Bonds of Family

Konohagakure.

In the backyard, a five-year-old boy stood determinedly with a ninjatō, sunlight filtering through the leaves above. He took a deep breath, adjusting his grip on the hilt and feeling the weight of the blade in his small hands.

With a swift motion, he drew the ninjatō from its sheath, practicing his basic stance. "Kiriage!" he shouted, swinging the blade overhead as he imagined slicing through an invisible opponent.

He shifted his weight, stepping forward into a thrust, the tip of the ninjatō aimed at an unseen target. In one fluid motion, he retracted and spun to deliver a horizontal cut, practicing his footwork as he ducked low to evade a counterattack. Each movement was focused and precise; this was Takumi, fully immersed in his training.

Suddenly, a loud voice broke through his concentration. "Takumi! Didn't I tell you to come to the dining area? Your food is getting cold!"

"I'll be there in a minute! Just a few more minutes," Takumi replied, determination in his voice.

"Look at you, boy! So young but already focused on the blade? What good will that do?" came the playful admonition from an elderly woman watching him with a bemused expression.

"Ah, Grandma! Why did you come out here? If you needed something, you could have called me or Elder Sister Saki," he responded, slightly exasperated.

"Can't this old lady take a walk outside? Besides, you should be more worried about yourself than me. Don't keep yourself hungry; it will hinder your growth!" she chided, a smile softening her words.

Takumi nodded and left his ninjatō with his other tools to have his lunch.

Entering the dining area, he found his sister Saki washing the dishes. In his past life, Takumi had no siblings, but having Saki as an older sister filled a void he hadn't realized was there. She took the best care of him, especially since their mother, a busy medical ninja, often worked long hours. Their family, though simple, meant everything to him: a caring grandmother, a sometimes strict mother, a loving sister, and a father who, while often absent, did his best to keep them together. In his previous life, he felt like a distant star—illuminated by his parents but always unreachable. Now, he cherished every moment.

Noticing his silence, Saki asked, "Are you alright, Takumi? Why are you staring blankly at your food? Is it not to your liking? I know I'm new at cooking, but it can't be that bad!"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Takumi replied, "Huh? No! The food is good. I was just thinking about Dad. It's been two weeks since he went on a mission. Won't he return tonight?"

"Hmm... Yes, he will return tonight. After all, today is your birthday," Saki said cheerfully.

After a moment of contemplation, Takumi's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Maybe I should ask for Ninjutsu this time. I've been practicing taijutsu, shurikenjutsu, and kenjutsu for the past year. Last time I wanted to learn Ninjutsu, he said my chakra wasn't sufficient, but this time I have a trick up my sleeve."

---

Later that night...

"Takumi, is it really okay if I come? Your parents have never met me before. They might feel uncomfortable…" said a blond boy with blue eyes, a hesitant smile on his face.

"What are you talking about, Minato? My parents have been eager to meet you! You're my first and best friend. They would love to have you with us on this special occasion," Takumi replied, flashing a bright smile and giving a thumbs-up to Minato.

Seven months ago...

"Hey, Dad! You said you would teach me a Ninjutsu, but now you're saying you won't. That's so unfair! I'll tell Grandma about it!"

"Wait, Takumi! It's not that I don't want to teach you. It's just that you don't have enough chakra to learn it right now. How about I show you around the village instead? I'll also give you some insights on Kenjutsu," Toru said, trying to hide a smile as he thought about how his innocent son had turned into such a brat. Yes, it had to be his mother who spoiled him. He'd have to talk to her about that. But first, he needed to handle the current issue.

Feigning disappointment, Takumi replied, "Only this time. But you need to teach me shurikenjutsu too."

"Okay then. Today, I'll show you our village. But since it's your first time out, you have to follow me closely so you don't get lost, okay?"

After that day, Takumi often sneaked out of his house to go to the public training grounds to watch and learn from others.

On a typical day, Takumi saw someone at his usual spot in the training ground.

"Hey there," he greeted.

The boy turned around and said, "Hello! Is it your spot? Do you mind if I sit here to watch the training?"

Seeing the blond-haired, blue-eyed boy, Takumi instantly recognized him as Minato Namikaze, the future Fourth Hokage and the fastest man alive, known as the Yellow Flash of Konoha.

"Though I knew I was born before Naruto's birth, as the Nine Tails incident hasn't happened yet, I didn't know the exact timeline. Seeing Minato, it seems we are of the same age," Takumi thought.

"Yes, we can share the spot. By the way, what's your name? My name is Takumi Kazeharu. I'm soon to be five years old," he introduced himself.

"I am Minato Namikaze. I'm also soon to be five years old," replied the boy with a warm smile.

Currently...

"Mom! I'm back. Look who is with me this time!" shouted Takumi.

"Oh dear, is it Minato? It seems that you've finally taken the time to introduce your friend to us."

"What could I do? He is such a shy guy. Even today he hesitated to come. I didn't have any choice but to drag him here," said Takumi.

"Stop it, Takumi-kun. I just thought, as an outsider, it might be troublesome for you all to have me," said Minato with an apologetic look.

"No way. How could it be troublesome to have my son's best friend over for his birthday? Instead, it's a joy for us to find that my son has someone to depend on. I would love for you to visit us more often. After all, happiness increases when shared, just as sadness is lessened when shared. So I hope you can share your feelings with us. As my son's friend, you are like a son to me."

Hearing these words, a surge of overwhelming emotion stirred in his heart. "A son... Huh! Why are my cheeks wet?" Minato wondered.

"Hey Minato. What happened? Why are you crying?" asked Takumi.

"No, I'm not... It—it's ju—I don't know what's happening. My heart feels very warm for some reason."

Takumi had informed Hana about Minato's situation, so understanding what was happening, Hana embraced Minato like a mother, gently patting his back. "Don't worry; let it all out. I know I can't fill the void in your heart instantly, but it will heal over time. You're not alone anymore. You have Takumi, me, and our whole family."

After Minato let it all out, Saki came out with their grandmother, holding a beautifully made cake in her hands. She excitedly showed it to everyone. Because of her initial excitement at successfully baking a cake, she didn't notice Minato. But it was not the same for Minato; in his mind, he could only whisper, "Beautiful."