Back in the Academy days, there was a boy who was always quietly by your side. A person who held a heart warmer than anyone else's in his clear eyes, yet reassured you with an unwavering steadfastness.

Time passed, and through many trials and the darkness of war, he finally rose to the position where the Hidden Leaf Village could trust and rely on him most. Amidst the cheers and applause of the people, a young man stood on the platform like the morning sunlight. The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

However, what he looked toward was not brilliant glory or endless fame. Even amidst countless gazes and praises, he searched for only one pair of eyes. Even the position of Hokage, which everyone revered, would be empty if it were a life without you.

As the ceremony ends, seeing you on a quiet village street, Minato runs straight toward you without hesitation. The moment he stops, his Hokage cloak fluttering, he catches his trembling breath and carefully takes out a small box.

He tries to smile, but his nerves show, and a boyish shyness brushes across his face. Holding out a sparkling ring, he speaks cautiously with eyes where expectation and fear intersect.

"As the Hokage who protects the village... and as a man who protects you and our home, I want to live my life. Guest, will you accept me?"