mikoto, "I'll see you later."

"I want her back by ten," Mikoto warned.

"No," Mebuki ran out and jumped on Mikoto's back, "eight! That is your curfew young lady."

"I'll bring her back when I bring her back," Minato announced confidently.

"Have fun," Mikoto and Mebuki sang and waved obnoxiously.

Kushina giggled and waved back. "Don't wait up."

"We will," Mikoto and Mebuki said in unison.

Minato chuckled as he stepped onto the elevator with Kushina. Together, they leaned against the back wall before smiling at one another. "Ready for the best first date of your life?"

"Show me what you got, Namikaze-senpai," Kushina teased and giggled when Minato blushed at being addressed as "Namikaze-senpai." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "Should I call you that more often?"

"No," Minato lied as he tried – and failed – to hide the smile on his face with his hand.

As their elevator doors opened, Minato took ahold of Kushina's hand and led her along. As they walked to the train station, they chatted with one another about their week. Minato made sure not to mention just how much time he spent thinking about their date to the point where he'd get distracted in class and be called out by his teachers. As for Kushina, she ended up sketching "casual date" outfits all week in her sketchbook, and when Mito reviewed it at the end of the week, she wrote, "have fun on your date" at the end of the week's sketches.

Once they were on the train, Kushina was too distracted by their conversation to even ask Minato about where they were going. And apparently, Minato almost forgot where they were going because it wasn't until the last minute before the doors closed that he realized they were at their stop.

"Geez," Kushina whined as she stood by with her hands on her knees. She stood up and brought her hair over her shoulder and checked the ends, "What would you have done if my hair got caught in the train doors?"

Minato chuckled, "Has that happened before?"

Kushina looked away, her cheeks puffed up in annoyance, "No."

Minato knew that Kushina was a little peeved with him now, but he didn't dwell on it too long. He was enjoying the sight of her standing there annoyed with puffed cheeks like a child. But, what he enjoyed more was the pure wonderment that filled her eyes at the sight of their destination. He watched as she ran over to the railing of the train platform and take in the scenery beyond. He joined her and casually leaned against the railing.

"Welcome to Konoha City," Minato said.

For the first time in the eight weeks she'd been in Konoha, she finally saw the Capitol of Fire Country: Konoha City itself. She thought Konoha City Island was something to be amazed by, but it was nothing compared to what was laid out before her. The buildings were taller, the streets were more crowded, and from what Kushina could see, it was a whole different level of craziness that typically engulfed the Island on a normal day.

"Come on," Minato urged, "there's a lot to do."

Kushina followed Minato down a few flights of stairs before they were street level. On the curb, Kushina saw a young man with spiky brown hair who held up a sign with "Mina" on it. He wore a pair of shades to hide his eyes, yet he still seemed to garner the attention of many of the women who passed by. He was leaning against a midsized yet sporty, black car.

"Ossan!" Minato called.

"Huh? Who're you calling 'Ossan,' Mina?" the young man answered as he stood upright. "Save that for Oji-chan."

Minato chuckled as he approached and the two embraced one another in a familial hug. Kushina watched as the young man ruffled Minato's hair which led to the two of them getting into a small wrestling match there on the sidewalk. Kushina couldn't help but laugh, but when she saw the young man's shades fall a bit to reveal his eyes, she gasped.

"Ah, Kushina," Minato was stuck in a headlock, "allow me to introduce you to my uncle: Senju Nawaki."

Nawaki dropped Minato and quickly fixed his shades to hide his eyes again. He flashed Kushina a perfect smile that should've had a toothpaste commercial "ding" attached, and held out his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kushina."

Kushina silently shook Nawaki's hand and nodded absentmindedly.

Senju Nawaki was considered one of the most successful actors of his generation. He was the lead star on a popular drama called Mage and in the two seasons that they've been on the air, Nawaki's already won several major awards for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series along with award-worthy performances in blockbuster movies. On top of that, he was a successful model and a talented novelist with a bestselling series called Cradle.

"It looks like your girlfriend here must be a fan if she's this silent," Nawaki teased as Minato stood up and dusted himself off. "Are you all right, Sweetheart? If you're going to faint, say so now so I can catch you."

"I'm fine," Kushina confessed. "I'm sorry, I just really love Mage."

