Inside the dining room, beneath the warm lights, the aroma of food mingled with the warmth of a family reunion.
Seeing Naruto's slightly solemn expression, as though he had something to say but was holding back, Minato and Kushina felt the same curiosity and a subtle sense of anticipation.
Was their son about to announce some important decision?
Was it a tactical plan for the "Life-and-Death Chess Game" against the Sage of Six Paths a month from now?
Or a major decision about Konoha's future development?
Or something else entirely?
The couple exchanged a glance, each finding the same questions and anticipation in the other's eyes.
Kushina even quietly tightened her grip on Minato's hand, the slight pressure of her fingertips betraying how invested she was.
Naruto gently set down his bowl and chopsticks and sat up straight.
He took a deep breath, slowly sweeping his gaze over everyone at the table.
His gaze lingered briefly on Karin, who pushed up her glasses a little nervously, and Uchiha Hikari, who lowered her head slightly as a blush quietly crept over her cheeks, before finally settling on his parents.
In as steady and clear a voice as he could manage, he said:
"Dad, Mom, there's something... I want to tell you."
Here it comes!
Minato's and Kushina's hearts skipped a beat.
"What is it, Naruto?"
Kushina immediately straightened up and leaned forward slightly, her face bright with an openly caring, expectant smile. Her clear blue eyes, so much like Naruto's, sparkled.
Minato also put down his soup bowl and loosely folded his hands on the table. Wearing his usual gentle smile, he watched his son attentively, showing that he was listening closely and offering his full support.
Naruto paused, seemingly gathering his words-or perhaps his courage-before meeting his parents' eyes and