Today was a special occasion for Namikaze Minato. He'd received word the previous day that he'd be rejoining Uzumaki Kushina's team.
The news brought a bittersweet smile to Minato's face. Two years ago, fresh out of the Ninja Academy, he, along with Kushina, had been assigned low-level missions under the esteemed Jiraiya. While routine, those days held a special charm – learning ninjutsu from a respected teacher and spending every day with his blossoming affection for Kushina.
Unfortunately, their training was cut short by the escalating Second Shinobi World War. Jiraiya, a vital asset, was deployed to the front lines. As Jiraiya's student and one of Konoha's rising stars, Minato naturally followed suit. However, Uzumaki Kushina, a ten-year-old Jinchūriki yet to fully control the Nine-Tails' Chakra, was deemed too risky for battlefield deployment. This forced Minato and Kushina, a newly formed couple, into a long-distance relationship. Their only solace was the occasional meeting during his village visits or breaks for holidays like New Year's.
But after two arduous years, with the situation in the Land of Rain nearing resolution, Konoha officials finally gave a green signal for the re-formation of Jiraiya's team! A vibrant meadow on the outskirts of Konohagakure's eastern sector bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun. The scene, brimming with life, mirrored Minato's own elation. He'd arrived early, a playful smirk gracing his lips, already eager for their reunion. And there she was! The fiery red hair unmistakable even from a distance. "Kushina, here I am!" Minato called out, waving excitedly.
Uzumaki Kushina spotted her "boyfriend" too, a wide smile blossoming on her face. She broke into a joyful trot, eager to close the distance. Minato mirrored her enthusiasm, rushing forward to meet her. A delighted gasp escaped his lips as Kushina launched herself into his arms with a playful hug. Two years had wrought subtle changes in Kushina. She'd grown taller, her features maturing into the blossoming beauty of a young woman. Minato held her close, a contented smile gracing his lips. "You've gotten taller, Kushina," he murmured.Kushina pulled back slightly, scrutinizing him with a worried frown.
"Minato, you look a little thinner! War is tough, huh?"
"It's no big deal," he replied with a nonchalant shrug, masking the sadness that flickered in his eyes. The past two years had been a baptism by will of fire. He'd seen countless battles, brushed shoulders with death more times than he cared to remember. There were close calls, instances where Jiraiya's timely intervention saved him from a fate worse than sunburn. But the true torment stemmed from witnessing his comrades fall in battle, their lives extinguished one after another. Despite the hardships, Minato's prowess had made him a force to be reckoned with. Even among Konoha's elite, his name was whispered with respect .Even Aizen, confined to the bustling halls of Konohagakure's medical department, had heard whispers of Namikaze Minato's rising fame.
Minato wasn't alone. Senju Nawaki, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, and Nara Shikaku – all prodigies in their own right – were carving their names into Konoha's elite ranks. However, Minato and Senju Nawaki held the most notoriety. Uchiha Fugaku, despite his battlefield exploits, maintained a low profile. As for Aizen, he'd faded from the limelight.
"Let's leave the war behind us," Kushina interjected, sensing the shift in Minato's mood. "The intel suggests the Land of Rain conflict is nearing its end. No need to dwell on it." Minato offered her a reassuring smile. "Agreed." He paused, his gaze filled with concern. "While I'm thrilled to be on the same team again, and the major battles seem over, cleanup duty on the battlefield still carries risks. I can't help but worry..."
Konoha's higher-ups, prioritizing the safety of the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, initially prohibited Uzumaki Kushina from war participation. However, a Jinchūriki wasn't a pampered flower. Battle experience was crucial. Unlike Naruto in the original story, who remained village-bound for twelve years, Kushina received training missions after graduation. "Minato, you know my situation. This is my duty, my burden to bear, a fate I can't escape." Kushina chuckled. Accepting this reality had come with learning she'd become the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki from Uzumaki Mito.
Minato's heart ached for the strong girl before him. The past two years, spent in Jiraiya's company and amidst the harsh realities of war, had broadened Minato's understanding of Konoha's complexities. He no longer viewed the village through a naive lens. A glimmer of ambition, a hint of the golden future to come, flickered in Minato's eyes.Just then, their heartfelt conversation was interrupted by a booming voice. "What's going on here, lovebirds? It's broad daylight!" A young man with spiky white hair and silver armor appeared – Jiraiya! "Sensei!" Minato and Kushina sprang apart, bowing respectfully. A blush crept onto their cheeks.Jiraiya's excited laughter filled the air.
"I see you two are close, that's great! But try to be mindful of your surroundings. Your old teacher here is still single!" Minato and Kushina's faces burned even redder. The conversation shifted to catching up – their recent experiences, training progress, and the upcoming team formation. One particularly troublesome aspect remained. "I promised to find a suitable teammate for you," Jiraiya grumbled. "Someone strong, who complements your abilities, and preferably someone you're familiar with. But where do I even find such a person?"
Minato and Kushina shared a worried glance. Suddenly, inspiration struck Minato. A perfect candidate popped into his mind. "Jiraiya sensei," he declared, raising his head, "I have someone in mind!"