"Thank you, I'm always happy to hear that from fans," Nawaki admitted. "If you'd like, I'll sign something for you?"

Kushina lit up, "Really?" Kushina quickly dove into her purse and fumbled around. In the middle of her rummaging through her purse, her travel sketchbook fell out, and before she could pick it up, Nawaki had scooped it up.

"What is this?" Nawaki asked as he noticed the sketches. "You're a Fashion Design student?"

Kushina nodded. "I am."

"These are really great," Nawaki complimented as he began to flip through it. "I'll admit that they're still a little bit amateurish compared to seasoned industry professionals, but the potential is most definitely there. I'll tell you what," Nawaki reached into his jacket pocket and held out a card, "give me a call when you're about to go on summer vacation and I'll talk to some of my design friends and get you an internship."

Kushina blinked a few times. She took the card and stared at it for a moment before looking at Nawaki. "Um…"

"No, I don't always do this," Nawaki answered. "And I'm not doing this because you're Mina's girlfriend; I'm doing this because I can see you have a serious future in The Industry. I just want to be a part of your success story in the future." He took a pen from his jacket pocket and found a blank page in her sketchbook. He signed his name in kanji and romaji before shutting the book and handing both the sketchbook and pen to Kushina. "There you go."

Kushina took it. "Th-Thank you."

"All right then," Nawaki reached into his pocket and dropped a set of keys into Minato's hand, "there are the keys. I need to get to a table read for a new show I'm doing. You two enjoy your date. Minato, I will see you later and Kushina, I hope to hear from you soon."

"Have fun at your table read," Minato said and waved as Nawaki climbed into the car parked behind them. Nawaki waved back before peeling away from the curb and speeding down the street. He turned to Kushina and chuckled at her stunned expression, "You look shocked."

"A little?" Kushina confessed. "Is it supposed to be that easy?"

"Sometimes," Minato answered. "But it can also be a nightmare. There are times when people like Nawaki notice talented people and try to offer a helping hand, but he's just opening the door. It's what comes afterward that matters."

"What comes after?" Kushina asked as Minato opened the passenger side door for her.

"The hard part," Minato answered before shutting the door. He climbed into the driver's seat and peeled the car away from the curb. "Because Uncle Nawaki is a model, he does have connections to Fashion Designers, but some of the designers in Konoha can be real sticklers. Sometimes they'll meet talented people and feel threatened solely because they see the potential in them. When that happens, they'll do what they can to prevent newcomers from making it and spreading rumors and such to their friends. At the end of the day, it's really cutthroat."

Minato realized what he had said and suddenly felt bad for being too blunt about the situation. He was expecting to see a dejected and discouraged Kushina, but when he glanced over, he saw a passionate look in her eyes. "Kushina?"

"Huh?" Kushina looked at Minato, and he saw a full-on blaze raging within. "What is it?"

Minato smiled. "Nothing."

Because of Kushina's pure fascination with the city, Minato made sure to take the long way to their first destination. He answered all Kushina's questions, and he made sure to point out several places and assured her he had every intention of taking her on another date. And as expected, Kushina hadn't realized how long they'd been driving until Minato pulled into a parking garage.

She looked around, trying to peer out beyond the garage to get an idea of where they were but all she saw were more tall buildings. "Where are we?"

"Eh, nowhere special," Minato informed her as he parked, "just the aquarium." Kushina squeaked, and Minato burst out laughing, "Did you just squeak?"

"No!" Kushina squeaked again.

From there, Kushina practically dragged Minato towards the aquarium entrance. As they waited in line to enter, Kushina was giddy like a little kid as she flipped through the guidebook and mapped out their route.

Once inside, Minato let Kushina lead him through the aquarium, and the whole time, Kushina held Minato's hand. She snapped pictures of as many creatures as she could and occasionally employ Minato to take her photo in front of a tank or twenty. During this, when Kushina wasn't paying much attention, Minato would snap pictures of her and get the purest image of her in a true state of wonderment.

When the two of them reached the lounge-esque area that held the largest tank in the whole aquarium, they took a seat. The room was illuminated in beautiful blue light, and those who sat around watched as fish, both large and small swam about.

