Minato Namikaze carried a small bundle on his back, packed with a few changes of clothes and odds and ends the Orphanage director had gathered for him.
He said goodbye to each of his friends in the courtyard. Though excitement lit his little face, he still found it hard to leave them.
Shinichi waited quietly by the entrance. Watching the boy solemnly wave goodbye to every younger child, he gave an inward nod of approval.
He really is a child who cherishes his bonds.
Once the farewells were over, Minato skipped over to Shinichi and obediently fell into step beside him.
The two strolled leisurely along Konoha's streets toward the Uchiha Clan Compound.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves onto the path, and a gentle breeze brushed past them. The atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful.
As they walked, Minato glanced up at Shinichi. After holding his question back for quite some time, he finally could not resist asking:
"Master, what rank of ninja are you?"
Shinichi paused at the question. A playful glint crossed his eyes before he put on a solemn expression and sighed.
"Ah, your master... is just a genin."
He looked down at Minato and winked, a mischievous smile on his face. "What, little Minato? Now that you know I'm only a genin, do you not want to learn from me anymore?"
Minato immediately waved both hands, his little face earnest. "Of course not, Master! I can tell you're really strong!"
He gazed up at Shinichi with shining eyes, his voice filled with a child's innocence and conviction:
"And you're kind, too. You're a very dependable man!"
Shinichi froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. His eyes curved with his smile as he reached out to ruffle Minato's blond hair.
"Exactly, exactly! Your master is indeed a