[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 746 - 750

Chapter 746: Visitor from Kirigakure

Fireballs the size of human heads shot forth, their scorching heat creating visible ripples in the air as they streaked toward Naruto.

"So he's already mastered ninjutsu," Iruka thought to himself.

It was common for students from prominent ninja families, like Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Ino, to receive specialized training beyond the Academy curriculum. Most of these students had already mastered basic ninjutsu techniques unique to their families before graduation.

The spectating students gasped in astonishment. This was the first time Sasuke had demonstrated ninjutsu publicly. He was clearly leagues ahead of his peers.

Though the initial fireball moved with impressive speed, Naruto managed to evade it. But Sasuke didn't relent.

Whoosh!

In rapid succession, Sasuke exhaled additional fireballs, strategically blocking all of Naruto's potential escape routes.

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata's fair face filled with concern as flames surrounded her classmate.

"Don't worry, Hinata," Chiharu reassured her. "My brother is capable of far more than this."

Just as the flames threatened to engulf him completely, Naruto formed hand seals with practiced efficiency.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Four shadow clones materialized around him, forming a protective barrier.

Poof! Poof!

The clones absorbed the fiery assault, dissipating on impact but leaving Naruto himself unharmed. Seizing the opportunity, he rushed toward Sasuke while forming hand seals once more.

Poof! Poof! Poof!

Dozens of shadow clones suddenly appeared beside him, all charging toward Sasuke in unison.

"These are all solid clones?!" Sasuke's eyes widened in shock.

Unlike the standard Clone Technique, which created mere illusions, these were physical entities—the same that had shielded Naruto from the Phoenix Flower Jutsu.

This was a high-level B-rank technique. Even among accomplished clan ninjas, most could only create a handful of shadow clones at once.

Naruto's chakra reserves were truly remarkable.

"I've heard Lady Kushina can create hundreds of shadow clones effortlessly. It seems those rumors are well-founded," Iruka observed with raised eyebrows.

Though the Shadow Clone Technique wasn't the most advanced ninjutsu, producing more than ten simultaneously—especially for an Academy student—was extraordinary. Naruto was certainly proving worthy of his parentage.

"Amazing!"

More than a dozen Narutos swarmed toward Sasuke in an impressive formation. Concern flashed across the faces of Sasuke's supporters. Naruto alone had matched Sasuke evenly; with this many clones, was Sasuke destined to lose?

"What an unconventional attack strategy," Shikamaru remarked from the crowd, shaking his head with a slight smile.

Ordinary ninjas lacked the chakra reserves to create so many shadow clones. The technique inherently weakened the user by dividing their chakra, affecting strength, speed, and reaction time.

Sasuke recognized this limitation immediately. He reached for his shuriken pouch, extracting all the throwing stars he carried—a few genuine metal shuriken, the rest wooden training tools used at the Academy.

His eyes swept over the dozen Narutos approaching from different angles, and his expression shifted with sudden determination.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

With a rapid flurry of movement, he launched all his shuriken simultaneously, executing a complex maneuver.

Though released as a single volley, the projectiles separated into two distinct groups. The second batch of wooden shuriken collided with the first batch of metal shuriken in mid-air.

The wooden stars shattered upon impact, but the collision dramatically altered the trajectory and accelerated the metal shuriken. They struck vital points on Naruto's shadow clones before they could react.

Poof! Poof! Poof!

Nearly half the shadow clones vanished instantly, defeated by Sasuke's precision attack.

This maneuver stunned the onlookers anew. Sasuke's shuriken skills had reached such sophistication that even among the Uchiha clan's elite, few had mastered such techniques.

This must have been taught by his brother, Uchiha Itachi—the prodigy whose talent had once astonished the entire Academy.

Swish!

Naruto's remaining shadow clones and his real body surrounded Sasuke, launching a coordinated assault. Fists, kicks, and sweeping strikes converged on Sasuke from all directions.

Yet Sasuke remained composed, having noticed that each individual Naruto's movements lacked the speed and power displayed when Naruto fought alone.

Undaunted, he engaged the multiple attackers, meeting their combined assault head-on.

Thud!

The training ground echoed with the sounds of combat as everyone watched intently. This hardly resembled a match between Academy students.

Though Sasuke's speed and individual striking power exceeded Naruto's, two fists inevitably proved inadequate against eight or more. With each exchange, he might defeat a shadow clone, but not before sustaining hits himself.

