Natsumi: Beyond the Shadow of Giants.

Chapter 7 - Bonds and Rivalries

The scenery of Konoha seemed quieter than usual, but the atmosphere was deceptive. The golden autumn morning sun and the leaves dancing in the wind masked the weight of the rumors hanging in the air, like a growing shadow. The imminence of the Third Ninja War was a reality none of them could ignore for long, but for now, there was something more immediate to focus on.

"You didn't forget, right? Tonight is dinner at my house." Natsumi's voice broke the silence as she adjusted her equipment pouch, trying to sound casual, although a hint of excitement lingered in her tone.

Obito was the first to respond, as always. "How could I forget? Your mom cooks too well for that." He smiled, dramatically rubbing his stomach.

"Always thinking with your stomach, huh, Obito?" Kakashi retorted, throwing a sideways glance at his teammate while a small smile formed beneath his mask. It was a light tease, almost automatic, but it carried a familiarity that only time together could create.

"Well..." Natsumi started, holding back a laugh. "My mom really is a great cook. But remember: my dad will also be there."

The remark made Obito hesitate, his gaze turning to Natsumi with a look of slight apprehension.

"Why does that sound like a warning?" he asked, his tone suspicious.

"Because it is." Natsumi's mischievous smile only heightened the tension that had already started to form in the air. Kakashi, beside her, observed the exchange with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"Oh, don't worry, Obito." Kakashi finally said, his voice full of sarcasm disguised as gentleness. "I'm sure he just wants to get to know who's hanging out with his little princess."

"Little princess?" Natsumi raised an eyebrow, looking at Kakashi with a mixture of amusement and challenge. "I want to see you say that at my house."

Before Kakashi could respond, Minato, who had been walking in silence a few steps ahead, stopped and turned to face the group. His voice was soft, but his presence radiated a calm almost contagious.

"Let's have some fun, everyone. We need a peaceful moment after the mission." He said with a serene smile.

"Alright, but I hope Natsumi's dad doesn't try to kill me with his eyes again," Obito murmured, crossing his arms in a pose of false indignation.

Kakashi couldn't hold back and let out a muffled laugh.

"Who would've thought an Uchiha would be afraid of a Senju's eyes?"

Obito shot an irritated look at Kakashi, about to retort, but Minato, ever calm, interrupted with a serene smile.

"Come on, everyone. It's a special invitation. Enjoy the day."

"We need to buy the desserts to bring," Natsumi reminded them, heading towards the shop and dragging the boys along by the arms, while Minato watched the scene with a light smile.

After buying the desserts, the team continued their walk towards the Senju house. The autumn wind scattered the leaves behind them like a curtain that temporarily hid the uncertainties of the future. The streets of Konoha were calm, bathed in the golden light of the evening. The Minato team walked together, the rhythmic sound of their steps echoing as they approached the Senju residence. Though they had visited the house before, there was always something special about each occasion—perhaps it was the welcoming warmth of the family or the simple fact that here they could relax and leave the world's worries outside.

"This is the last time I let you carry anything, Obito," Natsumi complained, adjusting the pile of dessert boxes he was holding clumsily.

"Hey, this isn't my fault! You're the one insisting on bringing too many desserts!" Obito retorted, almost tripping on a step at the entrance of the house.