"Since Rin has said so," Obito finally spoke, after a moment of hesitation. He patted his chest proudly. "Then I, Uchiha Obito, will reluctantly agree to be friends with Uchiha Jin!"
Kakashi's eyebrow twitched.
He truly didn't know how to deal with his teammates sometimes.
"Kakashi, what about you?" Ayame asked with a smile.
Kakashi blinked. "…"
The question caught him completely off guard.
…Why am I being dragged into this?
His mind stalled for a moment. Expressing his feelings had never come easily—especially after his father's death. Though Minato-sensei's guidance and Rin and Obito's companionship had eased his gloom, opening his heart to new people was still difficult.
Yes, he had misunderstood Jin before, and yes, Jin's life seemed harsher than his own…
But calling someone a friend so easily?
Impossible. Too naïve.
"Kakashi, making friends is important," Minato said kindly, patting his shoulder. "Trust your teacher—you won't regret it."
Kakashi paused, then gave a small nod. "…Alright. I understand."
Ayame looked satisfied.
The group spent the next ten minutes chatting and laughing, until Uchiha Jin returned with steaming bowls of ramen.
"Thank you for waiting. Please enjoy," he said calmly.
His expression remained composed.
Truthfully, he was curious about Minato Namikaze. But he had come here to relax—not socialize.
After setting down the bowls, he turned to leave.
"Jin, wait!" Ayame grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back. "These are the new friends I found for you!"
"This is Minato Namikaze—he's a jōnin. And this is Rin Nohara, Kakashi, and Obito…"
She sighed dramatically, folding her arms like a scolding older sister.
"No wonder I have to lecture you! You're already an adult, yet you don't have a single friend. Honestly, that's just sad!"
"But don't worry." She puffed her chest. "Your big sister will take care of everything. Now, go say hello properly!"
Jin froze.
…What did she just say?
She saw he had no friends and decided to recruit some for him?
And of all people, she had introduced him to Minato and his team—the most influential young shinobi in Konoha. Each one was tied to major village events.
Exactly the people he wanted to avoid.
Before he could think of a way out, Minato spoke up.
"Hello, Jin," he greeted warmly. "I'm Minato Namikaze. I've heard about your contributions during the conflict with Kirigakure."
"You played a key role in turning the tide. It's an honor to meet you—and I'd be glad to be friends."
Rin, Obito, and even Kakashi followed with greetings of their own.
Jin's lips twitched.
He wanted to decline, but they had already shown goodwill—refusing would insult Ayame's efforts and their kindness.
He exhaled quietly.
"You're giving me too much credit," Jin replied modestly. "My team deserves just as much praise. None of it could have been achieved alone. But… it's a pleasure to meet all of you."
He offered a small, polite smile.
Though he rarely socialized, he still retained social skills from his previous life. In a short time, he adapted to the conversation with ease.
Within minutes, everyone was speaking comfortably.
Minato found himself genuinely impressed.
Unlike most Uchiha, Jin showed no arrogance—he was humble and approachable.
Honestly… it was rare. Very rare.
Minato thought he wouldn't mind befriending someone like this at all.
After a brief but warm exchange, the group parted ways.
---
Later, on the nighttime streets of Konoha, Jin walked with Itachi at his side. A cool breeze rustled through the quiet commercial district.
Jin frowned slightly, lost in thought.
Minato Namikaze and his students… were far more agreeable than he expected.