A leaf broke off from a branch right above him, gliding softly down in spirals before settling against the pond's surface, rippling the water imperceptibly. It swirled this way and that as a dragonfly circled it, perching lightly at its end, stilling the silent hum of its wings.
All this Minato felt, rather than see, the faint flicker of the insect's chakra pulsing dully in his mindscape with every breath he took. He was sitting cross-legged over the small lake's surface, eyes closed, chakra gathered below him, water stirring calmly each time he exhaled. Natural energy swirled through him and all about him, painting the world around in bright, radiant strokes.
Another speck of light fluttered past him, landing softly on his shoulder with a chirp and his lips spread in a smile as he recognised the birdsong of a blue bird. Animals seemed always drawn to the thrum of natural energy when he managed to gather greater amounts, as he had noticed the last few weeks.
The relative calm of the past two months had finally given him the chance to spend more time on training alongside his teaching responsibilities and occasional missions. For the first time in a long while life had taken on a comfortable pattern, split between moments with Kakashi, Fūinjutsu work, sparring, meetings with friends and visiting the Uzu settlement. And in between it all - precious afternoons and evenings spent with Kushina.
Before long he even found himself with time enough to continue his sage training, much to the delight of Ma and Pa, who marked the occasion with a scrumptious feast that he reluctantly partook in, to the minimal of polite efforts.
And, as of a solid week now, the elderly toads had deemed him proficient enough to meditate unsupervised, seeing as his control of absorbed natural energy had proven to excel. It gave him more time in Konoha as his visits to Mt Myobuku lessened, but it also meant making the occasional hike to Konoha's outskirts to avoid distractions that could lead to a certain unpleasant petrifying outcome.
Well, most distractions, Minato argued silently as he felt a familiar presence brush against the considerably-expanded edge of his senses.
This particular distraction, however, was always very welcome.
Compared to the thousands of specs that lit up in his mindscape to indicate the teeming wildlife about him, the chakra imprint of a person, and especially that of a trained kunoichi, was instantly recognisable, igniting like a merry flame within the flow of energy about.
Not for the first time he wondered whether being a sensor all his life had given him an edge when it came to not just noticing but instantly recognising people by their chakra imprint alone. Just like no two scents or voices were alike, so too did chakra feel different with everyone, in a way that Minato found hard to explain.
He'd always likened the feel of his sensei's chakra to that of a mirey pond – calm, almost lazy at times, masking the threat that hid beneath the surface. Then there was Shikaku's – unhurried and languid, coiled like the midday shadows below an oak tree. Chōza's was airy and clear, crystalline in its lightness, like the brush of a butterfly's wing, and Inoichi's was quick and bright, with a peculiar shine that reminded him of molten gold. Kakashi's was keen-edged and frizzled, like crackling electricity searching for ground.
He'd felt the sharp honed energy of the Hyūga twins, the agitated torrent of the Inozuka clan and the smouldering ember that was Mikoto's, but he had never sensed a chakraflow quite like Kushina's – a brilliant blaze, pure and unbridled, overflowing in her hands. It had been the first thing he'd sensed of her as she'd arrived for her welcoming day at the academy – even before she had set foot in the classroom, he had already felt the bright flicker of her presence wavering at the threshold, drawing his eyes to her as soon as the door had slammed open.
He smiled, revelling in the warmth of her energy now as he followed each of her steps in her approach, marvelling at the clarity of it with his grasp on natural energy. He had sensed her two miles away, had been able to count her even breaths since half that distance, had heard the steady beat of her heart well before she had neared him.
Some feet away from his clearing she slowed, balancing quietly on the balls of her feet to silence her movement, slipping soundlessly amongst the greenery towards him, her intent clear.
His lips twitched as he tracked her wordlessly, letting it unfold.
She took up to the trees, positioning in a low branch just over the edge of the small lake. He could hear her take in a quiet breath, could feel her shift her weight, foot sliding barely audibly against the rough bark as she prepared to jump-
"Hey there." he greeted merrily, not even opening his eyes.
Kushina exhaled in exasperation.
"Natural energy is no fun, ya know." she called out and Minato laughed, picturing the pout on her face all too clearly.
She jumped down on land instead, the fallen leaves crunching softly below her steps.
"I beg to differ." he said, smile turning lopsided. "But don't let me dissuade you from your swim."
"Show-off." she accused, eliciting another laugh from him. "So… how does it work? Can you see me right now?"
With that he felt her raise a hand, waving in his general direction.
"Not exactly. I can feel your chakra system acutely though. It… shines?" he said, trying for words to describe it better. "It's sort of like seeing a light in the dark. And I can hear you too. Not just your voice, but your heartbeat, your movement and the wind trailing you. I can catch your scent. It paints a pretty vivid picture all together. It's actually quite useful, trying to read someone's movement sightless like this."
"I'm not a distraction?"
He shook his head. He had considered letting go of his grasp of natural energy at first, but he had deemed the risk manageable – he could focus well enough even with her here, although it was a conscious effort.
"I'm used to your presence." he said simply.
Kushina snorted.
"Well then…"
There was a peculiar lilt to her voice, accompanied by a shuffle. The rustle of clothes reached him, followed by the gentle whisper of fabric gliding across skin.
Minato frowned.
"What are you doing?"
"Just going for that swim you mentioned. I'm sure it's fine. I can't possibly distract you, ya know."
"Kushina…"
More shuffles and the sound of clothing thrown amidst the dry leaves carpeting the meadow.
His lips pressed together.
Water splashed gently ahead, the surface stirring with her lithe moves and he felt his heart skip a beat as his ears effortlessly picked up the sound of liquid rippling softly about her, a sigh against her skin.
Her voice carried in the sudden quiet, drawing nearer.
"Chilly, this time of year."
