Chapter Text
Season 2 Chapter 15
Mariko let out a tired sigh as she dropped off one of the last boxes onto the mattress. She turned to Kakashi who was also setting down the two he had, under the window.
Red eyes took in the modern room, different from the Tatami floors and shoji doors she was used to in the Hatake Compound and even back in the Senju-Uzumaki compound.
“Is that the last of your things?” Mariko asked, looking at what they’d brought.
“Yeah, I think so. Everything else left can stay at the house.” Kakashi groaned as he stretched out his arms.
A yelp sounded from the main room, and the two looked at each other pausing for a reaction from the ‘injured’.…
“I’m Okay!” Obito’s shout called out followed by Minashi’s laughter and Kenji’s teasing.
Mariko raised a brow at her bonus son. “I know we’ve already asked this plenty over the last month, but are you sure?”
Kakashi’s unmasked face softened. “Yeah mom, I’m sure.” He then looked at his feet. “You guys know I'm not pushing you away or anything right?”
“Oh Kakashi, we know you need this. Inojiro-san even said that this was good for you. We know those four are good for you. Just know that our doors are always open.”
Kakashi looked back up at her with a small quirk to his lips. “Yeah, I know. But you guys have Karin and Sanjiro to focus on. I know you guys love me, but I am grown up. So, you two can just take this time to focus on the pups. Plus,” he added with a shrug, “You know I'm down for babysitting. The team wouldn’t deny it either.”
Mariko raised a brow at him. “Don’t offer that too easily or you’ll get them every few days.”
Kakashi’s eye twitched. “I love my baby siblings, but…” Mariko chuckled and ruffled his hair, almost having to reach for the teen’s head, that was starting to his another growth spurt.
“No worries kakashi. Be yourself here. We understand. Just know that no matter what our doors are open and our ears will listen.”
Kakashi’s cheeks flushed as he nodded and accepted a hug.
“ No fighting in the house!” Ryouta’s shout finally yelled over the thumping and bickering and laughter that was coming from the most troubling of the three ANBU members.
Mariko released her bonus son and shot him an amused look while his face was set with a long suffering one.
“Too late to back out anyways. You all bought this place.”
“Yes, and they will pay for any damages.” Kakashi snarked before striding out to also join in the shouting matches that turned into mild wrestling again.
Mariko walked out and just shook her head at them. All four boys were rolling around the open floor plan that was supposed to be their living room, dining area, and kitchen. There were still boxes and scrolls pushed to the sides with personal items, and furniture stored away until the team could settle down and unpack.
Red eyes looked for her niece and found her out on the balcony. Slipping out, she touched Minashi’s arm, but didn’t say anything for a few beats.
“This really is a gorgeous view.” Mariko smiled as she knew that the sunrise would be fantastic.
“Hm.”
“You okay Minashi?”
“Yeah….” She sighed and looked down. Mariko then noticed that she had documents in her hands.
“What’s that?”
“The deed.” The blonde whispered.
Mariko took it when handed and it didn’t take her long. “It’s in your name.” the redhead noted aloud.
“Hm.” Minashi’s eyes shut. “Kakashi met with the team. While he was the one that footed most of the bill, they didn’t take any of the money I'd given to pay for part of it. But…the boys…they agreed that this place was a combined gift to me. This…this is my house.” She whispered. “My….my home to decorate.” She whispered, eyes getting watery as she met her aunt’s loving and understanding gaze. “They even gave me the ‘master bedroom’ with the ensuite.”
“You’ve got a good bunch there Mina.” Mariko smiled and looked back out to the glistening lake. “Have I ever told you about my grandfather?”
Minashi shook her head.
“Grandpa Tenro was a chef for the main family. He’d studied under his father who was the chef before him. Thus, he practically grew up in the main residence. He met Grandma Mika when they were just preteens. Grandma Mika had a mean sweet tooth that used to get her into trouble as a child. So, she’d always sneak into the kitchens to satisfy her craving. Grandpa Tenro happened to be in the kitchen during one of her late night sneakings. Caught her red handed. Yet, he only got her a better sweet and then made sure she wasn’t caught.”
Mariko’s gaze was twinkling. “It was history from then on. Childhood sweethearts, to courting, to engagement, and finally marriage. Grandma Mika loved Grandpa, but Grandpa Tenro cherished her. When i was just a girl, I remember sneaking around with my siblings and cousins as Tsukiko’s boyfriend at the time went to our parents for permission to court her with intentions of marriage.”
Minashi leaned forward entranced with more history of their family. Even if Mariko’s voice was tinged with sadness and longing.
“I still, to this day, have not forgotten what my Grandfather told Genki-oji.”
“ Boy, I hope you understand what you are asking for. Women are a power on their own that us men will never compare to. This is because whatever you give a woman, she will take it and multiply it. You give her sperm, she’ll multiply it and give you a baby. You give her a house, she’ll multiply it and give you a home. If you give her groceries, she’ll multiply it and give you a meal. If you give her your heart, she’ll multiply it and give you unconditional love. So, be mindful boy, of what you give her. She will multiply and enlarge what is given to her. Thus,...If you give her any crap? You better be damn sure you’re ready to receive a ton of shit in return.”
Minashi’s jaw dropped at the shit eating grin Mariko sent her.
“That, dear niece, is why Mika-ba and Tenro-jiji never had any marital problems. That is why my own parents and cousins had happy marriages. Grandpa Tenro gave that warning to every man that entered the family. He had three daughters and knew their temperaments. My cousins Akihiro-nii and Atsushi-nii never treated a woman without respect. They took on Grandpa Tenro’s duties before boys even got near my sisters, and two additional female cousins in our family. They saw it was their duty to make sure no man disrespected us.” She looked back to the sparkling lake with a fond smile. “They would have approved of Sakumo. He already knows all of that wisdom.”
Minashi tilted her head at her aunt. “Okay, but what does this have to do with my new house?”
Mariko raised a brow at her dense niece. “I already told you. Those boys in there gave you a house.” She smiled. “Make it your home.”
The blonde’s face turned slack with understanding. Her head whipped to the sight of the boys having gotten back into unpacking everything from their childhood bedrooms and the shopping they’d done between missions and kakashi’s medical leave. He’d only just recently been allowed to return to training since meeting the required weight.
Mariko leaned into her niece as they watched the bond between her team.
“They aren’t just kakashi’s pack.” Mariko hummed. “You are a kitsune summoner, holder of the most powerful kitsune. You are practically a fox yourself in mentality. This is your pack Mina. They love you each in their own way. Take what they give you, and return it greater. That includes giving them shit if they give you crap!” She laughed.
Minashi snorted, unable to help herself. “Oh I'm sure there will be plenty of that.”
Mariko pulled her into a side hug. “They will also protect you, but we both know that you’d do everything you can to protect them in return and even greater. So, they’ve given you a house, give them a place they can call home just as much as you can. Do not worry about the Clan. We all only want you to be happy. There will be plenty of time when you’re an adult to worry about your position as Hime and Heir. So be yourself, be free, and have fun.”
“Hai.” Minashi murmured, hugging her aunt back. The blonde then headed back inside to help with the unpacking of their house. Mariko let herself out with a smile. She had her own home to return to.
