#queued - wonky internet

[minaa-munch]

Ok but what if Tsunade was actually your mom Minato?

“My...haha-ue?”

Blue hues blinked curiously at darker counterparts before flickering to the teenage duo not too far away. Tsunade was tiny compared to his mammoth of a sensei, yet it was Jiraiya who was cowering at the verbal onslaught; hands raised in a placating gesture while petite digits slowly curled into fists at her sides. 

It would have been comical had it not been routine by now. Minato would constantly badger his sensei for more training, said sensei would eventually agree to oversee the random new maneuver Minato had come up with - which would usually end with either more bruises or at times, a broken bone [or two]. 

“Ano...”

Cue a visit to their favorite Iryō-nin. To her credit, the Senju barely flinched whenever she was presented with the array of injuries Minato was prone to. She usually rewarded him a well placed glower and a flick to the forehead [hard enough to leave a bruise, mind] whilst his poor sensei received the brunt of her wrath. 

Like he was now. The blond flinched and promptly turned to Tsume just as a resounding thwack filled the clearing “She’s more like an onee san, ne.” Tan digits beckoned the other closer and his voice dipped a few octaves lower, “A scary one.” 

Both turned to look at the Jōnin in question and nearly squeaked when they saw twin hazels narrowed in their direction.    "What are you looking at?" Painted digits were curled into a fist, raised and lined with the faintest of aggravated tremors while Jiraiya nursed a growing bump on his head in the background. 

"N-nothing, Tsunade ane."

[delamd-blog]

The Ultimate Guide to Adulting in the Philippines (My First Job Application)

Hello, this is the blog that no one asked for but I’m gonna write about it anyways lol So, months after graduating the board exam and applying for med schools, I was stuck at home with nothing to do. I couldn’t apply to the hospitals in my area because the training was for 6 months and if I got hired, I would have to sign a contract saying I would work for the hospital for 2 years. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Joke onli but I just couldn’t commit to such a long contract because I would be going to med school some time around August. So... what a great dilemma, right? After weeks of binge watching Netflix series and playing a bunch of games, I finally couldn’t take it anymore. I kid you not, I could feel my brain rotting away. I was so goddamn bored out of my mind that I decided to look for jobs. 

Step 1: Writing a Resume and Realizing that You Have Nothing To Offer

I of course had to create a resume. It’s a good thing that when I was in college, the creator of jobs180.com had a talk in our college.He’s a really funny guy. So funny and convincing that he managed to convince me to sign up for his site lol Surprisingly thought it’s actually a good website because it create a professional looking resume and you get an online profile too. You can print your online resume into one page which contains your picture, description, educational attainment, licenses and certifications, seminars attended, skills, languages and character referrals. Literally all you need to do here is input your info and the site will arrange it into a professional looking resume so it removes so much hassle from your life. Plus, it functions like jobstreet wherein you get alerts for jobs that match your credentials. Just frequently check your email for alerts. I highly recommend this website. I wasn’t paid to say this btw but jobs180, if you’re reading this, hmu pls haha sponsor me daddies. 

If you really wanna make your life difficult though, go ahead and make your own resume following the traditional standards set by your school or university and there are a lot of samples available in the internet which you could use as a guide.

Step 2: Realizing That Running Papers is Hard but the Government Requires It

So you’ve gone ahead and made a sick looking resume. You MUST think it’s time to look for a job and apply right? WRONG. Don’t do it yet, sis. Don’t be a pleb like me. Jobs will require you to have a bunch of things like NBI clearance, work permits, Philhealth, PAG-IBIG, SSS, TIN and credentials from your school like a diploma or transcript of records. So before you proceed with looking for a job and applying, I suggest you secure these documents first! Otherwise, after you get accepted at your job, you will be forced to cram all these requirements and you will be tired as fuck just like me! I was so dumb thinking I could get away with working and not having these things. I’m lucky that the company I applied for is very friendly to first timers and they were kind enough to give us a list of requirements for these things.

