𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗟, 𝗈𝖻𝗂𝗄𝖺𝗄𝖺.

Two

At the break of dawn, precisely at 9:58 a.m., a scene unfolded in front of Minato's home that held a hint of mischief and camaraderie. Kakashi, known for his punctuality, couldn't help but remark with a sly grin, "You've managed to be on time for once, Obito. Quite ironic, isn't it? Did your grandma have to wake you up from slumber?"

Obito, his irritation visible, retorted with a huff, "Hahhh? Don't make assumptions, jerk! I woke up all by myself, you know!"

"Sure, sure."

Kakashi's teasing persisted, a playful dance on the edge of Obito's patience, causing his frustration to mount. But before their exchange could escalate further, the authoritative presence of Minato intervened. He approached, tapping their shoulders. Obito leaped in startlement, while Kakashi's stoic demeanor remained unmoved.

Minato, employing the tone of a leader, reminded them, "I think that's enough, you two. We don't want to incur Kushina's wrath, do we?" His mention of Kushina's legendary anger served as an unspoken truce, silencing the normally boisterous Kakashi and Obito.

Obito turned to Minato and begrudgingly concurred, "Fine, fine. I'll keep it down now."

Kakashi, however, pouted and turned his attention towards Minato.

Minato, ever the patient mentor, inquired, "Have you all had breakfast?"

In perfect harmony, the three Genins replied, "Yes."

"Excellent," Minato declared, "Kushina is preparing food; help yourselves if you get hungry." Their collective nod signaled their gratitude.

Amidst this camaraderie, Rin gathered the courage to pose a question to her sensei. Minato's warm smile and permission emboldened her.

"Minato-sensei," Rin began, "do we stay here all day, or can we return home at night?"

Minato pondered for a fleeting moment before answering, "Stay here throughout the day, but only for three days. If I haven't returned after three days, you're free to go home at night and return in the morning. Understand?"

The trio of Genins nodded, evoking a sweet smile from Minato, their dependable mentor.

"Alright, I'll be on my way. Good luck, and behave yourselves, okay?"

"Of course, sensei!"

"Definitely, but I can't vouch for the dummy over there," Kakashi said, gesturing to Obito with a smirk, who replied with an indignant pout.

"Shut up-"

Minato's reassuring pat on Obito's head aimed to soothe the brewing tension.

"I entrust them to you, Rin. Please ensure they don't get into any trouble," Minato chuckled.

Rin joined the laughter, while Kakashi and Obito exchanged glances, both mildly vexed by their Sensei's overprotective demeanor.

"Of course, Sensei. Take care!" Rin waved her goodbye to her departing teacher.

"Goodbye, sensei!" Obito's cheerful voice followed.

Kakashi, ever the provocateur, chimed in, "Ugh, you don't have to be so loud; you're hurting my ears."

Obito couldn't resist a playful jab, responding with a laugh, "It's not my fault your ears are so sensitive! Maybe if your ears were like mine, they wouldn't hurt easily."

As Rin tried to mediate their banter, she hushed them, signaling that Kushina likely awaited them inside with open arms. She rang the doorbell, her anticipation for Kushina's warm welcome palpable in the air.