It was a couple hours later that Team Ro was sitting around their new table eating take out lunch. There were many paint swatches spread out. Some paired up around each housemate, and then others in the center in two sets. Kitchen and living room.
“Do we need to wait to paint?” Ryouta shot the inquiry to Minashi. “You said something about security seals.”
Minashi swallowed her bite. “I can do it either way. My security seals have an element that makes them sink behind an illusion layer, skin, or in our case, paint. The only part that won’t be covered up is the control matrix by the doors. Kind of like a light switch. Easy access for activation and deactivation.”
The hyuuga nodded thoughtfully. “What about guests or people to look after some of our things while we are gone?”
The blonde shrugged. “Easy. I can make a spare access key or two and place it on something simple for someone to wear to get in. It will link to their chakra and temporarily allow them access. They won’t be allowed to let anyone else in or the security will activate.”
“That…is actually a lot more difficult than you are summing it up to be, isn’t it?” Obito deadpanned.
Minashi just smirked, it was answer enough.
“We have only a few days left to finish moving in before Kakashi’s physical evaluations.” Kenji groaned rubbing his full stomach. “We’ve lost a lot of any spare time just dealing with the paperwork and convincing our families. Not to mention then buying all the furniture, decor, and other household things.”
“We’ll get it done.” Kakashi rubbed a hand across his bare face, he was still getting used to not wearing it outside of missions. Minashi had been helping him train with a filter seal over his nose. Oh, he still wore the mask in public and on missions. But around friends in mostly private settings, he’d been keeping it down. It was a symbol from Kakashi to his friends of how much he trusted them.
“We also need to write up some house rules and chores.” Minashi reminded them. “Especially since four of us are in relationships.”
“And since i’m not planning to be in one anytime soon, I’d like to not experience one of Mina’s horror stories of walking in on obito.” Kakashi deadpanned. While he was still uncomfortable about sex with another person, that didn’t mean kakashi didn’t already have some immunity to all of his friends’ sexual activity.
Obito flushed and spluttered. Minashi snorted.
“I hear that civilians put a sock on the doorknob?” Ryouta offered contemplatively.
Kenji snorted. “That’s what the seals are for. We each have privacy seals we can activate in our rooms for one reason or another.”
“Mine are different only because I'm a stronger sensor.” Minashi added. “Basically the seals act in a ‘what happens in your rooms, stays in your rooms’. The only loopholes are the emotional tracking seals upon the entire condo. If anyone is in distress or there are malicious intentions aimed within someone in the house, the seals will activate the alert seals I'll be giving to everyone to wear on their skin.”
“A little paranoid but understandable.” Ryouta nodded.
“Rules.” Kakashi stated, bringing them back onto the other important topic. “And chores.”
“Obviously, we keep our own bedrooms clean.” Kenji looked directly at Obito who stuck his tongue out. “The main point of that question is laundry. We only have one machine and dryer.”
“Ya’ll aren’t touching mine.” Minashi said firmly. “I’ll deal with my own laundry. But If there are clothes blocking me from doing my own, I'll respectfully switch them over or pull them out of the dryer. I’m not sorting it out though.”
Ryouta’s ears pinkened. Kenji’s face flamed. Kakashi face-palmed cheeks aflamed. Obito scrunched up his nose.
“The only one that might get away without me killing them for touching my clothes is obito, but only because he’s already suffered through it.” She smirked at said senju.
“Yeah, no thanks.” he replied. The senju’s tone was desert dry.
“Anyways!” Kenji squeaked out. “Do we just want to take turns then? Or make a loose schedule?”
“A mix of both.” Ryouta sighed. “We’ll take turns doing it, but with missions the schedule will have to accommodate for special circumstances.”
“Then normal housework.” Kakashi continued. “We’ll take turns cleaning our bathroom too?” The four boys nodded, not quite having noticed Minashi taking notes absently.
“Meals.” Minashi offered next.
“Whoever cooks, doesn’t clean up, but the rest do?” Obito offered. “That’s how it was in Tsuna-oba’s house among the adults and teens. Shizune-nee and I would cook just so we didn’t have to clean though, so…”
“We can work with that, but try to make a chart to follow for who’s turn it is.” Kenji offered. “They can either cook or order in. This way, no one person gets stuck cooking all the time.”
“Any cooking or baking outside of mealtimes is your own mess to clean up.” Minashi added.
“Fair.” Ryouta hummed.
“Do we want to try to do the rest of the general house cleaning together once a week? Everyone gets a task, and once it’s done, then we split it into individual room cleanings?” Kakahi inquired next.
“Sounds good.” Kenji smiled.
“Other than that, there should be just a general rule to pick up after yourself, use coasters, and if you make a mess clean it up.” Minashi shrugged. “We’re adults. Parents or relatives won’t do it for us silently anymore.”
There was a silent agreement around the table, broken a few moments later by obito lifting up the paint swatches for his room. “So, another round of shopping?”
“Are you really painting a wall orange ?” Kakashi whined.
“It’s burnt orange thank you!” Obito snipped pouting. “And it’s only an accent wall.” he tapped the other color. “I went with this light gray blue one for the rest. Plus, it’s my room.”
Kakashi grunted. “Let’s just go or we won’t have much daylight left.”
Tossing their trash, the group went shopping for the supplies they’d need to paint. Minashi could only roll her eyes as Obito snipped at kakashi for judging his colors again. Kakashi giving just as good as he got. Ryouta was doing his best to mediate, but wasn’t helped in the least by Kenji playing both sides just for the hell of it.
Minashi?...she was glaring down the few pockets of civilians and shinobi that she could hear whispering about Kakashi. Unfortunately, it had gotten out that he’d been assaulted and the people responsible were either dead or in jail. Some were even whispering about the bastard child and thinking it had even been killed. Others were refuting that it was just being hidden away.
Well, until they felt the holes being drilled into their heads by piercing blus. They then paled at the glare Minashi was directing at them. The purple starting to edge into her gaze.
Rumor had it that Nagisa-sama personally beheaded the people responsible for Kakashi’s attack.
Nagisa-sama was terrifying. Just goes to show why she’s the Hokage’s right hand.
Do you think Minashi-chan will be like her teacher?
Didn’t you hear? Nagisa-sama was the only reason the Hokage didn’t kill that girl for assaulting his son.
All of those just hints of what was going around the village. Kakashi had been wholed up in the Hatake compound packing or shunshining to therapy appointments he’d been going to, still. While it wasn’t every day anymore, he’d been going every two or three days, and none of his family or friends judged him. He had a lot of healing to do, and manipulations to reverse.
The first wind of rumors he’d caught when he’d been alone in the streets, quickly reminded him to stay near his pack. He didn’t like the pitying and judging eyes on him. But they couldn’t be felt when surrounded by his pack.
Thus, Minashi was making sure none of the gossiping sheep got near their wolf. His wounds weren’t weeping from infection, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t still bleeding or trying to heal himself.
Team Ro couldn’t do much but scare the populace into leaving their teammate alone. It just so happened that during this outing, Minashi had taken charge of such.
Many siblings spats later and Minashi and Ryouta had the team back at the condo, arms loaded with paint, brushes, and sheets to cover the floors.
Windows open to help with the fumes, they each went to work first in the living room and kitchen. First it was throwing smack back and forth, before Minashi turned on the radio and karaoke began as they worked.