Poof!

As Sasuke dispatched the last shadow clone, Naruto's real body suddenly lunged forward with a powerful punch.

Sasuke reacted instantly, throwing a counterpunch of his own.

Thud!

Their fists connected simultaneously with each other's faces. Both boys staggered backward from the impact, falling to the ground in perfect synchronization.

"Huff... huff..."

Lying on the ground, both gasped for breath, their physical strength and chakra reserves nearly depleted.

The spectators' expressions reflected nothing short of awe.

Iruka quickly declared the match a draw.

Students immediately rushed onto the field to assist both combatants. Sasuke found himself surrounded by admiring girls, while Naruto was helped up by a male classmate, with Chiharu standing protectively at his side.

The rivals' eyes met across the field, and gradually, smiles formed on both their faces.

"You've made considerable progress," Sasuke acknowledged, the fighting spirit in his eyes undiminished.

"You're not bad either," Naruto replied with a shrug.

Despite his own rapid improvement, Sasuke hadn't fallen behind. The ninjutsu and shuriken techniques he'd displayed were entirely new to Naruto.

"Make the Seal of Reconciliation," Iruka instructed.

Supported by their classmates, the two approached each other, extended their hands, and formed the traditional seal that signified respect between opponents.

That evening, at Konoha's main gate, several village ninjas appeared to be awaiting someone's arrival. Gradually, multiple figures became visible in the distance, approaching the village.

Kakashi, who was overseeing the reception, blinked in surprise when he recognized the slender figure leading the procession.

"That's our visitor from Kirigakure?"

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly, and beside him, a Konoha ninja exclaimed in disbelief:

"That's the Fifth Mizukage?!"

Chapter 747: In the Name of Kage

"Hurry and report to the Hokage."

Kakashi glanced at a Konoha ninja behind him, who nodded and rushed toward the Hokage Tower within the village.

Kakashi then led the remaining Konoha ninjas forward to greet the visitors.

He approached the Fifth Mizukage and her entourage, bowing respectfully. "Lady Mizukage."

Kakashi vividly remembered how Mei Terumi had come to his and Rin's rescue years ago. Though he now understood they might have been unwittingly drawn into someone's scheme at the time, Mei's desire to help them had been genuine.

Mei Terumi removed her Mizukage's wide-brimmed hat and smiled warmly. "I apologize for joining the delegation without prior notice. I hope this doesn't cause any inconvenience?"

"Not at all," Kakashi assured her, shaking his head.

He raised his gaze slightly, looking past Mei Terumi to observe the Hidden Mist ninjas behind her.

Having fought against Kirigakure shinobi during the Third Ninja World War, Kakashi knew that historically, only Mist ninjas carried such a palpable aura of bloodlust—a consequence of the previous Mizukage's brutal governing methods and policies.

The Kirigakure ninjas accompanying Mei Terumi were undoubtedly elite, yet compared to their predecessors, the murderous intent emanating from them had noticeably diminished.

Since succeeding as the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi had implemented policies promoting peace and openness, achieving remarkable results in less than two years.

These changes were plainly evident in the Mist ninjas who accompanied her.

"Please follow me. Lord Hokage has been awaiting your arrival," Kakashi said, turning to lead the way.

"Let's proceed," Mei Terumi said softly.

Despite her position as Mizukage, a flicker of genuine joy passed through her eyes. Time had flowed relentlessly forward—more than twenty years had passed since those days.

Under Kakashi's guidance, Mei Terumi and her delegation entered Konoha.

"Konohagakure was founded by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and stands as the preeminent village among the Five Great Shinobi Nations," Mei remarked, observing her surroundings with interest.

Though Kirigakure ranked among the Five Great Villages, the gap between it and Konoha was immediately apparent. With its current strength, the Land of Fire firmly occupied the pinnacle position among the great nations, boasting a robust economy, abundant resources, and prosperous citizens.

All of this had been achieved through the efforts of Konoha's shinobi, led by the current Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze—widely acknowledged as the strongest ninja in the world today.

The delegation proceeded along one of Konoha's main thoroughfares. Looking up, they could see the Hokage Monument—the stone faces of Konoha's successive leaders carved into the mountainside.

Each Hokage had stood among the strongest individuals in the ninja world, at the apex of power.