2.1 Get Yourself a Valid ID

Where to start? Well, sis, you need a valid government ID to get all these things done. How do you get that in the Philippines when the system requires you to have a government ID to claim another government ID?!!? Who the fuck designed this labyrinth of a life right? Fear not! I have a lifehack for you. Just go to your barangay and get a barangay clearance or go to your City Hall (even better if you go during the weekdays so there’s not a lot of people) and get a Cedula. These things don’t require a valid ID you just need to pay. These will serve as your valid IDs. But I really suggest that you get a Cedula because you will need this for other requirements. If you’re 18, you can get a driver’s license in LTO too. Plus, you can order a PSA birth certificate online and have it delivered to your house. Order more than one and immediately have it photocopied. You’re gonna need a lot of those. Always photocopy whatever IDs and important papers that you have. Keep 1 photocopy together with the original in a plastic envelope or plastic filing folder. It must be PLASTIC. Why? So that it’s waterproof. This is something that I learned the hard way. Again, sis, learn from my mistakes. Also, I suggest that you secure at least 2 valid IDs. Why? Because they need one valid ID to confirm the details of the other valid ID. I KNOW. STUPID RIGHT but yeah it needs to be done.

2.2 Next Valid ID: NBI Clearance

The good thing about this is it’s much easier to get this compared to back in the ol’ days. But you need to get this done before you get an actual job just in case you have the same name with a criminal in the Philippines. If you have the same name with a criminal, you will get a ‘HIT’ which will mean that your NBI clearance will get delayed. I was lucky that my name is so unique so I didn’t get a hit and I was able to process my NBI clearance in one day lol. To do this, just go to their website and register online. You have to set an appointment in their website. I suggest you do it in the morning so you can process other things in the afternoon that you might need. You must bring a valid ID as well as a birth certificate. You can pay them online through ebanking services but in my case my mom made me physically go to the bank. Remember to screenshot your reference number, their BDO account number and other details so you won’t get delayed at the bank. You don’t need to print your NBI registration form, but you need to screenshot your Reference number. Idk how it’s done in your NBI site but in my experience, I had to first have my bank deposit receipt authenticated then they gave me a queuing number. When my number got called, I did the biometrics then I presented my PRC ID and my birth certificate. They asked for my reference number so I showed the screenshot on my phone. Then I just waited near the releasing area to be called. Viola! I got my NBI clearance. 

Important Tip: Don’t be a poo poo head. If you’re unsure of where to line up or what the next step is, ASK someone. Even the stranger next to you. I learned that Filipinos are actually polite and helpful if you’re going through the same shit. Kahit introvert ako, nagtanong tanong na ako sa mga katabi ko kasi naiinis ako mag-aksaya ng oras not knowing where to go. Plus, the quicker you get shit done, the sooner you can go home and rest, di ba? Motivation.

2.2. Philhealth, SSS, PAG-IBIG With Minimum Hassle? ask me how 

Don’t be intimidated. These things can be done online! You just have to be very patient and fill out their online forms as soon as possible and as accurately as you can. I suggest you do Philhealth first coz (god forbid) what if you get sick and hospitalized from all the anxiety of job searching? Ya need Philhealth to cover for your sick ass. Don’t forget to print your MDR form just in case your employer asks for it. The website is kind of wonky. Once I logged out, I couldn’t log back in and recover my MDR so I had to manually fill it out haist. You can for this this through the bank too and then when you get the confirmation from Philhealth that they got your payment, bring the receipt to the nearest branch and get your ID! The whole process takes about 3 days. While it’s pending, apply for SSS and PAG-IBIG too. You have to do PAG-IBIG as soon as you can coz they process kind of slow. It takes approximately 3-4 days for you to get your PAG-IBIG number but at least you can text them to get an update about your application. When you apply for SSS online, they email you some forms. So print these forms ASAP and have them photocopied too. Once you have done this, congrats! You’re almost done!

Step 3: Looking For An Actual Job Without Experience and Realizing that All Jobs Need Experience

Wow, after going through all that trouble you now realize that there are no jobs out there for your field? All the salaries they offer are so low? Why the hell does everything require 2 years of experience?! And why are all the jobs so far away??? Sis, I feel you! I was so stressed out looking for a job online too! I really did not know where to start. So here’s what I did. I signed up for all the common job hunting websites coz my logic was, surely, these companies wouldn’t post ads in these websites if they weren’t actually actively looking. Right? Well, again.. I was WRONG. Some companies take so long to reply so you have to be very patient. Really, really patient. Don’t be sad if a company doesn’t reply immediately just think that maybe their HR is swamped or something. So for me, I signed up for Jobstreet, Glassdoor, Upwork, LinkedIn and Fastjobs. The good thing is that these things can be downloaded on your phone and you can turn on notifications for them so they will alert you for possible job opportunities. But for me, Indeed.com is where I found my job. This isn’t a sponsored post but hello websites, if you’re reading this, sponsor me daddies. Just narrow your search by entering your desired job and current location in the search bar and then apply to anything and everything. Dont be afraid of rejection! What’s the worst that can happen? NOTHING. And the best case scenario? That you get an interview or the employer replies! Every negative thing is just water off the duck’s back. Go lang ng go sis! Di lalapit sa you ang trabaho.

