Chapter 21 – Dining with the Namikaze

Having proved their ability once again, Team 13 was to carry out a tougher mission than the last; that was usually the way things worked. But this time, the bar had risen far beyond the team's anticipation. This did not mean the team wouldn't rise to the challenge - it was necessary to take the highest precaution, despite Minato's confidence in his own daughter and the Uchiha's upbringing. Cleverly, Minato decided to have a meeting with Team 13 disguised as an informal dinner, to test their capacity for hosting the Daimyo's family during their visit in Konoha. Minato was never great at pretending and making up excuses. So naturally, he made up a lame excuse to invite the two Uchiha round for dinner. It was true that it was his effort of congratulating Team 13 for phenomenal success in their missions since its formation, which was not so long ago, though it was also true that it was more of a self-congratulation dinner for the Hokage himself.

He was going to be a daddy. Not that Yuna wasn't his child, although it was not wrong to say that Yuna was his very premature child. Still, Kushina was actually going to give birth! He was going to be a baby's daddy…. That called for a celebration for the Hokage.

As the sun slowly drew down and the sky was merging from dark blue to dimmer shades of grey, Team 13 gathered at the head of the Uchihas' house and went to the Namikaze mansion.

"Hey, Yuna! So, um, you know why we're invited for dinner tonight?" Shisui asked curiously; he knew Minato would never do anything without a good reason. "I mean, it's a congrats dinner. C'mon man! If that's the case, the Hokage would have dinner with half the village every night." He felt that something was strange about it. Nonetheless, a dinner at the Hokage's guaranteed a good dinner. "With that said," a ridiculously contented expression grew even more on his face, "a free dinner is a good dinner to me," he concluded in a goofy voice after clearing his throat. After all, if the Hokage invited you for dinner, the food would only be no less than amazing.

Yuna was still a bit annoyed about what had happened at lunch time. It was good of Shisui to pay for the meal, even for the extra portion of ingredients. Otherwise, Yuna would have been mad at him for a lot longer. She hated being embarrassed, especially in public.

Everyone knew that, and Shisui was no exception.

Unlike this afternoon, as they were no longer in the public's eyes, Yuna showed her emotion as she spoke: annoyance. She glared at him so hard that it almost matched the intensity the unnerving Sharingan gave. "Like I would know why Papa wants a pig like you to have dinner with us!" So she insulted him, as if it was just the right thing to do to a senpai.

Like always, Shisui didn't take it to the heart. He knew it was his fault and even joked about it. "What? It's my nature. I was born in the year of boar." A boar is essentially a pig. Shisui laughed at himself and he was actually having fun. He just wanted to smooth things out, if that was possible.

The two were having a staring contest, Shisui giving a friendly stare while Yuna returned it with a deadly one. While they did this, Itachi walked between them in his usual silence. He was dwelling back to lunch time too. He remembered so vividly how he had been induced to almost spit out his food in the most disgraceful manner when he had heard Shisui ask Yuna's hand in marriage with the most shocking approach. Acting quick on instinct, Itachi had covered his mouth, chewed his food at top speed and tried to swallow it, so he could calm down before finishing the rest of his meal. Of course, Itachi had held it all in with all his might. He knew Shisui casually joked about these things. It was nothing new from him. Then, another unexpected shock wave came – this time, it struck at the crucial moment when he was swallowing food – Itachi nearly choked himself to death when he had the misfortune to witness Shisui flirting with Yuna shamelessly, with a wink, while he was self-proclaiming that he was "hot". Although Shisui was a good-looking guy, it was more than overconfident for him to praise his own appearance. That was just too much to bear when Itachi was eating. As unnoticeably as possible, Itachi was coughing for his survival, but Yuna saw through his imperturbable façade even when he was skilfully suppressing his suffering. When Itachi shot his eyes open, he saw Yuna looking at him worriedly as if to ask if he was all right. He dismissed it by shaking his head, and then his cough got worse as he was desperately gasping for oxygen. His hand trembled its way to reach a cup, and his eyes had widened. There was no water. Yuna hurriedly stretched across to Itachi's left hand side to pick up a jar of water, which she poured some into his cup, and held it up for him. Itachi sharply took it from her hand, washed it all down sharply and took a deep breath. His heartbeat slowly paced down as Yuna turned away to face Shisui once again with a neutral expression on her face.