As evening approached, the flow of people on Konoha's streets gradually increased. With darkness falling, few villagers noticed the Kirigakure delegation led by Kakashi.

With their abilities, the ninja easily navigated through the growing crowds.

The group turned at an intersection, now very close to the Hokage Tower.

At that moment, two figures emerged from a side street, approaching the same corner.

The Konoha ninjas had already sensed their presence. Kakashi stepped forward at the intersection to intercept them.

"Brother Kakashi?"

The unexpected meeting startled Naruto and Chiharu.

"Naruto and Chiharu," Kakashi acknowledged.

The Academy would have just finished classes, and this road happened to be the direct route to the Namikaze residence.

"What happened to you?" he asked, noting Naruto's disheveled appearance and obvious fatigue.

"Just a little tired from sparring practice today," Naruto explained with a smile.

Both siblings noticed the ninjas behind Kakashi wearing unfamiliar attire. Presuming he was engaged in an official mission, they decided not to impose.

"What a beautiful lady!" Chiharu exclaimed when she spotted Mei Terumi behind Kakashi.

Hearing this, Mei Terumi offered a gentle smile.

"We'll be on our way," Naruto said to Kakashi.

The siblings continued their journey home, carefully navigating around the delegation.

"Let's continue, Lady Mizukage," Kakashi suggested, glancing briefly after the children.

Mei Terumi nodded, and everyone resumed their progress toward the tower.

"Those two children just now—they resembled the Fourth Hokage depicted on the monument, didn't they?" Mei Terumi remarked, her eyes revealing thoughtful curiosity.

Everyone in the ninja world knew Minato had two children. She asked primarily to confirm her suspicion, while carefully avoiding revealing to her entourage that she had known the current Hokage in his youth.

Kakashi understood her intent immediately. "Yes, those were Lord Hokage's son and daughter."

Mei Terumi nodded slightly upon receiving confirmation. Behind her, the Kirigakure ninjas exchanged meaningful glances.

"Naruto and Chiharu..." she murmured quietly. "I would very much like to meet their mother."

The group finally approached the Hokage Tower.

From a distance, Mei Terumi spotted a blond man wearing a white haori standing among a welcoming committee.

Minato advanced with Konoha's elders to greet the visitors.

"Welcome to Konoha, Lady Mizukage," Minato said warmly, offering a genuine smile.

"I apologize for not informing Konoha and Lord Hokage about the change in our delegation's composition beforehand," Mei Terumi responded with a slight smile.

She glanced respectfully at the elderly man standing beside Minato—somewhat stooped with age but still emanating the dignified presence of a warrior who had once shaken the ninja world.

Mei Terumi exchanged formal greetings with each Konoha official. Though in terms of rank, only Minato matched her position—even the former Hokage technically stood below her current status—this visit carried special significance.

Kirigakure had sent this envoy to express gratitude for Konoha's assistance during their darkest hour. Although Minato had initiated the aid, she knew the Third Hokage had provided substantial support as well.

After the formal greetings concluded, the Kirigakure ninjas accompanying Mei Terumi followed their Konoha counterparts to their accommodations.

The elders dispersed, leaving only Minato, the Third Hokage, and Mei Terumi to enter the Hokage's office.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Mei Terumi bowed deeply to both men.

"I insisted on coming personally because I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you both face-to-face," she said with genuine emotion. "Thank you for saving the Hidden Mist Village. Without your intervention, our entire village might still remain under enemy control."

As Mizukage, she couldn't display such humility before the leadership of another village in the presence of her own ninjas or outsiders. But here, in private, she could speak her heart.

"Lady Mizukage, you're too kind," the Third Hokage demurred.

Minato added, "We merely provided information and modest assistance. The current positive atmosphere in Kirigakure is due entirely to the efforts of all Mist ninjas, particularly your leadership as the Fifth Mizukage."

His gentle smile radiated warmth like sunlight, capable of touching even the most guarded heart.

Mei Terumi gazed at the blond man before her, feeling a familiar warmth spread through her chest. Though years had passed, he remained fundamentally unchanged from the person she had known long ago.

Neither had imagined that when they met again, it would be as the kage of their respective villages.

Chapter 748: Being a Guest

"No one in the Hidden Mist Village will ever forget Konoha's assistance," Mei Terumi reiterated, her gratitude evident in every word.

Minato and the Third Hokage exchanged knowing smiles.

