Return to Konoha

After a day's journey, he and Konan finally arrived at Konoha.

At the gates of Konoha, Satoru walked briskly, his eyes inadvertently drawn to the touch of white hair fluttering.

"It's you again." He smiled, as if greeting an old friend.

Konan followed him. She stared at the white-haired ninja with a deadpan expression and tugged at Satoru's sleeve, asking, "Who is this man?"

Satoru pointed towards the white-haired ninja and said, "Hatake Kakashi, the Fourth Hokage's disciple."

Kakashi stood near the gates of Konoha, his eyes dull, sighing, "Minato-sensei said this is a personal invitation, so he didn't arrange accommodation like last time. You can stay with me for the next few days."

They followed Kakashi through the streets of Konoha towards his residence.

During the journey, Kakashi remained silent while Konan looked around with curiosity.

Kakashi's residence was located in a corner of Konoha. Though not luxurious, it was filled with elegance.

The three of them walked through the courtyard and arrived at a wooden door. Kakashi opened it and gestured for them to enter.

The interior of his house was simple and tidy, with sunlight illuminating the floor through the windows.

They found seats and sat down, and Kakashi poured them each a cup of tea.

"The styles of Konoha and Amegakure are indeed very different." Konan recalled the scenery she had seen along the way.

"Isn't this what we've always hoped for?" Satoru sipped his tea. "Now that the two countries have formed an alliance, Amegakure no longer needs to worry about being attacked by Konoha."

Listening to Satoru's sarcastic words, Kakashi bowed his head. "For what Konoha did to Amegakure in the past... I feel deeply sorry."

"Why aren't you drinking tea?"

At this moment, Konan noticed that Kakashi was still sitting there, unmoving.

"This guy won't easily take off his mask." Satoru chuckled. "By the way, has anyone seen your real face? How about eating? What should be done? Do you always wear a mask?"

"You're not an ugly man, are you?"

His joke lightened the mood, but then he added, "Not even close."

Kakashi listened to the teasing, his hand clenched under the table.

This guy...

"Seeing the atmosphere was a bit heavy earlier, I just made a joke to lighten everyone up." Satoru laughed, breaking the silence.

At this moment, a figure appeared at the entrance to the courtyard.

The sun shone on his body, reflecting his heroic figure in the Hokage robes.

"Minato-sensei..." Kakashi immediately stood up when he saw the figure approaching. However, when he remembered his current identity, he bowed his head respectfully and addressed, "Hokage-sama, you're here."

The person who came was none other than the current Hokage, Namikaze Minato.

Minato walked into the courtyard with a smile. His eyes swept over Satoru and Konan.

"Satoru, Konan, long time no see."

He greeted with a smile.

Satoru and Konan stood up, then returned the greeting, "Long time no see, Minato."

"Congratulations on becoming a father."

Minato sat next to Satoru and the others, thanking them, "Satoru, Konan, I really appreciate your coming to help me this time."

"Today, the top combat power of Konoha is truly lost, the Sannin are no more, and the Third Hokage is gradually entering old age. As a Jinchuuriki, Kushina is an important combat power in our village, but this issue concerns her. When she is about to give birth, not only can she not muster her own strength, but more importantly, she needs stronger protection."

He sighed softly and said frankly, "Honestly, Konoha is currently very lacking in strength except for the ANBU. Therefore, I really need your help. Regarding Kushina's issue, I will never take it lightly."

Hearing this, Satoru said, "Minato, there's no need for that. Especially since we're allies now, based on the friendship between brothers, we will definitely help with all our strength. Moreover, you invited us personally this time, which is enough to show that you don't want this issue to escalate into a village-to-village problem. Rest assured that we will come to help you, both emotionally and morally."

Minato looked at him and thanked him, "I have no doubt about your strength. So, this time I entrust it to you and Konan."

Satoru waved his hand, then asked curiously, "By the way, when specifically is Kushina due to give birth?"

Minato answered, "It should be two days from now. Right now, Kushina is under full protection, so she can't meet anyone else until she gives birth. I'm really sorry about this."

Satoru shook his head, expressing his understanding, "These are all minor things. Besides, I noticed in the letter that you've already chosen a name for the child?"

Minato nodded, with a happy smile on his face, "Yes, actually I have a plan for this matter. The child's name will be taken from Jiraiya-sensei's work."

"The name Naruto is taken from the protagonist in the book. Actually, I had this idea from the beginning." He explained with a smile.

When Satoru heard this, he murmured, "Naruto?"

Minato nodded, "Exactly. Naruto, we chose this name for the boy. We specifically asked the Konoha doctor to identify it, and the child should indeed be a boy."

"So, does this name have a special meaning?"

Minato smiled and said, "Actually, I just hope my son can be as proud as the protagonist in Jiraiya-sensei's book. I think this may be the common wish of every parent."