Chapter 45 - Fourth Year 08.

[Chapter Size: 1800 Words.]

Third Person POV

Konoha, Year 35.

...

...

Minato, with silent and determined steps, approached the spot where Might Duy was training. The intensity of Duy's training was such that he didn't even notice Minato approaching, completely engrossed in his counting and the energy of his upside-down push-ups.

Minato approached cautiously and called out with a polite smile, "Impressive training!" His voice broke the silence, and Duy quickly stood up, surprised but not alarmed by Minato's presence.

"Hey, what do we have here?" Duy exclaimed, the energy vibrating in his voice. "A young man from the village has come to visit me in my training? Tell me, young shinobi, what brings you to my humble training field?"

Minato, still slightly disconcerted by Duy's immense enthusiasm and welcoming aura, couldn't help but smile in response. "Hello, I am Minato. I saw you training here and couldn't help but be impressed. You are Might Duy, right? I've heard about your abilities and... well, I'm also training to be a great shinobi too."

Duy, always encouraging and eager to share the spirit of youth and growth, leaned forward with interest. "Ah, Minato! So you've heard of me? HAHAHA That's wonderful! Yes, I am Might Duy, and I'm here every day seeking to surpass my limits. The power of youth is a marvelous thing, isn't it?" His enthusiasm was contagious, and Minato could feel it.

Minato, nodding, spoke, "Yes, it's true. I'm also trying to surpass my own limits. I was thinking... maybe we could train together sometime? I've always heard of a Genin who can't cast jutsus, but he's a genius when it comes to physical training."

Duy, quite surprised that a child said this to him since everyone is more interested in casting jutsus than physical training, looked at the child in front of him with stars in his eyes. "You're really interested in my training?" Duy asked, a glint of hope and surprise in his eyes. "That sounds like an exciting journey, Minato! Yes, let's train together. Youth is about overcoming challenges and growing stronger!"

Minato nodded, pleased with Duy's acceptance. Unfortunately, he couldn't train with Duy today, but that didn't stop him from scheduling a training session and having a conversation to assist him with his afternoon practice. "Yes, I am. I believe that taijutsu is a crucial part of being a shinobi!" He said and responded to Duy's comment, "And thank you, that's great, I won't be able to today, but I want to explain some things about my training if you can help me..." Minato said.

Explaining his interest in taijutsu and his admiration for Duy, Minato expressed a desire to learn and perhaps even train together. He mentioned his own plans to develop a unique style, combining taijutsu with other techniques.

Minato was enthusiastic about the prospect of enhancing his skills and adding new techniques to his repertoire. Among the skills he wished to master were "Soru" and "Geppo," techniques that would allow rapid movements and the ability to "walk" in the air, characteristic of One Piece. However, he knew that these techniques were not common in this world and that Might Duy, despite being a connoisseur of taijutsu, probably wouldn't have all his knowledge at this time, but Minato wanted to learn what he could from this man.

"Duy, I was thinking... could you help me with training to strengthen my body? There are some techniques I want to learn that require exceptional agility and strength," Minato explained, without going into details about Soru and Geppo.

Duy, nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Minato! Strengthening the body is fundamental for any shinobi. I can show you routines and exercises that will increase your strength, speed, and endurance. Let's make you one of the fastest and most agile shinobis Konoha has ever seen!"

Minato smiled, grateful for Duy's willingness and enthusiasm. "That would be great. I'm especially interested in enhancing my speed and movement ability."

They discussed the principles of training, the specific areas of the body that would need attention, and the routines Minato should follow. Duy emphasized the importance of knowing your own limits and gradually surpassing them. Minato was surprised that even at this time, which he doubted Duy would be beginning to develop the Eight Gates, Duy still had great knowledge of anatomy, explaining which exercises would be good for specific muscles, something not found in books of this era. This proved that Duy had been studying for many years and was combining his knowledge for use in training.

After Minato created a mental list of what he should start practicing after a 40-minute conversation with Duy, he was genuinely pleased and eager to begin his new training.

"You are very promising, Duy," Minato said sincerely, after listening to Duy's words. "No matter what others say, it may not seem much from a child, but I know there's great potential in you. Your dedication and strength are evident, and I believe you will prove them all wrong."

Minato's words deeply touched Duy's heart. For so long he had struggled alone, his only company being the determination and hope that burned within him. To hear a young man, one he had just met, recognize and validate his journey was more than he could have hoped for.

