Konoha Village.
Mission Hall.
To tackle the ongoing issue, Senju Takuya directly issued an A-rank mission.
Regardless, the compensation was just shy of one million ryo.
"Sigh... we're still short on help."
"It seems we'll have to establish our own force in the future."
After assigning the task, Senju Takuya couldn't help but sigh.
Currently, most of his assets employ local shinobi for protection, but that's not a viable long-term solution. With tensions rising, external ninja could become unpredictable variables.
Exiting the mission hall, Senju Takuya crossed paths with Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi.
"Minato, it's been a while."
Senju Takuya greeted Namikaze Minato warmly.
"Takuya, long time no see."
Namikaze Minato forced a smile upon seeing Senju Takuya.
Months ago, he had invited Uzumaki Kushina for dinner, only to be turned down flat. Later, when he returned from a mission, he discovered that Kushina had married Senju Takuya. The sudden revelation hit him hard.
His cherished Kushina had become someone else's wife, a reality that unsettled him deeply.
Encountering Senju Takuya again, Minato felt a mixture of emotions.
"Minato, speaking of which, you still owe me the bride price for Kushina and my wedding."
Senju Takuya joked, seemingly oblivious to Minato's discomfort.
"Heh...yeah, I've been quite busy lately, so I forgot."
"I'll make up for it later."
Minato's expression darkened slightly.
However, after exchanging a few words with Senju Takuya, Minato felt somewhat relieved, much to Senju Takuya's satisfaction.
It's not that he harbors ill will toward Minato, but he wants to assert his claim over Kushina.
Kakashi, observing the interaction, found Senju Takuya quite intriguing.
Is he the new head of the Senju clan? He's quite striking.
Sensing Kakashi's curious gaze, Senju Takuya flashed a mischievous smile.
"Hey~~~"
"Minato, is this white-haired kid your apprentice?"
"You're wearing a mask in broad daylight; am I that repulsive?"
Senju Takuya teased, ruffling Kakashi's hair.
It felt oddly comforting.
"I'm not a kid!"
"And the mask is just a personal preference, nothing to do with looks!"
Kakashi retorted, clearly annoyed.
"Is that so?"
Senju Takuya's dismissive tone irked Kakashi, making it hard for him to breathe.
"Takuya, enough with the teasing."
Minato intervened, smiling helplessly.
"By the way, what brings you here?"
Minato inquired curiously.
"You know the ninja world isn't peaceful lately."
"The Senju clan's properties have been under attack."
"I've issued a mission to hire help and deal with it."
Senju Takuya explained casually.
"I see..."
Minato pondered Senju Takuya's words thoughtfully.
The trio exited the hall together.
"Takuya, there's something I've been meaning to discuss, but I'm not sure if I should."
Namikaze Minato hesitated.
"Then, don't."
Senju Takuya replied nonchalantly.
Minato felt like he'd swallowed a bitter pill.
Typical Takuya, always frustrating to talk to.
"Well...Takuya, I'll just say it."
"It might be presumptuous, but Kushina's dream is to become Hokage."
"I've heard of your strength, so please, work towards becoming Hokage for Kushina's sake!"
Minato looked at Senju Takuya earnestly.
"Minato, you've got it wrong."
"Kushina's goal now is to revive the Senju clan."
"And... you needn't worry about Kushina anymore."
Senju Takuya stated calmly.
Minato was taken aback once again.
Combined with Kushina's public support for Senju Takuya's marriage, it seemed evident.
With that realization, Minato felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
Now that Kushina has moved on, it's time for him to let go.
"Takuya, you were always clever in school. Mind if I ask you something?"
Now resolved to let go, Minato appeared more composed in front of Senju Takuya.
"What is it?"
Senju Takuya inquired.
"I've been pondering lately, isn't it a waste of time for ninjas to keep forming hand seals during combat?"
"It would be ideal if we could develop instant ninjutsu."
"However, despite my efforts, I haven't been able to make a breakthrough."
Minato expressed his frustrations.
He had recently learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, yet found it lacking in excitement.
Seeing Senju Takuya, Minato decided to voice his thoughts.
After all, during their time at the academy, Senju Takuya had always been full of ingenious ideas.
"That's simple. I've just developed an instant ninjutsu."
Senju Takuya grinned upon hearing Minato's plight.
An idea sparked in his mind.
"Really?"
Minato asked, surprised.
He hadn't held much hope for a solution.
"Minato, I can teach you this ninjutsu if you promise me one thing."
Senju Takuya offered softly.
"What's that?"
Minato inquired.
"Protect the Senju clan's properties outside."
"For one year."
Senju Takuya said, his eyes firm.
Alone and powerless, he couldn't manage all the external assets effectively.
A year would give him time to consolidate his strength.
"This..."
Minato hesitated.
Was one year too long?
"Don't worry. This ninjutsu will meet your expectations."
"If you learn it, your strength will skyrocket. Even challenging the Hokage won't be out of reach."
"And if you're dissatisfied later, our agreement is void. How's that?"
Senju Takuya persuaded.
Minato, finally letting go of his reservations, made a decision.
Becoming Hokage had always been his dream.
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