Minato gulped, mind already a step ahead, painting a lucid picture of goose prickles across fair shoulders and a slender neck.
"Autumn's better suited to onsen." he said, clearing his suddenly-dry throat.
"True. Much nicer on bare skin."
He felt the snap, chakraflow flaring in his grasp and he sucked in a startled breath, eyes flying open as he abruptly cut himself off from the natural energy about. The world came into bright focus, the colours near dizzying all at once, the stark red of the maples standing out in sharp relief against the browns and yellows of the forest around.
Kushina's laughter rang through the clearing and his eyes sought her out almost instantly, fixing her with a dejected look. She was floating not far from where he sat, her eyes alight with mirth.
"Do you want me to turn into a giant stone toad?"
She giggled.
"I thought I wasn't a distraction."
"You…" he started, words dying out in his throat when Kushina twisted about in the water, her tresses trailing about her like liquid fire, giving him a glimpse of a bare shoulder, graceful collarbone disappearing below the water surface. "I didn't mean…"
Her look spelled out mischief as she neared him in flowing moves and he wondered distractedly if every Uzu kunoichi was as graceful a swimmer as she.
A sunray had broken through the spotted shade of the tree boughs, glinting off the surface, making water irises dance across her skin and he felt himself transfixed as he beheld her all dappled in sunlight. She always entranced him so, like a force pulling him off balance, and Minato found himself breaking out of his lotus position, swaying forward ever-so-slightly without thinking when she stopped right before him.
A wisp of a smile spilled on her lips as she gathered chakra in her hands, placing them over the water surface and half-pulling herself up, levelling with him in a measured move. His breath caught in his throat, heart stuttering unevenly in his chest, and he swallowed thickly trying his best to will his eyes up and away from the rivulets of water gliding down her neck, past her collarbones and lower, over bare, freckle-kissed skin.
"Don't let me dissuade you from your training." she cooed, echoing his own words from earlier, grin growing wider when he frowned.
And then she was lowering herself in the water again, up to her chin, her eyes glinting in a way that made him thoroughly incapable of holding a coherent thought.
Minato followed, a kite on a red string in her wake.
"You're impossible." he murmured, finding himself propped forward over chakra infused palms, pond rippling under his touch, stirring the water and the flowing fire of her hair, fanned out all about her like autumn leaves.
Her smile deepened, lips pulled in a neat crescent, just a birdswing away.
"So I've been told, ya know." Her whisper was breath shaped into words, her hand reaching above the surface, fingers brushing against his leg, venturing higher, and he exhaled a shaky breath, heart drumming in his ears, mind growing blank.
And then he felt the sudden shift, the surface giving way below his touch as he lost all semblance of concentration, chakra control slipping, water rushing up under his weight. He had a fraction of a second to realise his mistake, eyes growing wide before the cold enveloped him and he plopped in the small lake.
Her laughter reached him even before he surfaced, coughing up water, fixing her with a glum look. She had thrown her head back, face flushed in mirth, tears stinging the corners of her eyes.
"What's up Mr. Concentration?" she managed between gasps and he rolled his eyes.
"As I said – impossible."
"I'll take it as a compliment, ya know." she said with a grin, splashing water at him and he couldn't help his own smile as he answered in kind. "Come on, I came to fetch you. The Fūinjitsu Research Team wanted to run everything past us before the barrier goes up tonight."
"What do you make of it?" Minato asked, fixing his friend with a deceptively calm look.
Kushina knew him better than that.
"It's hard to say, this early. They've halted all attacks though. Negotiations might not be off the table." Shikaku drawled, contemplating the shogi board before him most thoroughly.
"Iwagakure might not stay idle."
"As to that… we'll have to wait and see. And rely on certain reports." The Nara heir said with a faint smile and Minato answered in kind, nodding at the unspoken hint.
There wasn't much shared with the public, but what shinobi were aware of was this: Suna had used the intel Konoha provided them with, capturing their mole successfully. They hadn't, however, formally addressed Konoha's invitation for negotiations. Until then… there wasn't much left to say, apart from speculation.
Shikaku's smile deepened as he reached forward, tipping a pawn ahead and Kushina frowned, an exasperated sigh escaping her as she threw a dirty look at him.
The dark-haired man was grinning, arms crossed, waiting for her next move, knowing full well that she would be cornered in no more than three turns. And even though she had seen it, she had no idea how to trump it.
Minato chuckled lightly, eyes for once fixed on the shogi board between her and Shikaku. He was sitting beside her, one arm resting casually on his knee, the other extended back to the wooden floor of the engawa right behind her to support his weight. And despite the serious topics, Kushina was certain he was watching the game most intently.
"Laugh at me one more time and you will regret it, ya know."
His brilliant smile didn't waver for a second.
"I am not laughing at you." he murmured before leaning ahead, eyes fixed on the board, not betraying in any way how his hand had slipped to the small of her back, his fingers resting lightly against the thin fabric of her tunic.
If Shikaku had noticed the uncharacteristic moment of intimacy in public, he feigned oblivion very convincingly. She felt warmth sneaking up her cheeks, heart skipping a beat even as she seriously considered elbowing him in the ribs – he was doing exactly nothing for her concentration.
"Empty your mind of distractions, consider his figures one at a time, piece it out as a puzzle. Regard the bigger picture, why is he attacking without pause here…" he said, breath tickling her shoulder as he gestured towards the board. "…trying to stop you from moving here. Try to look underneath his obvious motives."
Shikaku coughed.
"I thought I was playing against Kushina-san."
Minato chuckled again, leaning back once more, his hand moving to twine around one fiery lock behind her. She paid him no heed, finally seeing what he meant, Shikaku's weekly fortified bishop and through it a path to his own King, a path that required more moves than it would take the Nara to win, but at least she wouldn't lose as disgracefully as before.