Step 4: Going to your first job application and Interview!

Let’s just assume that you got an interview or a call. (Keep your phone close by at all times and answer calls from unknown numbers politely because chances are, it’s one of the jobs you applied for calling) Dress for success if you’re gonna go for an interview. I dressed up in a corporate attire even if it wasn’t require coz I was trained by my Uni to do it that way eh. Besides, you will feel more formal and more serious if you’re dressed for the job talaga. For the interview, speak slowly and clearly. If you’re not confident, well, FAKE your confidence. SMILE and don’t be afraid to ask your employer questions. For the job i was applying for, we even had an online test which took HOURS. Lol. They were testing our english, active listening and typing skills. It’s a real good thing that I am a fast typer coz I scored the highest in their typing test. They require only 25wpm but I can type around 60 wahahahaha. 

Tip: I suggest you go sit beside someone who you know is already done with the interview and ask him/her how it went. Then you can prepare your answers ahead of time. They usually ask the same set of questions coz who the hell has time to come up with personalized questions for every applicant. Sis, ako talaga introvert ako eh pero wala chinika ko pa rin yung mga katabi ko. hahaha ano namang masama sa pagtatanong? Eh pare-pareho naman kayo ng pinagdadaanan, right?

Step 5: Submitting All Their Requirements and Contract Signing

Well, you’did it, sis! You’ve gone and landed yourself a job! Time to get moolah! But wait, there’s more....hold your horses for one minute. Your employer is probably gonna require a few things still so be prepared. 

Make sure that during this time, you are healthy and fit coz they’re probably gonna make you undergo a physical exam. For my job, the company shouldered my PE so haha I paid nothing. I had to get examined by a doctor wherein she did the routine things like a breast exam and reviewing my medical history with me. Also, I had to get an Xray, CBC, Urinalysis and Drug testing done so make sure that you drink lots of water before going to the hospital so you can pee easier. And for urinalysis don’t catch the first drops of urine, rather, catch the midstream so that the sample is cleaner and you won’t be positive for pus cells or bacteria. And don’t do the urinalysis if you have your menstruation because you will automatically be positive for RBCs and that’s a big no no. Wait for your menstruation to be over before you do this test. 

Next, you’re probably gonna have to get a work permit coz in the city where your job is located. And how do you get this??? Well, just go to the city hall, pay for the work permit at the treasury department and then get your work permit at the work permit station (just ask the guard where this is located). Don’t forget to bring your cedula coz this is what they require to get a work permit. 

After completing all this shit, you can submit your requirements to your employer and sign the contract! Just make sure to read it carefully. Viola! Job well done to all of us!

Now the hard part starts... training and actually going to work.

[minaa-munch]

MinaKushi fluff headcanons

Ano... fluff? I'm not good at processing fluffy romance mate, but I'll give it a whirl. Please note, they are based off my readings [and badgering himekushinada for their approvals], ne? You're free to have your own headcanons. I don’t mean to impose on any writer around here.

- Kushina is the only person Minato has an entire list of nicknames for. He will rarely use them in public though. Most of the time, said nickname will involve food and at least three adjectives [it drives Kushina up the wall and he loves it].

- Minato forgets things on purpose. Kushina's messy little scribbled reminders are adorable and he will forever deny collecting them.

- As best friends turned hostages bound in matrimony, they still manage to argue over the silliest things [which Kushina usually wins]. They're also very competitive and will have miniature contests that range from balancing a waribashi on an elbow to a violent round of Jenken. Loser gets to do the dishes [Usually Minato. Damn those Uzumaki genes of good fortune].

- Minato is the worrywart of the two, and will hover around like a concerned penguin unless Kushina elbows him in the ribs to quit it already.