As they sat, Minato snapped another photo of Kushina. Without thinking too much about it, he happily set it as his lock screen photo. While Kushina sat distracted by the display, he did the classic yawn and stretch to get his arm over her shoulder. When the move proved successful, Kushina looked at him.

"Hi," she spoke softly as she smiled at him.

"Hi," he responded before leaning in and pressing his lips against hers. Considering their location, he made sure to keep the kiss sweet, innocent, and short. He broke the kiss between them and smiled at Kushina, "I'm glad you're having fun."

"Thank you for bringing me," Kushina said before planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. "This is definitely the best date I've ever been on."

Minato chuckled, "I'm happy to hear that."

The two of them sat together for a little while longer before moving through the rest of the aquarium. As Minato and Kushina entered into the gift shop, he wandered around behind her and watched as she pondered over what to get. He made sure to read her expressions seeing as she would always make a face when she saw the price. When she would put an item back with an unappealing price, he'd pick it up.

When Kushina finally reached the register with an adorable stuffed otter in hand, Minato came up behind her and put the basket of souvenirs on the counter.

"Altogether?" the cashier questioned.

Minato nodded as he pulled out his wallet.

"Minato, you don't have to do that," Kushina whined.

"I want to," Minato assured her before kissing her forehead. When the cashier rung everything up, Minato nonchalantly swiped his card and signed the signature pad before taking his receipt and taking the bag.

"I'll carry the bag," Kushina insisted and watched as Minato held it away from her. "Minato-kun."

"I got it," Minato said before wrapping his arm around her shoulder and heading out the gift shop with her. As they headed back towards the parking garage, the saw the sun was beginning to set beyond the horizon.

"The sunsets are different here," Kushina hummed as she looked towards the orange colored sky.

"What do you mean?" Minato asked.

Kushina wore a bit of a nostalgic smile, "My island is a very rural place. Our tallest building is no more than four stories, and that's the hospital. Around this time of day, the sun turns this vibrant orange that's unlike anything you've ever seen before. And as it sets, you can see day turning into night. You see the blue skies from the day, the orange and reds from the afternoon, and then the purple of the night all at once and it's breathtaking."

"It sounds like it."

When they reached Minato's car, he carefully placed the bag of souvenirs on the floorboard of the backseat before driving out. As he drove, he made sure to hold Kushina's hand. She didn't say much as she looked through the photos they'd taken at the aquarium.

When Minato parked again, Kushina looked up from her phone and saw Minato had taken them to an open-air market. The walkways were lined with lanterns, and there were dozens of stands stretched out as far as she could see.

"Welcome to The Hub," Minato said as he climbed out of his car and came around to her side. He opened the door for her and took her hand before heading up the walkway towards the market. "This is the number one place to get the best street food that Fire Country has to offer."

"I've never really had street food," Kushina confessed.

"Well luckily for you, I'm an expert on the subject." Minato popped his collar, and Kushina giggled.

This time, Minato led Kushina through the bustling open-air market and took her from one stand to the next. As they walked, Kushina noticed that almost every stand worker would call out to Minato or wave him down, and every time, Minato happily waved back and stopped to chat for a minute or two. Though most of the merchants insisted that their food was free, Minato always left a tip in the jar for them.

Kushina was in the middle of eating the best takoyaki she'd ever had when they wanted into the center of The Hub. There were dozens of tables scattered around with an assortment of chairs that didn't match one another or the tables. Some tables had umbrellas while some didn't, and others were full-on picnic tables. Circling the edge of the center were several stands with shelves of alcohol framing their back walls.

"This place is amazing," Kushina said aloud as she strolled alongside Minato.

Minato smiled, "I'm glad you think so. Jiraiya would bring me here all the time as a kid. Tsunade would always get upset though because she's a big health nut and if you haven't already noticed, doctors would advise you not to touch some of this stuff, even with a ten-foot pole."

Kushina nodded. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go on a serious diet after this."

Minato chuckled, "But it's worth it though."

"It's definitely worth it," Kushina agreed as she took a seat at an empty table with Minato.

While the two of them sat, they laughed and talked with one another. Kushina was in the middle of telling Minato a story when the lanterns suddenly shut off. She looked around confused until the lights of the fountain lit up, exposing three people.