"See the whole picture, huh?" she whispered, tipping a gold piece ahead.
The wind sent the trees into a rustle, scattering scarlet leaves over Konoha's rooftops, the russet colours blending in the warm afternoon sun.
Hiruzen smiled, bringing the pipe up to his lips and taking a long drag. Biwako had insisted that he take at least a few minutes a day away from the office and in the end he had relented. He was just thinking he should thank her when the sound of a cane reached him, resounding rhythmically against the ground
He sighed. Work didn't always agree with his plans for rest.
"Koyo is upon us." he said simply by way of greeting.
A humph was the only answer he received from the pensive man behind him. Sometimes Sandaime wondered if his teammate-of-old had become more taciturn with age or whether he had simply started noticing it more.
"Can I help you, Danzō?"
"The reports from Kumo." The bandaged man said curtly and Hiruzen had to sigh again.
Jiraya's missive had reached them no more than an hour ago. His friend never wasted time.
"We should convene the council." Danzō went on and there was an undertone of accusation in his words, a silent rebuke for Hiruzen for not having done that at once.
"We will. No declaration of war has been made."
"Yet."
"Yet." Sandaime agreed, folding a hand behind his back. "We're waiting for Suna's response as well."
Danzō said nothing, but the disapproval rolling off him was almost palpable. It appeared his friend was still strongly of the opinion that brokering a peace with the Land of Wind was a dire mistake.
"There are some good news amongst it all, however. Minato's barrier is up and active and is currently performing well."
Another harrumph and Sandaime finally turned to face the bandaged man.
"You're displeased?"
"Wary. The boy is strong, but he has a target on his back and he carries the full knowledge of Konoha's defences. Was it wise, Hiruzen?"
"It was needed. And I have full confidence in Minato's abilities and loyalty to Konoha."
Danzō's one visible eye narrowed, a finger tapping dully against his cane.
"You favour the boy openly."
The wind had picked up again, sending his Hokage robe flapping about him as Hiruzen straightened, weighing his friend with a look.
The child of prophecy would either bring peace to the world, or utterly destroy it.
"I do."
Some sort of realization finally came to the other man as his one eyebrow shot up.
"You can't mean to tell me you're thinking of-"
Sandaime simply smiled. The bandaged man took a step closer, his nostrils flaring.
"You're grooming him for command. Over… over others, more experienced." there had been a name on his lips, Hiruzen was certain, but whoever his friend had been about to single out had remained unsaid. "The boy's too young. His head is full of naïve dreams."
Sandaime couldn't help his answering smile. Yes, thank Jiraya for his efforts.
"It is precisely dreams that better worlds are born of. It was the dream of peace that brought Konoha together in the first place."
"And it was the resolve of future generations that has kept it. A readiness to do what it takes. Minato Namikaze lacks it."
"As to that… we shall see. There's time, my friend." Hiruzen said, turning once again to face the village's sun-lit rooftops, leaves dancing in between. Autumn – yes, but not yet winter. "I still have more to give to Konoha before I step down."
A curt tsk reached him, followed by the rhythmic tap of his cane as Danzō Shimura retreated without another word.
He startled awake, shooting up in a sitting position all at once, whole drenched in sweat, chest heaving. The images were still there, dancing before his eyes, terrifying in their vividness, the choking scent of blood lingering at the back of his throat and he had to suppress a wave of nausea, trying to still his hammering heart.
His hands were trembling despite himself clenched about ghastly kunai that were not really there. His breaths were coming out in quiet gasps, muscles still locked, his mind reeling in grim preparation, ready to fell yet another foe, to take another life, drowning in blood-
A hand reached out in the darkness, tracing gently against his back and he stilled in place, breath catching in his throat.
And then she was sitting up beside him, her fingers finding his own and wrapping about them firmly, soft lips pressing against his shoulder.
"A dream." she whispered. "You're not there, ya know. You're here, with me."
He exhaled. Inhaled. Exhaled again, trying to root himself in reality, focusing on the sound of her voice and the scent of her hair, a lock of it brushing lightly against his skin. His hand unclenched, tension draining out of him as he laced fingers with hers.
"Forgive me. I…" he started hoarsely, clearing a dry throat. "I didn't mean to wake you."
She was already shaking her head.
"There's nothing to forgive." Her voice was a lilt, warmth folded into every word. "Come on. Come back to bed."
And then she was lowering herself back down, fingers lingering against his back, and he was tumbling back with her, drawing her in his arms, an anchor in a storm.
The girls were giggling.
Shikaku had to suppress a groan.
When he had told Inoichi that simply walking to a pretty girl and striking a conversation was difficult, he had meant it more as a way to stop his bickering with Chōza, and definitely less as a challenge.
All of that had seemingly flown right over the Yamanaka's head and his friend had promptly found his way to the nearest group of kimono-clad girls who had also come to enjoy the Tsukimi. Shikaku thought he may have seen some of them before, in the chūnin headquarters before his advancement, but he remembered very little of them.
Inoichi wasted no time before addressing the tallest one, a striking girl clad in a dark-green kimono, her warm brown hair pulled back neatly in an elegant bun. He wasn't sure what corny opening line his teammate had used, but the girl had simply turned, dark brown eyes regarding the blonde in disbelief.
"Oh boy. He'll get punched again." Chōza said quietly and Yoshino guffawed beside him.
To their surprise, however, the girl's lips curved in a shrewd smile.
"That's kind of you to say." she answered instead, secretive smile still tucked in her lips. "Is there anything you wanted…?"
"Inoichi Yamanaka." His teammate supplied helpfully and she nodded.
"Is there anything you wanted, Yamanaka-san?"
"A moment of your time."
