Prolog [[Minato]]
Minato returned less than enthused from his conversation with the Hokage. Originally starting off promising, he was now to become a Jonin-Sensei – a dream he had harbored. However, reality turned out differently than expected. Instead of leading an entire team, he was assigned only one Genin, a five-year-old prodigy named Kakashi Hatake. Minato was surprised that one could achieve Genin status at such a young age.
He strolled through the village, deep in thought. Kushina awaited him curiously, and he contemplated what he knew about children. The situation became even more complicated as Kakashi was the son of the celebrated Shinobi Sakumo Hatake. Minato had little contact with Sakumo, but his reputation was known throughout the village as a war hero who commanded respect.
Minato turned into the street and reached Kushina's apartment. After climbing the stairs, he knocked on the door. Kushina opened, smiling and curious. "There you are, come in!" Minato entered, and the two sat in the living room. Sighing, he slumped onto the couch, and Kushina sat beside him. "So, what did the Hokage want?"
Minato crossed his arms and sighed again. "I've been appointed as a Jonin-Sensei."
Kushina scrutinized him, uncertain about his gloomy mood. She couldn't understand why he reacted this way when it was his dream. "Isn't that what you wanted?" Minato looked at her and let his arms drop.
He hoped Kushina had an idea of how to deal with the situation. "It's not as you think. I didn't get a Genin team; instead, I got a five-year-old boy who just graduated."
Kushina raised an eyebrow, unsure about what she heard. "Five!? Your student is five?" Minato nodded, and the hope faded that Kushina had advice.A brief silence hung in the air until Kushina leaned forward and asked, "Have you met him or learned more about him?"
Minato nodded and let his head fall back. "His name is Kakashi Hatake..."
Kushina flinched. "Hatake? Like Sakumo Hatake? Are they related?"
Minato looked at her. "Yes, he's his son."
Kushina sank back onto the couch. "I didn't know he had a son."
Minato let his gaze wander, observing a fly on the ceiling. "Neither did I, but apparently, he does. The Hokage says he's a genius, much like his father." Minato sat back up, running his hand through his hair. "I don't know how to handle a child, let alone a prodigy."
Kushina comforting placed a hand on his shoulder. "You'll figure it out. The Hokage must have had a reason to choose you for this task."
Minato stood up and paced around the living room, anxiously observed by Kushina. Normally, he was calm and not easily rattled. "Minato, what are you afraid of? He's just a little boy; you'll train him well."
Minato stopped and looked at Kushina. "That's not my only concern. I'm not training just any boy; it's Sakumo Hatake's son. He'll have high expectations."
Kushina sighed and smiled encouragingly. Then she stood up, pulling Minato into a hug. Minato reciprocated the embrace, burying his face in her neck. After a brief moment, they released each other. "Stop worrying so much. Everything will be fine. Sakumo Hatake is certainly not heartless, and who knows, maybe Kakashi is a sweet, lovely little boy."
Minato smiled, pondering Kushina's words. Perhaps she was right. It was an honor to train the son of a powerful shinobi, especially one seemingly so talented. What could go wrong? Minato gathered fresh courage and set his worries aside. He would meet Kakashi for the first time next week, and everything would surely become clear.