- Kushina is fluent in flake-speak and they have their own little set of field signs to communicate when there are other people in the room. She's the only one who can ruin his perfect poker face during Jōnin meetings [Shikaku has had it with these two].

- Pillow fights. So many pillow fights. [Ano, the lovley Koko drew something along similar lines and I did stumble upon it later - both are unrelated but the picture is so, so good that I need to link it here. So much better than what I had imagined!]

- Minato is a snuggler. He can't help it, since he is paranoid and all [also, Kushina makes a nice pillow]. Kushina is an early riser, and usually has to poke him awake so she can get out of bed. All she gets in return is half open lids and a lazy, dopey grin before he conks out again. Needless to say, he is annoying.

- Minato isn't the best at cooking. He only knows the basics. That doesn't stop him from making Kushina's favourite ramen [it's the only thing he knows how to cook really well, to be honest].

- They divide the chores. At least, they try to. Minato is still the Yondaime, and Kushina an active Jōnin so most of the times he gets stuck with cleaning duty while Kushina takes care of the cooking part. Occasionally, when they are too tired to do either, the duo can be found slumped in a fuzzy lump on the couch, embroiled in a half hearted tiff over what takeout to get. Usually ends with one of them dragging their feet to the kitchen to get instant cup noodles.

- Since they've been together from before Minato became Yondaime, he has a penchant for bringing Kushina souvenirs from his missions/diplomatic visits. With his... questionable aesthetic sense, you can imagine where said souvenirs end up. [their garden is full of little trinkets] The only thing Kushina actively uses is the hair ornaments - and that too during special occasions. 

- Minato, as much of a light sleeper [read: paranoid] as he is, is prone to waking up in the middle of the night to Kushina constantly mumbling about something. It can range from ‘ramen stealing rabbits’ to ‘useless kitsune in need of a bath’. This is usually accompanied with the occasional elbow to his side or her tugging his hair. He doesn't mind of course. It's an Uzumaki thing, right?

- Kushina is the only one, apart from Jiraiya, who has had the misfortune of being subjected to Minato's jutsu-blabber. He will go on, and on, and on. His record so far? 4 hours. [cue a chibi version of Jiraiya sensei flashing a 'He's your problem now' placard at Kushina while Gai’s sunset no jutsu plays in the background]

- Minato is surprisingly talented at baking and Kushina is the best taste tester [if by taste testing = eats half the thing he made and forces Kakashi to eat the other half because he's so scrawny].

- Surprisingly enough, they happen to be pretty silent together. Words aren't needed when you can read each other with a mere glance and that's how they like to spend the free time they get. Savouring each other's company.

[minaa-munch]

Forgotten Chronicles: A Tale of ‘shrooms and Flowers

The earlier days of Konoha’s Ninja Academy weren’t as convenient as they were for the later generations; since the curriculum could still be described as experimental at best. Three generations of shinobi down the line from the time the Shodai reigned, still tinged with the brutal lessons of the past that they could only hope to spare the next cohorts from. 

Some of which, included field exercises in the form of mock scenarios. Academy students, often in their second year, would be divided in groups of two and left around some of the more thicker parts of the Hashirama forests surrounding Konoha where they would learn to fend for themselves. No food, no water and no jutsu - it was truly a survival of the fittest.  

“Mushrooms are better than shinobi grass.”

“I disagree.”

Currently however, two Genin in particular were in the middle of a...mild disagreement.  

"Look, I would know, wouldn't I? I spend half of my time in the compound gardens." Cue a sagely nod before teal hues returned to the expanse of brown heads poking through some shrubbery, “Besides, the color and the shape are similar to the Matsutake variety.” nimble digits plucked a single mushroom out of the foliage; turning it over akin to a connoisseur inspecting fine sake. After a brief pause, the Yamanaka gave a self satisfied nod and held it out to the Namikaze, “Its safe.” 

“I don’t know, Inoichi, it still reminds me of Waraitake..” Minato had read most of the books - plus, their Chunin sensei had warned them of the dangers of consuming shrubs they wasn’t entirely certain about, although they had yet to have a practical lesson on such kind of...plants, if they could even be called as such. His gaze flickered from the fungi to the older blond, “Are you sure?”

“Sure I’m sure!” Inoichi exclaimed with a roll of his eyes at the Namikaze’s hesitation, “Look, if I’m wrong and we end up puking our guts out, you get to call me asagao chan. Deal?” 