In truth, Minato had violated fundamental ninja principles when he rescued Mei Terumi in the Hidden Mist Village. Yet his actions now appeared vindicated.

Though conflicts of interest inevitably arose between the Five Great Nations, under the leadership of the Third Hokage and now Minato, Konoha's shinobi had consistently refused to exploit others' misfortunes.

Following the Third Ninja World War, Konoha had emerged victorious against the coalition forces of four countries, but relations between the nations had deteriorated to extreme tension.

In recent years, ties with the Sand Village in the neighboring Land of Wind had gradually improved. Similarly, with Mei Terumi as Mizukage, relations between Konoha and the Hidden Mist Village had strengthened considerably after the recent crisis.

Though they had once been enemies, both leaders recognized that in conflicts over resources and power, civilians invariably suffered the greatest hardships. Therefore, as long as the current peace could be maintained, Minato and Konoha remained willing to extend assistance to other nations.

"Is it truly safe for you to leave the Hidden Mist Village like this?" the Third Hokage asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

Though the Hidden Mist had been freed from the masked man's control, the enemy had operated within the village for many years. Despite Mei Terumi's extensive reforms after assuming leadership, and her thorough investigation into the masked man's followers, oversights were inevitable.

A smile curved Mei Terumi's lips, though her beautiful eyes held a sharpness like tempered steel. "If those individuals make any moves, it would actually serve us well. We wouldn't need to expend so much effort tracking them down."

She had deduced that after the masked man's exposure, his immediate order for Hoshigaki Kisame to assassinate her was primarily intended to create friction between the Five Great Nations and divert attention.

Consequently, Mei Terumi calculated that even in her absence from the Hidden Mist Village, enemies lurking in the shadows would hesitate to take significant action.

"Indeed, since the last incident, they've become remarkably quiet," Minato observed, his eyes darkening slightly.

Over the past two years, neither Jiraiya-sensei nor Konoha's ANBU had detected meaningful signs of enemy activity. Their only suspected intervention had been when the perpetrator who sacrificed all the Jashin Cult's high-ranking members vanished without trace from the Land of Hot Springs.

The evil cultist who possessed supposed immortality had likely been recruited into their organization as well.

First came Deidara from Iwagakure, then Hoshigaki Kisame, one of the former Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, followed by rogue ninjas from Yugakure. They represented some of the most dangerous renegades in the current ninja world, each warranting an S-rank designation in every nation's bingo book.

Combined with those who had attacked Konoha years ago, this coalition possessed strength potentially rivaling even Konoha's current might.

"Regardless, we must locate and eliminate these individuals," Mei Terumi said gravely. "Otherwise, the troubles will never cease."

"Yes. If possible, I would prefer to unite the forces of all Five Great Nations, but that goal remains elusive," Minato acknowledged with a rueful smile.

The accumulated hatred from three previous Ninja World Wars ran too deep. The current Raikage harbored a personal vendetta against Minato, and the mysterious organization had conspicuously avoided any activity in the Land of Lightning.

Rumors suggested that Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage, had once utilized this organization to achieve certain objectives. Their cooperation allegedly ended only when they recruited Deidara, Ōnoki's direct disciple.

Though diplomatic relations existed between the Sand Village and Konoha, this alliance largely represented a pragmatic economic necessity for Sunagakure.

Thus far, only Konoha and Kirigakure had achieved genuine unity.

"Therefore, Lord Fourth Hokage, I urge caution," Mei Terumi said, concern evident in her tone. "All indications suggest their ultimate target is Konoha—and you specifically."

She understood that while Minato currently stood as the strongest individual in the ninja world, his position as Hokage created numerous attachments that prevented him from exercising his full potential. During the masked man's attack on Konoha, these responsibilities had nearly led to Minato's defeat.

"I understand," Minato nodded solemnly.

The three continued discussing measures for strengthening the secret alliance between their villages and countering their hidden adversaries.

"It's getting quite late," Minato eventually observed.

Their conversation had extended well into the evening. Outside, darkness had fallen completely, and Konoha's streets were now illuminated by countless lights.

Just as Minato prepared to summon an ANBU to escort Mei Terumi to her accommodations, her eyes flickered slightly.

"I have another request, if it's not inappropriate," she said hesitantly.

Minato smiled warmly. "Of course, please go ahead."

"If possible... might I visit your home?" Mei Terumi asked, her voice suddenly softer.

She recognized the abruptness of her request, but couldn't suppress the desire.

