---Third POV---
A few days later, on the notice board in Konoha Square, the latest news for the villagers was posted.
Thanks to the full support of Minato, the Special Operations Unit led by Ryouma had achieved remarkable results in their campaign against criminal elements.
With decisive action, the task force struck precisely at key strongholds of criminal forces, demonstrating outstanding tactical skill and teamwork. In this battle for the village's safety, they not only won widespread praise from the villagers but also laid a solid foundation for the peace and stability of Konoha, restoring clear skies to the village.
A cause for celebration indeed.
---
Inside the Hokage's office, Minato and Ryouma stood over a map of Konoha spread across the desk, discussing plans for the village's expansion.
Pointing to a flat piece of land in the southeastern corner of the map, Ryouma reminded: "This area is right next to Konoha Hospital. It's perfect for building a Medical Ninja Academy. Don't let it fall into the hands of those merchants who only speculate on land."
Minato nodded in agreement. "Don't worry. I already plan to designate this entire area for Konoha's public works, making sure it serves the village's long-term development."
Like Ryouma, he deeply despised the merchants who drove up land prices and disrupted the market inside Konoha. Recently, he had strictly prohibited the sale of newly cultivated land on the village outskirts, preventing speculators from taking advantage.
However, he had no authority over lands already under private ownership. Regrettably, many shortsighted villagers couldn't resist the high prices offered by outside merchants and sold their homes one after another.
At first, he considered issuing an announcement to caution the villagers, but Ryouma stopped him in time.
While these merchants' methods were indeed distasteful, it was undeniable that Konoha's development still, to some extent, relied on their involvement. Since the villagers themselves wished to sell their land, the village leadership shouldn't forcibly intervene, otherwise, it might even be seen as obstructing their right to make money.
A short while later, after finishing the day's official duties, Minato swiftly rolled up the map on the desk, tied it carefully with a thin cord, and set it aside. Next, he neatly arranged the scattered notes, stacking them in chronological order, and gently placed them into a folder, making sure not a single sheet was wrinkled or out of place.
His almost obsessive attention to detail could have brought the most satisfied smile to any perfectionist.
And the benefit of such meticulousness was clear, when he bent slightly and reached under the desk, he pulled out the ninja dossiers of Guy and Asuma without even looking, perfectly accurate.
Placing the files on the desk, he said, "By the way, I haven't had the chance to issue the rewards for your team's recent mission clearing out spies in the village."
Ryouma blinked in surprise. "I thought I already nominated Guy and Asuma to take the special jonin and jonin exams. Wasn't that the reward?"
Leaning back in his chair, Minato glanced over the dossiers in his hands. "No, that's different. Nominating them for promotion was simply recognition of their strength. That can't be counted as a reward for meritorious service."
Ryouma shrugged. "Alright then. Personally, I think they're already quite satisfied, but since the Hokage insists on rewarding my team, of course I won't refuse."
Minato laughed heartily. "Then let them each choose a jutsu from the Scroll of Seals. Guy and Asuma's progress has been slowing lately, especially Asuma."
When it came to the growth of the village's younger generation, he had always been deeply attentive. Assigning them to follow Ryouma on this mission and pick up achievements had been part of his plan from the start.
"I'll leave this to you. Please make sure they pick something suitable."
Ryouma sighed helplessly. "I knew nothing good would come of you leaving the Scroll of Seals in my care."
"Hahaha, the capable should shoulder more work. Speaking of which..." Minato suddenly changed tone. "Would you be willing to serve as my Hokage's Advisor?"
"Hm?"
Ryouma's eyes widened slightly. The post of Hokage's Advisor was no mere honorary title like being head of some department or ANBU Commander, it was a true seat of power in Konoha, with a status even above the village elders.
"Why bring this up all of a sudden?"
"Don't be so quick to refuse. Lately I've felt that Konoha is entering a very critical period. But I alone am limited, I can't always be sure of making the right call. I worry that one day I'll make a wrong decision that could hurt the village."
