The sun hung high over Konoha, casting warmth across the busy village streets. Both Team 1 and Team 7 were out and about, handling their early genin assignments — delivering scrolls, cleaning public areas, walking elderly villagers home.
It wasn't glamorous work, but it was foundational.
Ren walked beside Kenji and Aika, a stack of scrolls tucked under his arm. Arata followed quietly behind them, casually observing their movements and teamwork.
Just as they turned a corner near the central market, a loud voice echoed from down the street.
"Broooooo!!"
Ren froze for half a second.
From the other end of the street, Naruto came barreling down with his usual energy, waving both arms like a maniac. Behind him trailed Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura — all looking less than enthusiastic.
Naruto finally skidded to a stop in front of Ren.
"We just caught a cat! Took forever! You should've seen Sasuke's face when it scratched him!"
Ren smirked. "You're still as loud as ever."
They bumped fists — a solid, practiced motion that carried more than just sibling affection. It was their way of saying: we're still here, still together.
Behind them, both teams stood still for a moment.
Sakura blinked. "They're really close, huh?"
Sasuke looked away with a mild scoff but didn't disagree.
Kenji whispered to Aika, "Is that his brother? The one we always hear yelling about becoming Hokage?"
Aika nodded with a faint smile. "Yeah. You can tell."
Kakashi and Arata stood beside one another, silently watching the reunion.
"They've got something rare," Kakashi said quietly.
"Mhm," Arata replied. "And it makes both of them stronger."
After a few more exchanges, Naruto was dragged back to his team by Kakashi, still talking a mile a minute. Ren simply watched him go, a small smile lingering.
Team 1 resumed their route — but with a renewed lightness in their step.
Even in the middle of mundane missions... the bond between brothers never went unnoticed.