Tempting. “If this turns out toxic, puking will be the least of our worries.” Minato replied dryly, though tan digits took the proferred mushroom regardless. The cap was large, more orange than brown. Closer inspection would reveal bright orange spores dusting the middle. 

He had a bad feeling about this. 

“Ano...Inoichi this isn’t a good idea.” Blue hues flickered to the Yamanaka a second too late, since the boy was already on his third mushroom. Both boys stared owlishly at each other until Inoichi deliberately sucked in the stem, holding his arms out as if the action itself proved his point. 

“See? I’m fine. You’ll be fine too.” He said with a self satisfied smirk as he held out another mushroom like a trophy, “A good shinobi is always resourceful.”

“I...suppose.” Blond brows furrowed. Since Inoichi hadn’t started convulsing...well... 

What’s the worst that could happen, right? Cue an exasperated exhale at the thought before he too, gave the mushroom an experimental nibble. It tasted a little familiar; slightly sour with an earthly tinge - similar to most mushrooms. It didn’t occur to him then, that he should wait a little; perhaps trust his gut instinct more - you know, something actual shinobi would do? 

Instead, the near Genin, who was on track to beating the Sandaime’s legendary record, hailed as a genius the likes of which seldom had been seen in the last decade...ate it. 

An hour later would find both of them in the midst of giggling fits; with Inoichi apologizing to the mushrooms he had plucked (’I’m sorry shiitake sama’) while Minato stared incredulously at his palms; mumbling something about mokuton and dandelions. 

Needless to say, Tsunade, who had been an apprentice medic at the time and the only one they could call on short notice, has yet to let either of them forget about it. 

[minaa-munch]

Thoughts on the Yellow Flash? I will never agree that Naruto couldn't take his father's last name because of that reason.

Well…he was a nightmare to anyone opposing Konoha on the field, that’s for certain. The moniker came about not just because of his shinobi-smarts, but because how well he managed to master the Hiraishin and personalize it to the point that no one else could copy it. 

That, along with the fact that the Yellow Flash showed no mercy on the battlefield. He was ruthless enough to slaughter children when he had to; otherwise, one doesn’t get to be picked as a Hokage candidate at his age, in opposition to Orochimaru of the Sanin [who was probably one of the more renowned of the three back then - and that’s saying something]. Internal politics aside, the Yellow Flash was a force to be reckoned with, anon. 

As far as the family name is concerned, I completely agree with you. The Uzumaki simply happened to be a bigger, grander clan than a no-name like Namikaze and it would only make sense for Naruto to officially be aligned with them. 

In fact, there’s an interesting headcanon I share with @himekushinada about this. Minato and Kushina got married in not-so-ideal circumstances during the early days of the Third Shinobi War; in post-battle haste (while traumatizing a poor Shinto priest who had just stepped in his shrine to water his dying chrysanthemums). It didn’t give them much time to delve on the little details such as family names and clan affiliations. 

The paperwork regarding all that was delayed - and remains lost under one of the many, many piles on the Hokage’s desk to this day. It simply didn’t seem important enough. 

P.s. Even if Naruto was cited as not having taken the Namikaze name because of his affiliation to the Yondaime, the physical resemblance is uncanny. Ano, tis one of the few things that deserved attention but didn’t get any. What even are Uzumaki rights? 

Further P.s. Picture the later Hokages coming across said paperwork. The Godaime, Rukodaime and maybe even Naruto? ^^ Its a nostalgic thought, isn’t it?

[minaa-munch]

“ gets worse every night. ” for zabuza (ff?)

“Souka.” The words were short, almost clipped. The boy seemingly took no heed, though Minato could feel his curious gaze poking the side of his face. It was odd, really, seeing as how seldom an individual on the continent could claim to not know the terrifying visage of the Yellow Flash; reportedly gone rogue at the culmination of the Third Shinobi War. 

His was a face that adorned every Bingo Book and bounty hunter scroll, after all. Despite all that though, the boy had still chosen to follow him from that one dingy tea house he had made a pit-stop at. From there on it had been nothing but poorly suppressed chakra (at least, to his sensory peripheral) and near silent footfalls. 

Did he not know who he was? Or that he could slit his throat in the blink of an eye? 