Kushina was unsure of who they were, but Minato wasn't. He didn't seem too surprised about the sudden blackout. In the middle of sipping on his juice, he looked towards the fountain and immediately spit it out at the sight of their silhouettes.

"Minato-kun?" Kushina handed him a napkin and patted his back as he coughed and recovered.

"Sorry," Minato apologized as he wiped his mouth. He looked towards the silhouetted individuals, "I just didn't expect to see them here."

"It's Sannin!" one spectator towards the front screamed, and just like that, chaos ensued. The rest of the lights came up and together, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru removed their hoodies and revealed themselves.

Without saying a word, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade began to play in unison. Tsunade's guitar was the loudest as she played the lead. She shared a look with Jiraiya before a smile crept onto her lips and she began to sing.

Mekakucity Actors Opening: Daze – Written by Jin Sung by MARiA of GARNiDELiA

Konkuritto ga yuraida (The concrete wavers in the sun)

Kasumi kasumu kimi no miteiru yume (in the haze, in the smoke, in the dream that you had wished for)

Tenpureeto wo nazotta (The template that I traced along)

Shiranai mama no nichijou (for the normal days I don't know)

Hai tenpo na atendansu (In high-tempo, attendance)

Kienai tarinai ochikonda mirai (Not enough, it won't change, the depression ahead)

Saishuu wan ga kitatte (The last story's now here at last)

Ienai kimi wa nakisou (Not a word that you said as you cried)

Hora Me wo tojite (There, close your eyes)

Maigo nara issho (We'll be here if you're lost)

Kaerimichi mo nai deshou (There's no road back home, isn't that so?)

Tsugi hai deta himitsu ni negau (The patches joined, the secret wish)

Mirai wa heibon (The future is so normal)

Saa te wo narase (Now, come and clap your hands)

ZERO de mawata (Turn to ZERO now and)

kanchigai wo kyou mo atsumete (Let's collect all those misunderstandings today)

Hajimeyou (Let us begin)

Kimi no mata (Are you still)

Mugamu chuu (lost in it?)

Let's play

Todoku made sakende (Until it's heard, scream and shout)

Let's save

Kanau made agaite (struggle until the wish is made)

Sono te wo tsukamu made (Until I can grasp your hands,)

Kono ondo wa wasurenai (I won't ever lose sight of this warmth)

Let's daze

Kokoro wo kesanaide (Don't ever let your heart just fade)

Let's change

Hitori de nakanaide (Don't cry alone, you can't!)

"Kodoku" nara nurikae reru (Even "loneliness" can be repainted)

Omoidashite yo iitakatta koto (I will remember what you wanted to say)

The crowd was wrapped up entirely in Sannin's performance. From the back of the crowd, Kushina couldn't help but be starstruck and amazed at what was happening in front of her. When she looked at Minato, she could see a childlike excitement in his eyes as he watched his parents perform.

Ankouru ga hibiita Meguri meguru (Encore rang, I spin around and round)

machi no naka wo yuke (A journey through the streets)

Sutandaado wo kowashite (Breaking the standard)

Asebanda te wo tsunagou (I held tightly to your sweaty hands)

Bureiku out to sutando aapu (Breaking out and standing up)

Nerenai yamenai gyakushuu no kehai (Don't want to rest or stop, cue to counterattack)

Saishuu-bi ga kitatte (The final day is here)

Kienai kotoba sagasou (Searching for unforgettable words)

Hora-te wo dashite aeta no wa kitto (Come on, give me your hand. When we me, I'm sure)

Omoichigai ja nai deshou? (It's certainly no mistake)

Kageboushi no mani mani (Just like a silhouette a depressed world)

Ureu sekai wa zanzou (is nothing but an afterimage)

Mou`kuyashisa' mo `yowasa' mo isso ("Frustration" and "Weakness" too)

`Ikuji nashi' mo zenbu fukumete (Why not simply "worthless" since it means both?)

Tobikomou kimi mo mata mugamu chuu? (Again you will fly into exctasy?)

