Natsumi: Beyond the Shadow of Giants.

Chapter 8 - Expectations for the Future

A year later, Team Minato was engaged in their morning training, which felt different from the usual. The tension that typically filled the training field seemed to have taken the day off. Minato was seated on a fallen log, holding a puppy in his lap. His eyes glimmered with a mix of serenity and amusement as the tiny animal explored the world around it with innocent curiosity.

Kakashi, on the other hand, maintained his usual posture: leaning against a tree with an open scroll in his hands, his disinterested gaze hidden behind his mask. As always, Obito's absence was both noticed and ignored.

Natsumi arrived at the field with light steps, the sunlight reflecting off her slightly tanned skin and chocolate-brown hair cascading down her back. The wind played with her locks, emphasizing her resemblance to the legendary Hashirama.

When she saw the puppy in Minato's lap, her eyes lit up with surprise and delight.

"Sensei! How adorable! Is he yours?" she asked, running toward him, her smile lighting up her face.

Minato chuckled softly, stroking the puppy's head.

"No, Natsumi. He's one of Kakashi's new summons."

She turned her head quickly to Kakashi, her tone curious and almost accusatory.

"You never told us you had summons!"

"I didn't think it was any of your business," Kakashi replied dryly without looking up from his scroll.

"Insensitive!" Natsumi huffed, shifting her gaze back to the pug puppy.

Minato stood, handing the puppy to Kakashi, who took it with a clear look of reluctance.

"Come on, Kakashi. He also needs to get used to the scent of your teammates."

Kakashi sighed, holding the small animal carefully. Before the conversation could continue, a familiar voice called out from a distance:

"I'm here, everyone!"

Obito came running, waving his arms as if to make up for being late.

Kakashi shot him a sharp look.

"You're late. As always."

"Hey, take it easy!" Obito stopped, laughing sheepishly. "A black cat crossed my path! You know that's bad luck, right? I couldn't take the risk."

Natsumi huffed, crossing her arms.

"Obito, that's by far the lamest excuse you've ever come up with."

Obito opened his mouth to reply, but Minato stepped in, clapping his hands firmly.

"That's enough arguing. Kakashi, why don't you introduce Pakkun to the rest of the team?"

Kakashi hesitated for a moment but eventually handed the puppy to Natsumi.

"Just be careful. He's still a puppy."

Natsumi held the little dog gently, her eyes sparkling.

"He's so cute! He looks like a little ball of fur."

"He doesn't talk yet, but he understands everything we say," Kakashi explained, watching her with something that looked almost like pride.

"Let's see if he likes Obito," Minato suggested with a smile.

Natsumi turned to Obito, holding the puppy close to her chest.

"Here, Obito. But be careful not to hurt him."

Obito took the puppy as if it were a live explosive tag.

"He's so tiny... and soft."

Natsumi laughed, shaking her head.