“I never got around to ask...” Trailing off, bare elbows found respite against his knees as his gaze slipped towards his uninvited companion, “Why did you follow me?” 

Cue a shrug of narrow shoulders, “I figured I had better chances if I stuck around with the Yellow Flash.” There was barely a nervous tilt in his tone, and Minato caught curious hues directed his way once more, “Besides, if you wanted to kill me, you would have done so already.”

Smart. “I see.” Tan digits gave an experimental twitch and the boy shifted in turn, bandaged fingers curled around the hilt of the shoddy sword that was slung around his shoulders. He was prepared for the worst and it showed; despite the fact that he was young - probably the same age as Kakashi; though a lot thinner and he had a haunted look in his eyes that the Namikaze had often seen in the mirror after his first war.

What a pity. Here they were, going to inhuman lengths to ensure the sanctity of their future whereas the future... 

Well, it didn’t matter anymore - not for him, at least. The Yellow Flash would forever be the ghoul hiding in the shadows, ready to haunt anyone who dared to set their sights on Konohagaure no Sato. The Bingo Book listed insanity as the cause; multiple nin had been driven to it in the past, and he could be classified as no different. 

If there was a method to his madness, it was to be left in the Hokage’s archives. Lips thinned into a fine line at the thought, usually light orbs painted a dull bronze; reflecting the eager flames licking the meager amount of twigs and shrubbery they had managed to procure at short notice. The infamous tides of the Chigiri Sea had made travel near impossible; though considering the unusual timing, he would consider it a sign from kami - a bad omen, if you will. 

Not that it would save the Lord of Benisu Island - not since he had received death’s personal calling card.

And who better to do the deed other than a mad rogue? 

“I’m afraid we’ll have to part ways once the storm is over.” 

“...Hai.”

Truly, a pity. Both lapsed into companionable silence after that, as the fire flickered in the wind, along with the flaps of their ratty travelling cloaks. 

Morning would see their spot deserted, with barely a dried twig to suggest someone had even been there. It was only after sandaled feet had found the sandy coastline of Benisu Island, did it occur to him that he had never asked for the child’s name.

Not that it mattered. Maybe it had been one of the many ghosts that haunted Kiri’s bloodied borders. 

[minaa-munch]

“ i’m gonna melt this fucker into mush. ” // mikoto being mad enough to curse... hot. like her flames. stay behind her minato fhfhfj.

Blue hues flickered to the usually well composed Jōnin before shifting to the porcelain that shone a dull hue in the pale moonlight. The slashes in the center, along with the familiar two-tone streaks marring the sides suggested Kirigakure; as did the twin kodachi slung across the nin’s back. 

This was no mere recon agent; and judging from the almost conceited tilt of the nin’s head; they knew it too. 

“I take it you’ll be the one doing the interrogation, senpai?”

Their impromptu captive, currently bound by wire and vine, seemed unfazed - though the pause between their breaths had been evident enough. One didn’t usually encounter Mikoto of the Blade and a newly dubbed Yellow Flash at the same time during something as innocent as reconnaissance. 

The war was over - why now, of all times?

Not unless you had exceptionally bad luck, at least. At the moment, the hunter nin had probably made it worse by mentioning Uchiha Ninigi. The name didn’t seem too familiar to him, per se, but there was no mistaking the clan. 

Or…Mikoto’s wrath. Needless to say, the evening had just taken a turn for the more curious sort. 

@zokucho

[minaa-munch]

“ surely a tall drink of water like yourself can put out a few flames. ” Uh-oh, she’s getting sassy. And there’s totally not a smirk being hidden by her mask

A drink of water? He hadn’t heard that one before.

At least it was better than ‘flakey cheeseroll’ that had been making hushed rounds in the Jōnin Headquarters last week. 

“More like a bonfire, Wolf.” The reply was dry, but not without a slight tilt of humor, as tan digits found the crisp edges of inked parchment; a casual reminder of why the Yondaime and his guard were haunting one of the many meeting rooms in the Administrative building after hours. 

“Remind me, when were the councilmen due, again?”

@dobujutsu​

[minaa-munch]

Team Minato is the perfect OT4! Kakashi Rin and Obito already depend on each other and Minato is the one who balances all three!!! *u* it's like the sanin but better looking and Minato beats Sarutobi any day and he i's better looking. He would love his students equally

Go forth and conquer, anon chan. Demo, I doubt the Sanin would take kindly to you commenting on their appearance like that. Why is that important anyways?

