Uchiha Fugaku and the two Hyuga brothers stood nearby, listening in confusion. Inner disciples? They had never heard of such a title.
But they were no fools. The strength Yechen had displayed was astonishing, and what had happened that night was enough to prove that a terrifying force stood behind him.
"Give me some time to think it over."
Minato Namikaze did not agree immediately. This was no small matter, and there were many issues he needed to weigh as Hokage.
Minato Namikaze very much wanted to secure places for the children as inner disciples of the Gods Alliance. After all, the future of Konoha's next generation was at stake.
"All right, take your time. I'll give Kirigakure and Kumogakure a heads-up first, too."
With that, under everyone's astonished gazes, Yechen picked up Hinata Hyuga from across the table, then called to the other three Little Guys.
"Naruto, you three come along. Let's go find something good to eat."
"Okay, here I come!" Naruto was a little bundle of wild energy. Without a care for anything else, he followed Yechen and started chattering nonstop again about all the delicious things he wanted to eat.
By contrast, Sasuke Uchiha and Neji Hyuga were much more sensible. They obtained their parents' permission before running after him.
As for Hinata, she had no say in the matter at all. Before she even understood what was happening, she had been carried out of Ichiraku Ramen.
Hyuga Hiashi stood there dumbfounded. He just carried my daughter off without even saying a word to me!
"Don't worry, Brother Hyuga. Hinata will be perfectly safe with Yechen."
Minato Namikaze smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
"Minato, what exactly were you talking about with these inner disciples?"
The way they addressed each other made their private friendship