Much to her delight none of her boys were actually bad at singing. Thus, even as the sun went down, and they moved from room to room working as the team they were, the job got done and even second coats went on.
The only room that hadn’t been painted in color was Minashi’s. She’d gotten in touch with one of her cousins that did Uzushio Sunset’s mural, and requested the same done to her room. A little piece of Uzu to surround her. She couldn’t wait. Until then, they’d still had to put some base coats down.
Their pack had stopped for another take out dinner but now that things were complete, had split to unpack their individual rooms. Minashi instead was laid flat out on her King bed contemplating unpacking herself, leaving it to her clones, or leaving it for another day and just calling up her kitsune pack.
She snorted at that. Her pack. After the splitting with Nagisa, her aunt had laid claim to their formerly shared hunting pack of ten. Sure, Minashi had been working over the years with a handful of others for mostly show, but none had felt right. Well, until her and Nagisa had taken that short trip to Amazuki Forest after she’d punched ‘the bitch’. It had been delayed long enough, but Minashi did need to officially bond and create her own tracking/hunting pack. The tugging from Asako-sama had gotten a little more insistent anyways on their summoning contract bond. Thus, Nagisa had forced a trip on the younger blonde.
Asako had then summoned Mori to the main burrow. He opened Minashi’s separate summoning contract for their view. There, where Minashi’s own signature had been before, was now Nagisa’s signature. In the second spot, previously blank, was now Minashi’s signature. The Great Kitsune Sage had wanted answers, ‘Now.’ Her voice had broke no arguments. Thus, the now aunt and niece had to explain Queen Aika and the Soul Manipulation Fuuin-Kinjutsu Minashi had performed to create a place in the universe for Nagisa without destroying either of their memories.
Thankfully Asako was a Sage and understood. She’d only scolded them for playing with forbidden techniques before then letting both summoners know that in result, the bond between the hunting pack Minashi had created in her youth had transferred to Nagisa. In result, Minashi was now without an official bonded hunting pack.
Many had already lined up to test if they were compatible, for an initial bonding. However, for the younger members of her pack, Minashi would have to raise and train them over time.
Thus when Minashi nicked her thumb with a nail and moments later in a puff of smoke, five foxes appeared on her bed with her. Well, minus the fifth smallest one. That pop of smoke had been right above her head and in result she now had a ball of fluff on her face.
The blonde didn’t even react much more than an amused and fond smirk. Lifting the one tailed fox up, Minashi looked into heterochromic brown and pale blue eyes of the fox almost as golden as her own hair.
“Almost had it that time, Rio-kun.” Minashi smiled, sitting up.
“Summoner-Mina,” Rika, her largest Summons, called fondly. Minashi smiled back at the Burgundy Vixen, her five tails fanned out behind her. Honestly the Vixen was almost too big for the room, if not for her father’s own innate ability to shapechange, she wouldn’t have fit. “You’ve called?”
“Pile.” Mina pouted at the vixen and mother of Haku, and daughter of Riku-sensei.
Golden eyes rolled, but jumped up to curl around Minashi’s back obediently. She absolutely wanted to make sure Minashi was taken care of. After everything her and her brother had done for Haku and his mate and kit, the mother hadn’t hesitated to make sure the favor was returned.
Miki, said albino mate of Haku and mother of Mio, practically purred as her four tails swayed happily to also join the pile. Himi, a scarlet Reynard and Loki’s father, a three tailed kitsune, flopped over Minashi’s belly with a pleased yip. The unique brindled Reynard Akira, three tailed as well, was next to join the pile and his brother-in-law. Both reynards were mated to two of the battle triplets, Ami and Ako respectively.
Minashi snuggled little Rio close to her chest, absently scratching at the orphan’s ears as he cuddled into his human parent. The rest of the pack took a few minutes to squirm and adjust into places for a good night's rest. Minashi slowly drifted off to the memory of the little kitsune that had been plopped into her arms by Asako-sama herself.
‘ You can start off by helping this little one who desperately needs a maternal figure that doesn’t already have their hands full. He’s still being weaned from his foster dame, but once complete, he will be in your care. He was orphaned after a territory fight with the hyena Clan.’ Asako had been practically livid about the scavengers acting up again. Despite Minashi and Nagisa offering to help, the fights between the summoning realms was off limits to humans. Only if the other side brought in a human and broke those rules, were the receiving Clans allowed to bring in their own summoners.
Low warning growls vibrated against Minashi’s head, pulling her from the depths of sleep. Blurrily she unburied her face from the cuddle pile and tried to bring her senses online past the barriers dampening them.
“Hn.” She grunted out to the figure standing in her doorway.
“M-Mina…” The hesitant and shaking voice snapped Minashi’s mind online faster than anything else.
“Kashi?” She called out now recognizing that familiar gravity hair in the moonlight peaking through her curtains.
The Hatake crept closer, now that her pack had settled down realizing that it was just the pup.
“Y-you summoned your pack?” He deflected from her one worded question.
Minashi just stared and the hatake squirmed, eyes on the ground. Rolling her eyes, she pushed Himi off of her with only mild protests.
“Snuggle.” Minashi beckoned her best friend. Kakashi sighed relieved and nimbly made his way through the pile of furs until he was inches from Minashi’s face. She shoved Rio into his face and the teen relaxed as the tremors that were in his hands still settled down.
“Wanna talk?”
“Bad dream.” Kakashi murmured into golden fur.
Minashi hummed and just took Kakashi’s hand. “We’re here.” She promised. Kakashi just nodded, comforted by the familiar and safe scents of foxes, the hatake pup was quick to return to a now dreamless sleep. Minashi let her own mind shut back off.
Kenji was in the middle of making breakfast. Ryouta glaring at the coffee pot beside him, like the poor thing had offended him. Apparently, the hyuuga was not a morning person and had been down to monosyllables until he had a bitter cup.
Obito’s groans filled the air as he stumbled in. “Food?” He murmured half awake and sniffing over Kenji’s shoulder. “ Bacon.” The Senju practically purred. “Best aniki ever.”
Kenji snorted. “Yeah, Sure, for now. Did you perhaps hear if Kakashi and Mina are awake?”
“Nope.” Obito yawned even as the Uchiha set down the last of the bacon where the stacks upon stacks of pancakes were. Kenji was a morning person and unfortunately he wasn’t used to their new place yet. Last night had been their first night all together. He’d woken to the unfamiliar place and slowly calmed from the initial adrenaline. When he realized he wasn’t going back to sleep, he’d decided to just make breakfast.
Ryouta made a throaty noise in response to Kenji’s question, where he’d collapsed with a cup in his hand. The Uchiha rolled his eyes and headed back for his teammates’ rooms. Kenji knocked on Kakashi’s but found it empty. His heart rate kicked up before calming as he tried to remember that their wolf had been clingy the last month. If he wasn’t in his room, then there was only one other person to check on.
Turning to the last door at the end of the Hall, Kenji knocked before letting himself in quietly. The ravenette wasn’t as surprised as he probably should have been. For starters his girlfriend was snuggled up to another guy. If it had been anyone other than one of their teammates, especially Kakashi, Kenji would have had a much deadlier reaction.