Her friends were eyeing Inoichi in surprise, cheeks reddened, hiding smiles behind hands and fans, probably astonished by his boldness. Shikaku might have also been surprised, if he hadn't witnessed the enviable speed with which Inoichi had downed those saké cups earlier.
The girl he had addressed had kept her composure with little trouble however, and the Nara had to admire the unmistakeable air of collected poise about her as she drew herself up, fixing the shawl about her shoulders, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Thank you for the offer, Yamanaka-san, but I am otherwise engaged. I've come to enjoy the festival with my friends." she said simply, coy smile never leaving her lips as she inclined her head in parting.
Oh she was good, Shikaku thought as he saw Inoichi grin.
She was already turning, her tittering friends doing the same, when the Yamanaka called out after her.
"Another time then."
The girl stopped, turning back to him, measuring him with a glance.
"I value my time, Yamanaka-san. I wonder if it will be wisely spent."
"Allow me to prove it so then. Say, at lunch, two days from now, same place?"
Silence descended, as the brown-haired girl regarded him carefully, lips curved up neatly, eyes glinting in the light of the lanterns around. Shikaku could almost feel her winding Inoichi on a string. He shook his head through a smile.
"Very well then. You have some proving to do."
With that she made to go. Inoichi had just run a hand through his hair, following her with a wistful look, when something else occurred to him.
"Hey! What's your name?"
There was silent laughter in her eyes when she turned back one last time.
"Ume. Ume Hayashi."
Shikaku rolled his eyes. Of course that would be her name.
Inoichi's smile widened as he stared at her retreating form, a low whistle making it past his lips.
He threw the door open, making to step out before rooting to the spot as he came face to face with Kushina, who had just lifted a hand to knock. She blinked a few times before her eyes narrowed and he couldn't help the guilty smile that spilled on his face.
"And where do you think you're going, ya know?" she demanded, propping a hand on her hip.
Minato gulped, aiming for innocence.
"I was just about to-"
"And don't you try to tell me you were about to open the door for me, you didn't even know I was here." she interrupted, throwing a pointed look down at his jacket and scarf.
That had been, in fact, exactly what he had been about to say and he hesitated, smile growing wider as his one hand jumped up to rub the back of his neck.
"Well, you see…" he started through a hoarse voice, ignoring the burn in his throat.
"You promised me you'll rest today."
He sighed.
"And I will. I was just going to run a quick errand; I had promised Haya-san that I'd drop off my last report today-"
"Fod Gods' sake, Minato, Konoha won't collapse if you take a day off, ya know."
"I'm well-" he began, but the words quickly died out in his throat when she took a step forward, her nostrils flaring.
"Well? You're as pale as a sheet, you're sporting near-bruises under your eyes, your voice sounds like it went through a woodchipper and you couldn't even sense me at the door. You, mister senses-all-sharp!"
She had a point there, he had to admit. He could feel the weariness getting at him, the cold he'd caught having numbed his senses, draining him.
"Now," she continued unperturbed, "I've brought soup and you're staying in or so help me, I'll. make you. stay. in." she said, punctuating her words with pointed jabs in his chest.
Minato's smile had grown strained as he lifted his hands up in surrender, letting himself be practically pushed back inside. Kushina slammed the door behind her, throwing glares his way as if he had personally offended her.
"I really don't think you should be around me right now-" he started, but she simply shot him yet another stern look as she took off her shoes and jacket instead, making her way to the kitchen.
He lingered behind, listening to the quiet rustle of bags laid on the counter, followed by the sound of bento pots being opened and the clink of crockery. It took her all of two minutes to realise he hadn't followed and she leaned back through the door, eyebrow lifting up quizzically… or dare he say – suspiciously.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself.
"I could Hiraishin real quick while you set the table and-"
Her eyebrows mashed together, eyes narrowing and he had to suppress a gulp. Her footsteps suddenly sounded thunderous as she trudged back into the living room and he felt his own smile freeze on his lips. The look on her face alone could earn her a front page in most bingo books.
A cold drop of sweat rolled down the back of his neck as he felt her chakra swirl along with her flaring ire. He could have sworn he glimpsed the tips of her hair twirling imperceptibly with the amounts of chakra that bled out unchecked, to match her temper.
"…or I could stay in. I suppose I will." he said quickly, fumbling to unzip his jacket.
"Mhm, I thought so, ya know." she grumbled out, crossing her arms before her chest, following him with a sharp look as he took a seat at the table.
She took a few seconds, as if making sure he'd stay put, before returning to the kitchen and Minato had to suppress a relieved sigh – Konoha's Yellow Flash he might be, but Kushina could be downright scary when mad.
He thought she could probably successfully scold all five Kage if she put her heart to it.
She reappeared a few minutes later, carrying spoons and two bowls of steaming soup.
"Kushina… You needn't have-" he started, but she was already waving him off, taking a seat beside him.
"Shush it, eat up while it's hot. I think I might have developed speed close to yours in trying to get here before it cools, ya know." she said and he couldn't help the grin that spilled on his face as he nodded, bringing a spoonful up to his lips.
His eyes widened.
"I don't think I've ever tasted better soup in my life." he said honestly, half surprised, although he really shouldn't have been by now – everything she cooked was a gods-send.
She scoffed, but he could see the flush creep up her cheeks, the corners of her lips twitching.
"It's nothing special, just tonjiru, but my mom always used to make some when I was sick. What did you usually have?"
Minato hesitated.
"I… I don't remember."
Although quiet, the words had come out evenly, a simple fact. He saw her pause, spoon dipping as her lips pursed and he wondered if he could have been less honest to spare her this sadness that was not in any way her fault.
The truth was, he had been too young to remember much of everyday life before his parents had died. And through the years after, there hadn't really been anyone to make him soup or insist that he stay at home when ill. He'd spend every cold or flu up and about, until physically unable to make it out of bed, and even then he'd usually stay in not more than a day.