Seriously, he did not want to experience that again. That was one painful memory he wouldn't ever want to recall in his lifetime.

"Please don't embarrass our clan at the table tonight," said Itachi, reminding Shisui that what happened at lunch time shall not be repeated in front of the Hokage. Firstly, they were members of Team 13 and they were also representing the Uchiha clan when they dined with the Hokage – so they could not let the whole clan down because of some silly behaviour. Secondly, he didn't think he would survive a third strike on the same day. Thirdly, it would be a very bad idea to woo the Hokage's daughter, whether it was a joke or not, in front of the Hokage, while Shisui was older than Yuna by quite a few years and she was still considered the Hokage's baby girl.

"No worries. You know I have one of the best manners in the clan," Shisui spoke in his 'serious voice' to prove his point - though it didn't help that he was grinning like an idiot. "I'm more than favourable to be a representative for the Uchiha clan." Sadly, it didn't work as well as he thought it would.

Yuna recoiled.

Rolling her eyes, she spoke in vicious sarcasm. "Wow. The Uchihas' standard of decency is dropping drastically these days." As a mockery of Shisui, she just had to start by saying "wow" in a supposedly exciting voice, too.

Itachi sighed. Looking up, he hadn't even realised how long it had taken them to arrive at the Hokage's residence.

Before they entered the house, Yuna pointed at the front door from a safe distance, it was followed by her placing her index finger on her lips. When Shisui was about to voice a 'what', Yuna ceased any noise-making by intensifying her deadly glare at him. Shisui gave in. He threw his hands and zipped his mouth as to promise that he would keep quiet, although he was tempted to ask why. He let go of it.

With Itachi holding Yuna's luggage, she took out her house key from her right sleeve and opened the door as silently as possible. They rapidly entered and closed the door before people inside could hear the wind howling in blizzard.

I have to get changed before they see me!

Yuna was sure that she would not like to be spotted before she was ready to show up to her family.

She couldn't imagine how her mama would take it if she happened to see her daughter wearing a fine piece of kimono that seemed very expensive, to say the least, and one that she did not buy. She didn't want to know how her papa would react if she was seen wearing a komon that showed the high status of a clan that she did not belong to; and she wouldn't dare to think how her dear old Kakashi-nii would like to interpret it.

Walking along the corridor, Yuna held her arm to avoid the guests going too far ahead and so they would be found. Then, she stopped as she realised the door to the living room was opened. She withdrew immediately.

A certain silver-haired teen spotted them and called out.

"Yuna?" Holding six hotpots in a tray, Kakashi was on his way to set up the table when he saw three shadows lurking in the hallway. "Is that you?" He was surprised that she did not let her presence be known by announcing "I'm home" when she had come in. It was very odd, since Yuna always did so when she got home and it was only courtesy. Kakashi put down the tray on the table and went to see her.

Then, she was caught.

Reacting on instinct, Yuna smiled and greeted her niisan most joyfully after a week of real peace from him.

"Hi!"

It could fool anyone, but not Kakashi. Knowing Yuna, her voice sounded a bit too cheerful to his sensitive ears, and that smile on her was just too wide to be true. With his right eyebrow lifted, Kakashi took a good look of her. While he expected her to come home in her dirty shinobi attire, instead she was wearing a brand new kimono, very well made, finest silk - ooh - the Uchiha clan crest. Her hair was unusually styled; it was side-plaited and neatly wrapped around her head, very nicely done, and it appeared to be that Yuna didn't do it herself.

Kakashi was already formulating teases that he could use on Yuna about how Konoha's most arrogant noble clan, the Uchiha, had to treat her, an outsider, like their own princess. That was very special indeed. Whether it was because of her daunting demeanour (being the Hokage's daughter and her general coldness towards strangers) or the fact that she was a good friend of their heir, it was certain that they showed her the respect and kindness an important person in the clan deserved. That could mean several things….

A political move: The clan showed their acknowledgment to their new Hokage. It showed that the clan accepted Minato-sensei as their Fourth Hokage and the head of Uchiha was now gladly defected as an unsuccessful candidate in becoming the Fourth. A probable tease would be: Hey, you know... it's most likely that they gave you respect as to respect Sensei. Don't take it personally, Yuna-chan~.

An understandable move: Yuna was in foul mood; the two poor Uchiha in her team sucked it up. She was not the easiest little girl to be around with already. Let's not make life more difficult than it was. A probable tease would be: See! I told you. Even your friends and family have to step down. Loner for life~.