"And with the Third Hokage now secluded in the Sarutobi compound, the only person in this entire village I can turn to is you."
As Minato spoke, he suddenly stood and bowed deeply. "Please, I'm asking you!"
This action alone was enough to show how desperately he needed someone to share his burden.
It wasn't that he lacked the ability to handle affairs, rather, it was the weight of doubt pressing on him, the fear of not always making the right choice for Konoha. In short, his mental strain was becoming overwhelming.
He needed someone he could consult with, someone to offer different perspectives on how to handle matters. That role had once been filled by Hiruzen. But with him choosing to atone in seclusion, Minato had no choice but to turn to Ryouma.
Still, he worried Ryouma would decline, after all, he knew his nature: not someone who lusted after "power."
"All right, I'll do it."
To Minato's surprise, Ryouma accepted without hesitation.
"Well, I suppose that's only... wait, did you just say yes?"
"Of course. When the Fourth Hokage makes such a sincere request, how could I possibly refuse?" Ryouma replied with a smile.
"That's wonderful! Thank you, Ryouma." Minato's gratitude was heartfelt.
"Don't thank me. If anything, I'm the one benefiting from this arrangement. You're making me feel embarrassed."
Ryouma wasn't used to seeing Minato this way. But they were comrades-in-arms, of course he would help.
In fact, even without the official title, he had already been acting as Hokage's Advisor for some time. Take, for instance, his involvement in planning the expansion of Konoha's lands. That was the kind of matter that, in the past, only Hiruzen and his three fellow advisors had the right to participate in.
---
A few months later, Konoha quietly stepped into autumn.
A fine autumn rain began to fall, the raindrops, gently tapping against rooftops, leaves, and stone-paved roads. The rainwater gathered into tiny streams, dripping down from the tiles and forming strings of sparkling droplets.
In the distance, the Hokage Rock loomed faintly in the mist and rain.
Outside the maternity ward of Konoha Hospital, the lights shone white and bright.
Minato paced back and forth in front of the delivery room door, his lips moving slightly as if muttering under his breath. His face was so tense with worry it seemed as though the anxiety might condense into droplets and fall from him.
Sitting in the waiting seats along the corridor, Ryouma was driven nearly mad by Minato's endless muttering. Finally, he couldn't hold back and tried to comfort him:
"Come on, Kushina-nesan only just went in. And with Tsunade-nesan personally delivering the baby, you've got nothing to worry about."
As he spoke, he patted the empty seat beside him, gesturing for Minato to sit.
"Here, sit down and wait in peace. You'll get to see Naruto soon enough."
Minato took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, then walked over and sat beside Ryouma.
"You're right. I really am getting too worked up."
But Ryouma glanced at him and saw that Minato's fingers were still tapping restlessly on his knee.
Still, it wasn't so bad, at least he'd stopped muttering and torturing his ears.
Bang! Bang!
Ryouma turned and glanced at the window at the far end of the hall, noticing the rain outside had suddenly intensified, now pouring down in sheets.
One of the old window frames of the hospital couldn't withstand the cold wind. It had been forced open, leaving a visible gap.
A nurse, hearing the noise, hurried over and quickly secured the window shut again.
Just then, a loud, piercing cry echoed from inside the delivery room:
"It hurts so much, dattebane!"
"Kushina!"
Minato shot up from his seat and, almost instinctively, activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, teleporting straight into the delivery room in an instant.
"Wait—!"
Ryouma's outstretched hand only caught empty air. He could only pull it back with a helpless shake of his head.
No wonder he's called the Yellow Flash, at such close range, there was no way to stop him.
"Love makes you do stupid shit," he sighed.
With Minato's sensory ability, if he had calmed himself for even a second and checked, he would have realized there wasn't the slightest sign of danger in the delivery room.
Minato's sudden intrusion had clearly startled both the medical-nin inside and Kushina herself.
"Minato-sensei!"
"Hokage-sama! What are you doing?!"