Last winter in particular, had found him at the battlefronts where war waited on no one's good health – there had been an especially unpleasant moment when he had fought near delirious with fever and it had almost cost him an arm.
It was just what it was, he had long accepted it, but for the first time in a long while he was beginning to question whether it truly needed to be so.
"Well then." Kushina said, a calm lilt in her voice as she smiled, "Tonjiru's a good place to start, don't you think?"
He nodded, answering smile coming easy to his lips as his hand found hers over the table, wrapping gently about her fingers.
"Thank you."
The rest of lunch passed amicably, in chatter, quiet laughter and second portions, much to Kushina's delight. Before long they were getting up, bringing empty bowls to the kitchen, still chuckling at Kushina's tale of Kakashi's latest cooking attempt. Minato had just pushed up the sleeves of his white hoodie, starting the tab when he felt her jab a finger in his ribs.
"Ouch. What was that for?"
"Just what do you think you're doing, ya know?"
"The dishes?" he supplied quizzically and Kushina's eyes narrowed. "Let me at least help with-"
"Not a chance." she cut in, swirling a spoon deftly in her fingers, almost threateningly. "Couch, mister."
He sighed, nodding once before promptly making his way to the living room as instructed – getting on her bad side twice for one day couldn't really bode well in any scenario.
It didn't take long for the weariness to take the better of him and he soon found himself lying down on said couch, head propped against the armrest, one arm draped over his eyes. It had started raining at some point, the pitter-patter of the drops against his window mixing lullingly with the quiet clinks and clatters from the kitchen, and he had to wonder for a second whether he was imagining it when he heard another sound – a soft melody, tucked amongst it all, as Kushina started humming over her work.
He never knew when his lips had spread in a serene smile, tiredness claiming him as he dozed off.
He wasn't sure how long he had slept, but the day had waned when he woke, the only light coming from a small side lamp that Kushina had lit, curled in an armchair beside it, fingers working through yarn and knitting needles.
He blinked, making to sit up and finding the effort strenuous, as if he had run miles instead of resting. His head was pounding, eyes burning to match the fire in his throat and he grimaced. The room had grown much too cold, even though Kushina had apparently covered him with a blanket while he slept.
"Well, good morning." she called out merrily, putting her knitting away. "Or perhaps good evening."
"I wonder about that." He rasped out and winced. His voice was a ruin.
"Minato…" she started, worry spiking in her voice despite his best effort to flash her a smile.
He shrugged out of the blanket, pushing to his feet, and the room tilted momentarily as he took a moment to shake off the dizziness. Kushina was up and beside him before he even realised, lowering him firmly back on the couch.
Her cool fingers found his forehead, feeling icy against his skin.
"You're burning up, ya know." she said and his lips twitched up tiredly.
"All I need is a battlefield."
"Huh?"
"Nothing, just…" he sighed, wrapping a warm hand about hers. He had to resist the urge to bring her fingers to his lips. "Don't worry, I'll be okay. I just need to ride it out, I'll be better in the morning. You should go."
She cocked an eyebrow, a clear challenge.
"Kushina… you really shouldn't be around me right now, you might get sick too."
The redhead snorted, blowing a crimson lock out of her face.
"As if." she said, laughter tucked in her voice as if he had suggested something quite hilarious.
Minato opened his mouth to protest, but then she was kneeling before him, eyes set in a firm look, defiance spelled out in the hard line of her mouth and in her jutted chin.
"I'm not going anywhere, Minato. Now, I can drag you up the stairs to your bed, or you can Hiraishin us there, your choice, ya know."
He sighed.
"I wonder if I'll ever win an argument with you."
"No way, ya know." she said with a grin, winking at him merrily, and his lips twitched on their own accord.
It took him a moment to locate his marker through clouded senses, and another to gather what was left of his concentration and make his chakra snap forward. His fingers wrapped more firmly about her hand and he pulled them both forth. The tug of the Hiraishin lasted but a fraction and then they were standing in the darkness of his room.
A shiver rocked through him, senses momentarily on lockdown, but then her hands were about him, helping him to bed.
She disappeared then, returning quickly with a vial of pills and a cold wet cloth which she laid on his forehead and he sighed in relief. A lump had formed in his throat and he wasn't sure whether it was because of the illness or because of the overwhelming mute gratitude that was mixing with worry for her health.
Kushina promptly slipped under the covers as well, oblivious to his worries, finding the crook of his arm and nestling beside him instead, her cool hand resting against his neck. And despite his concern, he couldn't help wrapping an arm around her waist tightly, pulling her closer, pressing feverish lips to her forehead.
"Thank you."
"Always." she whispered, echoing his words from years past and Minato found himself momentarily wordless, a soft sigh escaping him as he listened to the whisper of her breaths against his neck and the steady beat of her heart.
The rain was still drumming against his windows, an even pattern.
"What were you humming earlier? Before I fell asleep?"
He couldn't quite see her, but he was somehow certain she flushed, fidgeting nervously in his arms.
"Nothing much, ya know. A song my mother used to sing to me when I was younger."
"Could I hear it again?" he murmured against her hair, hurrying ahead as he felt her deliberate. "I quite liked it."
She shuffled against him, her fingers curling in his collar, and for a second he thought he had overstepped. But then she cleared her throat, starting the now-familiar melody again. It arched in a calming manner, all-the-more beautiful for the proximity, the rhythm of it reverberating in her throat against his shoulder, and his eyes drifted closed.
"It's beautiful."
She didn't say anything, but he could have sworn she was smiling, her heart fluttering in her chest, like a hummingbird's wings – such small moments, spelling out her happiness, intangible and all the more precious for it.
