An Invitation Extended
Though Namikaze Minato moved with the group, he remained silent.
He wasn't yet familiar with Saigoji Youmu, Tsunade, or the others.
He hesitated—until Youmu's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Namikaze Minato, right? You should come too."
Minato's eyes widened slightly.
Had Youmu seen through his hesitation?
Without wasting a moment, he bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Senior."
To the Barbecue Restaurant!
Tsunade was more than happy to lead the way.
Not because of the food—
But because she couldn't wait for an excuse to beat Saigoji Youmu again.
She still hadn't forgotten what he had said earlier.
On the way, she made sure to introduce Konoha to him.
At the restaurant, everyone quickly found seats.
Minato, however, had something on his mind.
"Master Tsunade, isn't Senior Youmu from Konoha?"
His question drew the attention of everyone at the table.
Uzumaki Kushina, Uzumaki Jiuno, and Senju Nawaki all turned their eyes to Saigoji Youmu.
They had wondered the same thing.
Tsunade tapped her fingers against the table, then sighed.
"Youmu, he…"
She carefully explained his situation—
His role in the Land of Rain.
His identity as recognized by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
And the arrangement the Hokage had made.
Nawaki blinked.
"So… Grandpa Third asked you to take care of Senior Youmu and Konan's living arrangements?"
His face twisted.
"Wait a second. Does that mean he's my future brother-in-law?"
The words shattered the conversation.
Kushina and Jiuno immediately perked up.
"Nawaki's brother-in-law?"
"Tsunade-sensei's husband?"
The fire of gossip ignited in their hearts.
Tsunade's face flushed red.
"Nawaki."
Her voice dropped in warning.
"If you say one more word, you're going home."
Nawaki's survival instincts kicked in.
"I won't say anything!"
His mouth snapped shut.
But…
That didn't stop him from stealing glances at Youmu and Tsunade.
His mischievous grin made them both laugh helplessly.
While the others were lost in gossip, Minato had a different question.
He turned to Youmu.
"Are you stronger than Lady Tsunade?"
Before Youmu could answer—
The food arrived.
And at once, the battle of eating began.
After the meal, the group parted ways at the restaurant entrance.
Tsunade, due to proximity and convenience, arranged a home for Youmu and Konan near her own.
As the sun dipped beyond the horizon, the two settled in.
Konan stretched, still thinking about the meal.
"Wow, the barbecue was amazing."
Youmu chuckled at her expression.
For someone usually so calm and reserved, Konan had a surprising foodie side.
He reached out, gently pinching her cheek.
"Get some rest, Konan."
As he left her room, Konan sat on her bed, eyes wandering.
"Are we… really living in Konoha now?"
It felt unreal.
Just a month ago, she had been scavenging for food, risking her life.
But now—
She had something she had only dreamed of.
A home.
A peaceful life.
Her voice was soft as she whispered—
"Thank you, Brother Youmu."
The next day, Konoha's Anbu delivered their identification papers.
They were now officially residents of Konoha.
And Sarutobi Hiruzen—
Ever the strategist—
Had enrolled Konan in the Ninja Academy.
Youmu saw through his intentions immediately.
But he said nothing.
It was good for Konan.
She needed friends, a chance to heal from her past.
So he let it be.
The War Continues
Time passed.
Months slipped away quietly.
The Second Ninja War raged on.
The battlefield was still the Land of Rain.
And since Konoha had withdrawn early, they weren't heavily affected.
But this only made the other villages uneasy.
They began to move in secret.
Konoha's thirty-third year was one of shadows and tension.
A Training Session Ends
"Ahhh~, thank you so much, Saigoji-senpai."
Uzumaki Jiuno collapsed onto the floor.
Sweat dripped from her forehead.
On her head, Konoha's forehead protector shone under the evening light.