Mei Terumi genuinely wished to meet Minato's wife. Many years ago, when they were children, Minato had risked his life to save hers. Even then, he had been a talented young shinobi renowned throughout the ninja world.

It would be dishonest to claim that Mei Terumi had never harbored feelings for Minato during those formative years.

With maturity, however, she had gradually learned more about Minato and Kushina's relationship. The vague emotions she once felt clarified as she grew into adulthood—what she felt wasn't romantic love.

Rather than romantic affection, she had always regarded Minato as someone worthy of profound admiration, a feeling that persisted to this day.

She recognized that her desire to meet Kushina stemmed from genuine curiosity: what kind of woman had captured the heart of such an exceptional shinobi?

Minato appeared momentarily surprised before smiling. "No problem at all. You're certainly welcome."

He chuckled softly. Minato had, of course, mentioned Mei Terumi to Kushina previously. His wife had expressed interest in meeting the young woman who had risen to become the Fifth Mizukage.

After all, becoming Hokage had once been Kushina's own ambition when she first arrived in Konoha.

"Let's go now—it's just about dinner time," Minato suggested with a warm smile.

After briefly addressing the duty ninja, and as the Third Hokage departed for his own residence, Minato turned to Mei Terumi.

"Shall we?"

Utilizing the Body Flicker Technique, they instantly materialized in the front yard of the Namikaze home.

Chapter 749: Two Women Meet

"Come in," Minato said, glancing at Mei Terumi before approaching the door. She followed a step behind.

Since Minato typically entered his home directly via teleportation, he rarely carried house keys.

Knock, knock.

He rapped gently on the door twice. Almost immediately, soft footsteps approached from inside.

The door opened to reveal Chiharu, who had assumed someone was visiting her mother, as Minato rarely returned through the front entrance.

She spotted her father first, then her gaze shifted to Mei Terumi standing behind him.

"It's the pretty lady from earlier!" Chiharu exclaimed in surprise.

"You two have met?" Minato asked, his eyebrows rising.

Mei Terumi nodded. "We crossed paths on the road before."

"Hello," she said with a warm smile to Chiharu.

"Hello," Chiharu replied politely, then raised her voice to call into the house. "Mom, Brother! Dad has brought a guest home."

"Please, come in." She stepped aside, making room for them to enter.

Despite her young age, Chiharu carried herself with remarkable poise and propriety—traits clearly inherited from her father.

After they entered, Minato closed the door behind them. The sound of approaching footsteps heralded the appearance of Kushina and Naruto from the interior of the house.

Mei Terumi looked up and her gaze met Kushina's.

"Why is she here?" Naruto wondered with a slight frown, recognizing Mei Terumi wasn't from Konoha. Was this the guest his father had brought home?

The two women studied each other, both visibly surprised by what they sensed.

"So powerful," Kushina thought, immediately perceiving Mei Terumi's formidable chakra. As the possessor of two Kekkei Genkai and the Fifth Mizukage, Mei's energy signature was naturally impressive.

Though Mei Terumi lacked Kushina's sensory abilities, her experience had reached a level where she could almost read a person's capacity through their eyes and bearing alone.

Their first mutual assessment was simple: Very strong!

"She's beautiful," Mei Terumi thought, surprise flashing across her eyes.

After instinctively gauging Kushina's strength, she naturally observed the other woman's appearance—as women often do when meeting. Though Mei herself was undeniably gorgeous, Kushina's simple home attire couldn't conceal her striking beauty.

Despite being the mother of two children and over thirty years old, the powerful vitality of the Uzumaki bloodline meant Kushina's appearance had changed little from a decade earlier. To Mei Terumi, she appeared roughly the same age as herself.

Kushina hesitated momentarily before her eyes softened. She glanced at Minato with gentle reproach. "Minato, you should have told me you were bringing such an important guest home."

She turned to Mei Terumi with a warm smile. "Hello, Lady Fifth Mizukage."

In the current ninja world, female shinobi with such powerful chakra were exceedingly rare. Additionally, Minato had informed Kushina about the Kirigakure delegation's visit days ago. These factors made it simple for her to deduce Mei Terumi's identity.

"The Fifth Mizukage?!" Naruto and Chiharu exchanged astonished glances.

Mei Terumi looked slightly taken aback before responding to Kushina. "I apologize for the presumption of asking to visit your home so suddenly. It was rather forward of me."