Minato smiled too, delighting in her joy, committing it all to memory as he buried his lips in the soft flame of her hair.
"How's it coming along?"
Jiraiya grinned. He brought his hand up, closing his eyes for a moment as he focused on his chakra stream, willing it to rush forward. The chaotic ball of energy materialised in his palm almost at once, first small, then growing in size, whirling madly in his grasp.
His student appraised it critically before smiling.
"You're almost there."
"Bah!" the white-haired man exclaimed, letting the energy fizzle out, throwing his arms in the air. "Cocky brat."
Minato laughed.
"It did take me near two-years to perfect it."
"I'll aim for half that time then. Can't have you outdoing your old sensei just yet." Jiraya said with a grin, leaning against the red bridge railings. The river was half frozen underneath, sleet cracking around the edges with the icy current.
Late Autumn didn't boast a pleasant dawn.
Minato chuckled, mimicking him by his side, crossing his arms to keep warm.
"Speaking of, Ma and Pa tell me you're coming along nicely."
To his surprise, the younger man frowned.
"Oh? What's that? Did my prodigious student find a hurdle too great with senjutsu?"
"Well… no, it's not that. I think I've got the hang of it, mostly." the blonde muttered, and Jiraya had to roll his eyes at the distracted ease with which he explained his prowess. It took most people years to develop control as fine as Minato had mastered in the manner of months.
"I hear a "but" somewhere in there."
The jōnin flashed him yet another smile, this one somewhat more strained, and Jiraya sighed. In truth he already suspected what would follow – he knew the kid too well.
"I thought I taught you out of this senseless modesty."
Minato's smile turned sheepish.
"But. I'm not much faster in sage mode than I am without it." he said finally, reluctantly, as if boasting of his accomplishments was somehow dreadfully wrong.
Sometimes Jiraya wondered how the kid had turned out so prim and proper under his tutelage.
"Damn geniuses." the older man said gruffly, already expecting to see the blonde rubbing the back of his head nervously.
Minato didn't disappoint.
"You know there's more to it than speed. You've felt it now."
"I know, but… my ace is speed. I utilise it well, I've incorporated it in my taijutsu, ninjutsu, Fūinjutsu. So when it comes to this aspect of sage mode…"
"…the time spent moulding natural energy is not well utilised, aye. I figured as much." The white-haired man said, waving an arm distractedly, "I told Pa too, but he was adamant. No student of his would go half-baked, and other such nonsense."
The kid laughed again, shaking his head.
"I'm most grateful. I just don't know how often I would put it to use during actual combat. But it's good to be prepared."
Jiraya sighed, throwing his head back as the smile slipped off his lips for once. The sky above was overcast, wizened branches outlined starkly against the bone-white of the low clouds. A flock of birds flew over them, twisting patterns in their flight.
"It might come in handy soon."
Minato stayed quiet for a beat longer, the rush of the river filling the silence between.
"Kumo?" he asked finally and Jiraya nodded.
"Winter is cruel on them, so far up north. They wouldn't risk deployment yet. But word has it that things might change by season's end."
"What of Suna?"
"They're delaying. Waiting for a retaliation strike from Iwagakure, though it seems unlikely."
"I don't understand. The Kazekage is in a good position to bargain." The blonde said through a frown.
"Oh he knows it. He might be young and inexperienced, but he's not as witless as some would have us think. He's playing the waiting game, that one. Konoha will be pressed to agree to more of Suna's terms when threatened by a third warfront with Kumo. He'll bargain too, come Spring."
A crow cawed somewhere in the distance, taking flight.
"Eventful year ahead of us, it seems." his student said finally and the Sannin fixed him with a calculating look.
War had stripped him of a peaceful childhood too soon, he thought, eyes lingering on the furrow between the boy's eyebrows, determination etched in the lines of his brow. And for a second, it wasn't Minato who stood before him, but Yahiko and Nagato and Konan, brimming with conviction – the very shape of loss in the hollows of his heart.
An iron hand squeezed about his chest, the same old question plaguing his mind as always: Did I do enough?
He shook his head, casting the images away. It would be different this time. It wouldn't end that way.
"Eventful, aye." he said casually instead, aiming for nonchalence. "And you might find yourself in the thick of it, kid. With Kumo… and with Suna. I expect Sandaime will want a show of force at the negotiations."
His student simply smiled at his words, a sombre edge to it all.
"I'm ready."
"Brr. It's not the best of evenings for this sort of thing, is it?" Yoshino-san whispered to her, rubbing her hands together in an attempt to ward off the winter chill.
"You can say that again, ya know."
"It could be worse. At least there are no blizzards." Inoichi said merrily and the dark-haired girl only groaned.
"The sight is beautiful though." Shikaku broke in calmly, stepping forward as if trying to get a better view of the dozens of glinting lanterns lit up around the shrine.
Somehow, his casual movement had brought him right beside Yoshino and the girl shuddered, leaning into him for warmth. Kushina smiled.
A snowflake landed on her eyelashes and she quickly blinked it away, pulling the warm winter haori tighter about herself. It had started to snow at some point before midnight and they had moved further away from the festivities, taking shelter under the trees at the edge of the shrine grounds.
"Ak! Chōza! Don't tell me you brought crisps to the shrine!" Inoichi's voice rang out and his Nara teammate chuckled.
Their plump friend simply turned his back to Inoichi, muttering about the long wait, half-hiding his crisps in the wide sleeves of his traditional wear. The blonde persisted, relentless, trying to round him and snatch the snack out of his hands, going on about sacred customs, about Ume-san who would join them soon and about bad impressions. Yoshino giggled, joyfully cheering Chōza on, which only drew accusations of betrayal from Inoichi.
