Through the eyes of someone older, you hold more weight than others know
With the sun setting on a late spring day, Sakumo spoke to Minato. They stood together in one of Kohana's parks observing the lush foliage quietly. A breeze stuttered through the park as if struggling to make its way through the thick atmosphere. Minato wonders why Sakumo called him here.
The older man breaks the silence first.
"I think I want to retire." Minato looks at Sakumo in shock. He doesn't know what to say in response. Instead, he carefully observes him. In the light of the setting sun, the evidence of Sakumo's sleepless nights seems deeper. He's slightly unshaven, and his hair, while put in its regular ponytail, is disheveled. His eyes have shadows wringing the irritated pink flesh of his eyelids.
He seems like he needs a break.
(A permanent break.)
"Sakumo-"
"I know it's impossible right now. Even if I were to retire today...I would only be put back on duty." Minato swallows thickly.
There is no breeze left in this park. The sky had faded to a dark violet, the moon was slowly rising to do its lap around the heavens. The stars appeared in a scattering of freckles.
There are so many things Minato wants to say to this tired, tired, man.
(He's, perhaps, not afraid of the look in his eye. But understandably cautious.)
(Minato wonders if Sakumo listens to the whispers of their colleagues.)
He changes to a safer topic, for both their sakes.
"Kakashi's been reaching out to his teammates." Sakumo doesn't move, but Minato watches as his eyes soften, just a little.
"I was worried at first. Kakashi and Obito were always at each other's throats...though, I guess that hasn't changed much.." Minato rubs the back of his neck, smiling nervously.
Sakumo huffs, which Minato hopes is a laugh.
"I hope it stays that way. He's just a little boy."
They let the silence carry what's unsaid. Sakumo, who looks like he's already mourning, nods, and takes off. Minato sighs a little.
The next day, Kohana declares its period of peace is over.
There is nothing that could have stopped the war from coming. Not even Sakumo's death.