"The Fourth Hokage was named Namikaze Minato," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his face softening with nostalgia.
"He was perfect—gentle and refined, yet incredibly powerful. He was known as the Yellow Flash."
"Why was he called the Yellow Flash?" Uzumaki Naruto asked, puzzled.
"His hair was golden, just like yours," Sarutobi Hiruzen explained slowly.
"Combined with his unparalleled speed, the fastest in the Ninja World, he earned that title."
"How fast was he?" Naruto pressed, his curiosity piqued.
"Faster than light," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied after a moment's pause.
"Enemies were defeated before they even saw his face."
"Amazing!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe. "I want to become a ninja that fast too!"
"You'll have your chance," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile.
"Then... how did he...?" Naruto suddenly hesitated, his face clouding with doubt.
"What's wrong?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked casually. "Ask whatever's on your mind."
"If he was so strong, how did he die?" Naruto asked, his curiosity burning.
The smile froze on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face.
His memories were once again dragged back to the chaotic night of the Nine-Tailed Beast.
____
"Sorry for the wait, Hinata."
After all the students had left, Kitazawa approached Hyuga Hinata.
"I didn't wait long," Hinata said softly.
"Here." Kitazawa handed her two bags of snack gift sets.
"I... I already have one," Hinata said, shaking her head hastily.
"One bag definitely isn't enough for you." Kitazawa recalled how Hinata had once devoured forty-six bowls of ramen in a single sitting during the Great Eater competition in the original story.
"It's enough for me," Hinata insisted, her face flushing.
"No, it's not." Kitazawa pressed both bags into her hands. "Don't be shy with me."
"Th-thank you, Teacher Kitazawa," Hinata stammered, clutching the snacks.
Her eyelashes fluttered as she gazed at him, looking as flustered as a little white rabbit.
"Alright, let's get back to business." Kitazawa couldn't resist patting her head. "I've already found the three boys you mentioned."
Hinata's body trembled, the memory of their previous encounter resurfacing and fear flickering in her eyes.
"Hinata."
Kitazawa said seriously, "I've arranged to meet them after school tomorrow. I'll give them a proper lesson then."
"Okay," Hinata replied.
Meeting his warm gaze, she suddenly felt a sense of calm settle over her.
"See you tomorrow," Kitazawa said, stopping in his tracks.
"Goodbye, Teacher Kitazawa," Hinata replied, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Clutching her snacks, she turned and left the school.
After a few steps, she glanced back at Kitazawa and saw him still standing there, as if waiting for someone.
Hinata averted her gaze, focusing on the snacks in her hands, a faint smile spreading across her face.
"Lady Hinata."
A sudden voice startled her.
A young man with Byakugan eyes appeared before her.
"Tokuma," Hinata replied, immediately suppressing her smile and adopting the dignified demeanor Hiashi Hyuga had taught her.
As a member of the Hyuga Main Family, she had dedicated Branch Family guards assigned to protect her.
Shortly after they left, Kurenai Yuhi's figure came into view.
"Now that I'm a teacher myself, I truly understand how remarkable you are," she sighed.
"These are my exclusive methods," Kitazawa said with a smile, handing her a scroll.