Kushina was just about to ask Chōza for a handful of crisps as well, when she felt warm fingers brush against her wrist. She near-jumped, heart lodging in her throat as she whirled about, eyes growing wide. His uncanny stealth, coupled with the fact that she hadn't expected him back from his mission before week's end, had made for one heck of a scare.
She was just about to tell him as much, eyebrows furrowing in mock annoyance, but something in his look silenced her. There was a peculiar glint to his eyes as he threw a glance at their friends up ahead, still obliviously engrossed in Chōza and Inoichi's antics, and his lips broke in a small smile. He inclined his head wordlessly, motioning to the deserted forest trails around the shrine, now carpeted in a soft layer of snow, and Kushina couldn't help her own answering smile.
She threw one last look at the others before following after him quietly, disappearing amongst the trees.
He was beside her as soon as the forest concealed them from view, his hand finding hers, fingers knitting with her own as he pulled her forward gently. She giggled, all at once elated, realising that he was really here, probably having come straight off the field if the shinobi uniform and the warm travelling cloak were anything to go by.
"How? Your mission?" she said breathlessly just as Minato stopped below a tall pine just off the trail.
They hadn't strayed too far, the golden glow of the lanterns still breaking through the snow-covered shrubbery, casting the world in muted golden hues, glinting off the ice. The chatter and laughter of the gathered crowds came strangely muted, the loudest sound that of their footsteps crunching softly through the snow.
His eyes were fixed on her now, that same gleam dancing in his look. There were snowflakes melting in his hair, his cheeks flushed with the cold, lips curved in a brilliant smile and she felt her heart leap in her chest.
By gods, she had missed him.
"It's going well. We were given leave tonight, for two hours or so. I was worried I wouldn't make it in time."
"You came all this way, just for two hours, ya know?"
His smile turned lopsided.
"Hiraishin did make that considerably easier than it sounds."
"I'm growing fond of that technique of yours, ya know, despite the motion sickness." she said with a grin and he chuckled, his breath frosting in the air between.
"Yes, it can be rather invaluable." he murmured softly, lifting a hand up to her face. His fingers were ever-gentle as they brushed a stray lock behind her ear, light touch lingering at her neck, like the whisper of snowflakes across her skin.
She sighed, her eyes fleeting closed as she stepped forward in the dull silence of the snowy forest. His lips bore the chill of winter, and the sweet taste of precious moments stolen in the night.
"Thank you. For making it back home tonight." she sighed after, when he broke their kiss and leaned his forehead against hers.
He huffed out a soft laugh.
"No, none of that now. It's my turn."
He pulled back slightly, hand diving deftly in a pocket before he brought forward a small box.
Her eyes widened.
"What's this?" she breathed, already guessing at the answer.
Because she knew. She had made one too.
"Oseibo." he said simply; smiling, ever-smiling.
Her breath caught in her throat, a startled sound between amazement and laughter making it past her lips.
"You dork. Who even does Oseibo nowadays?"
But even as she was saying it, she had lifted her wrist, brushing her kimono sleeve back as she pressed chakra-infused fingers to the invisible kanji of her storage seal, pulling forth the neat furoshiki-wrapped package she had stored there as soon as it was done.
Minato blinked. And then he laughed too, the soft sound swallowed by the snow all about.
"Who indeed." he agreed, still chuckling, as he ran fingers through his damp hair.
The snow was still coming, snowflakes fluttering silently between, glinting in the distant glow of the shrine, and she couldn't help thinking that in a way, her gift was quite timely. Even if it hadn't turned out as well as she had hoped.
She pushed it in his hands regardless.
Minato handed her the small box so he could undo the elaborate tie of the furoshiki she had wrapped it in, and, as curious as Kushina was about his own gift, she clutched it nervously instead as she followed his careful ministrations, her stomach in a knot.
The wrapping cloth finally gave way and Minato stilled, his eyes widening.
"I-It's not very good, ya know, but- But I wanted- With your cold and all-" she was saying, now prattling, hands twisting about her kimono sleeve.
"You made this?" he said, a note of disbelief in his voice as he carefully unfolded the knitted scarf.
And there was such inexplicable tenderness in his look as he turned to her, a raw emotion brimming just below the surface, that she could only nod. His fingers tightened about it wordlessly; and then he was wrapping it about his neck, the crimson hue of it so very reminiscent of her hair, a sharp contrast to the whiteness around.
"Kushina… You… It's perfect. Thank you." he whispered softly, voice thick with a wavering emotion that she thought she understood quite well now.
She smiled, fighting the burn in her cheeks.
"No more colds, ya know."
He laughed, pulling the scarf higher, over his chin, fabric brushing against his lips.
"No more colds." he agreed placidly. "I'm afraid mine is not as direly needed – you have plenty, but…"
His words died out as she finally directed her attention to the small box still clutched tightly in her hands. The lid was slow-going, her fingers clumsy with the cold, until it finally gave way.
Her breath caught in her throat.
Your hair is beautiful so I noticed it right away.
An elaborate wooden comb greeted her, symbols woven across its handle, carved in a pattern, and she slowly ran a finger over them, to make sure they were really made of wood. Uzu's spiral looked on from an eddy in the centre, surrounded by waves captured as if in motion, blending rippling wood across the shaft. Amongst them were cherry blossoms mixed with wisterias at both ends, framing the teeth.
He had made it himself also, she realised, remembering all the times she had caught glimpses of him carving away at something when he found the time.
"Minato…"
He was watching her softly, lips spread in a serene smile.
"Thank you. For everything." he murmured and her throat clamped up, chest constricting, the feeling sweeping over her all at one. There was a sting in her eyes and she blinked it away quickly.
Wordlessly her fingers wrapped about the comb, lifting it gingerly out of the box and pressing it to her chest.
And then, as if on cue, the bells began to ring. Their chime carried over the shrine grounds, muffled by the snow, peeling softly through the night.
