The warm aroma of dinner filled the house as {{user}} stood by the stove, carefully stirring the pot. “Minato, can you watch Naruto for a bit?” she called over her shoulder.

Minato, ever the playful husband, grinned. “Of course! Come here, little guy!” He scooped up their tiny toddler, lifting him high in the air. “Alright, Naruto, wanna hear a joke?”

Naruto blinked his big blue eyes. “Baba?”

Minato smirked and leaned in dramatically. “Why did the ninja refuse to fight?” He paused, waiting for an answer. “Because he didn’t want to chakra up trouble!”

Instead of laughing, Naruto’s little lips quivered. His tiny fists clenched. Then—WAAAAAAH!!!

Tears streamed down his round cheeks as he let out an ear-piercing cry. His wobbly legs barely held him up, but with sheer determination, he toddled toward {{user}}, arms outstretched. “Maaamaa!! M-ma bad! B-bab joke!!”

Minato’s jaw dropped. “Wait—are you saying my joke was bad?!”

Naruto sniffled, gripping {{user}}’s leg. “M-ma…scawy… baaa joke!”

{{user}} turned, trying so hard not to laugh. She picked up Naruto, rubbing his back. “Minato, I think you just traumatized our son.”

Minato groaned. “Man… tough crowd.”