Instead, he felt his gaze softening and lips lifting fondly. Mina practically had kakashi’s head buried into her chest, the hatake clinging just as tightly looking relaxed. There were Mina’s five kitsunes all around them, and little Rio sleeping in the crevice between their bodies.
Rika lifted her head with a long yawn showing off sharp teeth, before her gaze met his own.
“Nightmare?” Kenji inquired.
Rika nodded and her tails started prodding at the three older Kitsunes. Carefully they disentangled themselves, stretched and then returned to the summoning realm in a small puff of smoke.
Only little Rio didn’t leave. Kenji knew that Mina was supposed to be his foster mother whenever they weren’t on missions or busy. Otherwise, he was supposed to be raised and trained by her personally.
Kenji slipped to Mina’s side of the bed and climbed on. Honestly, her bed was ridiculously large, but no one had argued when she told them that they could foot the bills for her bed then when her pack broke them when they slept with her. None had protested and let her get the custom bed.
Slipping under the covers, he nuzzled his way up to Mina’s back, until she took a deep breath when she felt his nose bury into her neck.
A soft sigh left her before those long golden lashes fluttered open. Her head turned and Kenji pecked her lips. Mina smiled in return.
“Ken.” She slurred.
“Breakfast is ready.” He whispered back.
“Hm.” She slowly woke and he knew it was her senses coming online. Her hands ran through Kakashi’s hair and down his spine. “Kashi had a nightmare.” She yawned.
“Hm, so i heard from Rika-san.”
Mina turned a little more, kakashi grumbling in his sleep but moved with her, almost half on top of her. Kenji just snorted, having gotten used to the physical closeness Mina demanded of those she cared deeply about.
The blonde was trying to bury her own self into Kenji’s chest, even as he had his head rested on a hand. Kenji just smirked as he watched the two next least morning people fight waking up.
Kenji even found himself reaching over to push some of Kakashi’s hair out of the Hatake’s face. A single coal eye opened as a bottom lip jutted out pouting.
Kenji smirked as a rumble came from the Hatake. Before his teammate and best friends could protest further, the Uchiha smirked.
“Breakfast.”
“Who cooked?” Kakashi grumbled into Mina’s skin.
“Me. Pancakes, Bacon, and coffee. Well, if Ryouta and Obito don’t devour both.”
Minashi snorted. “Fine, fine. We’re up.”
Kenji chuckled, pecked her temple and tugged playfully on kakashi’s hair. “Good. Now get moving. Today’s Kakashi’s first day back to training. We’re celebrating with a good day long session.”
Kakashi was up and almost sprinting out of bed without further protest. Mina sat up startled as both her and her boyfriend then heard Kakashi barking at Obito to stop hogging the bacon followed by hissing from the still waking Hyuuga.
Kenji chuckled and pulled Mina out of bed. She was in a simple tank and boxers of his she’d long since stolen and sewn up. He didn’t care, but did take a moment to kiss her further awake. Well, until her stomach rumbled displeased. Minashi giggled and reluctantly Kenji let her go.
Together they headed back for the kitchen and Kenji didn’t have to do anything to make sure Minashi ate. The blonde was their Captain for a good reason. A glare of warning and the three other guys froze as she made her plate, then they resumed bickering and fighting over the food. Kenji just rolled his eyes and made his own plate. It wasn’t like he hadn’t made enough to feed their group two times over. He’d known who he was cooking for thank you very much.
It wasn’t long after everything was cleared off the serving plates that the rest of the team worked on cleaning up while Kenji headed for a quick shower first. The rest took their turns, well, Mina using her own shower, and then it was not quite a scramble to gather their gear and finally head for a training ground together.
Mina landed first, with her four teammates following a split second later.
“Stretch.” She called and taking their time to do as such would definitely prevent injuries. Kakashi especially made sure that one of his teammates helped with pushing some of his stretching since he hadn’t been allowed to do anything but the minimum for a while now.
Minashi was finished her own when the rest of her boys awaited her orders.
“We’re starting off with a run. We’ll jog the first lap around Konoha then we’ll pick up the pace with each lap.” Cerulean eyes narrowed on Kakashi. “You will not be a stubborn mule and go too far past your limit. You let me know if you need a break or else I’ll find a fitting punishment for not communicating properly with your captain.”
“Hai.” Kakashi grunted petulantly, but knowing Minashi was right.
Nodding the blonde continued. “We’ll continue to run until we’ve done ten laps at least. We’ll stop for water and return here to stretch again. Conditioning will be next. I’ve got gravity seals we can wear during this to intensify the rest of the training. After conditioning, we’ll stretch again, break for lunch and then return for taijutsu. We’ll do one of you against me until everyone has gone. Then we’ll switch it up to mixed pairs until everyone has gone against each other. Then we’re doing a free for all until everyone drops.”
Obito groaned at the last bit. The others weren’t too far behind him in the agreeing groans. The four Shinobi knew just how good Minashi’s stamina was and she’d outlast them all.
“We will not be touching Ninjutsu today. This is purely a physical body day. Tomorrow we’ll work on Chakra exercises. Now,” She turned, “Let’s go.”
Team Ro took off in a mild jog and mentally prepared themselves for a long day of physical exercises. Mina, as a sensor, would beat their asses if they used an ounce of Chakra to ease the running. Thus, making the first training as a full team once more so much harder.
Mako twisted her fingers together nervously. Her eyes were trained on her brother’s office doors.
All she had to do was knock.
Just…Knock.
She could do this.
Deep breath.
Mako knocked and walked in after being given a call to enter. At the same time, five familiar faces and chatter came from Team Ro as they greeted her and waved in passing. Mako couldn’t help the happiness she could see and scent on her nephew. He’d grown so much healthier over the last three months since he’d moved in with his pack. She could relate. That’s how she’d felt with her own team. While she’ll always miss her other teammates, Ren and Riku had always been there for her after they’d lost them.
“Mako?” The silverlette let the doors shut behind her as she faced her over protective brother. “This is an unexpected visit. Everything okay?” Dark eyes inquired from behind his desk, however Mako didn’t go closer. She’d been avoiding her brother for the past few weeks after her own and her husbands’ Summons had all scented the change in her.
She just knew her brother would realize it soon. “Yes…No…Sort of?”
Sakumo’s hackles rose as he rushed to her and held her biceps. He opened his mouth ready to demand who’d hurt her, because they all knew he was still hopped up on those instinctive thoughts after Kakashi’s incident.
Yet, his mouth snapped shut as Sakumo’s head tilted down at her. Obviously having caught her shift in scent. Her own navy eyes looked up into him imploring to not freak out.
Instead he lowered to sniff her head in confirmation. Her eyes shut as his hands instead moved to her back and gently pulled her into a hug.
“You’re pregnant.” He murmured into her braided locks.
“Un.” She muttered into his shirt. Hands clinging to his chest, shaking.
“Is that why you’ve been avoiding family dinners, missions, me, and why Kudorama handed me a blank maternity leave form with a damn smirk?”
Mako felt her lips twitch at the mention of their cousin from another mother. She nodded into his chest.
“I’ve been trying to figure out who got pregnant all morning.” He sighed, hands absently rubbing up and down her back. The anxiety finally ebbing away at the comfort of his pack scent filling her nose.
“I thought you’d be upset.”
