The ship creaked and groaned as it cut through the icy waters of the Land of Snow, its hull glistening under the pale winter sun. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of salt and the promise of snow.
Minato cloaked in his dark gray hooded cloak that billowed behind him like a shadow, stood at the edge of the vessel, his Shinigami mask obscuring his features. The world around him was a stark contrast to the warmth of his memories, a reminder of the mission that lay ahead.
With a deep breath, he leaped off the ship, his feet barely making a sound as they met the surface of the water. The moment he landed, he began to run, the chakra flowing through him like a river, propelling him forward.
The waves splashed around him, but he remained steady, a figure of resolve against the vast, icy expanse.
As he sprinted across the water, the scenery began to shift. The once calm sea transformed into a landscape of white, the snow-capped mountains rising majestically in the distance.
The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with wispy clouds, and the sun cast a shimmering glow on the snow, making it sparkle like a field of diamonds.
The beauty of the Land of Snow was breathtaking, but Minato's mind drifted back to a time long before this mission—a time when he was a sensei, guiding his first team.
FLASHBACK:
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the training grounds of Konohagakure. Minato stood before his team, a trio of eager young ninjas: Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, and Rin Nohara. They were ready for the infamous bell test, a rite of passage for every new team.
"Alright, team!" Minato called, a playful grin on his face. "Today, we're going to see how well you work together. Your goal is to take these bells from me!"
He held up two shiny bells, their metallic surface glinting in the sunlight. Kakashi crossed his arms, a smirk on his masked face.
"You mean we have to take them from you? That's going to be easy."
Obito, ever the optimist, chimed in, "Yeah! We'll show you how strong we are, Sensei!"
Rin giggled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just don't go too easy on us, Minato-sensei!"
Minato chuckled, his heart swelling with pride. "I wouldn't dream of it. But remember, teamwork is key. If you don't work together, you won't succeed."
FLASHBACK END:
In a burst of speed Minato using chakra Minato blurred across the water.
"Kakashi you baka you better not die." Minato said as continued on.
A reunion between Sensei and student reborn.