Kushina Uzumaki POV
I had finished tidying up the kitchen and a faint smile was still on my face. That feeling of calm that Minato always managed to bring out in me, every single time.
He's right..., I thought. I shouldn't stay here brooding over problems that might not even exist. I'll talk to Amaya when she gets back. She's always willing to talk to me, so that's probably the best way to get rid of my fears.
I left the kitchen, heading to the living room while lost in thought. With a quick glance around, I saw the photo frames decorating one of the shelves.
I walked over to the furniture and picked up one of the photographs. It was from Amaya's first birthday party that we'd celebrated. Minato and Kakashi threw it all together at the last minute..., I remembered, and I couldn't help but laugh.
Her usual serene expression adorned the redhead's features, but the unique glow in her eyes when the photo was taken was clear. So joyful..., I mused. And she always spreads that to others.
My eyes skimmed over the other portraits and I let myself enjoy the nostalgia those photographic records brought. And it was while looking at the pictures that I noticed the absence of a particular object on that shelf: Minato's camera.
But my question about the whereabouts of the item had to wait for another time, since I heard a few knocks on the front door.
It wasn't Amaya or Minato, since neither of them would knock to come in or would be back so soon. I wasn't expecting anyone either. So who could it be?, I wondered.
I went to the entrance and opened the door, revealing a male figure of average height there, wearing the full uniform of an Anbu member. But even with his mask, his messy black hair was familiar to me.
– Good morning, Kushina! – The boy greeted cheerfully, and his voice confirmed my suspicion.
– What a surprise to see you here, Shisui – I said casually – It's been a while since you last showed up – The boy laughed.
It wasn't proper to say an Anbu member's name when they were in uniform. But since there was no one around who could hear us, I let it slide.
– The last time I was here was when you and Minato were on your mission – The Uchiha said and paused for a moment, as if remembering something, which made him give a low chuckle.
– I can already imagine you had fun bothering Kakashi, didn't you? – I asked, crossing my arms.
– Absolutely – The boy confirmed, and I could just picture his mischievous smile – A lot.
I feel sorry for Amaya, imagining what she had to deal with alone with those two..., I thought and gave a weak laugh.
– So, Shisui, what brings you here? – I questioned him – It doesn't seem like you came for Amaya, since you're still dressed – I indicated his uniform.
– The Sandaime is requesting your presence – The Uchiha explained quickly, shifting his tone to a more serious one – He just asked me to call you to come to the Hokage building.
– A mission, maybe? – I asked rhetorically, quieter, then turned my eyes back to the boy – Thanks for letting me know.
– With your permission – And the next moment, Shisui's clone dissipated.
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I stopped in front of the door to the Sandaime's office and knocked twice, until I heard the Hokage call for me to enter the room.
– Good morning, Sandaime – I said as soon as I passed through the door.
– Sorry for calling you out of the house so suddenly – Hiruzen spoke calmly.
– It's fine. Did something happen? – I stopped in front of the desk where he sat, my attention focused on him.
– I need you to take on a mission today – He said directly, though in a calm tone – Assisting her – He glanced to his right, and I did the same.
Only then did I notice the presence of a third person in that room: A woman, apparently young, almost my height, with black hair tied in a ponytail and equally dark eyes.
She wore more social clothing, with a buttoned-up blouse and a long skirt with a side slit on her right leg. Low black heels also completed her outfit. A medium-sized bag was still slung over her shoulder.
– Kushina, this is Kyoko Akane – The Sandaime introduced her – She is the client who requested the mission I'm assigning to you.
– It's a pleasure to meet you, Kushina-san – The young woman spoke cordially and gave a slight bow of her head to me.
Her voice was serene and perfectly balanced, neither too high nor too low.
– Likewise, Kyoko-san – I returned the greeting and turned my attention back to the Sandaime – What exactly does this mission entail? – I asked him.
– Kyoko is a writer and has come to Konoha seeking inspiration for her new work – He explained – And I thought of leaving her in your care to see the village and help her with whatever she needs for her research – I nodded.
That was an unusual type of mission, at least in these times of war. There were hardly ever missions to act as a guide or that didn't involve being a bodyguard for someone from outside the village.
But I liked being chosen for this mission. It was nice to do something calm like this, inside the village, that didn't involve any danger for anyone.
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Kyoko and I left the Hokage's office shortly after the mission explanation, and we walked in silence through the corridors. A silence that didn't last long, thanks to me.
