Minato was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, then he broke into a gentle smile.
"Speaking of which, it's truly a regret that I was unable to attend your grand wedding ceremony."
His tone carried sincere apology as his gaze drifted between Takuno and Sara.
"I will certainly make up for this late wedding gift in the future. For now, I wish you a long and happy life together, and may you be blessed with children soon."
Hearing Minato's earnest words, Sara's favorable impression of this gentle and polite Fourth Hokage increased by a few more points.
However, was it that she didn't want to have children soon?
She didn't respond to Minato's blessing immediately; instead, her eyes shimmered as she cast a soft glance at Takuno beside her.
That look seemed to say silently: we still have no offspring, and isn't the reason for that entirely due to this husband of mine?
Takuno naturally caught the glance Sara sent his way.
He knew exactly what that look meant, yet his face maintained its usual composure.
He gave a slight nod to Minato and said without changing his expression, "I appreciate the kindness; I'll take those auspicious words to heart."
As that topic seemed to conclude, Minato sighed softly, a trace of a mentor's characteristic worry appearing in his eyes as he naturally turned to another student who weighed on his mind.
"Looking at it this way, there is still one unresolved matter at hand—the issue with that boy Kakashi seems to have no end in sight."
"Oh?" Takuno's lips curled slightly as he asked knowingly, "Has he really not found a partner he likes yet?"
He was naturally aware of Kakashi's famous status as a "perpetual bachelor."
"Indeed," Minato shook his head helplessly. Recalling the student who always wore a mask and used various excuses to dodge blind dates, his tone was full of both exasperation and amusement.
"You've probably heard that when I introduced potential partners to him before, he always used you as a shield, saying things like 'how great it is to be free and easy like Takuno-senpai.'"
"Now that you are married, that excuse can no longer be used. I'd like to see what novel reason he'll come up with to brush me off next time."
As he spoke, a look of determination flickered in Minato's eyes; he was clearly resolved to properly "care" for his prized disciple's life-long happiness.
He might not find it convenient to interfere too much with Master Jiraiya, but Kakashi was his direct disciple.
Even if he couldn't make a mandatory arrangement, it was only reasonable for him, as a teacher, to introduce more fine young ladies of good character and appearance.
He didn't believe that out of so many good girls, Kakashi could fail to 'take a liking' to even one.
"That is true," Takuno echoed "thoughtfully," even adding a bit of mischievous fuel to the fire, "Kakashi isn't getting any younger, after all."
After all, he remembered that in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations over a decade later, Kakashi was still single, so this concern was definitely justified.
Minato nodded in deep agreement. Kakashi's parents had long since passed away; as his teacher, shouldn't he be the one to worry more about these major life events for him?
He couldn't let him continue on all alone like this.
"By the way, Senpai," Minato suddenly remembered another key question, "since you've returned this time, you don't plan on leaving the Village again, do you?"
He looked at Takuno, his eyes filled with a sincere desire for him to stay.
"I'm afraid that won't do," Takuno's answer was crisp and direct, without any hesitation.
"I came back this time mainly to bring Orie back to the Village to see old friends and familiar sights. Afterward, we will leave together. You needn't bother trying to track my movements."
"The places the two of us are accustomed to frequenting are mostly remote landscapes where few people tread; they are very peaceful."
"Is that so..." Minato's eyes flashed with obvious regret upon hearing this, but he only let out a low sigh and did not try to insist further.
He understood in his heart that times had changed.
Years ago, when Takuno left, the Anbu might have desperately needed a figure like him to maintain stability.
But now, the Anbu system had begun to operate efficiently and get on the right track after Itachi became the Deputy Commander.
Even if Takuno were willing to stay, Minato could not let him return to his original position and break the current balance.
Of course, with his seniority and strength, a prestigious position as a Hokage Advisor would certainly be waiting for him.
However, compared to the power he once wielded and the responsibilities he once bore, the importance of an Advisor's position was, after all, not the same.
This regret could only turn into a light sigh, dissipating in the silent air.