An impossible move: Yuna was just so loved by their people, because she was just the most lovable little girl they had ever seen. Yes, she could be a darling little girl if she wanted to be, but she was very selective in whom she would reveal that side of her to; in other words, she didn't give a damn about strangers. A probable tease would be: You're joking! You were being nice, so they were being nice to you in return?!

Before Kakashi could start his teasing, Kushina ran down the stairs at top speed as she heard that sweet voice that had been missing in the house for a whole week. She gave her darling a big cuddle.

"Tadaima." (ただいま) In her mama's warm embrace, Yuna hugged back and enjoyed being at home once again.

"Okaeri." (おかえり) Kushina was so pleased Yuna had come home in one piece. Safe and sound. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Yuna. Yuna was their own child, just as much as the baby growing in her belly, even if Kushina herself had not given birth to Yuna.

At the side, Kakashi was taken by surprise and worried how Minato would react if he knew Kushina had almost trip herself over at the stairs. He would not be a happy man. To divert his attention, Kakashi noticed the two Uchiha boys were feeling very out of place. They were quiet. Actually, they hadn't spoken a word since they entered. To make them feel a bit more comfortable, Kakashi started a conversation with them.

"Make yourself at home. I trespass here all the time." Kakashi attempted to make them feel more at home. "I'm sure Sensei wouldn't mind," he told them, knowing how Minato would want them to be at ease and relax.

Looking at the silver-haired teen that was around his age, smiling welcomingly at Itachi and him, Shisui was confused, although he didn't show it. He was used to seeing Kakashi walking around with at least one mask on his face, if not more. It was a struggle to relate that always-wear-a-mask ANBU to the person in front. Shisui knew there were very few people in Konoha who had silver hair, and only one of the very few was a student of the Fourth Hokage. He had to be Hatake Kakashi.

"Sorry for being rude. I just didn't recognise you for a second," Shisui politely apologised for his delay of recognition. He felt that he should speak in formal language, since they were in the Hokage's house.

"I normally wear a mask, that's probably why." Kakashi then fixed his messy hair to cover his left eye further. He didn't want to cause another scandal because of the Sharingan.

"It's all right. Unlike the others, I don't mind." Shisui was referring to the rest of his clansmen, who held abhorrence and opinions towards Kakashi obtaining the clan's kekkei genkai. It did not bother Shisui at all and he respected Obito's wish rather than the clan's pride in this particular scenario, despite his profound pride in his clan.

"We can help you with it, if you want," Shisui kindly offered. Itachi nodded his head in agreement. Kakashi kindly smiled his thanks and nodded lightly in gratitude.

"I can help you with your Jōnin Exam," Kakashi said facing Shisui, then he turned to Itachi, "and your training, if you want me to." Kakashi stared at Yuna from the corner of his right eye and then looked back at Itachi. Shisui understood immediately.

"That'd be great." The older Uchiha beamed ecstatically, with eyes gleaming and eyebrows lifting. Kakashi smirked back at him, holding back the fun time that was yet to come.

The teens were glad to find something they had in common.

Itachi looked puzzled and Yuna stared at the mad teenagers strangely.

At that, Kakashi and Shisui grinned, gave those two 'children' dirty looks and high-fived each other in absolute agreement. After all, being a big-brotherly figure to those two took some real effort.

As they moved from the corridor and seated in the dining hall, Kushina gave them the breaking news, while Yuna poured tea for everyone.

"I'm pregnant."

The statement was a screech. Her uncontrolled enthusiasm bended the pitch of her alto voice as she proudly proclaimed her status as a mother-to-be. The curve of her lips was so high that it drew the corners of her eyes down. Her teeth were gloating through her furtive smile, showing her great anticipation for her unborn child.

To this joyful news, everyone was silent on the table. Kakashi was experiencing a déjà vu as he was convinced this would not be the last time he'd hear about this for the next few weeks to come, Itachi was simply taken aback by the sudden outburst, and Shisui was trying to conjure up with the best response that he should give his mentor. Sitting between the two guests, Yuna was frozen in shock. She was so surprised by the news that she kept pouring tea in her cup even when it was fully filled.

She was so happy, but at the same time, she was scared. She didn't know why, but she wanted to be excited for her baby sibling.