Sakumo took in a deep breath and sighed. “You are a grown adult Mako. No matter how old we get, you will always be that scrappy little pup that Dad told me to protect just like he told Mashai and Kan. We were the men of the pack. It was always our duty to protect you four girls.”
“You didn’t seem to approve of my mates though.” Mako murmured looking up at him again.
Sakumo snorted. “Because no man will ever be right for you, to me. I know that logically that it’s not true,..” He shrugged “But I know they make you happy. I know how much they love you by not running away when I’d made my opinion clear. They ignored my opinions and stayed with you because that is what you wanted. If you three are ready for pups, then I’ll be there in everyway I can be, to be a part of their lives.”
Mako felt her eyes tearing up and her body trembling as the stress and fear melted away. Sakumo held her close and let her weep until his sister was the strong she-wolf he knew she was.
It was fifteen minutes later, after Mako had finished calming down and completed her maternity paperwork with Sakumo, that the Kunoichi paused before opening the doors again.
“Oh, and Sakumo?” The hokage looked over from where he’d been handing the documents to Asuka. The Yamanaka looking over as well, her uzumaki gossip radar tingling.
“Hm?” He hummed inquiringly.
Mako’s grin turned devilish. “Did I forget to mention that I’ve already had a sonogram done?”
“Yes.” Sakumo answered bracing. He knows that smile from his childhood.
“Oh, yes, well….” Mako trailed off before those dark blue eyes twinkled. “It’s twins. Bye!” She practically skipped out of his office, pleased with the wide eyed ashen face on her brother.
Asuka looked at her Hokage and stifled a snort. The best way to describe her Leader’s face?
Pure unadulterated Panic.
The blonde quickly took the completed paperwork and scurried out of the Hokage’s office before he resumed proper mental capacity.
“Aunt Mako is what? ” Kakashi called from the bathroom, their conversation continued despite everyone taking turns cleaning up from their mission.
“Pregnant!” Minashi called from the Kitchen. First Clean and already working on dinner. “Didn’t you scent it?”
Kakashi didn’t respond loud enough to be heard outside of the bathroom. Obito, who was still there drying off, snorted at what he heard.
“Bakashi said that he turns the filter on at the gates. Of course he wouldn’t scent the change!” The Senju said loud enough to be heard over Kakashi’s shower.
Ryouta huffed amused, walking in dried and dressed. Well, all except his hair still being rubbed dry.
“Well, the betting pool should be active soon. Not only exchanging money for who would be getting pregnant next, but openings for the due date.”
“And how many!” Kenji called from his room where he was dressing. They’d all gotten in a habit of not really shutting their doors, but cracking them open so conversations could continue. Minashi doesn’t question how it started, but she has a good feeling that it was possible her and Obito that brought the habit from Nagisa’s home into their new one.
“Twins!” Minashi, Ryouta, and Kakashi answered all at once. Obito looked at them with a raised brow as he entered in just boxers. Kenji barked a muffled laugh from his room.
“What? Why?” The senju questioned.
“Uncles Ren and Riku are twins and Uzumakis. Aunt Mako is half Uzumaki. Meaning that the twin blood may still be in even her own blood.” Minashi answered.
“And she peaked.” Ryouta smirked handing obito a bottle of water, keeping one for himself and handing another to Minashi. Two more were on the table for their last two roommates.
“Cheater!” Kakashi and Kenji shouted.
Minashi rolled her eyes. “Like I can help it!” She replied.
“So, Uzumaki or Hatake?” Kenji called, walking out as he pulled a shirt on and Obito took over cooking when Ryouta looked at Mina with puppy lavender eyes, a hairbrush held out to her. The silent question was received and accepted. Minashi stood behind the Hyuuga and brushed out his hair.
There was a bit of silence before Obito huffed. “Uzumaki.”
“One of each.” Ryouta practically purred in the daze Minashi was putting him in. He’d never known how nice it was to have his hair played with, until the blonde started after a bad mission that had his long hair in such a tangle he couldn’t handle on his own. Now it was almost a tradition between the two friends/housemates.
“Hm, I’m actually gonna say Hatake.” Kenji answered and looked over his shoulder when he heard Kakashi’s footsteps. The teen Hatake was only in a towel and barely dried off.
“Hatake.” Kakashi agreed. “Sorry Mina, but I don’t think this is one of the incidents where the Uzumaki is stronger.” She stuck her tongue out at him without any heat.
“Go dry off before you get sick.” Kenji shoved the hatake away playfully. “Bito, go put some actual pants on.” The Uchiha scolded taking over at the stove for the Senju.
The younger snorted but did as told.
“You’re not gonna guess?” Ryouta mumbled to his hairdresser. Minashi huffed as she continued pulling Ryouta’s hair back into a lazy fishtail.
“Nope. I already know. Being a Sage does take some of the fun out of things like this. So if we aren’t joining the normal betting pools, I'll run our team one.”
“Fair.” Kenji hummed.
“It’s still going to be Hatake.” Kakashi said returned in pants and a hoodie that was too big for him. No one really bothered to comment on the clothes stealing. They’d already gone over this after the first month of living together.
Minashi had a habit of stealing not only Kenji’s clothes, but Kakashi’s, Obito’s and even a few of Ryouta’s shirts. Nothing was off limits to the vixen. They’d tried to corner her about the habit. Or Obito and Ryouta had….obviously they never got a straight answer from her about it.
Thus, Kakashi knew he had free reign to do the same. What Minashi found hilarious was Shikari and Inomi had picked up on it with their boyfriends, and their roommates’ clothing.
“Even though they’ll be like three quarters Uzumaki?” Obito hummed, also entering and helping Kenji to put the food down at the table.
“Yep.” Kakashi popped the ‘p’. “Aunt Mako and Uncle Mashai were Half Uzumaki and the Hatake gene still won out.”
“But your grandmother was a branch uzumaki.” Ryouta added in. “Won’t that affect the fact that Ren-san and Riku-san are Main branch and of stronger Uzumaki blood?”
Kakashi paused even as Minashi rolled her eyes and tied off Ryouta’s hair. “Done.” She murmured and sat down to eat, the others absently starting now that she’d sat. They said a quick thanks before digging in as their conversation continued and delved into the deeper genetic and biological details.
Minashi mostly kept her silence since she already knew the answer. But did add in her two cents when She was given as an example of another Clan overwriting the Uzumaki genetics.
Which was easily countered that she may look Namikaze, but her chakra was pure Uzumaki. Not to mention the Namikaze was almost an unregistered branch of the Uzumaki clan after further investigations into their history.
The blonde, though, could only smile pleased as her pack had adjusted so very quickly to living together. A routine had developed in three months, and they all found it easy living together. Oh, there were still hiccups.
Obito’s shout of indignation only an hour later, as he went to get into his stash of pocky was music to Minashi’s ears. He stormed into the living room and tried to wrestle with her. Ryouta only lifted his feet into his chair to avoid the rolling duo.
Kakashi and Kenji continued their discussion at the clean kitchen table where they were working on their reports from the mission. Obito was procrastinating on his, but Minashi and Ryouta’s were done.
Obito was pinned and swore, but yielded. With a swear for pranking revenge, Minashi got up and headed for the balcony where she kept a few of her plants. Finding that Itama and Kawarama had kept their promise to water them while she was away, she spent her own time tending to them.
She was called in not too much later to watch a movie obito said he’d been saving since before they left a week ago.
