After returning home, Namikaze Minato sat in thoughtful silence, a frown creasing his brow.
"What's wrong?" Kushina asked, noticing his troubled expression. She tied on her apron, preparing to cook but couldn't help but ask when she saw Minato's pensive look.
"Hokage-sama still doubts my intentions," Minato said with a sigh. "Otherwise, you'd be joining this mission, Kushina."
Kushina paused, understanding dawning on her. All their recent missions had been completed as a team. But this time, for a mission of such importance, she was excluded, and Minato was instructed to bring his students instead. While Kakashi and the others were skilled enough to be Chunin, they were still technically Genin and shouldn't be assigned to an S-rank mission.
"Don't overthink it," Kushina said, her smile warm and reassuring. "Go shower and freshen up. I'll start dinner."
Minato started to protest, but Kushina stepped forward, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "If this is a way to help you, I don't mind at all. And honestly, staying in the village is nice sometimes. I can visit Mikoto and her baby, and maybe even catch up on some training."
A small smile broke Minato's solemn expression, the warmth of Kushina's affection easing his tension. Having her by his side was his greatest blessing.
---
**The Next Morning**
"Boss Reiki!" Uchiha Obito shouted as he burst into Tsunade's courtyard. Reiki was already there, busy preparing breakfast.
"Obito, come in and help," Reiki said over his shoulder. "Shizune, Kurenai, you two can rest today. I'll handle the cooking."
Obito shuffled into the kitchen, his energy palpable. "Kurenai, still here?" he teased.
"Mind your business, Obito, or I might pay Rin a visit and tell her a few stories," Kurenai shot back, smirking.
"Uh... Please don't," Obito muttered, his bravado vanishing instantly.
"Boss, why did you call us here so early? Do we have something big planned?" Obito asked, starting to chop vegetables. "Kakashi went out to get ingredients, and Rin should be done with her mission soon."
Before Obito could continue rambling, Reiki bonked him on the head lightly. "Quiet down, will you? You're not a child anymore."
"Oh." Obito rubbed his head and fell silent, focusing on helping out in the kitchen.
Kakashi arrived shortly after, wordlessly joining the effort, while Rin came in not long after, curiosity in her eyes.
"Shizune, Kurenai, is today a special day?" Rin asked, glancing between the two.
"I'm not sure," Shizune replied. "Reiki just said he'd be heading out on a mission soon and wanted to make breakfast for everyone."
Rin's eyes lit up. "A mission? I wish I could go out more, but Sensei's been so busy lately." As a medical ninja, Rin was in high demand, especially with her connection to Reiki. Missions came to her easily because others knew if she wasn't taken, Reiki would step in—and he had a reputation for taking on so many missions that it left little room for others.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Rin," Obito said, emerging from the kitchen with a tray of dishes. "Reiki mentioned that all three of us will be going on this mission, along with Sensei."
"Really? That's amazing!" Rin's face lit up, and Obito felt his heart skip a beat. If Reiki hadn't called his name, he would've stayed frozen, caught in her smile.
Lin's charm was potent—an S-rank genjutsu just for Obito.
---
After breakfast, Shizune and Kurenai left to complete their daily tasks and training, leaving Reiki and his team in the courtyard.
"Reiki, what's the mission about?" Rin asked, eyes wide with curiosity. Kakashi stood by, his fingers flexing as if he couldn't stay still, while Obito, as usual, stared at Rin.
"Brother Minato has accepted an S-rank mission to Loulan," Reiki said. "Here's what I know so far." He laid out the information he had, detailing Loulan's mysterious energy source and the potential threat of a puppet army.
The group listened intently, their expressions growing serious.
"Boss, you're saying they specialize in puppet manipulation?" Obito said, piecing together the strategy. "My genjutsu won't be effective, but Kakashi's sword skills and Rin's chakra scalpel would be useful?"
"Exactly," Reiki confirmed. "Your job, Obito, will be to locate the puppet masters and mark them. If possible, use your Sharingan to control them. If not, tag them for the others."
"And remember, Lord Akimichi Choza and Lord Aburame Shibi will be joining us. We're not the main force here; we're there to support and coordinate. Don't push too far ahead."
The three nodded, determination settling in their eyes. This was no ordinary mission, and they all understood what was at stake.
---
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