The Night Stroll Home
As the group walked through the peaceful evening streets of Konoha, the mood was light. Satoru, Eren, and the kids chatted energetically, their laughter echoing softly under the golden glow of lanterns lining the narrow road. The soft light bathed the traditional rooftops, making the village feel warm and timeless.
But that peace didn't last long.
Two figures appeared in the distance, walking toward them.
One shone like sunlight—Namikaze Minato, with golden hair and a warm, gentle smile that immediately put people at ease.
The other… was his complete opposite.
Tall, thin, with long black hair draping like a snake and golden eyes gleaming with danger. One glance was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.
Orochimaru.
The kids instantly recognized Minato. His kind expression made them instinctively feel close.
But when their eyes shifted to Orochimaru, a strange, cold aura swept through them. Some of the children even shivered without knowing why.
Obito, never one to hold back, pointed straight at Orochimaru and shouted:
"Hey! Who's that creepy pale guy?! Why does he look so gross?!"
The group went wide-eyed. Even Minato twitched at the corner of his mouth, clearly trying not to laugh.
But Orochimaru—who had just been called "gross"—wasn't angry.
Instead, he smirked.
Then suddenly—his entire body trembled.
His neck stretched forward like a snake, shooting straight at Obito!
"Heh… Little boy… You dare speak to me like that…? Are you volunteering to be my next snack?"
His snake-like eyes glared. His long tongue flicked out, brushing past Obito's face—
Obito screamed, leaping back nearly a meter, arms over his face:
"AAAAAA! SATORU-SENSEI, HE'S GONNA EAT ME!!!"
Everyone burst into laughter. Even Minato couldn't hold back anymore.
Only Obito remained frozen in terror, face pale as a sheet.
Orochimaru retracted his head, licking his lips once more, then glanced at Eren and Satoru.
"You two…" Orochimaru hissed, dragging his voice like a slithering serpent.
"I get the feeling… we'll be working together one day. Especially you… Eren-san."
Eren didn't answer. He stared into those golden eyes, and for a moment, felt like prey being sized up by a predator.
Minato, sensing the tension, smiled and patted Satoru on the shoulder.
"Satoru, Eren. You two doing anything tonight?"
Satoru raised an eyebrow.
"Not really. Why?"
Minato's eyes lit up, full of his usual sunshine-like warmth.
"I'm throwing a small send-off dinner before we deploy. You're both invited. The kids too."
Obito, now recovered, lit up like a lantern:
"Minato-senpai, you're the best! Of course we wanna come!!"
Gai pumped his fist in the air:
"A farewell feast for brave shinobi! Nothing is more youthful than this!!"
Satoru and Eren exchanged glances, then nodded.
Later That Night – Minato's Home
When they arrived, Minato's home came into view—a cozy, traditional house nestled deep in the village. Under the soft moonlight, the small garden, the well-kept bonsai trees, and the sliding wooden doors gave off a simple but heartfelt warmth.
But what caught their attention wasn't the peaceful setting—
It was the chaos inside.
Loud voices, stomping feet, and wild laughter echoed from the house.
Just as Satoru reached for the door—
SLAM!
It flew open, and a delicious smell hit them.
Inside?
Total mayhem.
In the kitchen, Kushina Uzumaki, her bright red hair tied back, stood in the center wielding a ladle like a weapon:
"Hey! Don't waste the ingredients!! Obito, that pot is for hotpot, NOT for boiling kunai!!"
Obito and Kakashi were locked in an intense cooking showdown.
"I'll prove my cooking skills once and for all," Kakashi said coolly, flipping ingredients in the pan with surgical precision.
Obito pouted:
"Hmph! Just you wait! Kushina-neesan bet me—if I win, she's buying me ramen for a whole week!"
Gai stood to the side, raising his fist like always:
"Cooking is the ultimate test of youth!! Allow me to lend a hand!!"
And with that… oil and vegetables flew everywhere.
Satoru could only chuckle.
Kushina finally turned and saw the guests. Her face lit up with a bright smile.
"Aah! Satoru-kun, Eren-kun! You made it! Come in quick—before these maniacs blow up my kitchen!"
Satoru stepped inside, heart stirred.
Even in a world filled with war, shadows, and schemes—these moments still existed. A simple meal, laughter, the warmth of people gathered together.
He wondered…
How long would moments like this last?
End of Chapter.