Minato's Team 7 Reunites

Just as the crisis involving Obito came to an end, a knock suddenly echoed at Shi Xiu's courtyard gate.

Hearing the sound, a flicker of confusion stirred in Shi Xiu's heart. He rose slowly, walked to the gate, reached out to grasp the handle, and pulled it open with a firm tug.

The moment the gate swung wide, he saw two figures standing silently outside: one was Kakashi, and the other was Nara Luling.

Kakashi wore his signature mask as always, leaving only his cold eyes visible. He stared straight at Shi Xiu, his gaze carrying an elusive, chilling intensity.

In contrast, Nara Luling appeared somewhat unusual, her left arm encased in a thick plaster cast.

At this moment, her eyes darted about, intentionally or otherwise avoiding direct contact with Shi Xiu.

Kakashi was the first to speak, his voice low and respectful: "Lord Shi Xiu, the Hokage has issued an order: from this day forward, we are to follow your commands. Do you have any instructions for us?"

As he spoke, Kakashi leaned forward slightly, displaying absolute deference.

Nara Luling opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately chose silence. She simply kept her head bowed, lips pressed tightly together, and said nothing.

Shi Xiu looked the two of them up and down, then gave a slight nod to acknowledge their arrival.

With a face as calm as still water, Shi Xiu said indifferently, "Come inside, then." With that, he turned and walked toward the courtyard.

Kakashi followed closely behind Shi Xiu, maintaining a rigid posture, his eyes fixed straight ahead as if he were a loyal guard awaiting new orders from his master.

Nara Luling, however, appeared noticeably nervous and constrained, her steps hesitant as she stole occasional glances at Shi Xiu's back.

Clearly, the events at the Hokage Building that morning and the look Shi Xiu had given her had left her in such a complex state of mind that she found herself utterly at a loss when facing him now.

Shi Xiu led Kakashi and Nara Luling into the courtyard. As he pushed open the door to the house, the two followers looked inside.

Yet, at that very instant, Kakashi's eyes widened sharply, as if he were witnessing the most incredible sight in the world.

That face, usually as expressionless and stoic as a poker card, now showed a crack.

Kakashi's gaze swept across every corner of the room, and those figures—familiar beyond measure—came into view one by one.

His heart hammered against his ribs, surging with an indescribable mix of excitement, suspicion, and profound disbelief.

These complex emotions tangled together in his chest like a chaotic knot.

Kakashi's lips trembled slightly, and a dry, hoarse sound escaped his throat as he cried out in disbelief: "Teacher Minato, Mistress Kushina, Rin, Obito..."

Minato and Kushina, who had been conversing in the room, turned around in unison at the sound of the call.

A flash of surprise crossed their faces, but it was quickly replaced by the joy of reunion.

Minato stood up with a smile and called out softly, "Kakashi." Beside him, tears shimmered in Kushina's eyes as she echoed gently, "Kakashi."

Hearing those familiar voices, Kakashi felt as if he had been struck by lightning, his body frozen in place.

Immediately after, he could no longer suppress the surging emotions within him, and tears burst from his eyes like a broken dam.

Kakashi stumbled forward, sprinting toward Minato and Kushina, and finally, like a child, he buried his head in Minato's warm embrace and wept bitterly.

Standing to the side, Shi Xiu watched this deeply moving scene in silence before quietly turning away and leaving the room.

Nara Luling stood dazed for a long while before she finally snapped out of her trance.

She took one last deep look at the group weeping in each other's arms, a faint, comforted smile touching her lips, before she too turned and left.

As she exited, Nara Luling thoughtfully pulled the door shut behind her, fearing she might disturb the warmth of this long-awaited reunion.

Once she stepped out of the room, the sunlight fell upon her, and a gentle breeze brushed through her hair.

She turned instinctively, her gaze locking onto a figure busy in the flower garden not far away.

Shi Xiu was holding a watering can, meticulously tending to each flower.

Water droplets shimmered like tiny, scattered diamonds under the sun, falling in a gentle spray.

Nara Luling stood still, biting her lip as two voices seemed to argue fiercely within her.

One told her to walk forward bravely, while the other warned her not to invite humiliation.

After a moment of struggle, Nara Luling finally took a deep breath and gathered the courage to walk toward Shi Xiu.

Her steps were light, as if she feared disturbing the man so focused on his flowers.

When she reached the garden, she feigned a casual tone: "Lord Shi Xiu, I never imagined you would be into gardening. These flowers are truly beautiful."

However, Shi Xiu acted as if he hadn't heard her, continuing to water the plants with gentle, practiced movements.

His eyes remained fixed on the vibrant blossoms, showing no reaction to her presence.

Nara Luling stood to the side, feeling awkward, and a sense of loss welled up as she looked at his indifferent expression.

Yet, she did not give up, and she mustered her courage once more: "Lord Shi Xiu, I'm sorry, I..."

Alas, before she could finish, Shi Xiu cut her off coldly.

He slowly set down the watering can, straightened his back, and turned to look at her with a gaze so detached it bordered on apathy.

Shi Xiu's voice was as calm as a stagnant pool, devoid of any ripples: "There is no need to apologize to me; you have done nothing wrong."

Nara Luling stared at him, stunned, not knowing how to respond.

She could feel the clear sense of alienation in his indifferent tone, a feeling like a sharp blade piercing ruthlessly into her heart.

Nara Luling's hands clenched involuntarily, her nails digging deep into her palms, though she felt no pain at all.

At this moment, her heart was filled with fear and unease, unable to fathom what had come over her.

However, Shi Xiu remained completely indifferent to Nara Luling's inner thoughts, continuing to speak with a calm expression.

"Tomorrow morning, I will lead Kakashi to the border to complete the hostage exchange with the Cloud Village. During this time, you are to remain here and guard the house. You are not to allow anyone to approach, not even Monkey! Do you understand?"

Upon hearing these words, Nara Luling was slightly taken aback, clearly not having expected Shi Xiu to issue such an order.

But Nara Luling quickly regained her composure, a look of helplessness appearing on her face as she slowly lowered her head and replied softly, "I understand, Lord Shi Xiu. Please, set your mind at ease and go."

Shi Xiu nodded in satisfaction, letting out a soft hum of approval.

Afterward, Shi Xiu turned around and walked toward his own room with steady, measured strides.

He left Nara Luling standing quietly in place, watching his retreating back.

The next morning, Shi Xiu stepped outside and paused in surprise at the sight of Nara Luling still standing in the courtyard.

"You didn't stand here all night, did you?"

Faced with Shi Xiu's question, Nara Luling smiled and said, "I didn't want to disturb Lord Minato and the others while they were reuniting, so I stood guard here."

Shi Xiu sighed, speechless, and said, "Enough! Go to my room and get some rest! I'm leaving now."