A Rare Break

Golden sunlight streamed through the broad window lattice of the Hokage Office, illuminating Minato Namikaze's gentle smile.

He watched Minamoto Takuya enter through the door, his tone filled with sincere warmth. "You've had a hard journey, Senior. Welcome back safely."

Minamoto Takuya strode over lightly, smiling as well. "You're too kind, Hokage Lord. I told you long ago that there was no need to worry about my safety. Besides, the frontline medical camp's defenses were watertight."

He paused briefly, a trace of emotion entering his voice. "The resilience and reliability of the Konoha Ninja have impressed me once again."

"Mm." At those words, the pride Minato Namikaze felt for his comrades and village became even more apparent.

But then, as if recalling something, his gaze filled with admiration. "Word of your deeds at the frontline medical camp has already reached the village. Though I wasn't there myself, Jiraiya-sensei's letter was full of the highest praise for you.

'The greatest contributor to Konoha's drastic reduction in casualties.' Sensei did not hesitate to give you such an evaluation."

Admiration shone in Minato's azure eyes. "As expected, someone as outstanding as you shines like a brilliant star no matter where you are, illuminating those around you and bringing hope to the village."

"You overpraise me, Hokage Lord." Minamoto Takuya inclined his head slightly and demurred. "None of this would have been possible without the cooperation and support of my colleagues at the front. As for true mastery of medical arts, I am far inferior to Lady Tsunade. If she were there, the wounded at the front would surely receive even better treatment."

"Senior Tsunade..."

Minato Namikaze's expression instantly dimmed, and he murmured softly.

It was a legendary name he had heard since childhood, one of Konoha's Sannin alongside his teacher.

As Hokage, he