Eager to finally return home, Ryouji Takeuchi repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Minato Namikaze before warmly inviting the three of them to visit his home in Yamago Village.
Two days ago, Minato had arrived at the village but had remained unseen, working in the shadows to restore the village's water supply. Now, with the problem temporarily resolved, he accepted the invitation, bringing Veigar and Kakashi Hatake along, trailing discreetly behind Ryouji.
As soon as the villagers of Yamago Village saw Ryouji return—especially after witnessing the recent restoration of their water supply—they erupted into cheers. Before Ryouji could even make it home, he was quickly surrounded by the enthusiastic townsfolk.
Meanwhile, hidden on a nearby rooftop, Kakashi turned to Minato with a puzzled expression. "Sensei, wasn't our mission already completed? Why are we staying at the client's request?"
Typically, once a mission was completed, shinobi would simply collect the confirmation slip from the client and leave. That had always been Minato's approach whenever Kakashi accompanied him on past assignments outside the village.
Yet this time was different. Minato hadn't asked Ryouji for the usual confirmation slip; instead, he had readily accepted the invitation.
Kakashi felt as if he was missing something.
Minato's gaze lingered on Ryouji, who was surrounded by his people. Then, he spoke softly, "Our mission isn't finished yet, Kakashi."
Both Veigar and Kakashi were taken aback by his words and turned to look at him.
Veigar asked, "Did something unexpected happen?"
Minato shook his head. "Our task was to completely resolve Yamago Village's water supply problem. I only managed to restore it temporarily—we haven't truly fixed it yet."
Hearing this, both Veigar and Kakashi exchanged puzzled looks.
Veigar continued, "Sensei, does that mean even you can't solve it quickly?"
Minato smiled and shook his head. "No, that's not the issue."
"I'm leaving the problem in your hands. So…"
"Do your best!"
Veigar and Kakashi turned to face each other, their expressions serious, before nodding in unison. "Understood."
Minato had already thoroughly assessed the situation in Yamago Village. Solving the problem permanently wouldn't be difficult for him. However, as a Jonin instructor, it was his responsibility to train his students and develop their abilities.
And so, he chose to create this opportunity for them.
...
After much effort, Ryouji finally managed to break free from the crowd of villagers and return to his long-awaited home.
The moment he stepped inside, he immediately embraced his wife, whom he had longed for during his time away.
"Nanako, has everything been alright at home? How's Tomoo doing?"
After a moment in his wife's arms, he released her and asked with concern.
Seeing her husband return, much of the worry on Nanako's face eased, replaced by a faint yet warm smile. "Nothing major happened at home, but… Tomoo still hasn't woken up."
Ryouji nodded, his expression darkening slightly. "I'll check on him."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he turned back to Nanako. "Have you started cooking dinner?"
"We'll have three shinobi guests joining us tonight. They might have a way to wake Tomoo."
Nanako's face immediately lit up with hope. "Really? Do they truly have a way to wake him up?"
Seeing the joy in her eyes, Ryouji felt a sharp pang in his heart. Ever since their son fell into a coma, Nanako's smiles had become a rarity.
Not wanting to crush her hope—despite not knowing whether Minato and the others could actually help—he steeled himself and replied, "Yes, they're shinobi. I'm sure they'll have a solution."
Hearing her husband's certainty, Nanako's spirits lifted. "I'll start preparing dinner right away!"
She hurried off toward the kitchen, her movements filled with renewed energy.
Just as she left, Ryouji suddenly recalled Veigar's terrifying appetite and quickly called after her, "Make extra!"
Without turning back, Nanako replied, "I know!"
...
On the rooftop of Ryouji's home, Minato and his students had already arrived, quietly observing the couple's exchange. Only after giving them a moment did they finally reappear before Ryouji.
"Lord Minato, Veigar, Kakashi! You're here—please, come in!"
Ryouji immediately welcomed them inside with enthusiasm.
"Pardon the intrusion," the three shinobi responded politely before stepping inside.
From the kitchen, Nanako heard the commotion and stole a glance toward their guests. The moment her eyes landed on Veigar and Kakashi, she was visibly taken aback.
"Such young children…? Are they really shinobi? They're not even half Tomoo's age…"
Although she was merely a housewife, she understood that now was not the time to interrupt. Even if she was desperate to know whether they could truly help her son, she held herself back.
Seated inside, Ryouji poured tea for each of them. As he set down the cups, Minato finally addressed him. "Mr. Ryouji, about the mission—"
Before Minato could finish, Ryouji had already retrieved a prepared confirmation slip and handed it over.
"I understand, Lord Minato. Here is the completion slip."
Minato, however, gently pushed the slip back toward him, smiling. "Mr. Ryouji, we haven't completed your request yet. We can't accept this."
For a moment, Ryouji was stunned, just like Veigar and Kakashi had been earlier. He hesitated before finally asking, "But, Lord Minato, our village's water supply has been restored. How is the mission not complete?"
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