Hokage Office.
"Kid, are you really sure about this?"
The Third looked seriously at Minato standing before him—a fine young man indeed.
Although Minato had made a pact with him over a year and a half ago, deep down, The Third didn't want Minato to fight against Hatake Sakumo.
Minato was a genius not seen in decades. But Sakumo was equally brilliant. The Third knew Sakumo's strength all too well—anyone who could last three minutes against him in battle would already be considered a formidable expert in the current Ninja World.
Although Minato had gained some renown in the ninja world since the end of the Second Great Ninja War, much of that reputation came from how young he was.
Even if he had mastered the "Flying Thunder God Technique" by now, his chances of defeating Sakumo still remained low.
He hoped Minato would train longer. With his talent, it wouldn't take long for him to reach the agreed-upon level.
There was no need to rush into things so urgently.
Before The Third, Minato smiled brightly and said, "Since this matter was decided over a year and a half ago, I have absolutely no reason to back out."
"Moreover, I don't want to break my promise to her again," Minato said, his expression filled with unwavering determination.
During this time, Kushina, as a genin, was stuck doing odd jobs and grunt work. Although she never voiced it, Minato clearly understood the pride she carried inside.
Kushina's talent and abilities were second to none among her peers, yet everyone else had already become Chunin and was taking missions abroad.
In the past, Minato had only watched her silently from afar until he grew older and truly understood her inner pain.
He couldn't bear to see Kushina living that kind of life again. Even if it meant going against his originally calm nature to do something risky, Minato was willing to do it.
"But do you realize that if you fail, it might affect your future career?" The Third tried to reason with Minato while considering his best interests.
All of Minato's achievements were based on facts.
Ever since he first showed his potential, he had continually amazed everyone around him.
But if Minato failed this time, it would surely damage his career prospects.
The Third clearly understood that during the growth process of a powerful ninja, any setbacks or confusion might significantly impact their future.
He worried Minato wouldn't be able to handle the disappointment from failure, especially since everything had gone too smoothly for him until now.
Additionally, there were many external factors to consider; Minato's failure would add substantial pressure upon himself.
Minato knew exactly what The Third meant. He'd worked hard to build a bright future for himself.
Yet for her sake, Minato was willing to choose a slightly longer detour.
Besides, he wasn't necessarily destined to lose.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me, but please let me be selfish just once!" Minato lifted his gaze, his determined look remaining unchanged.
The Third and Minato exchanged brief glances before the former turned away and said, "Since this is your own decision, I won't try to stop you anymore."
Then he gave a faint smile. "Come to think of it, Honored Mito's final wish was meant to be fulfilled by me...I didn't take good care of Kushina..."
"You, as the Third Hokage, must always consider the bigger picture. Besides, you've done more than enough for us. Our future naturally should be built by ourselves!" Minato comforted.
Upon hearing this, the Third smiled slightly and said, "Now that we're on the subject, I'm actually quite eager to see how much you've improved over the past year and a half."
"I won't disappoint you," Minato replied.
...
At the Hatake Clan estate.
"Junko-senpai, it's been a while." As Minato walked into the front yard of Sakumo's home, he saw Junko Watanabe strolling in the courtyard with a child in her arms.
Seeing him, Junko Watanabe lightly smiled and said, "You've grown taller again."
Minato nodded in agreement and approached Junko, then greeted the young one she held, "Kakashi, look at you! It's been a while!"
The little Kakashi in Junko's arms grinned widely upon seeing Minato.
At eight months old, he looked extremely adorable—fair-skinned with bright, dark eyes.
In appearance, Kakashi clearly favored his mother Junko Watanabe. However, in his expression, he already displayed signs of heroism—undoubtedly inherited from his father.
Minato stretched out his hand and gently stroked Kakashi's soft little face. At that moment, Sakumo slowly stepped out from the room in the front yard.
"You came," Sakumo said, stepping outside. "Have you seen the Third Hokage already?"
"Yeah," Minato nodded.
Sakumo knew the Third would attempt to advise Minato. Yet, looking into Minato's determined eyes, it was clear—he wouldn't change his mind.
Sakumo then turned back inside, and Minato followed closely behind.
...
They sat on the corridor beside the backyard while Sakumo glanced sideways at Minato and said, "Tomorrow, I won't hold back."
He had been present when Mito sealed the Nine-Tails within Kushina.
Precisely because he understood Kushina's importance and wanted to ensure Minato's safety, even though they had a close relationship, he absolutely wouldn't hold back during tomorrow's match.
"I know," Minato responded, then added with a smile, "I'm really looking forward to having a true battle with you, Senior Sakumo."
In the past, Minato had always deeply admired Sakumo; saying he viewed Sakumo as his role model on the path of growth was no exaggeration.
"I don't want to be surpassed by you just yet," Sakumo smiled slightly upon seeing Minato's eager expression beside him.
Half a year ago, Minato had stopped training with him.
A considerable amount of time had passed since then, and he was eager to see how much Minato had grown.
...
The next morning,
As Minato stepped out of his home, Kushina was already waiting outside his door.
"Minato, about today's fight..." Kushina began, her expression showing hesitation.
Seeing the unease on her face, Minato stepped forward, took her hand gently, and smiled. "You trust me, right?"
"Of course!" Kushina replied firmly.
"Then for your trust, I must succeed. Let's go!" Minato said, forming a [Single-handed Seal Formation].
Whoosh!
With a soft whoosh in the air, the two vanished together.
The scene before them shifted, and Minato and Kushina had already appeared in a vast arena.
This place was originally an arena used for the Chunin Exams.
The two appeared inside the arena at the same time, instantly drawing glances from the few spectators around.
Minato lifted his head and looked up to the highest point, where four figures were seated.
One of them had a gloomy face, sharp eagle-like eyes, and stared back at him with cold indifference.
...
...
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>