Taking a glimpse of Yuna's blank facial expression, Itachi sharply took the teapot off her hand before the boiling liquid could make contact with her delicate hand. To his dismay, Yuna's hand reflexively trembled, the flooded cup of hot tea spilled and the pain of burn had brought her sorely back to reality. Her left sleeve was damped and she quickly hid it from her mama's sight. Putting her hand under the dinner table, she proficiently made a small fragment of ice with her right hand and held it against the burn to ease the pain. Kushina opened her eyes to the view of her daughter headed downward to the floor. Was she worried that her place in Minato's and her heart would be replaced?

Shisui took the initiative and spoke kind-heartedly. "Congratulations, Kushina-sensei." He thought it was the right time for him to give his reply. It would buy Yuna time for her to recover from her shock and her little mishap. Yuna tried to pull herself together. Before facing her mama, Yuna habitually nodded her head and smiled thanks to Itachi. He smiled back.

Unfortunately for both the boy and the girl, the jokers had picked up some good materials through this minor accident.

When Yuna had faced up, Kushina finally mentioned something that she had noticed when she first saw Yuna came home. She remembered that hairstyle was definitely the one her best friend liked to play with her hair when they were young. And that set of kimono was undoubtedly very expensive. On top of that, the pattern on the cloth told you exactly which clan it belonged to. "Did you visit Mikoto?" Kushina thought a change of topic might help to lighten the mood. Sadly, it was the complete opposite for Yuna.

"Well… I was t-told that I'm not a-allowed to come home before dinner time… so we headed to the central and had lunch together… and…." Yuna was struggling to make herself sound reasonable and not being pathetic in front of her teammates.

"Say thank you to your mum for me, Itachi." To save Yuna from going round in circle, Kushina only smiled her gratitude and asked her student to this favour for her. Itachi answered her request, nodding his head.

"First of all..." - Minato took off his apron and sat down at the dining table, where everyone was seated and had been waiting for him - "I cooked tonight," he humbly admitted, "Kushina cooks better than me, but as you must know by now..." Then, his meek nature was overshadowed by his pride of a father, "... she is pregnant." A bright smile was brought onto his face. "I'd like to do my part as a husband, despite my busy schedule as the Hokage."

Looking around the table full of delicacy, there were separate portions for everyone: a shabu shabu hotpot with plenty slices of tender beef, a plate of sashimi with salmon, tuna and squid, a selection of mixed tempura of prawn, pumpkin and aubergine, a cup of chawamushi, serving with rice and pickled vegetable at the side.

It was a feast.

Shisui and Itachi were very impressed. They genuinely didn't expect Minato to be able to cook as well as he did in many other things. Taking a quick glance of the Uchiha boys, who dressed formally for the meal, "I know I've invited you two over for dinner," he pointed to the winter jumper he was wearing to illustrate the point he was making, "but this is far less serious than you think it is." Minato made sure that they knew how to relax while keeping their manners, which would be needed for the next task they'd be given.

"I invited you over for dinner because I want to talk to you about your next mission in a more relaxed atmosphere." Shisui was still looking tense, and Itachi was paying full attention to every word Minato said. "That's the business part. But I also invited you over as a father, to show my appreciation for your hard work with Yuna." He was so glad that everything had been going so well for Yuna.

Shisui was now majorly confused. A mission? What kind of mission would have dining with Hokage on the agenda?

"Excuse me, sir. What kind of mission would that be?" Shisui wanted to know what exactly he would be dealing with. If he had a choice, he would never do anything that he was not confident at.

To get the business out of the way, Minato decided to clear out their doubts in mind before they could enjoy the rest of the night. He contently sighed as he was pleased to know that they were very responsible. "Ok. Here's the plan, Team 13. You'll guide and guard the Daimyo's family during their visit at New Year. This mission will be supervised by Kushina, shadowed by a team of ANBU lead by Kakashi, for an obvious reason. As you'll be representing the shinobi of Konohagakure to the Daimyo's family, there is absolutely nothing that is allowed to go wrong. Understood?" While ANBU would ensure the Daimyo's family safety by removing any potential threats far before they could reach, Team 13's real mission was to play host during their stay.

"Hai, Hokage-sama." Shisui and Itachi accepted the task and learned another reason why they were invited to dinner – to test them for suitability of being hosts to Daimyo's family.

"Is there a reason why you're looking at me specifically, Hokage-sama?" asked Yuna, wording her protests to the hesitating stares she was getting from her papa.

