Over a year later, the Uchiha clan's usually solemn territory buzzed with celebration. The clan compound, typically known for its reserved atmosphere, now radiated joy as people gathered to witness the wedding of Uchiha Fugaku, the clan's young and newly appointed patriarch.
As Mikoto's closest friends, Minato and Kushina had been invited to stand as the best man and maid of honor, an honor typically reserved for members of the Uchiha clan itself. After some discussion, Fugaku and Mikoto had requested Minato and Kushina to take on these roles, and the couple happily agreed.
Dressed elegantly, Minato looked particularly dashing with his blue eyes sparkling under the daylight, exuding a natural warmth. Kushina, with her fiery red hair swept up in a simple yet graceful bun, radiated beauty with a quiet confidence that caught everyone's attention. The two exchanged a tender glance, a reminder of the promise Minato had made to her. Someday, when he wore the Hokage robes, he would make a similar vow to her.
Mikoto, dressed in bridal attire, was equally stunning. Her gentle expression and elegant demeanor made her the perfect complement to Fugaku's resolute aura. Together, they embodied the legacy and pride of the Uchiha clan. As the four stood together, the crowd couldn't help but be captivated by the two women, each beautiful in her way—one graceful and serene, the other lively and vibrant.
Amidst the festivities, Fugaku quietly thanked Minato for his presence, his usual stoic expression softened. "I truly appreciate you being here today," Fugaku said in a low tone, his words meant for Minato alone.
"Of course. It's a friend's wedding," Minato replied, his easygoing smile lightening the moment. "Besides, you make a great choice for a friend, Fugaku. We're here to celebrate you and Mikoto."
Fugaku looked at him, processing the words with a faint smile. In many ways, Minato's approval and friendship held significant importance, both as a personal ally and for the future of the Uchiha clan. As one of Konoha's most respected Jonin, Minato's influence in the village was undeniable. And with Minato's potential rise to Hokage, their friendship could lay a solid foundation for the Uchiha clan's relationship with the village.
Fugaku's expression relaxed. "Thank you, Minato. I'm honored to call you a friend."
The wedding proceeded beautifully, and after performing his duties as the best man, Minato's gaze scanned the crowd until he spotted his target. He weaved through the guests and made his way to a boy standing in the shadows, looking somewhat out of place amidst the celebration.
"Obito, what are you daydreaming about?" Minato asked, his tone light but warm.
Startled, Obito's eyes snapped back to the present, breaking his distant stare. He had been watching from afar, his gaze unknowingly fixed on Hatake Sakumo, who was there with his family, including Obito's academy rival, Kakashi. A faint pang of loneliness had tugged at Obito's heart. He was an orphan, having lost his only remaining family—his grandmother—when he was just four years old. Watching families together on a joyful occasion like this heightened the ache of his solitude.
Minato reached out, ruffling Obito's hair gently, breaking the boy's reverie with a comforting smile. "How about coming over to my place tonight?"
Obito looked up, surprised and hesitant. "But…," he stammered, unsure of how to respond.
Minato chuckled, sensing the boy's uncertainty. "The graduation exam is in a few days. Sometimes it's good to relax and take a break. You'll do great; I've seen how hard you've worked. Just trust in your training."
Obito finally nodded, smiling as he accepted the offer, feeling a warm reassurance from Minato's kindness.
That evening at Minato's house, Obito was greeted not by Minato but by Kushina, whose welcoming smile put him at ease immediately. "You must be Obito! I'm Kushina Uzumaki. Come in; Minato's just finishing up in the kitchen."
Inside, Obito's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Minato, usually the composed elite ninja, donning an apron and busy with dinner preparations. The scene was almost overwhelming, shattering Obito's image of his mentor as someone flawless and untouchable.
The meal itself was a lively affair, filled with lighthearted chatter and laughter. Kushina teased Minato about his occasional culinary missteps, especially his tendency to mix up ingredients. Every time Minato blundered, he'd wear an expression of rare sheepishness, to Kushina's amusement and Obito's surprise.
"See? Even Minato has things he's not perfect at!" Kushina grinned, poking fun as Minato scratched the back of his head, looking a bit embarrassed.
Watching the two banter and seeing Minato in such a relatable light, Obito felt a newfound closeness with his mentor. For the first time, Minato seemed less like a lofty figure and more like a person he could aspire to emulate.
Toward the end of the meal, Obito's thoughts turned sentimental. "If you and Kushina-senpai ever have kids…they'll be really lucky," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with earnest admiration.
Minato and Kushina exchanged a surprised glance, then smiled at each other, a quiet understanding passing between them. Minato looked back at Obito, his eyes warm. "Thank you, Obito. We're grateful for each other. But remember, someday, you'll have people in your life who care about you just as much. So keep going, and never give up on your dreams."
Obito grinned, returning Minato's encouragement with a thumbs-up. "Don't worry, Sensei! I won't give up—no matter what!"
Their shared laughter and the evening's sense of family left an indelible impression on Obito. He felt, for the first time, the strength of having people who believed in him.
A few days after the graduation exam, Minato was called to the Hokage's office, where Hiruzen waited with a knowing smile.
"You called for me, Lord Hokage?" Minato asked respectfully.
Hiruzen set down a file on his desk, his gaze filled with approval as he looked at Minato. "Yes, Minato. I believe it's time you became a Jonin instructor for some of our newly graduated Genin."
==============================================
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this FANFIC or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
==============================================