Tears began to form in Duy's eyes, a mixture of emotions overflowing. He quickly wiped them away, a bright and grateful smile appearing on his face. "Young man, your words mean more to me than you can imagine. Many see me just as a foolish dreamer, a ninja who chose the hardest path with no chance of success. But you... you saw the youth within me. Thank you."

Duy took a deep breath. "I promise, Young Minato, I won't disappoint you. I will continue training, improving, and one day, I will show everyone the true power of taijutsu," he said with tears.

Minato nodded, impressed with this character and his personality. "I believe in you, Duy. And I'm looking forward to training and learning together."

After an enriching conversation and plans made for future training, Minato prepared to bid farewell to Might Duy. "It was great talking to you, Duy. I'm looking forward to our training," said Minato, extending his hand in a gesture of friendship.

Duy, with a radiant smile and eyes full of determination, firmly shook Minato's hand. "Likewise, Minato. I'll prepare a training that will challenge us both! Until then, keep striving!"

With a nod, Minato turned and left. He walked through the quiet streets of the village, his next destination being the village market, where he intended to buy the chakra ink necessary for producing explosive tags.

Minato entered a district in the center of the village, where the main clans were. He went to the shops that provided military equipment for ninjas and found a store specializing in seals, stocked with Uzumaki equipment from their village to the east of the Land of Fire, likely managed by the Senju family.

Upon arriving at the store, Minato entered, his eyes immediately searching for the specialized ink he needed. He was greeted by the merchant, a knowledgeable man who recognized Minato as a young but serious customer.

"Good morning, young man. What brings you here?" asked the merchant with a friendly smile, seeing the young man entering the store, which was unusual.

"I'm here to buy intermediate chakra ink," Minato replied, briefly explaining his project to produce explosive tags.

The merchant, hearing the request, frowned slightly. "Chakra ink? My young man, that's not a common commodity. It's powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands. It's not something for children," he replied, clearly hesitant to sell such an item to someone so young.

Minato felt a bit frustrated with the idea of not being able to purchase, understanding why they wouldn't sell it to a child, but he would have to find another way. Before he could attempt to insist, the door of the store opened, and an imposing figure entered. It was Tsunade Senju.

Tsunade, noticing Minato, the young friend of her daughter, asked, "What are you doing here, brat?" her voice carrying a natural authority.

"Tsunade..." Minato murmured.

"Hello Princess Tsunade! This young man wants to buy chakra ink, but I..." the merchant began to speak before being interrupted by Tsunade.

"Chakra ink? And what do you plan to do with it, Minato?" Tsunade asked, turning to the young shinobi with an inquisitive look.

"I need it to create intermediate seals I've been studying from the book I received from Mito last year, I'm almost ready to develop them." Minato was honest; this was an important step for him when it comes to Fuinjutsu.

"You're at the intermediate level? Kid, you're a genius even in this area..." Tsunade muttered, her daughter was almost reaching the threshold of intermediate and specialist level. But seeing Minato learning and reaching this level at his age without the resources the Senju family provides Tsuna is truly fantastic for a boy without a clan.

Tsunade, after listening attentively, nodded. "Well, it seems you really need this. And I know you're not an ordinary boy, Minato." She turned to the merchant. "I will buy the ink for him. I'm sure the brat here can handle it."

The merchant, though still hesitant, couldn't argue with a Senju. He prepared the chakra ink, which Tsunade paid for without hesitation.

Minato, still stunned by the unexpected intervention and support, only managed to stammer a thank you. "Thank you, Tsunade Senju. I promise I will be careful."

Tsunade just smiled, a glint of approval in her eyes. "I'll be watching you, Minato. Make good use of it and continue growing and don't let my daughter down."

Although Minato was a bit wary of her final words, he smiled and left the store to return to the training site.

He then headed to the training site, eager to start working on his explosive tags. Sending a clone to school, as usual, Minato focused entirely on his new task. As a first test, he made a clone and began analyzing it after taking a bit of ink sufficient for a few seals and moving away from the site.

The process was meticulous and demanding, each movement precise and calculated. Finally, after 10 minutes of focused work, Minato's clone completed the seal and raised it with a triumphant smile. "I did it!" the clone exclaimed, a sense of accomplishment filling it.

However, the celebration was brief. The seal, without any explanation, caught fire, and the clone was abruptly engulfed in an explosion, disappearing instantly in a cloud of smoke and debris created in the ground.

"..." Minato just stood there, watching the clone being destroyed after celebrating, not knowing what to say about it.

"Well... It seems this won't be easy... I hope Kushina can help me..." Minato just murmured, while the explosion still echoed through the forest.

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