So, Ryouta put his book away, Obito flopped onto the ground, and Kenji and Kakashi joined Minashi on the couch. Kakashi putting his head in her lap while Kenji let Mina lean into his side.
Content, Minashi enjoyed these halcyon days.
She knew that one day it wouldn’t be like this, so she would cherish it now while she could.
“Catch them!” Obito’s call hollered from the bathroom with desperation.
Minashi turned her head to look over her shoulder. There inside their home were two four year olds running buckass naked covered in mostly mud, but a good amount of watery soap too.
Ryouta ignored the Senju’s call by leaping up and laying along the ceiling, flipping a page in his book.
Kenji yelped as he almost tripped over the two four year olds, but went back to putting the last of his own weapons safely away from the visiting brats.
Kakashi let the book he’d been reading drop onto his face as he studiously ignored Obito’s cries as he came out drenched and started chasing the two brats around.
Minashi’s violet eyes from her meditation session just watched as the Senju chased after Naruto and Sasuke. The two best friends laughing and cackling as they avoided their minder.
“Guys!!! Come on!” Obito whined from where he’d slipped and fell on his ass. Minashi snorted from the balcony.
“ You were the one that took Minato-san’s offer to watch the boys for Kushina-nee and Mikoto-nee.” Kenji reminded his younger cousin.
Obito groaned but got up and turned Sharingan eyes onto the two best friends. Blue and black eyes widened before Naruto and Sasuke squealed and took off running. Obito shushinning to block them. He grinned terrifyingly down at the two now huddled and shaking children.
Snagging them by their waists, he headed back for the bathroom, slamming the door shut. They didn’t need to know he’d activated seals so they couldn’t escape this time.
“Huh, he’s learning.” Ryouta commented dryly from his ceiling perch.
“That’s because Itachi and Shisui were never this bad.” Kenji snorted as he headed for the couch to sit and chill for a few minutes. All ignoring the screams and shouting coming from the bathroom. Naruto and obito almost fed off of each other’s dramatic energies. Sasuke was just along for the defiant ride.
Lifting Kakashi’s head, Kenji grabbed a place and letting the Hatake’s head lay back on his thigh. The Uchiha sighed.
“ How did he get stuck with this again?” Kenji asked.
Minashi snorted again. “Because Minato-nii is the type of person that can smile at you all while manipulating you into committing murder without flinching. His Hokage Training is only honing that skill to where you’re agreeing to do something without even realizing it.”
“I thought that was Kushina-nee’s thing?” Kakashi lifted the book off his face to shoot her a contemplative look. His mask was on, only because the brats were around and their reactions were hilarious.
“Who do you think she learned it from then?” Ryouta deadpanned the hatake practically right beneath him on the couch. Kakashi flipped him the bird.
“When is Minato-san going to be hokage?” Kenji asked even as a crash sounded from the bathroom. They all looked before Naruto and Sasuke’s laughter filled the air. “Well?” Kenji probed his girlfriend.
Minashi shrugged. “Not for much longer. Sakumo’s Finally wearing the Hyuuga elders down with Oba-san’s assistance and Michi-jiji’s manipulations, so…soon after that?”
“Dad had like a fifteen year plan.” Kakashi added. “Not sure all what was on it, but he’s gotten a lot done from what I've heard at the family dinners.”
“Good for him.” Ryouta nodded.
The bathroom door slammed open and two squealing toddlers came out clean, dressed, and ready for bed. It wasn’t a surprise to any of the guys that they went right for Minashi who’d come in from her meditation hour. She hugged the two boys closely before, to the glare of Obito, took them back to her room for a story and to be tucked in with a few of her kitsunes.
“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you.” Kakashi smirked at his best friend. Obito flipped him off now that he could. Kenji tugged on Kakashi’s hair in mild reprimand. Ryouta chuffed amused.
Sakumo read the report just handed to him. His frown getting deeper and deeper.
“Nothing?” He asked in confirmation.
“Hai.” Jiraiya, Kenta, and Kagami confirmed.
“The genjutsu is already in place. I’ve tried everything in my arsenal to break it.” Kagami’s reported fists clenched. “My eyes are weaker than the ones that placed the genjutsu. That’s the only answer.”
“We’ve done what we could to support the rebellion and make it known that they could settle onto Wave country as a secondary base for any of their non-combatants.” Kenta continued the report.
“The leader of the rebellion is a young teen. Maybe eighteen. Terumi Mei.” Jiraiya handed over a picture of the young woman. “She’s got a few of the Seven swordsmen on her side. Momochi Zabuza being one. At his side is the last hyoton user, still a child, but the boy is a genius.”
“She’s more than willing to accept whatever numbers or supplies Konoha is willing to provide.” Kagami crossed his arms. “Even when warned by her advising council how that would be putting the future Kiri in debt to Konoha.”
“Mei-san is willing to negotiate and has a good head on her shoulders then.” Sakumo concluded.
“Hai.” The trio agreed.
“She’s…also invested in still finding a way to free Yagura from whatever genjutsu he’s under.” Kenta added. “They were friends before the puppetry began. However, she’s not afraid of killing him herself if that is what is needed.”
Sakumo hummed as he looked over the reports again. “I will discuss this with the council and see where we should proceed. For now, you are dismissed. Thank you for performing such a long mission. Enjoy a month off to spend time with your families.”
The trio of fathers relaxed and bowed to their Hokage. Jiraiya was the only one that didn’t leave in a shunshin.
Sakumo put the Privacy barrier up with just a look from his friend.
“How’s Kakashi?”
“Tsunade told you then?”
“Hai. Her and Minato.”
“He’s better. Much better. He and the rest of Team Ro moved into an condo together and have actually become even more efficient. I’m about to have them just sign a partnership agreement like you three did.”
Jiraiya huffed sitting down. “Gave up on splitting them up?”
“I think Minashi would actually revolt and kick me out of my seat if I tried to do that again.” The hatake teased before meeting Jiraiya’s serious gaze with his own. “Did you discuss with Mei what Konoha’s terms would be for the future?”
“Hai. She was skeptical that Nagisa was chasing her prey for so long, but is giving Konoha the benefit of the doubt after Kenta revealed himself.”
“So, once the artifacts are recovered she’ll hand them over?”
“Hai.” Jiraiya nodded. “She’s just awaiting squads now…This is going to be a silent war.”
“This isn’t a war. This is a battle of survival.” Sakumo sighed rubbing his temple. “One that Konoha’s involvement needs to be kept as quiet as possible so other Nations don’t realize we’re bringing Kiri into the fold of the Alliance.”
“So, you getting those brats to sign a partnership and sending them over?” Jiraiya guessed.
Sakumo twitched but looked up to Jiraiya’s steady gaze.
“They are one of my best teams. Despite how they are all practically family to me now, I can’t just hold them back.”
Seriously, Obito, Ryouta, and Kenji had practically become his own sons over the past four months. They were always attached to Kakashi during family dinners, which Minashi always invited herself to anyways. Not to mention how much babysitting they’ve done for him and Mariko.
“You also don’t want to send them to war.” Jiraiya concluded the Hokage’s thoughts.
“No…I don’t. But with their unity, teamwork, talents, and skills, they are the best team I can send as an all around team to be at Mei-san’s aid.”