I’d be wary of falling boulders and random spitting reptiles/amphibians if I were you. 

[minaa-munch]

The Senju’s tone rolled off his shoulders and onto the fresh kanji adorning the parchment. Blue hues studied the glittering script for a brief moment before tan digits painted a minuscule tomoe atop the twisted character in the middle. 

It would work. He was sure of it. 

Minato had a penchant for incorporating a varied fuuin of sorts; one layered with miniature pegs that fortified the elemental combination within each scripted veneer, hereby effectively trapping the formula to a given point, for a given purpose. It was a bit more tedious to conceive than one’s regular fuuin combinations, but all the more cumbersome to crack. Granted, it could prove to be somewhat dangerous given the elder’s warning but considering the nature of the jutsu itself, and Tobirama’s willingness to act as a volunteer--

Well. The man was probably just as insane as he was. Maybe more. 

“Wakattaru.” Came the short, surprisingly amiable reply as the scroll was furled without further notice. He flicked the ink off the brush with practised ease, the resulting slash of black against a stray bit of parchment prompting a thoughtful hum. 

“I have a marker there. Go, I’ll catch up.”

Kiiroi Senkō ka? The moniker, along with the persona, suited him like an old glove. There was no hidden agenda, nothing for him to get distracted by either - apart from his partner’s bouts of near unguarded mannerisms, that is. Minato had noticed, of course, his innate paranoia giving him ample reasons to remain on-guard despite the familiarity of the other’s person. The faint treble marring an otherwise smooth, formidable flare of chakra simply added to his lingering suspicions.

Then again, maybe he was over thinking it. The Yondaime’s gaze flickered to the doorway where the elder had disappeared, curious but at the same time unaware of exactly why. Keen hues returned to the bound scroll before chakra laced fingers traced the characters along the papery edge; a shadowy version of the recently constructed seal dancing along his skin. 

This isn’t real. 

Pause. Cue a furtive glance around the laden shelves, sensory peripheral swelling past the piles of scrolls and books containing knowledge far beyond what he had found in the Village Archives. Narrowed cerulean caught the edge of trailing paper fluttering down aged wood as a stray breeze swept in through the open window; nearly upsetting the pile of dog eared notes he had arranged earlier. 

Nary a soul, yet--- Interrupting his own train of thought, Minato allowed the wisps of kanji to sink into his palm. A beat later found the room missing its occupant; the blond having left a lingering scent of ink, amidst the faint titter of bird song and an unfurled parchment in his wake. 

[minaa-munch]

As the Hatake slowly faded out of his sensory peripheral, the knot of worry coiled tighter and tighter, along with the faint, suspicious murmurs that underlined his thoughts. 

What if he got attacked at some point? Despite being an ANBU, Kakashi had a bounty on his head - and there were so many hunters out there who were crafty enough to corner the young Hatake and dispose him for a quick ryō...

Or worse - capture him for interrogation purposes. Seldom a shinobi could survive the methods often employed in their line of work, and seeing as how Kakashi was practically his shadow in all but name-- fingers curled into fists at the unbridled thought, along with the bubbling urge to call him back. 

But no...he couldn’t...he needed to have faith - in Kakashi, if not in his own methods. The teenager had found Jiraiya after all. Besides, he was the only one Minato was willing to trust; with the constant whisperings of the Kyubi assaulting his conscious and the paranoia that came with his station. It was an interesting play of dark humor, really - if one could consider the fact that the people of Hi nu Kuni trusted him to keep them safe while as the Hokage, he didn’t have the same luxury.

It came with the position and he was nothing if not blatantly aware of the fact. Minato would hold none responsible over it apart from himself. 

Ironically - though it was a bonus for them - people across their borders were more afraid of him now than ever before, seeing as how he housed the most powerful biju in existence - a Jinchuriki Hokage. At least the Yin half of it. That, coupled with his reputation as the Yellow Flash, meant that the other hidden villages would think twice before attempting to poke Konoha like they used to before. Granted, the Fire Daimyo had been most displeased with them with the constant repetition of one calamity after another; the particular fact of the matter simply happened to be the sole, redeeming aspect that they could take solace in. 

