Team Minato Reunites

Konoha

In the Hokage Office, Kushina Namikaze Minato, Nohara Rin, and Kakashi gathered.

"Lord Hokage, is there a mission?"

Nohara Rin asked the Fourth Hokage, who had summoned them, with some confusion.

After Kakashi greeted his teachers Namikaze Minato, Kushina, and Nohara Rin, he stood quietly to the side. Having served as Anbu for a long time, he had a noticeable difference in demeanor from ordinary ninjas.

"Is it finally time for me to make my appearance? Fourth Hokage, hurry up and issue the mission!"

Kushina stood with her right hand on her hip. In this kind of gathering, she couldn't think of anything other than the mission.

"Ah, no mission, just an announcement: the Team Minato is being rebuilt today."

Namikaze Minato, with a warm expression, explained to the group with a smile.

Nohara Rin was somewhat surprised and asked in confusion:

"Team Minato reuniting? With Kushina too? That's not good, is it? I'm medical-nin, I'll have to protect Kushina then..."

Kakashi glanced at it briefly, remaining silent, also somewhat puzzled by Minato-sensei's words.

Seeing this, Naraku, who was sitting in the Hokage's seat, coughed and said:

"Ahem, it's not Kushina joining, it's Obito rejoining the team. Come out, Obito."

Before the group could react to Naraku's words, the door to the Hokage Office opened, and a Konoha Ninja wearing a green vest walked in.

He had short, neat hair, and his right cheek was slightly paler than the left, while his eyes were wrapped in bandages on the left side of his face.

Upon seeing the four, Uchiha Obito grinned broadly and exclaimed in a bright and cheerful voice:

"I'm back! From now on, Obito will protect you!"

Kushina, Nohara Rin, and Kakashi stared at Obito, their eyes filled with disbelief.

"Obito?"

"Obito!?"

Obito, you're still alive!?

Nohara Rin, Kakashi, and Kushina stared at Obito, scrutinizing him closely.

Although Obito's physique had changed, he had grown much taller and possessed a certain aura that was unfamiliar to them.

But they would recognize this person even if he were reduced to ashes.

Nohara Rin stared at Obito, covering her mouth with her hand.

Kakashi stared at Obito, his right eye wide open in utter shock.

Kushina strode forward and pulled Obito into her arms.

"Obito! You, you're still alive... You're really alive! Thank goodness, we, we..."

Kushina's voice choked with emotion. Women are often more sentimental. Kushina Obito into her arms, and as she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears.

"Kushina..."

Obito was somewhat taken aback by Kushina's warm embrace, and his initial cheerfulness vanished.

Kushina seemed to have thought of something, her sad expression vanished, and she glared at Minato.

Namikaze Minato chuckled awkwardly, unsure how to explain.

"Obito! You idiot! Don't try to be a hero next time, understand?!"

Kushina pushed Obito and punched him on the forehead with Obito right hand, instantly Obito a large bump to swell up on his head.

"This great one is... hey..."

Obito wanted to argue, but then he thought of something and lowered his head, softly agreeing.

"Today, the Team Minato is being rebuilt, and to celebrate, I'm treating everyone to barbecue."

Namikaze Minato interjected at the opportune moment, his face sunny and eyes crinkling, ready to offer his congratulations.

Kakashi looked at Obito, the shock on his usually icy face vanishing, replaced by a calmer expression.

"Is all of this real...?"

Kakashi could hardly believe it.

"Obito, you, you've grown taller."

Nohara Rin's eyes welled up with tears. The gentle and sensitive Rin, upon seeing Obito, didn't know how to express herself. She simply raised a green light in her right hand and touched the bump on Obito's head that Kushina had punched.

Kakashi stepped forward and circled Obito, seemingly confirming something.

"You're the worst student... you've grown taller."

Kakashi's words ignited Obito's fury.

"This old man is handsome and dashing! His development is fast and efficient!"

Obito's initially expectant expression was completely shattered by Kakashi's words.

Seeing this Fourth Hokage, Naraku, felt a slight sense of relief and said:

"Obito, welcome home. In recognition of your contributions in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, I hereby announce that, from this day forward, you are promoted to the Jonin of Konoha."

As Naraku finished speaking, the others showed no surprise. Namikaze Minato was fully aware of Obito's strength, and Kakashi sincerely admired Obito's spirit.

"Fourth Hokage, you should think this through. Can Obito, Obito like this, really Jonin?"

Kushina glanced at Obito with some suspicion.

"Kushina- neechan, Obito is very strong, don't doubt Obito!"

Nohara Rin smiled and defended Obito.

"Thank you, everyone..."

Obito sniffed and touched his eyes, as if he had sand in them, and answered softly.

"Alright, alright, to celebrate Obito's return, let's go to Yakiniku Q for some barbecue, it's on me! Let's go!"

Minato loudly, signaling his disciples to go eat.

"Okay!"

Kakashi, Obito, Nohara Rin chuckled as they answered, leaving the Hokage Office and heading towards the Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant.

"Minato, you were just playing me for a fool last night, weren't you!? And besides, your wallet's got a ton of fat lately!"

After the three disciples left, Kushina clenched her fists and glared at Minato with hostility.

"I'm sorry, Kushina, Obito just went astray... I'm truly happy that he's able to return to Konoha."

Minato's face showed apology.

"That's not what I meant. I meant your wallet, it's quite full now, isn't it, Minato?"

Kushina is sarcastic and unpleasant.

"Hahaha, it's rare for the disciples to reunite, Kushina. I'll try my best to complete more missions, don't worry."

Minato's awkward explanation.

"Hmph, hurry up and come on, or they'll be waiting for you at the Yakiniku Q."

Kushina snorted coldly and turned to leave the Hokage Office.

"Excuse me, Fourth Hokage, would you like to join us?"

Minato's face always carried an apologetic expression, as warm as the sun.

"No, Minato. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to go today, as it's a reunion for your Team Minato. You should go quickly and not keep them waiting."

Naraku smiled and declined; this was clearly not a situation Naraku should be involved in.

"Okay, fine! I'm going out now."

Minato waved his hand and quickly left the office.

Naraku watched the group's retreating figures, a smile spreading across his face.

"This is... a bond?"

Konoha

Yakiniku Q Barbecue Restaurant

The five people stood in two rows, Obito Minato, and Kakashi clutching their stomachs, looking like they had eaten and drunk their fill.

Nohara Rin and Kushina kept adding fresh ingredients to the baking pan.

The Akimichi Clan's Yakiniku Q BBQ, has many branches throughout Konoha and is one of the Akimichi Clan's important sources of income.

"Obito has become Jonin! Everyone's going to prepare a gift for you!"

Nohara Rin said with a smile as she added the grilled meat.

Kakashi, clutching his stomach and looking somewhat unsatisfied, responded lazily upon hearing the words:

"No, I won't give it back. I don't like the Jonin gift Obito gave me, I want to return it to you, Obito."