His smile widened.
"Happy New Year, Kushina."
"Here, it's ready!" the redhead called out as she lifted the makeshift wreath.
"Is that what you were making?" Mikoto asked with a quiet laugh.
"Of course! For good luck, ya know!"
With that she laid the flowers over the Uchiha's head, the yellow of the dandelions contrasting beautifully to her dark tresses. Mikoto smiled demurely.
"Thank you. Does it look nice?"
"Lovely." Minato attested with a sunny smile, to match the warmth of spring.
They were sitting in the grass of Training Field 3, once again surrounded by a sea of yellow, after Mikoto had surprised them during one of their sparring sessions.
"Maybe Fugaku will like it. Make me wreaths each morning."
Kushina snorted. Try as she may, she just couldn't picture the stoic head of the Uchiha clan weaving flowers.
"Oh come now." Mikoto said with a roll of her eyes. "He's really sweet underneath that strict façade you know. He-"
A soft stir, the faintest trail of chakra and a man appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the training field, effectively cutting off whatever it was her Uchiha friend had been about to say. Kushina straightened up, her stomach tightening as she eyed the sun glinting off the smooth porcelain mask covering his face.
Minato had already pushed to his feet when the ANBU knelt before them, just as Mikoto also made to get up carefully, a crease of worry etched on her face even though the summons was definitely not for her.
"Oh. Oh here, let me." Kushina said, springing to her feet, hands fluttering uselessly about her friend, uncertain what and where to hold.
"Relax, Kushina. I'm pregnant, not disabled."
"But- But you're so very pregnant, ya know!" the redhead said quietly, fingers still hovering uncertainly by her friend's elbow. "Here, I'll help you home while Minato goes off to do whatever they have him do all the time-" she continued pointedly when the masked man interrupted, stopping her in her tracks.
"Namikaze-sama. Uzumaki-sama. Your presence has been requested by the Hokage."
AN: Hello you lovely people! Don't worry, I haven't disappeared or given up, far from it! This chapter simply took so long to write because it involved so very much… and at the same time so very little… hopefully in a good way. It's a collection of precious moments, little things, that I have always wanted to see – moments of happiness between those two characters that I think deserve it best. So here are some peaceful instances of what life might have been like between it all. Since I wasn't following a specific plotline here, it took me awhile to figure out what I wanted to write and how I wanted to structure it. So here it is, my drabble chapter, I hope it has at least made you smile (especially after that last one).
Notes on the text:
1. To answer a previous question, I don't know if the barrier around Konoha was made by Minato or not, that part hasn't been referenced in the show before. The barrier itself has been shown before though – during the Pein Invasion arc, the sentries are shown to follow who enters the village from a minimized version of a sphere arc around Konoha – it's more of a detection thing rather than anything else, but this is what I based Minato's idea on. The rest I came up with by myself.
2. Yes, that scene is a reference to my other story, so to anyone who has read both – here is proof that they are at least somewhat connected. And no – I haven't abandoned it! I very much intend to finish it when I wrap this one, although it is of dire need of rewriting. It hasn't been touched in over seven years
3. I had to cut Inoichi some slack at some point :P Also, seeing as Ino's mom has only been listed as "Ino's mom" on Narutopedia and other sites I found, I thought it's time I gave her a name :D
4. Time for Jiraya to pick up that Rasengan :) I was also trying to figure out why we heard absolutely nothing of Minato being a sage until his appearance as an Edo Tensei. So I thought this reason plausible - it didn't always supplement his fighting style well. So I went with this explanation, I hope it makes sense!
5. Throwback to that one chapter I had Ryūmi hum her lullaby while doing dishes, fretting over Kushina having no one to sing it to one day
6. Horray, they made it back to their field with dandelions, all three
7. As someone suggested, yes, shit is about to go down with the war I'm afraid. But also, enter Kakashi's teammates soon, so that shall be fun!
Thank you so much for reading and for your immense patience! Thank you for sticking with this story through all the bumpy times! And thank you for finding the time to write, it's always so lovely to hear your thoughts on my work, it makes my day! You guys are the best! I'll see you soon!
Glossary:
Senjutsu: a specialised field of jutsu that involve the use of natural energy. Senjutsu practitioners, known as sages, learn to draw natural energy inside their bodies, blending it with their own chakra to create senjutsu chakra
Onsen: a hot spring, or a resort that has developed around a hot spring.
Engawa: the covered version of a Japanese porch, usually made out of bamboo and supported by wooden pillars, usually running around the house in traditional Japanese houses.
Koyo: refers to the red, orange, and yellow leaves that change colour every autumn, and the tradition of appreciating the colours of this fall foliage.
Tsukimi: meaning, "moon-viewing", also known as Jugoya – Japanese festivals honouring the autumn moon, a variant of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Ume Hayashi: From Ume (Japanese Apricot Blossom. In the language of flowers it means: elegance, faithfulness and pure heart) and Hayashi (forest)
Tonjiru: Tonjiru is a savory miso soup with pork and root vegetables. It's packed with an excellent source of vitamins and it's very nourishing; it's a go-to food for some Japanese when they've got a cold or the flu
Oseibo: Oseibo are year-end gifts given before the start of the new year. They are given from someone who would like to express gratitude and appreciation for a person. They have lately fallen a little out of fashion – not everyone does Oseibo, especially younger people – it's considered a more traditional thing, hence Kushina's comment and her surprise that Minato had made one for her too.
Furoshiki: Japanese Wrapping cloths, traditionally used to wrap and/or to transport goods. Unlike with other wrapping cloths, greater consideration is placed on the aesthetics of furoshiki, which may feature hemmed edges, thicker and more expensive materials, and hand-painted designs, which also makes them a popular way to wrap gifts.