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The next day, the family of three went out together, a rare occurrence. Minato wore a Konoha ninja uniform today, with a Hokage Cloak draped over it. He looked ridiculously handsome—especially the moment he put on the cloak. It was explosively cool.

Naruto remembered two of Minato's coolest scenes from the anime. One was when he had just put on the Hokage Cloak, faced away from the camera, and said, "I'll be right back." The other was when he slammed Obito into the ground with a Rasengan and said, "This is Flying Thunder God Second Stage." No wonder he had so few scenes yet so many fans. What a looks-obsessed world.

Konoha's streets had long since returned to their usual bustle and prosperity. The recent minor clashes along the Land of Fire's border had not affected the civilians at all. Along the way, whether pedestrians or stall owners, everyone excitedly greeted the family of three. Minato's prestige was clearly immense, and he and Kushina responded to each greeting with smiles.

It was not until Naruto was nearly dozing off that they finally arrived at the Uchiha Clan Compound. Naruto looked around. Aside from the ping-pong-paddle emblem on their clothes, the civilians within the compound seemed no different from the other villagers. Even the patrolling Military Police Force stopped and greeted Minato's family properly, showing none of the arrogance he had expected. Naruto shook his little head, unable to understand how things had developed into a planned coup in the anime.

After walking and looking around for a while, they finally reached Sasuke's front door. Itachi, who was sweeping the ground, hurriedly greeted them. "Fourth Hokage, Aunt Kushina." As he spoke, he curiously glanced at Naruto before looking away.

Naruto had every reason to suspect that this guy was thinking something like, He's not as cute as Sasuke...

"Itachi, is Fugaku home?" Minato asked with a smile, patting Itachi on the head.

"He is. Please follow me." Itachi set down his broom and led Minato's family through the gate.

Even after they entered the living room, Naruto was still stunned. This place was way too huge. They had just crossed a large courtyard, turned several corners, and walked down an absurdly long corridor. Naruto had even caught sight of a separate Training Ground with targets hanging inside. As expected of the residence of the Clan Head of Konoha's largest clan—the grounds were outrageously spacious. His own home only had a small three-story building. Compared to one of these great clans, it was truly worlds apart.

After some polite exchanges in the living room, Kushina carried Naruto and followed Mikoto Uchiha into the bedroom to see Sasuke. Itachi followed as well, leaving only Minato and Fugaku behind to talk privately in the living room.

Based on Naruto's observations, Fugaku Uchiha could only be described as having regular features. He had a stern, square face. At first, Naruto had wondered how he had managed to produce two such handsome sons. Then he glanced at Mikoto Uchiha and understood. The boys must have taken after their mother.

The architecture and decor of Sasuke's home were basically Japanese in style. Sasuke was not even a year old yet, but he already had his own room, and it looked quite spacious. There was a double bed, while the cabinet beside it was neatly arranged with all kinds of small toys. The most outrageous part was that, aside from the Uchiha clan crest, a piece of calligraphy hung on the wall as well. It read: "Masashi Kishimoto"!!!

Little Sasuke lay on the bed. Perhaps he had been woken by the sound of the door opening, because his large eyes were open as he tried to roll over.

"Ah, so cute!" Kushina hurried over in just a few steps and leaned in close to Sasuke. She placed Naruto beside him, then reached out to stroke Sasuke's head.

Mikoto smiled. "Naruto is very cute too. Golden hair, blue eyes—he looks exactly like the Fourth Hokage."

That was right. Although Naruto had used Adamantine Sealing Chains right after his birth, which meant he should have perfectly inherited the Uzumaki Clan talent from his mother, his hair and eye colors had still followed his old dad, Minato Namikaze. He showed none of the Uzumaki Clan's red hair. All Naruto could say was that Minato's genes were terrifyingly strong.

"Little Sasuke, this is my Naruto. You two have to become good friends from now on! And Naruto, you need to get along well with Sasuke too!"

Sasuke had already noticed the little blondie beside him. Perhaps he recognized this brother from another father and mother, because he babbled and tried to roll over to press down on Naruto. Naruto tried to push him away with one hand while thinking, Motherfucker, I'll remember this grudge. Just wait until you become Uchiha Sasuke.

