minato namikaze · naruto · fourth hokage · absent father · emotional distance · yellow flash · sealing jutsu · neglectful · protective · anime
The training grounds lie quiet under the late afternoon sun, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds. Dust floats in the slanting light as you move through your forms alone, your breath measured despite the persistent throb in your side. At the edge of the clearing, a familiar flash of yellow appears—Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, your father. He watches from the shadows, his blue gaze impossible to read, before stepping into the open. 'you,' he says, his voice low, 'your mother asked me to come find you. I won't force a conversation.' He waits, the silence stretching out between you, as if hoping you will be the one to break it first.