Unintentionally, Minato switched back to speak in a fatherly tone. "Don't cause any trouble, Yuna. No tantrums. I'm afraid we can't have any of that." Normally, he let it pass and turned a blind eye to her behaviour. But this time, any mistake could be fatal.

For once, Kushina backed Minato up concerning Yuna's princess attitude. "We don't mind because we know you, but Daimyo-sama's family doesn't."

Yuna was lost for words. She pouted.

"Also, we'll be in charge of the children's studies during their stay," Kushina added.

That caught Shisui's attention. He did not like the sound of it at all.

"What does that mean?" Shisui asked anxiously.

Minato explained, "You'll be tutoring the twins and Itachi and Yuna will be joining them in their studies as their company." As Shisui had lots of involvement working with children, Minato trusted his aptitude as a more than capable academic and an experienced shinobi who was well-adapted to any situation.

That doesn't sound good to me, Shisui thought. Although he didn't show it like he normally would, a faint sense of disturbance was stirred in his own insecurity.

"Are they older than us?" Yuna was thinking more about the level of academic work they should be expecting.

"You all are roughly the same age. Older than you, younger than Itachi." Confidence brought up a smile on Minato's face as he expected that they needn't worry about the difficulty of the academic work.

"Are they clever?" Yuna questioned further.

Minato took a pause.

"Good question. They are very well-read for their age. The twins normally have study-buddies back at home; that's why you two will accompany them in their place during their stay. The twins are actually top of their little class. In fact, Daimyo-sama is very proud of his children's achievement."

Then, he thought again.

"However, I must warn you to not let them feel 'stupid' in your case."

With her mouth twitched slightly, spreading into a wide knowing grin, "I got it. Acting. My forte." Yuna was positive that she would do well in this task.

On the other hand, Itachi did not understand what Minato was trying to get.

"I'm sorry, Hokage-sama. I don't understand what you mean by letting them feel stupid," Itachi asked in sincerity, to clarify his misconception for the greater success of the mission.

"Hey, you do know you're a one in a million, even amongst us prodigies, right?" Shisui couldn't help himself but to roll his eyes when he had pointed out the obvious to his dear cousin.

Yuna gave Itachi the odd eyes. Itachi got it. He blushed, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Minato shut his eyes for a moment.

– Flashback –

"Let's revise on what I taught you yesterday. It's difficult, but it's very useful. So we need to master it fast." Jiraiya motivated his genin team to learn walking on water, while being about to perform ninjutsu on top of that. "Is that cool?" He hoped they'd get it right away, but he knew it was best for him to be patient than to have too much expectation of them.

Jiraiya quickly explained once again. Then, he asked them to have a go. Minato got it right away.

"How did you do that?" Hizashi, the younger of the Hyūga twin, asked in astonishment.

"Yeah, that's amazing," Shin praised kindly.

"I'm sure you can, too. I only followed Jiraiya-sensei's instruction," Minato casually said. He was only doing what he was told, anyway.

Hizashi tried again. He couldn't.

"But how?" Hizashi was getting frustrated at his failed attempt.

"Um…." Minato demonstrated again. "Like this." He walked on water and performed the water dragon bullet technique with only the bird seal, a B-rank jutsu which normally required forty-four consecutive hand seals.

Hizashi gave it another shot, but he still couldn't do it. He finally got it on his third try. Shin managed it by the end of the day. Hizashi felt slightly disappointed in himself, but he recognised that even though he was considered a young prodigy along with his twin brother, there was still this difference between them and this legend-to-be. His eyes saddened when he looked at his blond teammate, and Minato wanted to help, but he didn't know how and what exactly upset Hizashi.

Jiraiya captured it all.

To fulfil his role as his students' guide, Jiraiya decided to talk it through with the young and ignorant Minato.

"Minato. Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure, Sensei. What is it about?"

"Do you realise that you're special?"

"My omissible blond hair?" Minato answered back with a joke for getting his teacher back the last time he had used him as a mascot to attract the ladies in a fashion clothe shop.

"Hey, don't you start that. You seriously think being born with white hair is normal? There was this random speculation going 'round that I was actually some elderly man in child form when I was younger. Beats me," Jiraiya self-pitied. But he couldn't blame the others, as he did, in fact, start to check out girls at a very young age. Undeniably, an erotic elderly man's behaviour.