At first, I considered that the young writer might not engage in much conversation with me since she seemed quite introspective, and she might even be intimidated by all my "energy."
But she surprised me by acting differently than I expected. She elaborated on every topic she brought up and responded to my enthusiasm with a similar one though much more restrained.
– So, Kyoko, what exactly are you looking for for your book? – I asked casually as we walked leisurely through the village without a set direction.
– I decided to work on a romance novel – The brunette said with a faint smile – And to try to find the right inspiration, I decided to visit different places to be part of my story, as well as observe some couples from here – She looked at me briefly – I wanted to come to Konoha earlier, during the Hanami Festival, but in the end I couldn't make it.
– The Festival would have been great to inspire you – I commented, also smiling – Besides being a welcoming celebration for anyone, it's even more special for couples – I looked at her for a moment – Did you know there's a tradition for women to wear a cherry blossom branch with its flowers in their hair?
– Really? – She asked, clearly curious about it, and I quickly nodded.
– Yes, it's to show others that you're not committed and are looking for love.
– Have you ever done that at any of the past festivals, Kushina? – The young woman asked and gave a weak laugh.
– No, I never have – And a silly smile was already on my face – I was already committed during each one of the festivals, and if I can, I will be in all the next ones too.
– Oh, so you have a love in your life? – Kyoko asked with some excitement in her voice.
I don't consider myself a shy person, but I hardly talked to anyone about my relationship with Minato, and now I was there with a – partially – stranger talking about it so easily.
I felt my face blush and could even imagine myself starting to turn the color of my hair at that moment.
– That's perfect! – Kyoko announced, even more animated and with a big smile on her face – Kushina, if it's not too much trouble, could you tell me more about you and your boyfriend? – She held my hands and I quickly looked at her.
– What?! – I asked nervously and stopped walking, with Kyoko following suit.
– I'd like to use the experiences of your relationship to develop my story – She explained and quickly corrected herself – I mean, as a direct source of inspiration, if you don't mind...
The dark eyes of the young woman before me were almost pleading, but in such an adorable way that I simply couldn't refuse.
– Ah, that's not fair, dattebane! – I said quickly – You're way too cute for me to say no!
– So you... – She began to speak, and I agreed, smiling.
Her smile brightened even more, and I could swear I felt the same joy she did at that moment.
– And since you need some places as inspiration for your story, let's visit some of the ones I've been to, 'tebane! – I said, immediately taking Kyoko's hand and leading her on a run with me.
Third Person POV
To an outside observer, anyone looking at Kushina and Kyoko walking around the village would think they were long-time friends, given the easy and uninhibited interaction between them.
Kushina herself hadn't even realized it that she wasn't treating the writer as a client, but rather as an acquaintance while taking her from place to place, telling her things about herself and her relationship with Minato.
The two women visited some characteristic tourist spots in the village, such as the hot springs, restaurants, and plazas one of which was a place Kushina frequented.
At one point, the Uzumaki noticed that Kyoko had a camera like Minato's and was taking photos of the places they visited. The writer said it was so she could look at them later, since she had a better memory for words than for images.
Kyoko also asked the Uzumaki to show her the Ninja Academy, since she had heard a lot about it, and Kushina didn't hesitate to tell the brunette that her and Minato's story began there, on the first day they saw each other.
The Uzumaki was so engrossed in talking about herself and Minato, about their academic days, that she didn't even notice the times Kyoko took photos of her while she spoke. The young writer was enchanted by the smile on the redhead's lips, how joyful and sincere her feelings were toward that boyfriend of hers.
What the brunette had previously tried to learn from other people, in that moment with Kushina, only served to clarify it definitively for her.
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– I end up acting recklessly a lot of times – Kushina continued telling Kyoko about some of her missions – But Minato doesn't, he never does anything without thinking – The redhead gave a weak laugh and smiled – He only stopped doing that twice, when something very important to him was in danger.
– One must have been when he went after you, to rescue you – The Uzumaki nodded – But what about the second? – The redhead smiled.
– It was for our daughter.
– Oh, you have a daughter? – The brunette asked her.
– Yes, although she's not really of our blood – Kushina said with a more restrained but still sincere smile – She's an amazing girl. Smart, skilled, kind, and beautiful – The redhead gave a weak laugh – It might sound silly for a mother to only see the good things in her child, but our little girl really is like that, and even more – The Uzumaki momentarily placed a hand on her chest – She is my and Minato's greatest treasure.
Kyoko might not have taken a photo of Kushina at that moment, but her memory would never let her forget the Uzumaki's expression at that instant, much less her words.
