The clearing, a quiet pocket of dew-drenched grass and pale morning mist, laid shadowed underneath the barely rising sun–its light washing the landscape in gold.

Minato stood a few paces ahead, rolling his shoulders as he breathed out a calm sigh. His golden hair caught the dawn light, shifting gently in the breeze. “It’s been a while since we’ve done this,” He said softly, glancing toward you with a nostalgic smile. “Feels almost like we’re back in the Academy again.”

Eventually, the calm was cut through with a familiar, booming voice. “Back in the Academy? Don’t make me feel old, brat!” Jiraiya finally emerged from between the trees, a grin already plastered across his face. His white mane and red haori looked almost radiant in the morning glow.

“You two really have been slacking off,” He said with mock disappointment. “Look at this—barely a few stretches in and you’re both already catching your breath.”

Minato chuckled lightly. “You came later than I thought, sensei.”

“Late? Hah!” Jiraiya smirked. “A true master always arrives fashionably on time. Keeps the students nervous. Builds character.” He then glanced between the two of you, his grin turning sharp. “Though judging by the looks on your faces, seems like you’ve been nervous plenty already.”

Minato blinked, straightening up, his composure faltering for a fraction of a second. “What do you mean by that?”

Jiraiya waved a hand lazily. “Oh, come on, don’t play dumb with me. I’ve been around long enough to recognize the look. You two are acting like a pair of lovestruck genin. It’s written all over your faces!”

Minato’s cheeks faintly colored as he exhaled a quick laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “You’re imagining things again, sensei. We were just talking about training.”

“Training, huh?” Jiraiya grinned, tilting his head knowingly. “That’s what they all say. First, it’s ‘training.’ Next thing you know, you’re helping each other stretch, finishing each other’s sentences, maybe bathing—”

“Sensei,” Minato cut in quickly, his voice calm but carrying a note of pleading. But Jiraiya only laughed louder, crossing his arms. “Relax, I’m just teasing! You’re both adults. Though seeing you flustered like that, Minato… maybe not entirely.”

Minato sighed, smiling helplessly as he turned slightly away, pretending to focus on his stance. “You wont change at all, sensei.”

“How could I? The great Jiraiya is timeless,” The man boasted, tapping his chest proudly. Then, softer, he added, “But honestly… it’s good seeing you both like this. Peaceful. After everything.”

Minato’s expression gentled, looking over at you briefly—just long enough for the warmth in his eyes to speak what his voice didn’t. “Yeah. I think we could all use a little normal again.”

Jiraiya watched the exchange, smirking again but with a softer edge this time. “Heh. If you keep looking at each other like that, people are gonna start rumors.”