This situation simply did not make sense. Hiruzen Sarutobi understood his own nature well enough to know that if Minato Namikaze showed such a brilliant level of talent, he would certainly be moved to support him. However, he also knew the heart of his old friend just as well. Given the relentless desire Danzo Shimura held for the position of Hokage, there was no way he would ever agree to a pre-determined successor.
Was this young Minato lying, or was there a fundamental difference between their two worlds? Perhaps, in that other reality, the Danzo of that world had already been eliminated. Although these doubts swirled within his mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided not to press the matter further. The young boy standing before him was clearly not a pushover. His personality was far more assertive and sharp than the Minato of this world had ever been.
Hiruzen could eventually understand the shift. To possess such overwhelming strength at such a young age, one's state of mind would naturally be different from that of a normal child. Moreover, he felt that if this truly was Minato, he would never intentionally harm Naruto, regardless of who else might get hurt in his path.
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a heavy sigh. Regarding the situation Naruto has faced, I am truly sorry.
The one you should be apologizing to isn't me. After all, I am not the Minato of this world. Minato shook his head slowly. I have no interest in interfering with how this village operates, but I really did not expect that you wouldn't even leave a shred of sentiment for Naruto. You allowed him to grow up surrounded by the malice of the entire village since his childhood. I believe the version of me from this world must have wanted Naruto to live as a hero, not like a stray dog that anyone can spit on when they see him.
I—
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked deeply embarrassed and pained. He now completely believed that the person before him was indeed Minato, as their core thoughts regarding the boy were so similar. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to offer more excuses, but Minato had no interest in arguing with the old man further. He turned his back and walked toward Naruto.
Minato, I saw it just now! You're so strong! Seeing Minato walking back, Naruto rushed forward with stars in his eyes. You defeated that guy in just two moves! What kind of Ninjutsu was that? Can you teach me? Naruto had not been very far away. When Kakashi had stepped forward, he felt the tension in the air and worried that Minato and the Third Hokage were having a conflict. But before he could even process the danger, the battle was finished.
It's still too early for the current you. Minato smiled gently, his public mask perfectly in place even as his mind calculated the boy's current growth rate. Let's start with the basics first. How is your practice with the Three Basic Jutsu going?
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly while wearing a goofy grin. My Transformation Jutsu is actually super impressive!
Minato nodded. Right, so what about the Clone Jutsu and the Substitution Jutsu?
Naruto looked away guiltily, his voice dropping. I'm not very proficient with the Clone Jutsu yet... but as for Substitution, I can use it. Minato understood immediately. This meant the boy had not mastered the Clone Jutsu at all, and while he could technically perform the Substitution Jutsu, he didn't truly understand how to use it effectively in a real fight.
Then let's start with the basic Three Basic Jutsu.
Are there any more powerful Ninjutsu?
The Three Basic Jutsu are the foundation. I guarantee you'll be able to learn them in no time.
Alright then, haha!
In the distance, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his hands tucked behind his back, watching the interaction with a bitter feeling in his heart.
Kakashi.
Hokage-sama. Kakashi instantly appeared behind the Third Hokage, his presence silent and alert.
For the time being, you'll be responsible for staying by their side. Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. This isn't surveillance, and you don't need to interfere with anything. I'm just worried that someone might take the opportunity to pull some strings while a visitor is in the village.
Understood! Kakashi gave a slight nod. His figure instantly vanished as he moved to hide in the shadows near the pair. Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and turned to leave, his back looking somewhat hunched under the weight of his regrets. Minato naturally noticed Kakashi's presence, but he didn't take it to heart. To him, the elite ninja was just another variable in his calculations.
First, show me your Clone Jutsu. Minato looked at Naruto. Let me see what the situation is.
Okay! Watch my Clone Jutsu! Naruto formed the hand signs with both hands, concentrating hard.
Poof! A cloud of smoke exploded on the training ground. A pale, half-dead clone appeared beside Naruto. It looked like a deflated ball, twitching limply on the ground without any vitality.
Minato remained silent. Kakashi, watching from the shadows, also remained silent. After a moment of speechlessness, Kakashi couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. The scene was quite amusing and gave him a strange sense of healing after the tension of the previous battle.
You have uneven Chakra distribution. It seems your control over your energy is very low. Minato shook his head. Chakra control is the basis of all Ninjutsu. If you can't even distribute power for a Clone Jutsu properly, you won't be able to learn more advanced Ninjutsu.
Naruto pouted in frustration. But I just can't control it properly. That Chadora thing completely refuses to listen to me!
It's Chakra! Minato corrected him calmly. How about this, hold out your fist first.
Naruto was puzzled by the request but did as he was told, extending his small fist. Minato bumped his fist against Naruto's. In an instant, Minato used his specialized connection to appear inside Naruto's Seal Space.
Behind the massive, damp iron gates of the seal, a pair of blood-red eyes stared intently at Minato. The atmosphere was heavy with killing intent and ancient power.
Nice to meet you, Nine-Tailed. Minato greeted the massive, caged figure with a polite smile that masked his cold pragmatism.
Minato Namikaze— The Nine-Tailed snorted coldly, its voice echoing like thunder in the dark space. You brat, don't tell me you want me to stop eroding the seal? Don't waste your effort; I won't listen to you.
Don't be so cold. After all, I already released the Tailed Beast of our world. Even though the Minato of this world didn't get along with you, I think we should be friends. Minato smiled and extended his fist toward the cage. Want to bump?
Who wants to bump fists with you? Get away from this old man, you annoying fellow! The Nine-Tailed huffed and turned its massive body around, leaving Minato with a view of its orange backside and nine swaying tails. Minato reached out and actually patted that backside. The Nine-Tailed let out a startled yelp and spun back around, glaring at Minato in a genuine rage.
Brat—!
Don't shout so loudly. Minato laughed, looking somewhat like a simpleton. Let's be friends, okay? I can guarantee that one day, Naruto will return your freedom to you.
What can you use to guarantee that? The Nine-Tailed sneered with a face full of disdain. If you were the Minato of this world, it wouldn't hurt for this old man to believe you once, but you aren't even from here. Sooner or later, you'll leave this place. On what basis can you guarantee that brat's future? The darkness in that brat's heart is as deep as the sea. Don't tell me some stupid words about believing in your own son.
I believe in Naruto! Minato said seriously.
Pfft— The Nine-Tailed rolled its eyes. I knew it.
But I also believe in you, Nine-Tailed. Minato held his fist high, his gaze steady. I believe that you are actually a very, very good Tailed Beast.
Are you kidding me?! The Nine-Tailed suddenly seemed insulted and flew into a rage. I am the Nine-Tailed! I am the collection of all hatred and resentment in the world!
Minato didn't speak. He simply kept his fist raised with a gentle, patient smile on his face. Looking at the serious and expectant expression of the visitor, the Nine-Tailed's thunderous voice gradually weakened. Their eyes met across the iron bars. After a long silence, the Nine-Tailed finally admitted defeat. It turned its head away awkwardly and reluctantly raised its massive clawed fist, bumping it lightly against Minato's.
Hmph, this old man wants to see what kind of tricks you're trying to play.
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