An extremely welcoming warmth burned in her chest and, just like the redhead, she smiled – so happy, so content, and... Grateful.
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The young women continued walking through the village, with the Uzumaki doing most of the talking. As they passed by some shops in the center, Kyoko saw a flower shop and asked Kushina if they could stop there for a moment.
– Welcome! – A tall man with blond hair and light eyes greeted them when they entered the establishment.
– Inoichi, what a surprise to see you here – Kushina said to the Yamanaka, who couldn't contain a faint smile.
– I got a day off today and decided to check how the business is going – He glanced momentarily at the brunette behind the redhead, who had her eyes on the various flowers there – A friend of yours? – He asked, and Kushina looked at the young woman.
– Her name is Kyoko Akane, she's a writer and is in the village to work on her new project – The Uzumaki introduced the other briefly – The Sandaime assigned me to show her around Konoha.
– I hope you haven't driven her crazy with your enthusiasm – The redhead laughed.
– Quite the opposite, she seems to be enjoying it! – The blond placed a hand under his chin for a moment and gave a weak nod.
A perfect choice of approach, he thought. Good job...
Kushina approached Kyoko, who still had her attention on the various flowers and plants displayed before her. When her eyes fell on a particular species, the brunette turned her gaze to Inoichi.
– May I take one of these? – She asked, and the blond nodded.
– Feel free – Kyoko smiled faintly and turned her gaze back to the flowers.
Carefully, she took one in her hands.
It was a medium-sized flower, with petals arranged in simple, circular rows. The central disk was a yellow hue, and its pigmentation varied for each flower in shades of blue, pink, red, white, violet, and yellow, similar to watercolors.
– You like China asters, Kyoko? – Kushina asked curiously, and the brunette nodded slightly.
– I think they're pretty – She said with a faint smile – They're different, but uniquely beautiful – She fiddled with the flower's petals and gave a weak laugh – And they also look like a...
– Pompom – Both women said at the same time and looked at each other, then laughed.
Kyoko then asked Inoichi to prepare an arrangement with some of those flowers for her. Yellow, red, and a few pink asters adorned the bouquet.
Kushina couldn't help but feel even more at ease with the brunette, having discovered a shared taste: A passion for China asters. That was the redhead's favorite flower.
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– And this is the place that couldn't be missing from our tour, dattebane – Kushina said excitedly, pointing to the establishment in front of them – The Ichiraku!
The small restaurant specialized in ramen, the Uzumaki's favorite dish. But her preference for that establishment went a little beyond just the owner Teuchi's excellent cooking skills:
Minato and Kushina's first date had been there.
It might seem and sound like a terrible choice for a first date, but the sentimental value and the warmth that place provided were what captivated its customers.
And Kushina and Minato, as exceptional ninjas as they were, were very simple people. It was always the subtlest details and moments that won them over, and for that reason, that place was unique to them.
Kyoko didn't ask Kushina any questions after the redhead told her that her first date with Minato had been there; the brunette merely observed the Uzumaki's expressions attentively.
Kushina was lost in her own thoughts, all the emotions from that day filling her mind and chest with a cozy feeling. And Kyoko ended up letting herself be carried away by what she felt from everything she was witnessing, smiling.
– You two are incredible... – The words escaped the brunette's lips before she could contain them, until she realized this small slip.
However, Kushina hadn't heard them, thanks to her distraction with her own thoughts. She just snapped back to reality, apologizing for the moments she had stopped paying attention to her companion.
– So, where should we go now? – Kushina asked rhetorically, her hand under her chin as she thought.
The two women were standing outside the Ichiraku, as Kyoko had asked them to stay there a little longer so she could take some photos of the place.
– How about over there then? – The brunette pointed in the direction leading near the village gates a few minutes later.
However, Kushina's eyes didn't reach the point Kyoko had indicated, as her attention was caught by the tall figure with vibrant blond hair and blue eyes walking calmly over there. And the redhead smiled.
Kyoko noticed the fixed gaze and smile the Uzumaki directed at the blond, and she herself smiled.
– So that's the lucky guy? – The brunette asked quietly, and Kushina quickly looked at her, her cheeks slightly flushed.
– How did you figure it out, 'tebane? – The redhead asked a bit more quietly, and Akane gave a weak laugh.
– During all the time we spent together today, the only times you smiled like that, so genuinely, were when you talked about him.
The redhead was speechless. That was the first time someone outside her close circle had read her so easily, since Amaya.
