With a strange mix of emotions, Xuanhui left the Hatake Clan compound.
He returned to the Hokage Building and asked Hiruzen Sarutobi to help him write a letter to Jiraiya.
He hoped to visit that evening and see the three children again after so long.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi sent the letter for him, Xuanhui went home and took his family out for a feast.
In the afternoon, he spent some time in the laboratory with Orochimaru.
At dusk, he went to the Uchiha Clan Compound and found Fugaku.
"Huh? Xuanhui? When did you get back?"
"Today. So? Did you miss me?"
"Like hell I did! Since you're back, let's get Minato out and grab a bite."
"Should we invite Kushina?"
"No need. Those two spend every day together. They've been inseparable for ages."
"Got it. Thanks for the effort."
"As long as you know, you bastard..."
"Brother Xuanhui! Long time no see!" ×2
"Holy crap!"
Xuanhui let out a quiet exclamation of surprise and leaned closer to Fugaku.
"Even their voices are in sync! Are they really that close already?"
Fugaku said nothing and simply kept ordering food.
The four of them sat down and began chatting as friends their own age.
"Are you two dating now?"
Fugaku nodded discreetly, expressing his deep admiration for Xuanhui's courage.
"Um... yes, we're together..."
"Pfft!"
The noodles in Fugaku's mouth sprayed straight out.
He wiped his mouth and grabbed Minato by the shoulders.
"Bro, didn't you say you wouldn't date until you were an adult?"
"Weren't you the one who said that?"
That left Fugaku speechless for a moment, before he started shaking Minato again.
"Then why didn't you tell me?! I thought you two were still just friends!
"You actually got a head start behind my back! I'm so disappointed in