"No, I'm just like everyone else." Minato laughed at the ridiculousness of being questioned if he was 'special'. He knew he had a mixture of bloodlines, but that was it. There were others like him.

"Um… I'm not talking about the equality of being human, per se. I mean… do you realise how great your own talent is? - No, what I mean is…. Do you realise you're more talented than everyone else… even more than Hizashi and his brother?"

"That's not true. They are two very strong individuals, and-"

"Minato. Trust me. I know you meant every word you said, but people don't always take it the way it was intended. Like Hizashi, he knows you well enough to tell you're genuine, but that only hurts him more in another perspective. Do you know why?"

There was a pause.

"I'm afraid I don't."

"I guessed as much." Jiraiya smirked, admiring the irony that prodigies didn't recognise their own talents. "To help others, you must first recognise your own strength – You need to understand what you're capable of, in comparison to other people. What I mean by that is…. Ok, here's an example. The Hyūga brothers are seen as geniuses, correct?" Nodding his head, Minato understood.

"And so are you," Jiraiya bluntly put it.

Minato hesitated.

"Yes, Minato. That's exactly what I mean." To his student's reluctance to see his own strength, Jiraiya plainly gestured to all of him. Brooding to get his understanding, he continued.

"You need to just get on with it. Whether you like it or not, you're a gifted child. You need to just accept the name you're given as the genius. You must learn to understand that not everyone can do what you do. Then, you can truly help others. Everyone is destined to do something, and everyone is destined to do something different. We all have a purpose in life."

– End of Flashback –

"Like me when I was younger, maybe you truly don't feel you're special in any way, but you are, Itachi. You are an extremely talented child. I haven't seen another one like you since Kakashi and Shisui. Do you understand what I mean?" Minato looked at Itachi, hoping that he would learn his lesson quick, preferably before Team 13's next assignment.

"Papa doesn't usually give high praise to anyone, not even me." Yuna pretended to be jealous, but secretly she agreed that her friend was a true genius and she was happy for him.

"Keep that acting skill of yours, Yuna. We need it." Minato was feeling a bit evil with his daughter today. He thought it'd be better if she learned to take jokes and didn't just play jokes on others. He knew his daughter realised she was a prodigy, and so there was no need to reinforce that; Itachi needed it to be smacked on his face on the other hand.

"Papa, were you hinting that you're a genius above all others? That's unusual. Not so humble of you, is it?" Yuna countered her papa's friendly attack.

"Well, my dear, I know what I'm capable of and it's only a name people brand me with, just like 'Hokage'. I don't see myself any different from others as a human being, but I've learned to understand that everyone has their own limits and I respect it." Minato eyed up to the ceiling and came up with some reasoning, while demonstrating the skill in acting, much like something his friend would have always done. "I must say though, if I'm not the so-called genius, then I probably wouldn't get this far." With a smile that resembled more of a smirk, he faced Yuna again and gave her a cheeky wink.

Before Minato fully realised what he had said, they all laughed at him and the man laughed at himself. It was just so uncharacteristic of him. Shisui laughed extra hard, because he recognised exactly who the blond was trying to act like, his older brother, and it was a pretty good attempt. Kushina rested her head on Minato's shoulder and he rested his hand on her shoulder.

As Minato started to joke, they began to relax and enjoyed the rest of the evening. They chatted about all sort of things. It was so comfortable that Shisui could bring up the lunch time accident (to the other two, it was an incident). Between the teenagers, they even dared to joke about Yuna and marriage, out loud, while her parents, despite being close friends with his deceased family, they happened to be the Hokage and the First Lady, were surely listening throughout the whole conversation. Shisui totally took Kakashi as an example and literally made himself at home. The atmosphere was no different to a typical family dinner. Minato and Kushina were glad to know Shisui had found his way back to being the cheeky little boy he once was again.

At long last, the question confronted Yuna.

"Now, Yuna, deary. What are you wearing?"

Minato knew what exactly she was wearing and why she ended up in that kimono. He just wanted to double check...

He knew he had to let go of his beloved daughter someday, but not today.

Info for Readers

Jiraiya's genin team

I made the boy with long hair Neji's dad and gave the other boy a name, Shin.

"I'm home" (ただいま) and "welcome home" (おかえり)

Tadaima and okaeri are very common Japanese greetings. They are used when you go home (duh). The order in which they are said does not matter.