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"I don't want you to get involved between Mina and me; she's a childhood playmate of mine and one of the few clan members I have left!"
Kushina, with a sulky tone, expressed her frustration. Mina must have sensed Minato's intentions, which likely caused her to leave early, feeling uncomfortable.
Although she didn't know why Mina was reluctant to join the Konoha Hospital, Kushina felt Minato's approach was inconsiderate.
"Kushina, I'll no longer interfere. Your clansman doesn't seem to have this intention anyway, and after all, this was a task given to me by the Third Hokage," Minato said apologetically. However, he recalled the Third Hokage's words, believing it was something he should discuss with Kushina.
"Kushina, this clansman of yours has a strong talent in medical ninjutsu. Her potential achievements might even reach the heights of Tsunade-senpai. As you're well aware of Tsunade-senpai's current situation and with the increasing border friction, if a war were to break out..."
Minato's words left Kushina silent, considering she was one of Tsunade's closest confidants and knew her struggles well—rejecting missions, avoiding surgeries, and her current vulnerability at the sight of blood, a stark contrast to before, caused by the trauma of losing loved ones to war.
Thus, Kushina despised war for the havoc it wrought on her homeland and the pain it inflicted on those around her.
"However, if Mina is unwilling, and given her unfortunate experiences following the destruction of the Whirlpool Country, forcing her will accomplish nothing!" Minato added, suggesting, "So, Kushina, could you possibly persuade your clansman? Joining the Konoha Hospital is beneficial, and the village will fully support her development."
"I'll see," Kushina hesitantly agreed, aware of the battlefield significance of a top-tier medical ninja but also deterred by Mina's current attitude, making her reluctant to even broach the subject.
She remembered Tsunade's intention to take Mina as an apprentice, which Mina rejected. So, convincing Mina to join the Konoha Hospital seemed unlikely.
Moreover, Kushina feared that bringing up the topic might upset Mina, possibly deterring her from visiting again.
Feeling troubled, Kushina chose to retire to her room without further conversation with Minato, a departure from their usual, lengthy chats whenever they found the time.
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After leaving Kushina's home, Mina did, in fact, head to the Konoha Hospital to study, which puzzled Morimoto, who had given Mina the day off only to see her return in the afternoon.
Still, Morimoto continued to teach, now guiding Mina through more complex surgeries and planning to move on to studying poisons and antidotes.
In the evening, Mina returned home, habitually announcing, "I'm back."
"Coming back so late, I thought you would have dinner at her place before returning," said Yōichi, stepping out from the dining room and handing her three scrolls as a reward from the village—three B-rank sealing jutsus, likely different from the Uzumaki clan's techniques, for her to study.
"Thank you, Yōichi-sama," Mina gratefully responded, her midday displeasures seemingly vanished.
Nevertheless, she decided to mention her visit to Kushina's. Quickly, she shared Minato's roundabout persuasion attempt.
After hearing Mina's story, Yōichi pondered for a moment before advising, "Don't mind them. The village's internal focus will decrease over time. They recognize your talent but don't wish to offend the Uchihas, hence the suggestion to join voluntarily."
"I wouldn't leave Yōichi-sama!" Mina quickly asserted, eager to prove her loyalty.
"I also negotiated with Gates for a summoning contract for you, emphasizing the need for offerings like honey or sweets to ensure your protection, a task that required significant effort to convince the proud creature."
Mina warmly thanked him, "Thank you, Yōichi-sama."
"Let's eat, I haven't started yet."
"Alright."
After dinner, Yōichi continued his training.
He didn't acquire anything particularly useful that day, only managing to steal a shuriken from Uchiha Tetsubi, reflecting on the luck-based nature of his ability to steal skills or chakra.
With the month ending soon and his ability set to refresh, Youichi hoped for better loot, considering direct confrontations with certain clan elders as a last resort for beneficial thefts.
The next morning, as Yōichi planned his training, a messenger from Elder Kenji sought his presence for an important discussion.
Upon arrival, Elder Kenji didn't beat around the bush, directly suggesting, "Yōichi, you should participate in the Jonin exams in a few days."
"Jonin exams? For me?" Yōichi was surprised, doubting his qualifications but intrigued by the sudden proposal.
Elder Kenji affirmed Yōichi's strength was already at Jonin level, deserving a corresponding rank. He explained the strategic importance of Jonin in the village hierarchy and the scarcity of such positions within the Uchiha and Hyuga clans.
Despite many Uchihas possessing the strength for Jonin rank, village politics often hindered their promotion. However, this time, an opportunity arose linked to a village military procurement, ensuring Yōichi's participation without concern for usual prerequisites.
Recognizing the significance of Jonin status within the village, Yōichi pondered the potential to influence village decisions, highlighting the exception of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans due to their internal priorities and the village's cautious approach to their influence.
(End of Chapter)