And before Kushina could say or do anything, Minato spotted the two women farther away from him. A restrained smile formed on his lips and he waved, heading toward them.
– Hi – He said, still smiling at Kushina, and momentarily turned his eyes to Kyoko with a brief nod of his head – Good afternoon.
– Good afternoon – The brunette briefly returned the gesture.
– What are you doing back in the village at this hour? – Kushina asked, making room for her happiness at seeing the blond to be replaced by concern – Did something happen during your team's training? Did one of them get hurt? – Namikaze gave a weak laugh.
– They're all fine – He reassured her – I just let them go early today because I had something else to do – The redhead raised an eyebrow at the blond's words, but he continued – And who's your friend? – He turned his eyes to Kyoko again.
And only then did it dawn on Kushina that she hadn't introduced the brunette to Minato, even though she had already talked – a lot – about him to Akane, as well as the fact that she was on a mission.
Kyoko didn't take long to notice the brief expression of surprise on the Uzumaki's features, and a faint laugh escaped her because of it.
– My name is Kyoko Akane, I'm a writer – The brunette spoke up to help the redhead – I came to Konoha for work and Kushina was kindly assigned to accompany me – She looked toward the Uzumaki – And I'm extremely grateful for all the help she's given me.
– Ah, don't say that, I'll end up getting embarrassed, dattebane! – Kushina said with her hands on her cheeks, and Kyoko and Minato laughed.
Seems like she handled the mission perfectly..., the blond thought for a moment while smiling.
Kyoko quickly explained to Minato what she was researching for her book, as well as how Kushina had helped her, whether by showing her the village or by sharing her story with the blond.
And for a moment, Namikaze flinched. Knowing Kushina as he did, he could guess some of the things the redhead might have told Akane, and that worried him. Please, let Kushina not have said anything too extreme to her...
– Kushina, Minato-san... – Kyoko called the couple's attention back to herself – If it's not too much to ask, or too strange, could I take a few photos of the two of you?
– What? – Kushina was the only one to speak up, unlike the blond, who kept his thoughts to himself.
– Sorry, I know it's a sudden and quite unusual request, and I'll completely understand if you don't want to accept it – The brunette hurried to explain – But after everything I've been told about you two, your story, mutual growth, and love, it's impossible not to want to keep proof of such a couple that has enchanted me so much.
Throughout her speech, a restrained smile never left Kyoko's expression. It was restrained, yet sincere and extremely happy. So much so that both Minato and Kushina could feel its sincerity.
Sincerity..., Minato thought. There's nothing that can be used to reach deeper into someone's heart. He smiled faintly. It's practically handing your own emotions to others, straight to their chest.
The blond turned his eyes to Kushina, seeing her in an internal conflict. Typical of her, though..., he didn't even need to finish his thought.
The Uzumaki looked at him, as if seeking Namikaze's own decision. A faint smile and a slight nod were enough to end the redhead's inner dilemma.
– Alright! – She then said, excitedly.
Kyoko also smiled, and in her heart, you could almost see her celebrating.
Due to Kushina's questions in front of Minato about how she looked – and with all the patience in his being, the blond kept saying she was perfect – the first photo was taken without the couple even realizing it.
Facing each other, their faces close, holding each other's hands at chest level, tenderly. Crimson and gold seemed to burn for each other in that instant, now eternalized in a photograph.
Namikaze placed a loving kiss on the redhead's hands, which he was still holding, and smiled at her – which automatically made the Uzumaki smile too.
They looked toward Kyoko to see if she was ready. The brunette merely gave a slight nod, giving them the freedom to position themselves as they wished for that next photo.
Minato took the opportunity to wrap his arms around Kushina's body, hugging her from behind and keeping her almost as if protected by him. A sincere laugh escaped the Uzumaki's lips as that moment was turned into an image.
Just as Minato and Kushina were smiling, a restrained smile was present on Kyoko's features. The brunette could barely contain the pleasant feeling filling her chest at that moment.
– Minato-san, could you use these for a photo? – Akane asked the blond, handing him the bouquet she had bought earlier.
The moment Namikaze's eyes fell on the arrangement, he had to hold back the smile that wanted to appear on his lips. China asters..., he thought. He took the bouquet in his hands and walked back to Kushina, stopping in front of her with the arrangement.
Radiant.
That would be the word Kushina would choose to describe the smile adorning Minato's expression when he stopped in front of her, the bouquet in his hands.
