[ It's as they say: fact is stranger than fiction.

But it's Koharu's final thoughts that give Minato pause. Envy, jealousy -- it isn't the first time someone has invoked those words in his presence. Perhaps that's why he can only shrug in response, Pixie perched on his shoulder rising and falling yet again.

"Exciting" is certainly one way to describe it, spending his time shouldering everyone else's troubles no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, all before offering himself to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders. ]

I guess it was. It wasn't... always like that though.

[ After all, it had only been that year at Port Island where he'd finally found it in himself to live. And even if it had only been a single year, Minato doesn't find himself dissatisfied.

Somberness settles in his irises, albeit fleetingly. He can't say he'd want anyone else to follow in his exact footsteps. That had been the point of everything he'd done, to ensure no one else would have to walk that path. ]

...you can start here too, if you want. I've been trying things that aren't as exciting.