“Not to mention Minashi will make sure the Uzushio Artifacts would be returned to their rightful owners as the Uzumaki Princess.” Jiraiya smirked. Sakumo huffed amused but nodded. “Well, let me know if you need me for the briefing before they head out.”
“Will do.” Sakumo deactivated the seal. “Later.”
“Ja ne!” Jiraiya shunshined away a moment later.
“Why am I here again?” Kenji fired off at two of his teammates even as he pulled at his formal wear. The fabric was still stiff from the fact that it was new and in the traditional styles. Hell, he was even in Hakama pants! He hated formal wear.
“Because I was not going to suffer this alone.” Ryouta practically growled.
“And technically after Kazou-ji-san’s work with the elders Kagami-oji-san was added back to the main family, You are the eldest male Heir of his line.” Obito added from where he too was cleaned up and shoved into formal wear. “Just as I’m here as the Eldest Male of the Senju line. Both of our titles are temporary until the little brats are old enough though.” He jerked his chin to where Itama, Kawarama, Itachi and even Shisui were huddled up together.
Misery loved company and all that.
“I would worry about the twins infecting sweet Itachi, but I know my little brother well enough.” Kenji huffed. Obito and Ryouta nodded having also experienced the two times they’d been asked to look after the academy brats. Only very few people in the world could make Itachi do something he didn’t necessarily like to do. Shisui was number two on that list. Sasuke was number one, tied with his own mother.
“Your brother is just as much of a menace as you were as a brat.” Kakashi’s voice chimed in as he arrived silently. His father, mom, and siblings arriving with more greetings to the Host.
Kenji couldn’t refute and only nodded. “If not more. At least I didn’t go around kissing everyone just to fuck with their heads.”
Obito snorted into his drink. Kakashi sighed and Ryouta rolled his eyes.
“Thank heavens the rest of your clan aren’t like your family. The village can barely handle the Uzumakis.” Ryouta commented as they watched said group arrive. Well, it was a mixed group really that trailed in behind the Hokage. Nagisa, as his second, had arrived with Mashai-san as her escort. Dressed in a beautiful formal and fur lined kimono once more. Mashai dressed also in a mix of Uzumaki and Hatake styles.
Following behind them was Minato and Kushina and their two children. Naruto with his growing low tail of red hair braided and tied off. He was quick to spot his cousin Karin and rushed to their agemates who were gathered just outside the ballroom and out past the engawa in the garden. Despite the December air, they were all plenty bundled up. Behind them walked Michi and Namika Uzumaki along with Kaede Uzumaki and her wife Mari.
“Oh, look at that,” Ryouta commented airly. “Elder Kosaku is uncomfortable greeting the two wives that are in charge of the Uzumaki Branch lines.” His teammates shot him dry looks. Ryouta honestly didn’t care if they saw how much glee he was getting at the old asshole’s discomfort.
“Just wait until he learns that Mari used to be named Marihito.” Minashi’s voice made the four young men jump and spin to their captain who had snuck up on them again.
Kenji felt his eyes pop out of his head at his girlfriend as he also had a little bit of an out of body experience.
Minashi’s hair was in long gentle curls with what looked like pearls decorated in the lengths. But she wore a very pretty layered formal kimono that was almost pure white. Only the silver snowflakes decorating it gave it an off white tint. Then her obi was a deep blue that brought out the deeper flecks of blue in her eyes. However the fur cowl over her shoulders was a deep burgundy red color that they all recognized as Rika’s colors.
But above all? The circlet she wore with the teardrop fire opal in the center of the silver metalwork. Hanging from the circlet tiara were opals of other colors none of the boys had ever seen before.
Personally, Kenji’s brain went off line as he also realized minashi was wearing some make up and He really liked her red lipstick. Additionally the Uchiha realized that his girlfriend had apparently gone through a small growth spurt over the last few months. With her geta, she wasn’t as short anymore. Still shorter than them, but if Minato was any sort of comparison, not for much longer.
Kakashi was also holding back a whimper at the sight his best friend and packmate made. Kami, when did he stop noticing that the golden doll had grown up into a Hime?
“You look hot.” Obito blurted ruining the daze the other three boys were in. Poor Ryouta was cursing silently about his own poor luck to not have realized that sooner, but again…he kinda preferred Shikari’s quiet beauty than the Hime before them.
Minashi’s gold dusted lashes fluttered and Cerulean eyes slid to Obito who’s eye was twitching at his own lack of filter.
“Not bad yourself Bito.” Minashi smirked before looking to the rest of her boys.
“Marihito?” Ryouta remembered first.
“Hai.” The blonde nodded making the chains looping atop and down through her hair jingle with her movement. “Mari was born male.” Her grin turned sharp. “Your stuffy elders will be so scandalized when they realize as such.”
“They are already up in a tizzy because of the law the Hokage is pushing.” Ryouta huffed amused.
“Well, the Uzumakis were invited to the Hyuuga Heiress’s birthday so it must be going good?” Obito offered.
Kakashi finally got his brain online and grunted. “Try Hitomi-sama invited all of her fellow mothers to the birthday and her husband couldn’t reject them because they are all powerful Clans.”
“Which leads to inviting the Hokage.” Minashi added.
Kenji finally cleared his throat, mentally shaking his lewd thoughts about his girlfriend away. “And the Hokage’s second.”
“And then the Future Hokage and his wife.”
“Meaning the Uzumaki Elders and Heads couldn’t not be invited.” obito finished in realization. “That’s one hell of a domino effect.”
Minashi shrugged. “That is the manipulation of the MKs.”
“MKs?” Ryouta looked at her confused.
“Matriarchs of Konoha.” Kakashi answered. “It apparently used to be just for the Female Heads or Spouses of Heads and their successors for the different clans, but the current elders of the MK have apparently branched out to anyone with any influence within all the clans. Ka-san’s even joined recently after avoiding it for so long. She said it’s actually more fun than she thought it would be.”
“That is a terrifying concept.” Kenji noted warily. “Seriously, Kunoichi can be terrifying. Who thought it was a good idea to let them have their own group?”
He felt a penetrating gaze in the side of his head and sheepishly looked at his blank face, but burning gaze, girlfriend.
“Not that there's anything wrong with that!” Kenji squeaked out. Minashi sniffed and pulled a fan out of her sleeve and covered half her face with it.
“Be lucky I’m fond of you. Now if you excuse me, I’ve been avoiding making my entrance.” With that she walked to where her grandfather was just getting to greet the Hyuuga Head family. The four boys then watched as she crouched down and handed the Hyuuga heiress a lavender wrapped present with a soft smile saved for only the little ones.
“She’s going to be a good mom one day.” Obito said under his breath, fond of his practical sister, and fellow apprentice.
“That’s an understatement and a half.” Kakashi huffed even as his other two teammates nodded. Kakashi ignored the small pang of jealousy that he wouldn’t be a part of that. But was quick to shove that feeling down.
“What?!” Minashi yelped behind her Yosei mask.
Sakumo looked at her unimpressed. Dragon’s crossed arms and body language was giving off the same look.
“Did I stutter?” Sakumo shot back ignoring the five shocked looks from the three seventeen year olds and two twenty year olds.
“That’s a thing?” Obito spluttered.
