Jiraiya and Shisui walked side by side through the dimly lit streets of Konoha, their footsteps light yet deliberate. The training session had been intense, and both Naruto and Ryuga had pushed themselves beyond their limits. Now, with the two boys safely back home, it was time to report their progress to the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato.
As they reached the Hokage's office, the guards at the entrance nodded in recognition, stepping aside to let them pass. The room was illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns, the scent of ink and paper filling the air. Minato sat at his desk, his ever-present pile of paperwork pushed slightly to the side. He looked up as they entered, his blue eyes sharp with curiosity.
"You're back," Minato greeted, setting down his pen. "How did their training go?"
Jiraiya flopped down into a chair with a loud sigh. "Well, let's just say both your sons are absolute monsters in their own way."
Minato chuckled. "I expected nothing less." He turned to Shisui. "Shisui, you were training Ryuga today, correct?"
Shisui nodded, his expression more serious than usual. "Yes, Hokage-sama. And there's something important I need to report."
Minato raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Shisui took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts before speaking. "During our sparring session, Ryuga unlocked something new. It wasn't just an increase in speed or power—it was a full-fledged technique."
Minato leaned forward slightly, his attention sharpening. "A new technique?"
Shisui nodded. "At first, I didn't notice anything too unusual. We were fighting hand-to-hand at first, then we started using ninjutsu. But then, suddenly, his movements became significantly faster. It wasn't just raw speed—it was controlled, precise, almost unnatural. His chakra changed as well. I could see it through my Sharingan."
Jiraiya, who had been listening lazily at first, now sat up straight. "Chakra changed, you say?"
Shisui continued. "Yes. The longer we fought, the more I noticed that something was affecting me. I was getting sluggish, my movements were slowing down, and at first, I thought it was just exhaustion. But through my Sharingan, I saw it—frost. Every time Ryuga landed a hit, ice would form in the air and stick to my body. The effect was subtle at first, but the longer I fought him, the heavier and slower I became."
Minato absorbed this information carefully, his mind racing with possibilities. "That sounds like a chakra mode similar to the Lightning Release Chakra Mode used by the Raikage," he mused.
Shisui nodded. "That's what I thought too. But unlike the Raikage, who uses raw speed and power, Ryuga's technique seems to be built around accumulating cold energy, gradually freezing his opponent in place with each exchange."
Jiraiya whistled. "That's… honestly kind of broken. If the fight drags on, the opponent won't even be able to move properly."
Minato exhaled softly. "This must be an inherited technique."
Shisui blinked. "Inherited?"
Minato nodded. "Ryuga's parents were powerful. Though much about them remains a mystery, it's possible that his bloodline carries abilities we don't fully understand yet. He's not learning these techniques the way most shinobi do—he's unlocking them as he grows stronger."
Jiraiya folded his arms. "So, you're saying the knowledge of these techniques is already inside him, and he's just awakening them little by little?"
Minato nodded. "Exactly. It's like the techniques are engraved into his mind, waiting to be accessed. He likely doesn't even realize it himself."
Shisui let out a small chuckle. "Then at this rate, he won't have any trouble taking first place in the Chunin Exams."
Jiraiya smirked. "Don't be so sure about that. Naruto's got just as much potential. He's already managed to summon Gamabunta today."
Shisui grinned. "That's true. But unless Naruto starts using the Nine-Tails' chakra, Ryuga is still ahead in raw power and skill."
Minato leaned back in his chair, a fond smile playing on his lips. "That's not bias—it's simply reality. Ryuga is more experienced, his combat ability is already beyond his peers. Naruto is catching up fast, but Ryuga has been training at a high level for a longer time."
Jiraiya snorted. "You sure you're not just favoring Ryuga?"
Minato shook his head. "Not at all. If Naruto learns to control the Nine-Tails' chakra, then things will be different. But for now, Ryuga has the advantage."
Shisui smiled. "Either way, I think we're looking at the two strongest candidates for the Chunin Exams."
Minato sighed, but his expression was one of pride. "I can't say I'm not worried about how the other villages will react. But… I have faith in them."
Jiraiya stretched. "Well, now that we've got our report done, I say it's time for some well-earned rest."
Minato nodded. "Thank you both. I appreciate your guidance over them."
As Jiraiya and Shisui left, Minato took a moment to gather his thoughts. He stood up, stretching his arms before deciding to head home.
The Namikaze Household
The house was quiet when Minato arrived. He moved silently, careful not to wake anyone. As he entered the living room, he saw Kushina curled up on the couch, a book resting on her lap. She had fallen asleep waiting for them.
Minato smiled softly before walking past her room toward the bedrooms of his sons.
First, he peeked into Naruto's room. The blonde boy was sprawled out on his futon, one arm dangling over the edge, his blankets barely covering him. His face was peaceful, his exhaustion clear.
Then, Minato stepped toward Ryuga's room. Unlike Naruto, Ryuga slept in a much more composed manner. His breathing was slow and steady, his body still recovering from chakra exhaustion. His dark hair fell over his face slightly, a contrast to the usual determined glint in his eyes.
Minato sighed, feeling a mix of pride and concern.
"They're growing too fast," he murmured to himself.
A part of him wished they could stay children just a little longer, free from the burdens of battle and expectations. But he knew better.
The world wouldn't wait for them.
With a final glance, Minato stepped away, allowing his sons to rest. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, they could sleep in peace.