"Speaking of which... is Kakashi not in the Village right now?" Takuno tilted his head slightly and inquired, "Or perhaps he heard I returned with my wife and specifically avoided us for fear of being urged to marry?"
He naturally knew the answer to this question.
The moment he stepped into Konoha, his perception had quietly spread out, instantly enveloping the entire Village.
However, in that net, the trace of chakra belonging to Kakashi was missing.
Takuno's return this time was naturally not to visit that silver-haired Anbu elite.
His thoughts were more focused on the two children, Naruto and Sasuke.
However, to his surprise, the chakra signatures belonging to them had also vanished from his perceptual field.
The simultaneous absence of these three key figures made him realize that Kakashi had likely taken those two boys out of the Village on a mission.
Despite being able to guess all this, at this moment, he had to maintain the posture of someone "uninformed."
After all, Kakashi's promotion to the instructor of Team 7 and his taking on the heavy responsibility of teaching Naruto and Sasuke might be an open secret in Konoha, but for someone like him who had "just returned," he should logically be completely unaware.
Moreover, given Kakashi's high position as the current Anbu Commander, his intelligence was very sensitive, and besides, Takuno hadn't hidden himself at all.
So, to say that the other party was in the Village but failed to immediately learn the news of Takuno's return would be truly fantastical.
"That's not it," Minato found it a bit amusing but still explained.
"Kakashi is currently with Naruto, Sasuke, and the young girl from the Hyuga family, Hinata, performing a mission in the Land of Flowers."
"Hmm?"
Takuno's brow twitched imperceptibly as he let out a short sound of questioning.
This information was indeed somewhat beyond his expectations.
Hinata? That introverted eldest daughter of the Hyuga Main House? She had actually replaced Sakura's position from the original story and become an official member of Team 7?
This subtle change truly caught him by surprise.
However, as a meticulous person, this bit of surprise was gone in an instant.
Takuno almost immediately captured the deeper meaning behind Minato's move.
Deep within those eyes as blue as the sky, there was indeed more than just love for his son and student; there were also far-reaching considerations as the Hokage.
Arranging Hinata into Team 7 alongside Sasuke was a move with profound intentions.
Firstly, it was clearly aimed at easing the tension between the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan.
Having the core young bloodlines of both clans spend day and night together in life-and-death missions, eliminating barriers and establishing bonds, was the most direct and effective way to break the ice.
Thinking even deeper... this Fourth Hokage, Minato, probably harbored even further expectations, didn't he?
Perhaps he hoped that in the days to come, Sasuke, who carried the future of the Uchiha Clan, and Hinata, the jewel of the Hyuga Main House, would spark something and create a beautiful story?
If that could truly happen, while an alliance through marriage between the two clans would face resistance, if it succeeded, the relationship between the two clans would definitely be vastly improved, bringing an unprecedentedly stable foundation to Konoha.
Of course, taking a step back.
Even if the feelings between the young man and woman failed to bloom as hoped, it wouldn't be a total loss.
After all, another possibility existed between Naruto and Hinata.
If Naruto and Hinata could end up together, the effect would be just as good.
Especially considering the deep friendship between Naruto and Sasuke, who grew up together like brothers, if Hinata eventually became Naruto's partner...
Then in Sasuke's heart, this daughter of the Hyuga family would simultaneously hold the dual identities of "best friend's wife" and "teammate fighting side-by-side." This connection would be equally firm and reliable.
Of course, Minato would not force either of the above outcomes; he merely made the arrangement and would not interfere with the final direction.
And regardless of the choice, even if none of the above were realized...
The mere relationship of being "Team 7 comrades" was already a precious sentiment in Konoha, where bonds and teamwork were emphasized.
This was the situation Minato had carefully set up—a fallback strategy where he held a winning hand regardless of the outcome.
Minato didn't know that Takuno was surprised by the issue of Hinata; he thought the other was surprised that Kakashi had the time to become a lead teacher.