"Having you as our guest is an honor," Kushina replied warmly, moving quickly to Mei Terumi's side. "Lady Mizukage, please come in."

"Thank you," Mei Terumi nodded with a smile. "But since I'm here to visit you personally, such formal address feels awkward. If the Hokage's wife doesn't mind, please call me by my given name."

"Wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Kushina glanced at Minato. Though usually casual in demeanor, she remained mindful of her position as a Konoha Jonin.

Minato smiled and nodded, indicating his approval.

"Actually, I prefer how we used to address each other," Mei Terumi suggested. "I'll simply call you and the Hokage 'senpai'—Kushina-senpai."

"Perfect!"

With formalities resolved, Kushina laughed heartily, taking Mei Terumi's hand and leading her further into the house.

The sudden shift in Kushina's demeanor left Mei Terumi momentarily stunned.

After the women departed, Naruto approached Minato, who was about to follow them.

"Dad, was that woman really the Fifth Mizukage?" he asked, raising his eyes questioningly.

He clearly found it difficult to believe that the seemingly delicate young woman was actually the leader of the Hidden Mist Village.

"Yes," Minato confirmed with a nod.

He gently ruffled Naruto's hair. "But even if our guest doesn't mind, your manner of referring to her just now wasn't very polite. You should work on that."

"Right," Naruto acknowledged sheepishly.

The father and his children then proceeded to join the others.

"Becoming Mizukage at such a young age is truly remarkable," Kushina commented at the dinner table.

She had seated Mei Terumi beside her and served her portions of each dish, her voice revealing genuine admiration and respect.

Kushina's own dream had once been to become Hokage. Though her beloved had fulfilled that ambition instead, she harbored no regrets.

This personal experience gave Kushina profound insight into the tremendous responsibilities a Kage carried. Moreover, considering the recent turmoil in the Hidden Mist Village, the reforms Mei Terumi had implemented had yielded impressive results in a remarkably short time.

Kushina doubted she could have accomplished the same.

Faced with Kushina's effusive warmth, Mei Terumi gradually lowered her guard. Kushina's endless questions occasionally overwhelmed even the Mizukage, who struggled to keep pace with her enthusiastic conversation.

Throughout their interaction, Mei Terumi began to understand why Minato loved Kushina so deeply. Though Kushina lacked the reserved demeanor common among shinobi, her natural warmth created an immediate sense of comfort that invited friendship.

In this respect, she and Minato were perfectly matched—truly a harmonious pair.

Naruto and Chiharu listened attentively to the stories about the Fifth Mizukage, captivated by tales of the Hidden Mist Village.

Several hours later, as the evening drew to a close, Mei Terumi expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Kushina-senpai. Today has brought me genuine happiness."

Her eyes shimmered with emotion. Having lost her mother at a young age, and despite her father's constant presence, she had rarely experienced the feeling of true home.

The atmosphere in the Namikaze household had given her a taste of that precious sensation.

"The feeling is mutual," Kushina replied with a sincere smile.

Though their time together had been brief, the two women had already established a foundation of friendship that transcended their official roles.

Chapter 750: Selection of the Jonin

Five months later.

Naruto and Chiharu rose particularly early, as today marked their Ninja Academy graduation examination.

"We're heading out," they announced after breakfast, gathering their belongings and bidding farewell to their parents.

"You've got this!" Kushina exclaimed with an encouraging fist pump, her expression brimming with energy.

"Right," the siblings nodded firmly.

Minato stood and offered his own reassurance: "Just do your best."

He was well aware of his children's capabilities and knew the graduation exam wouldn't pose significant challenges for either of them. Their concern was merely where they would rank. Chiharu's exceptional performance was a foregone conclusion, while Naruto's only uncertainty lay in the theoretical section, despite Minato's frequent tutoring sessions.

After the siblings departed, Minato donned his Hokage robe. "I should leave as well," he told Kushina.

"Once they graduate, how do you plan to organize the teams?" Kushina asked, straightening his collar as she looked up at him.

"The foundation will be based on their results, of course," Minato replied.

He explained that Academy graduates were typically divided into balanced teams. However, Naruto's class included children from virtually all of Konoha's prominent clans. To provide optimal training for these promising young shinobi, both team composition and Jonin instructor selection required careful consideration.

"I see."