"You idiot! Who told you to rush in here?! You scared Naruto's head back inside!"
Before long, under Tsunade's furious scolding, Minato was sheepishly kicked out of the delivery room, bowing again and again as he apologized, "I'm truly, terribly sorry!"
Ryouma stood to the side. He couldn't hold back a laugh.
Time crept by slowly as they waited, every second stretched unbearably long.
Finally, the clear cry of a newborn rang out from the delivery room. Minato was so overwhelmed with excitement that he nearly used the Flying Thunder God Technique to dash inside again.
Luckily, Ryouma reacted quickly this time, landing a firm slap on his back to stop him just in time.
Not long after, the doors of the delivery room slowly opened. Tsunade walked out with her hands in her pockets, her steps steady and calm.
She first shot Minato a glare, then announced, "Mother and child are safe. You can finally go in and see them now. Honestly, just like your teacher, always giving me trouble."
"Yes! Thank you!" Minato cheered and hurried into the room.
He carefully took baby Naruto from Rin's arms, cradling him gently for a moment before placing him back beside Kushina. Then, pushing the bed, he accompanied them back to the mother-and-child ward.
Ryouma seized the chance to step forward for a closer look.
Baby Naruto showed none of the whisker-like marks that should have been left by Kurama's chakra. However, he still hadn't inherited the Uzumaki clan's trademark red hair. Instead, he had taken after Minato's bright blond locks.
After settling the new family of three into the ward, Ryouma and Rin exchanged a glance. Without a word, they turned away, closing the door to leave the intimate space to the new parents.
Click.
The door shut softly under Rin's hand, and the two of them began walking down the empty corridor.
Sensing that Rin seemed a little different in mood, Ryouma was about to ask when she broke the silence first.
"Hey, Ryouma... seeing Kushina-nesan and Minato-sensei like that, it makes me wonder what it would be like. You know, having a family someday."
"Family, huh?" Ryouma glanced at her sideways. "Well, first you'd need to figure out who you want to start that family with."
Rin's steps faltered slightly. "W-what do you mean by that?"
"Oh, nothing," Ryouma said innocently, though his grin was anything but.
He made a subtle gesture with his thumb toward the hospital roof.
Rin's ears turned a distinct shade of red. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Sure you don't." Ryouma chuckled, deciding not to push any further. "Anyway, if you do have kids someday, I'm sure they'll be lucky to have you as their mom."
"Stop teasing me," Rin muttered, but there was a small smile on her face.
They continued walking until they reached the stairwell leading to the roof. When they finally reached the rooftop, they found Obito and Kakashi exactly where they'd left them, soaked, and tired.
"Finally!" Obito exclaimed, turning toward them. "I thought you guys had—"
He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Rin was unusually quiet, not meeting anyone's eyes. Being Obito, he immediately assumed the worst.
"Rin? You okay?" Without thinking, he stepped closer and leaned down until his face was only inches from hers. "You look kind of red. Are you getting sick? Do you have a fever?"
Before Rin could react, he pressed the back of his hand against her forehead. "You do feel warm! Maybe you caught something from the hospital?"
Rin's face turned even redder at the sudden contact, but Obito was too focused on his medical diagnosis to notice.
"Should I get you some medicine? Or maybe—"
"Obito," Kakashi interrupted dryly, "you're practically breathing on her. And you're soaked from the rain. You're probably making her cold."
Obito immediately jumped back, looking confused. "Oh! Right, sorry! I was just worried because you seemed sick and, wait, are you sure you're okay, Rin?"
"I'm fine," Rin managed to say, though her voice came out a bit higher than usual. "Just tired from helping with the delivery."
"Are you sure? Because if you need anything—"
"The baby's been born, everything went well," Ryouma cut in, deciding to rescue both of them. "You two can head home now."
As they prepared to leave, Obito was still fussing over whether Rin had enough warm clothes for the rain, completely missing Kakashi's exasperated expression.
Some things never changed.