Let's `play'

Nobasu te ga yuraide (The outstretched hand is wavering)

Let's `save'

Kokoro mo surihatte (The heart is also wearing down)

Marude kibou ga nakuttatte (Even though it seems there's no more hope)

Sono ondo wa wasurenai (I won't ever lose sight of this warmth)

Let's `daze'

Machikaze ga unatte (The wind is roaring through the streets)

Let's `change'

Kotoba ga kie tatte (Even the words are disappearing)

Kimochi nara koko ni aru (But the feelings are still in this place)

Zutto maekara kidzuitetanda yo (Since way back I have been aware of it)

Tsunade rocked out with her solo and Jiraiya stood back supporting her. They rocked back and forth and laughed with one another before Tsunade continued to sing.

Akai me kosutta ano ko e to (To that child who was rubbing his red eyes)

Aoi aoi natsu wo koete (Blue, blue, beyond the blue summer)

Todoku no ga kono-goe nara (If only this voice can reach where you are)

Sayonara tonaeta yuugure mo ("Goodbye" you shouted last time in the dusk)

Mata kinou ni kaereru (And yesterday was changed as well)

Kono yume wo nukeda suru kitto (Surely, we will be able to escape from this dream)

Matte hitori nara kotaete (I'm waiting, if you're alone just reply me)

Kyou wo nageitari shinaide (Do not lament about anything today)

Sabishisa mo namida mo (Be it loneliness or just teardrops)

Wakeau kara iissho ni (I will share with you, let's be together)

Let's `play'

Todoku made sakende (Until it's heard, scream and shout)

Let's `save'

Kanau made agaite (Struggle until the wish is made)

Sono-te wo tsukamu made (Until I can grasp your hands)

Kono ondo wa wasurenai (I won't ever lose sight of this warmth)

Lets's `daze'

Kokoro wo kesa naide (Don't ever let your heart just fade)

Let's `change'

Hitori de nakanaide (Don't ever cry alone, you can't!)

Yurameki dasu machi no naka (In the shimmering city, through the streets)

Kujike-sou ni natte shimatte mo (Even if I almost become discouraged)

`Kodoku' nara nurikae reru(Even "loneliness" can be repainted)

"Hitori bocchi" wo kaeyou to shita kimi to nara (If it's done with you, who tried to change "solitude")

Kimi to nara (If it's with you)

Together, they finished out the song. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause and deafening cheers.

"How's everyone doing tonight?" Jiraiya asked as he adjusted the strap of his guitar. When the crowd called out in response, he chuckled and gave them a nod of approval. "Good, good. I'm glad we were able to catch all of you here tonight."

"Do they do this a lot?" Kushina asked.

Minato nodded with a proud expression on his face, "Yeah. Before they got signed, the liked to do pop-up concerts, and it was actually because of their pop-up concerts that the got signed. Even after they started getting legitimate gigs that paid them up near a million dollars, they still did their pop-up concerts. Nowadays, they don't do them nearly as much as they used to, but when they do, it's amazing."

"I'm glad I got to see it," Kushina said as they began the intro to their next song. "I used to see videos of their pop-up concerts all the time when I was little, so when I came here, I was thinking about how cool it would be to actually see it in person."

"Is it everything you dreamed it would be?" Minato asked.

"That and more," Kushina confessed.

Minato grinned at her, "I'm glad."

For the rest of Sannin's set, Minato and Kushina sang along and enjoyed the show with the rest of the crowd. When it was over, Sannin was swarmed by their fans. Happily, the three of them signed autographs and took photos with them.

In all that chaos, Minato managed to grab their attention from a distance and wave. They waved back with the few seconds they could spare before their attention was back on their fans. Minato was satisfied with that much, and then he and Kushina left.

"I don't think the trains are running anymore," Minato confessed as he caught sight of the time.

"Really?" Kushina looked at him. "I guess we lost track of time."

Minato nodded. He checked the street they were on and nodded, "There's a hotel not far from here that we could stay at. I would recommend my parent's place but seeing as they're in town, that wouldn't be the best idea."

"Why not?" Kushina asked.

"Let's just say that they're very…affectionate," Minato confessed. "Don't worry though, we can sleep in separate rooms."

"No, one room is fine," Kushina said, a slight blush coming onto her cheeks. She squeezed Minato's hand a little tighter than before.

Minato blushed a bit as well, "Are you sure?"

Kushina nodded, "I'm sure."

To Be Continued…