"The Anbu side now has a newly appointed Deputy Commander to share the load," Minato explained, his voice clear. "Although the overall affairs are still heavy, it ensures that the daily operations of the Anbu are no longer stretched thin."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the mountain of files waiting to be processed on his desk, implying a hint of helplessness.
Of course, precisely because of this, his affairs as Hokage had increased significantly.
And these affairs would only ease up once Naruto and the other two had roughly finished their training.
Hearing this, Takuno understood that Minato had misunderstood the object of his surprise. Following Minato's words, he responded calmly, "I see."
He looked down at the time and said, "It's getting late; Orie and I won't disturb you while you handle official business."
He noticed the figures of Anbu members hovering outside the office door, clearly delayed in submitting their files by their conversation.
"I plan to stay in the Village for a few days; let's chat again when you have time."
Minato naturally also noticed the Anbu waiting outside the door, knowing that if Takuno hadn't been here, those files would have already piled up on his desk.
Of course, the fact that they could wait like this proved that these were not urgent files.
He nodded understandingly.
"Very well. When these matters of mine ease up a bit, I must invite you and your wife to my home for a good gathering. These next few days, feel free to wander around Konoha and relax."
"Certainly," Takuno readily agreed, then rose to take his leave along with Sara beside him.
After leaving the heavy atmosphere of the Hokage Office, they walked toward the old residence that had been uninhabited for a long time.
Watching the two leave, Minato picked up his pen and buried himself in the files again.
In the intervals between the scratching of his pen, his thoughts drifted toward the future, specifically regarding that planned gathering.
Indeed, it would be most appropriate to arrange it once Kakashi returned with Naruto and the others after successfully completing this mission and everyone was present.
After stepping out of the Hokage Building, Sara couldn't help but look sideways at Takuno beside her.
"Husband, the way you treat me and Minato... feels quite different."
Takuno didn't stop his pace; he only turned his head slightly and asked back.
"Of course it's different. Or rather... do you want to be treated like that too?"
"No need for that!" Sara shook her head almost immediately, answering decisively.
While being treated with polite thoroughness sounded nice, that kind of "goodness" kept at a distance was, in the end, artificial to her.
The two walked side by side on the streets of Konoha, their shadows lengthened and then shortened by the sunlight.
Before long, they arrived at Takuno's residence in the Village.
Stopping before the gate of the residence, Sara looked it over.
The building before her was clean and tidy, a typical Konoha style, but it was far from what she had imagined.
"Is this your home, husband? It feels... quite small."
Her tone wasn't disparaging; it was more a statement of a direct observation.
"It's not that small anymore," Takuno pushed open the courtyard gate, his tone as calm and steady as ever.
His gaze swept over the familiar door and courtyard before him as if looking at an object that had little to do with him.
"Of course, compared to a palace, it naturally can't compete."
Sara gave a soft "mm" and stepped inside with great interest.
The courtyard was simple to the point of being empty, with only a few stepping stones and several silent plants in the corners.
She didn't linger; with the fresh curiosity of a newcomer, she stepped lightly through the courtyard and pushed open the door to the main house.
However, this interest lasted for less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
The expectation on her face was gradually replaced by an unbelievable confusion.
"Husband, why is there... nothing at all inside here?"
The scene before her was truly unexpected.
In such a large house, aside from the essential furniture required for basic living, there was practically nothing else.
There were no extra decorations, no traces of the trivialities of life; the walls were bare, and the cabinets were empty.
Takuno's expression did not change as he stated the most obvious reason.
"Because it wasn't needed."
Sara was momentarily speechless. She opened her mouth but found she couldn't refute him.
Fine... this answer was very "Takuno-like."
She looked around the startlingly empty room once more.
Not a trace of the atmosphere of a lived-in home could be smelled in the air; any newcomer would think that this residence had never welcomed its owner since the day it was completed.
But on second thought, Sara realized the owner of this house was Takuno.
Thus, that initial surprise and confusion quickly vanished.
Because it was very logical.
Meanwhile, on Takuno's side, although his main body was in Konoha, his Shadow Clone had already arrived in the Land of Flowers and met Kakashi's group of four.