Just as the smile was present, red hues colored the young Namikaze's face. And Kushina wanted to kiss him deeply in that second, though she held back – a lot, a whole lot – since they were in Kyoko's company.
Another moment was recorded and would be kept for the future.
Kyoko checked the last three photos she had taken and smiled, satisfied with the captured result. As she was about to look at the couple farther from her, she noticed a discreet movement on the roof of the Ichiraku.
– One last one, is that okay? – The brunette asked Minato and Kushina, and both nodded.
The two were enjoying that unexpected situation, so there was no problem extending it for one more photograph. The couple stood facing each other, with happy smiles on their faces.
Minato, with all the care he always had, tucked a strand of the Uzumaki's hair behind her ear, making her blush faintly with the gesture, which made him smile faintly.
Kushina imagined the last photo would be taken at that instant, so she remained still there, enjoying that moment. However, it wasn't exactly the same for Namikaze.
He held the redhead's hands and, without breaking eye contact with her for a single second, let one of his knees meet the ground.
Blushing more was the first thing Kushina's body did with that, but her heart raced the next moment, when the blond took one of her hands and extended before her a small red velvet box where two golden rings glittered under the sunlight.
– Kushina Uzumaki... – Minato spoke in his usual calm tone, though his heart was pounding incessantly in his chest – Would you grant me the privilege of having you today and forever, as my wife?
In certain situations, our heart may seem to miss one, two, or even more beats. However, in that second, Kushina was sure her heart had stopped completely.
But in the best way and for the best possible reason.
Even before giving her answer, the enormous smile that formed on her lips gave it away.
Kyoko merely made a quick gesture to her companions who were on the roof of the Ichiraku, waiting until then for her signal. Thus, dozens of flower petals fell over Minato and Kushina, serving as a complement to the fourth and final photo of the couple to be immortalized.
– Yes, yes, yes! – The redhead said animatedly, like never before – Of course I will, dattebane!
And before Minato could do anything, the Uzumaki rushed at him, knocking him to the ground with her while hugging him tightly and a kiss was shared between them. Hasty and almost urgent, yet lingering, for both to share their emotions through their lips.
And, well, that was just one of many kisses Kushina gave the blond beneath her there.
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After a few minutes with Kushina still freaking out from so much happiness, the rings were now on the hands of the newly engaged couple.
And only then was attention turned to Kyoko, who had been patiently waiting for Minato and Kushina until then. But to the redhead's surprise, she saw Shisui, Kakashi, Rin, and Obito with the brunette. All smiling happily.
– So you guys were helping Minato all this time, 'tebane! – The Uzumaki accused them with a faint smile still on her face.
– More or less – Obito admitted, scratching his head.
– Minato-sensei asked for our help and we couldn't refuse, especially when it's about you two – Rin commented, and Kushina felt like pinching the Nohara's cheeks given their red hue.
– But he wasn't the only one – Kakashi finally said, and the redhead looked at him.
– It was someone else who convinced us to organize all this madness – Shisui said with an amused smile on his face, and the four young people turned their eyes to Kyoko.
Kushina also looked at the brunette, confused. Kyoko gave a weak laugh at the redhead's expression and looked at her.
– I couldn't help but do something to help you two... – She said calmly, but this time her tone of voice was no longer the previous one; it was much younger and completely familiar to everyone present – Right, okaasan?
And the young woman with black hair and black eyes dissipated, giving way to a female figure a few centimeters shorter, with long red hair and greenish eyes. Kyoko, all that time, had been none other than Amaya using a Transformation Jutsu.
Kushina was speechless. She was already almost out of words due to everything that had just happened with Minato's proposal, and now she discovered that everything had been organized by the blond and her own daughter.
Finally, she understood that the distance the girl had kept from her during that time was because of that: All the planning and practical organization she had been doing with Minato.
And if the older redhead had managed to hold back her tears before, thanks to all the happiness she felt, in that second it didn't work.
She quickly went to Amaya, hugging her tightly while babbling nonsense, like apologies, silly complaints about the younger Uzumaki tricking her all that time, among other things.
– You guys come here too, dattebane! – The older redhead said, or rather, ordered the other four young people there.
A group hug, where Kushina tried to keep all the young people who helped on that special day for her close, though it was impossible for her alone. However, two more hands soon joined hers – Minato was there with her, as he always would be.
There is no definitive word to describe Kushina's or even Minato's inner state at that moment. But if one could generalize the feelings of everyone there, in that completely awkward and joyful hug, it would be...
Happy.