Chapter 44: Conditions

"You want to guard Kushina? You mean to entrust her protection to a student still attending the Ninja Academy?"

The Third Hokage couldn't help but laugh after hearing this, not in a mocking way towards Minato, but simply stating a fact.

Although Minato's strength might not match his age, assigning him as the guard for the potential future Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, Kushina, seemed too much of a child's play.

Minato had anticipated the Third's reaction and promptly responded, "I know I still have many shortcomings, but when I think about Kushina's feelings, I cannot control my emotions. Therefore, I humbly request you to let me become her guard, even if it's just to give her a brief sense of freedom while she's with me."

Minato was well aware of Kushina's importance, as someone under the protection of the Anbu, even if the Third didn't point it out.

However, when it came to matters concerning her, Minato found it difficult to remain truly rational.

Even though he knew his request seemed somewhat absurd.

After listening to Minato's words, the Third became slightly aware of Kushina's psychological issues. Moreover, allowing her to live a lonely life while bearing the burden of becoming the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki seemed cruel, even for him as the Hokage.

After all, that child was now a part of the Konoha Ninja Village.

Furthermore, he naturally believed that Minato wasn't someone who would make unreasonable demands. Based on his current conduct, he appeared to be a rare talent.

Therefore, the Third tried to inquire about Minato's reasons for making such a request, "Do you think your abilities are sufficient to take on this position?"

Minato bowed his head for a moment before responding, "To be honest, I'm not sure, but I believe that guarding doesn't solely rely on raw strength. The reasonable application of any detail is the most crucial aspect."

He couldn't claim to be on par with the Third's Anbu, but the key to a successful mission wasn't just about a ninja's combat strength.

Wisdom was also a part of a ninja's overall ability.

Unbeknownst to Minato, the Third was aware that he had previously defeated one of Jiraiya's Shadow Clones, an indication that his strength was already sufficient for such a task.

However, the Third's concern was Minato's age.

In the world of shinobi, experience was a significant factor in determining the success or failure of a mission. At the mere age of nine, Minato lacked any real mission experience.

Moreover, this was a task of guarding the future Jinchūriki, an assignment of high importance.

But now that Minato had brought it up himself, it showed that he had genuinely understood certain key aspects.

Nevertheless, the Third couldn't simply entrust the task to Minato based on words alone, even if he agreed. Those individuals would also...

"In the world of shinobi, mere words are not enough to accomplish anything. If you want to prove yourself, then show me," the Third said after contemplating.

Minato's eyes lit up upon hearing this, as the Third hadn't outright rejected his idea, which was already the best-case scenario in his expectations.

He looked up at the Third and asked, "How should I prove myself?"

"This is a good opportunity," the Third thought to himself before responding, "You'll find out soon. I hope you won't disappoint me then."

Minato was puzzled by the response, but since the Third had said so, there must have been a reason.

"I'll do my best, for her," Minato said resolutely. For Kushina's sake, he would put in his utmost effort, and he had to succeed.

He didn't know why, but he felt that way.

Afterward, the Third gazed at Minato's face and smiled, "You're quite a decent grandson, kid. You're far better than Jiraiya was back then."

Seeing Minato reminded him of the time he had taught Jiraiya and the others. However, Minato was undoubtedly a true genius, unlike Jiraiya back then.

In this aspect, he was very similar to someone else, yet different.

The Third had intended for Minato to become his successor, the Fourth Hokage, but that person's thoughts were...

Minato responded with a smile, his mind filled with the image of Kushina's flushed cheeks.

For her sake, he had to gain the Third's approval, no matter what!

Subsequently, Minato respectfully bowed to the Third and left the Hokage's office.

After he left, the Third gazed at the two photos hanging on the ceiling.

One depicted a handsome man with long black hair, and the other showed a man with a stern expression and white hair.

They were the legendary figures from the founding of Konoha, revered as the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

"My lords, the will you passed down has been inherited by someone in this generation, and he's an exceptional young fellow," the Third said with a smile, but his expression quickly turned solemn, replaced by a deep furrow of worry on his brow.

"However, the peace you secured with your lives... it seems like it might be shattered again."

After leaving the Hokage's office, Minato felt a bit heavy-hearted, but whenever he recalled Kushina's smiling face, strength would surge from an unknown source within him.

He stood on a bridge in Konoha, gazing down at the water, where the bright moonlight reflected his face.

Unconsciously, he clenched his fists tightly, once again affirming his resolve.

"This..."

However, a subtle difference caught Minato's attention. From the reflection on the water's surface, he vaguely sensed that someone was following him from behind.

And it wasn't just one person; their skills were undoubtedly on par with, if not better than, any Anbu member he had previously encountered.

Minato became puzzled, wondering why someone would be watching him.

He wasn't sure about the identities of those following him, but he had just met with the Third, who had no reason to assign Anbu to monitor him.

Nevertheless, he didn't show any signs of having noticed, and instead continued walking forward, acting oblivious to the situation.

He wanted to see what these people's intentions were in following him.

At the same time, the door to the Third's office opened again. However, the person who entered didn't show any courtesy upon seeing the Third and instead stood in front of his desk, placing his hands on the surface and staring at him as he spoke.

"Sarutobi, you didn't deal with the brat who dared to take Kushina away?"

(End of Chapter)