It also happened to be the only reason the Konoha Go-Ikenban hadn’t recommended his immediate removal; if not for his glaring inadequacies which a certain councilman was rather keen on pointing out on a periodic note, then for his failing health. Any respectable hidden village worth its soil would plant spies in foreign offices; since theirs was a game that relied on intel and the amount of ryō that eventually flowed into their reserves. It was only a matter of time before they figured out that Konoha’s reputed, new-found strength was a poorly woven illusion. 

Yare ne. Clothed shoulders sagged a fraction at the line of thought; for at the moment, the Yondaime’s haori seemed a lot more burdensome, the elegant cloth a suffocating embrace of what-ifs and should-bes. Pushing back his chair, the Namikaze gingerly stood just as a polite knock sounded at the door.  

“Enter.”

“Summimasen.” A Chunin from the mission assignment desk stepped in, arms laden with rolls of scrolls. A faint tinge of peach dusted the bridge of her nose under his stare, followed by fidgeting borne of one who rarely got to visit the Hokage’s office. “These reports require your approval, Hokage sama.” 

So they did. “Arigatou for bringing them all the way here, Haruhi san.” Cue a slight gesture towards one of the empty cabinets lining the office walls, “If you would, put them there? Feel free to collect them by the end of the day.” 

“Hai, Hokage sama.” The action involved more fidgeting, and he couldn’t help but be reminded of a young Inuzuka a certain clan matriarch had introduced him to recently. Hana, apparently - an adorable little heiress who probably blushed more than she talked. Considering the fact that she was related to one as boisterous as Tsume, it was indeed surprising.

But...not the bad kind of surprising. The next generation came with a lot of hope - speaking of, it was time for Naruto’s next feeding wasn’t it? With Kakashi gone and Jiraiya out and about on business he couldn’t risk taking the infant on, Naruto was back to being solely his responsibility. 

Not that he minded it, of course. Now was as good a time as any, seeing as how the walls of his office seemed all the more constrictive - and he had time till his next meeting. 

“I’ll leave now, Hokage sama.”

“Arigatou, Haruhi san.” The reply was short, but less frigid than before. Haruhi colored a little more before bowing her way out of his office. The Yondaime barely noticed, for he had already focused on a blot bleeding in his chakra network with a familiar ache that settled deep in his bones. His chakra was more alive than he was; steady thrums of raw power controlled with practiced finesse - it was warm and encompassing, tacked at just the right points... 

It was home. Needless to say, Minato had already disappeared before the door clicked shut. 

The first thing he noticed was the additional smudge of chakra brushing against his consciousness - followed by a friendly yip that was accompanied by gurgling chirps, as if to imitate the sound. Allowing the barest of smiles to slip on to his features, the Namikaze quietly made his way to his room, only to find a large dog drooling all over his futon. A miniature form clothed in adorable orange overalls hung from the poor beast’s ears, chubby fingers clutching the fleshy folds so as to hold himself upright. 

The sight was endearing enough to banish his self deprecating thoughts - if only for a fleeting moment. “Maa, maa, pull any harder and his ears will come off.” Clothed arms reached to pull Naruto away; holding the gurgling baby close as tiny hands found new purchase in Minato’s unfortunate bangs. Blue hues flickered from the small tuft of blond hair tickling his cheek to the large form that had decided to get comfortable on his previously unsoiled bedding. 

Collection of drool aside, the gesture still tugged at his decaying heartstrings. The sole remainder of his Genin team took his job seriously and was diligent enough to balance the tasks he kept getting saddled with--

Minato had raised the perfect little foot soldier, hadn’t he? The thought invited the barest twitch of his fingers and a searing twinge of raw guilt. Maybe it was the malevolent chakra intertwined with his own, or the fact that his decisions had resulted in such a Kami forsaken mess, but the Namikaze found himself a victim of his own glaring criticism more often than naught. 

Perhaps the price of reputed genius who had become attuned to failure? Whatever it was, it was nothing but troublesome for people who didn’t deserve the additional worries - nor the weight of his sins. Tan digits found a wet nose probing his palm with familiar ease, “Arigatou for keeping an eye on Naruto, Bull. You’re a good dog.”

Speak for yourself. I hate mutts. 

Sigh. Maybe if he was lucky, he could hold on to the waning dredges of his sanity by the time Kakashi returned. 

@konohagakurekakashi @senjutsunade