“Yes.” Dragon stated bluntly. “Why else do you think the Sannin have never been teamed up with someone else? It’s only recently during peace that they’ve sort of split to their separate fields, only because they are the best in them. Otherwise, they are just training apprentices now to take over for the day they retire.”
“Especially since they have a whole hoard of kids to take care of.” Sakumo added. “But Dragon is right. It’s not completely unheard of, but it is just very uncommon due to the bonds that need to be absolute between such a team. Bonds that you five have after so much time together.”
“So a Partnership Contract.” Kakashi said as he tilted his head in contemplation. “No one else will be assigned to us and we won’t be separated ever again?”
“False.” Sakumo stated back. “There can still be times when one of you might be outsourced temporarily to another team, but the former of that statement is True. Partnerships are lifetime career contracts.”
“I’m down with it.” Kenji grinned.
“Sounds good.” Obito shrugged.
“We do already live together. This will be no different from that or even before.” Ryouta agreed.
Kakashi huffed and nodded. The four young adults looked to their captain.
“Taichou?” Obito smirked.
The blonde rolled her eyes and held her hand out to Sakumo who handed her the already filled out contract. She was first to sign. The rest of her boys signed the contract right under her own name.
“Good.” Sakumo handed the approved contract to Dragon. “Now with that settled, Team Ro, you will be briefed by Jiraiya in a week for a six month mission in Wave Country. You have until then to get your affairs in order and prepared for the extended absence.”
“Hai!” The team saluted.
“Dismissed.”
Minashi looked down into violet eyes that were watering up at her. “Nee bye bye?” Miyo pouted up at her favorite blonde.
“Only for a little bit.” Minashi smiled at her niece. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“But you’re gonna miss Miyo’s birthday!” Naruto pouted at her, blue eyes shimmering.
Minashi smiled sadly at her nephew, petting his spikey locks and tugging gently on his red tail of hair. “We’ll Celebrate when I get back. Hey, I might even have some cool presents for you!”
Miyo gave a big smile, but Naruto’s was a little more hesitant. “You’re going to be careful right? Itachi-nii-san said that being a Ninja is dangerous.”
“We are always as careful as we can be Naruto.” Minashi looked into matching blue eyes. “But this mission is important. Maybe not to Konoha directly, but there are a lot of innocent children like you caught in the crossfire of a fight. I’m going to protect them just as I would wish someone to protect you if I couldn't.”
The blonde boy bit his lip before nodding and giving her a big smile. “Okay! Can we help you pack?”
“Help! Help! Miyo help!” The redheaded toddler cheered. Minashi chuckled and picked them up. Naruto scrambling automatically to her back.
“Sure squirts. Let me tell Kushina-nee then we’ll go to my home.”
A quick update to her sister and the trio were gone in a hiraishin to the Pack House of Team Ro. To her surprise, Kenji had a pouting Shisui and even a pouty Itachi clinging to him. Sasuke-kun looked to be trying to glare Kenji into staying.
“You too?” She smirked setting down her nephew and niece. Naruto ran right for Sasuke and the duo whispered about their elder sibling figures leaving them for so long.
“Yep.” Kenji smiled down at Shisui who was still pouting up at his big brother.
“You promised.” Shisui stated, voice muffled from where his chin was digging into Kenji’s stomach.
“And I will keep my promise when we are done with our mission. It’s only six months otouto.”
“Six long months.” Itachi frowned up at his hero/cousin/aniki.
“Mina-nee!” A squealing voice came from the hall disrupting the pouting uchihas. Minashi from experience was quick to react to the flying tackle hug. The elder blonde chuckled as the smaller and younger blonde giggled in her arms.
“Wakana-chan! What are you doing here too?” Minashi was just setting the blonde down when three other bodies tackled her. Two much larger than the third.
“Ane-chan!” the Senju twins, and Naoki wailed hugging her tight.
Minashi laughed as she hugged them tight before her niece and nephew got into it with the uchiha boys.
Obito walked out with a bag slung over his shoulder. He snorted at the picture they all made. “I take it none of us are getting away without helpers to pack?”
“Well, this will be the longest we’ve been away since they were all born.” Ryouta called from where he was sorting out their rations at the table.
“Plus it’s good practice!” Kawarama beamed.
“Yeah! We graduate in two years!” Itama joined his twin.
“Good Kami, already?” Kakashi called as he too entered from his own bedroom with a little Karin clinging to his pants and Sanjiro wrapped on his back. He paused and looked at the nine additional children and his left eye twitched. “Oi, I thought we swore to never take all eleven at once!?”
Ryouta deadpanned the younger shinobi. “You just better be glad I was able to bargain with my cousin Ko, or Hinata and Neji would have been here too.”
The Hatake’s eye twitched. “We are not babysitters.”
Minashi snorted and picked Miyo up before she could further climb onto the kitchen table to check what Ryouta was doing.
“Well, I don’t know about you four, but I promised to spend time with Naruto and Miyo before we left in the morning. These two promised to help me pack.”
“Can we help?” Itama, Kawarama, Shisui, and Itachi asked in almost scary unison. Wakana, Naoki, Naruto, Karin, and Sasuke were right behind them in an echo of a cheer.
Sanjiro and Miyo were happy squeals of excitement.
Kakashi looked overwhelmed. Obito’s face went pale as his baby cousins shot him puppy eyes. Kenji was in staring contests with his own baby cousins and baby brother.
Minashi chuckled. “How about you kiddos go with your minders and you can help us count our shirts, pants and wraps and then we’ll work together on counting up our weapons and other supplies in the living room. Ryouta-san might also need an assistant making sure we have enough food rationed out. So who would like to volunteer to help?”
The kids shared many back and forths before Itachi shyly raised his hand. “I, like helping mom with the groceries…and my math scores are better than Shisui’s.” Itama and Kawarama winced. Neither were good with math, much to their father’s bewilderment.
“Hm, good.” Ryouta waved Itachi over. “Come here Itachi, you can help me then.” The little Uchiha perked up and trotted over to his future senpai.
Minashi snagged the back of Naruto’s shirt earning a squeak. “Come on trouble, you can help me make sure I have enough snacks packed for my summons.”
Naruto let out a woot as the teens all disappeared back into their own bedrooms. Minashi talked while they packed and organized the piles for her scrolls. She even gave minor sealing lessons to her two year old and Four year old niblings. Nothing extravagant, but the spark of interest in their gazes was plenty to keep a smile on Minashi’s face. Especially when she activated them, making her clothes and other necessities disappear into smoke, and sparked wide eyes of wonder on her niblings. Miyo clapped for more magic and Naruto tried to get her to make more disappear. He was a little upset he couldn’t try yet, but she knew he’d be starting his own chakra control lessons soon enough.
It was a bit of chaos having so many children with varying personalities under one roof, but soon enough the packs had been double checked, packed, and set at the door. The children were fed dinner, treated with a movie, and then carried home with the assistance of a few summons.
After one last mission brief of their travel path and contacts, the team fell asleep in their own beds. Well, mostly.
Kakashi had a habit of slipping into minashi’s for the comfort it provided since it wouldn’t be as possible while on mission. Kenji was already sleeping with her cradled in his arms. The Uchiha only ruffled silver locks and fell back asleep. Content, the trio slipped into deep sleep for the last time before they would return to ‘home’.