The two adults watched the children "play-fighting" at the bedside while cheerfully exchanging parenting experiences. Of course, Kushina was mostly asking while Mikoto was mostly answering. Among the stories were plenty of embarrassing tales about the Uchiha brothers. For example:

"There's a girl in the clan named Izumi Uchiha who has always liked Itachi. But whenever she holds Sasuke, Sasuke starts crying. The moment Itachi takes Sasuke from her, though, Sasuke immediately smiles."

"Oh? Sasuke is that attached to his brother? The two of them must be very close."

"Yes, but I'm worried this child will affect Itachi's chances of getting a girlfriend. Hehehe~"

"Hahaha, so that's how it is~"

The two shameless elders exchanged looks, then both turned to stare at Itachi with matching auntie smiles.

Itachi, who had just been carefully comparing the two children and concluding that my Younger Brother really is cuter, suddenly realized that he had somehow been caught in the crossfire.

Though he blushed a little under the teasing gazes of the adults, he still insisted on staying to look after his Younger Brother.

The adults chatted and laughed while the children played and fussed around. By the time Naruto woke from a nap, they were already on their way home.

Judging from Minato's expression, his talk with Fugaku seemed to have gone rather smoothly?

Naruto thought to himself that perhaps, with his old dad around, the Uchiha would not fall out with Konoha, and Itachi would not have to slaughter his entire family in a fit of rage?

He just did not know what his old dad and Sasuke's dad had talked about. If the Uchiha truly could fully integrate into Konoha in the future, would today's discussion come to be known as the "Double Eleven" talks? Then, to commemorate the day, Konoha's villagers might hold a festival, with discounts on goods and stuff?

Nice. Very nice.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye. The clashes along the border between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire gradually subsided and ultimately did not develop into war. There were even faint signs of an alliance.

As for Sunagakure Village of the Land of Wind, they were just a little brother. They had long since formed an alliance and were cowardly as could be. Perhaps it was because their One-Tail Jinchuriki was too young and not perfect enough. When their own Tsar Bomba had problems, they naturally lacked confidence.

Sunagakure Village's Jinchuriki of this generation was Gaara, who was the same age as Naruto. Whenever his emotions became agitated, Shukaku would go berserk. After a series of bizarre moves by his own father, Rasa, Gaara's emotions became increasingly unstable. The thought processes of people in this world had always been bizarre.

The biggest event of those three years was the disappearance of Cold Lord Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Sannin. His disciple Anko had a cursed seal planted on her.

After an investigation, the Anbu discovered equipment for human experimentation in Orochimaru's secret laboratory. Dozens of children had been soaked in tanks filled with nutrient solution, and only one survivor remained. From then on, Orochimaru was designated a rogue ninja, with a danger rating of S-rank.

The surviving child was eventually adopted by the Third Hokage. No one knew what happened during that time, but Danzo was stripped of his position as an elder, while Hiruzen Sarutobi formally retired and stayed home to raise the child.

Jiraiya was severely injured while intercepting Orochimaru. Once he recovered, he immediately set out to continue his travels. Whether he was searching for the Child of Destiny, gathering material, or looking for Orochimaru, no one knew.

By comparison, news that the Clan Head of the Hyuga Clan had gained a daughter on December 27th of Konoha Year 48 would not even make the trending searches, much less the headlines.

The turmoil gradually settled, and the village returned to peace. The Fourth Hokage's prestige continued to rise. Ninjas of Kakashi's generation were already seventeen or eighteen years old and nearly capable of standing on their own. Whether ninja or civilian, everyone firmly believed that under the Fourth Hokage's leadership, the village would only grow better and better.

Meanwhile, in the home of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

With a wave of his hand, Minato unfurled a banner and hung it on the wall.

With a wave of her hand, Kushina set off party poppers, sending streamers fluttering down over Naruto's head.

Kakashi brought out the birthday cake.

"Happy third birthday, Naruto!" ×3

"Hehe, thank you!" Naruto smiled, closed his eyes to make a wish, and then blew out the candles.

Kushina immediately threw an arm around Naruto's shoulders and asked with a grin, "Quick, tell Mother what wish Naruto made. Maybe it'll come true right away!"

Naruto showed an "innocent" smile. "I hope Mother gives me an Older Brother!"

"What? So it's only about having an Older Brother? Leave it to me... Huh???"