Kushina's acknowledgment carried a subtle note of concern. Though these were times of relative peace, the ninja profession remained inherently dangerous, and her children were about to step fully into that world.

"Don't worry," Minato said, reading her thoughts. "While I can't show favoritism in team assignments simply because they're our children, Naruto and Chiharu carry both your blood and mine. Have faith in them."

He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

"You're right," Kushina nodded.

With that, Minato vanished from her sight.

In the Hokage's office, Minato reviewed a mission scroll with satisfaction.

"Well done on this mission, Guy," he said, looking up with an appreciative smile.

"The progress your three students have shown is quite impressive."

"This is merely the beginning!" Might Guy responded enthusiastically, flashing a thumbs-up and his signature gleaming smile. "Their youth has only just begun to blossom!"

"Heh..." Minato's mouth twitched slightly at Guy's characteristic exuberance.

"Lord Hokage, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Guy said suddenly.

"Is something urgent?" Minato inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Guy nodded. "I've arranged to train with Lee today."

"I see."

Minato's eyes flickered as Guy excused himself and quickly departed the office. Even after the door closed, Minato could hear the Jonin's rapid footsteps hurrying away.

The Academy graduation examinations concluded by midday. After completing their tests, the students dispersed to their homes.

Once compiled, the results weren't immediately announced but instead forwarded directly to the Hokage's office, as the Hokage personally assigned teams based on performance.

Minato accepted the report from Iruka. The first names that caught his attention were, predictably:

Uchiha Sasuke

Namikaze Chiharu

Both had achieved perfect scores, tying for first place. This came as no surprise, as Minato was well acquainted with their consistent academic excellence.

He continued scanning down the list:

Yamanaka Ino

Aburame Shino

Hyuga Hinata

Akimichi Choji

The next several names all belonged to children from Konoha's prominent ninja clans. Having received systematic training from early childhood, they naturally outperformed students from civilian backgrounds.

Haruno Sakura

This girl, ranked impressively high, demonstrated exceptional chakra control. Her theoretical knowledge earned perfect marks, while her taijutsu and shuriken skills surpassed the average.

Namikaze Naruto

Naruto's name appeared just below Haruno Sakura's. Minato examined his son's scores: perfect marks in taijutsu and shuriken techniques, near-perfect in ninjutsu, with only his theoretical knowledge achieving the minimum passing score.

"So you managed it after all," Minato murmured with a proud smile.

Naruto passing the theoretical portion, even by the narrowest margin, represented a significant achievement.

Minato continued reviewing the remaining students' results before beginning the complex task of team assignment.

By the time he finished, darkness had fallen outside his office window.

"We're one student short," he realized with a slight frown.

Ninja teams traditionally consisted of three-person cells, but the number of graduates in Naruto's class created an awkward remainder.

"Perhaps we could place the siblings together," Minato considered.

With Chiharu's exceptional abilities and Naruto's impressive physical skills, they might function effectively as a two-person team if one group needed to deviate from the standard format.

Knock, knock!

Just as Minato was finalizing his team assignments, a firm knock interrupted his concentration.

"Enter," he called, looking up expectantly.

The door opened to reveal three elderly figures, causing Minato's brow to furrow slightly.

"At this hour? Why would all three elder arrive together?"

Before him stood Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Shimura Danzō.

Danzō approached directly, prompting Minato to rise from his seat out of respect. Though he harbored deep misgivings about Danzō, the man remained a senior advisor to Konoha.

"Lord Fourth, have you completed the team assignments for this year's Academy graduates?" Danzō inquired.

Minato's frown deepened slightly. "Just now," he confirmed.

In previous years, the council would never have involved themselves in such matters. This year was clearly different—not only because the graduating class included numerous heirs to Konoha's major clans, but more likely because of Naruto's status.

As the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Naruto represented a matter of significant strategic importance.

"We've come merely to confirm your selection for the Jonin who will guide the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki," Danzō stated bluntly, confirming Minato's suspicion.

Utatane and Mitokado watched intently, their expressions revealing their interest in his response.

Minato recognized they weren't concerned with which instructor would best foster Naruto's growth. Rather, given Naruto's special status, they understood that no ordinary Jonin could be entrusted with his development.

Having anticipated this inquiry, Minato had already determined his choice.

Meeting the gazes of the three councilors, he responded with deliberate clarity:

"I plan to assign Uchiha Shisui as Naruto's Jonin instructor."