The Twin Prodigies

The warm Konoha sun bathed the village streets in a golden light as you, Minato, finished your early morning stretching. Grandma Matsui, setting up her grocery stall, smiled kindly. "Minato-kun, out early for training again? You truly are a prodigy destined for the Academy!" You smiled back, the last traces of sleep leaving your face, revealing the gap in your baby teeth. "Yes, Grandma Matsui, but you're even earlier. I just noticed you setting up your stall here." As you walked away, the smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. Tomorrow was your first day at the Academy, and you knew you needed to work harder than others to keep up. The world felt unsettled; ninjas were busy, and prices were rising. Standing at a street corner, you looked at the distant Hokage Rock, a sense of unease gripping you. "I hope it's merely my misunderstanding." Just then, a boy with blue-white curly hair rounded the corner, a bright smile on his face. "Tatata~" He spotted you and grinned. "Hey, Minato-san, hitting the training grounds early again? You're really something! How about a little race to the Academy gate?"