"Hot damn, Big Yellow! We're sitting on fourteen billion now!"
Fugaku Uchiha couldn't believe it. They were just about to head back when they stumbled upon an unexpected windfall. This time, they'd nearly made another hundred million off that ninja.
Minato Namikaze was equally shocked that this guy was so loaded!
Looking at the cash, Minato couldn't help but grin, imagining it turning into his wife Kushina's smiling face…
"Alright… Little Black, time to head back!"
"Uh… Big Yellow, there's no one around, and we're about to head back to the Leaf Village. Can we maybe drop the 'Little Black' thing?!
It just… feels kinda weird…"
Minato rolled his eyes at Fugaku.
"You're telling me to stop calling you Little Black?! You're the one throwing 'Big Yellow' around like it's nothing! My nickname's not exactly better than yours, you know?!"
Fugaku chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
"Heh… isn't that just fitting our vibe? I mean, even when you transform, you've got that bright blonde hair. 'Big Yellow' suits you perfectly, right?!"
"Oh yeah? Well, you've got that jet-black hair, so 'Little Black' fits you just fine!"
"Hmph! Damn you, Big Yellow Namikaze!!!"
---
"Heh! Little Black Uchiha!!!"
"Big Yellow Namikaze!!!"
"Little Black Uchiha!!!"
"Big Yellow Namikaze!!!"
"Little Black Uchiha!!!"
"…"
And just like that, the Hidden Leaf Village gained a new pair of best buds.
After their passionate shouting match, Minato suddenly flashed a mischievous grin…
Fugaku caught that creepy smile and got a bad feeling. Ever since his buddy found out about what happened to his son, Minato had changed a lot.
Lately, before every heist, Minato would flash that same unsettling grin…
Sure enough, after that creepy chuckle, Minato spoke up.
"Little Black… don't forget, the Leaf Village has a barrier. I can zip back with Flying Thunder God no problem, but you? You might not get in so easily!
Heh heh heh heh heh…
It's getting pretty late, and I'm not exactly thrilled about spending a romantic night in the woods with you.
So, I'm gonna head back to see my son. Catch you later, my dear Little Black!!!"
Whoosh!
In a flash, Minato used Flying Thunder God and vanished!
Fugaku was left dumbfounded…
"What the hell?! Big Yellow!!! You're a damn traitor!!!"
"Big Yellow!!! Get your ass back here!!!"
"…"
Fugaku was starting to panic. The Leaf Village's barrier meant he couldn't just waltz in. If he tried to force his way through, he'd definitely get caught. That jerk Minato didn't actually ditch him, did he?!
"Damn it, Minato!!! I'm sorry, okay?! I won't call you Big Yellow anymore!!! Just take me back!!!"
Whoosh!!! (Fancy transition sound.)
Minato reappeared right in front of Fugaku, that creepy grin even wider now.
"Heh heh heh heh heh…
Little Black, that's what I call knowing when to play smart!
No wonder you're the head of the Uchiha clan. You're a true master of strategy!"
Fugaku's face practically turned green with frustration, but what could he do? He was at Minato's mercy!
"Hmph! Just take me back already!!!"
Minato tilted his chin up, giving Fugaku a smug side-eye…
"Hm?!"
Fugaku forced a smile uglier than a sob…
"Hahaha… Minato! You're my best pal, my brother from another mother!
You wouldn't really leave me out here all alone, would you?!
Please, I'm begging you, get Little Black back to the Leaf Village, Lord Minato!!!"
For some reason, ever since Minato decided to live for himself and his family, it was like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
And honestly? He was kinda loving this carefree life…
Back when he was the Fourth Hokage, he had too many responsibilities to worry about. But now? He was just Minato Namikaze—Kushina's husband, Naruto's dad!
Even Fugaku couldn't help but think this was the real Minato. He remembered how his friend used to be just like this before becoming Hokage—playful, but still decisive and ruthless when it counted.
For a moment, Fugaku started reflecting on himself.
Before he became the Uchiha clan head, he was a genius ninja, full of pride and ambition!
But after taking on the role, he'd changed. He spent less time at home, smiled less with his wife and kids, and always had a sour look like the world owed him a fortune!
Maybe it was time to rediscover the old him…
If Mikoto could see him brimming with confidence again, she'd probably be thrilled, right?
Minato placed a hand on Fugaku's shoulder, and Fugaku's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
---
By now, it was late at night. Hirofumi Ito had returned home, while Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, and Tobirama Senju had gone back to their summoning space.
The Rookie Twelve had gained a ton from Tobirama's teachings. Though they were reluctant to part ways, it was way too late, so they had to call it a day…
But there'd be plenty of time and opportunities in the future. The Second Hokage had already said they could come to him with any questions.
With that, the Rookie Twelve headed home, hearts racing with excitement!
With the Second Hokage's guidance, they'd get stronger in no time. Soon, they'd take control of their clans and help Hirofumi become Hokage!
When that day came, they'd finally be able to shake up the Hidden Leaf Village…
Inside the summoning space, Tobirama was a bit tired but genuinely happy. Those twelve kids were all prodigies!
Especially that naturally evil Uchiha kid and the Fourth Hokage's son—those two were geniuses among geniuses!