When the morning sun shone on Minato's face, he woke up slowly after fainting. He stood up from his seat in the living room, stretched his body, and then there was a trace of doubt in his deep blue eyes. His state last night was more serious than the last time when his left arm had lost too much blood. Could it be that because the mission was completed and his mind was completely relaxed, the fatigue accumulated over the past few days caught up to him? If so, it was a bit strange.
It seemed that since more than a year ago, his body had gradually undergone an indescribable change, usually reflected in rapid recovery. This time, even though Minato was not a doctor, he could feel that the speed of his wound and body healing was special. Most importantly, after being reminded by Suzuka, Minato himself felt that his chakra seemed slightly different from before. However, he also couldn't tell what the difference was.
"Hehe, you got up early." A familiar voice sounded in Minato's ears. He looked in the direction of the voice and saw Sakumo standing in front of the window where the sun was shining in.
"You're up early too, Sakumo-senpai." Seeing the person coming, Minato didn't care that he was still wearing pajamas and his hair was a little messy. He flashed to the window and opened it directly. Minato made way slightly and Sakumo appeared beside him.
"Did the Third Hokage agree to meet?" he asked impatiently.
After being together for so long, this was the first time Sakumo saw Minato so flustered. After a moment of stunned expression, he said, "Well, now you come with me to see the Third Hokage."
Minato showed joy on his face, then he came back to his senses and noticed his appearance at this time. He immediately laughed awkwardly and said, "Can you wait here for me for a while? I need to change clothes."
"Sure," Sakumo nodded. Minato quickly went upstairs to his room.
A few minutes later, Minato, now properly dressed, joined Sakumo, and they headed to the Hokage Building.
"Hey, Minato, long time no see. I heard that the ninja school is on vacation. I haven't seen you walking around the streets these days," the owner of the barbecue restaurant that Minato had helped greeted him. He also knew Sakumo, but they were not that familiar.
"Well, I've been busy," Minato replied with a faint smile.
"You must be practicing hard. Remember to come to my barbecue restaurant when you are free. Uncle will treat you. Everything is free," the slightly fat barbecue uncle raised his arm, as if he was supporting Minato's practice in this way.
"Thank you," Minato replied politely, as usual.
Several people greeted Minato on their way to the Hokage Building.
"It seems that you are popular," Sakumo smiled. Minato, this child, does have a different temperament, which makes people naturally gravitate towards him. If Jiraiya hadn't gotten to him first, he would have wanted to take this extremely talented young man as his student. But Minato didn't seem to hear what Sakumo said, and the latter didn't disturb him. It seemed that he had his own thoughts in his heart.
"Go in by yourself," Sakumo said when they arrived in front of the Hokage's office. This was what the Third Hokage had ordered before.
"Thank you," Minato said and pushed the door open. As soon as he entered the room, he bowed his head and knelt on one knee, saying, "Third Hokage."
The Third Hokage raised his eyes, then said with a smile, "Child, get up quickly. I heard that you were injured while performing the mission? How is your injury?" His words were full of sincere concern. Minato had been his favorite youngling for a long time, and he was also Jiraiya's apprentice, making him the Third Hokage's grand apprentice.
"It's okay now, thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage," Minato replied immediately and stood up.
The Third Hokage smiled back at him and then said, "Suzuka and Sakumo have reported to me about your performance in the mission in the Land of Hot Springs. You have done a great job, much better than your teacher back then." When communicating with Minato, the Third Hokage did not have the majesty of a Hokage.
"If it weren't for the teachings of Jiraiya-sensei, I wouldn't have made such great progress." For more than a year, although the teacher did not teach him any advanced ninjutsu, in the Ninjutsu Trial and the mission of Hot Spring Country, Minato realized how important what his teacher taught him was. The talent of a ninja is not just judged by the number and power of ninjutsu mastered. This is what his teacher told him. The so-called ninja is a person who has a firm will and can endure what others cannot endure. Only those with this kind of will can be truly powerful.
The Third Hokage smiled, obviously very satisfied with Minato's answer. As a Hokage, the thing he cared most about was the inheritance of will. He passed the will of fire to his three disciples. And now, Jiraiya, who had caused the most headaches to the Third among the three of them, has conveyed it to the next generation very well. Only in this way can the will of fire passed down by the First Hokage be carried on. As long as there are leaves flying, the fire will burn, the shadow of the fire will illuminate the village, and let new leaves sprout. This is the will of fire! Today's Konoha not only has excellent ninjas like Jiraiya and Sakumo, but also has potential inheritors like Minato and Nawaki. This is the Konoha he wants to see.
"Sir, can I ask about my previous request? Did you make any decision?" Minato asked a bit anxiously. He naturally couldn't ask the Hokage for anything.
The Third Hokage smiled and said, "Haha, don't worry, I still remember it. You performed impeccably in the Ninja Trial and the Mission. You not only proved yourself to me, but also let your companions around you recognize you."
The Third Hokage smiled. He knew Suzuka's style in the Anbu before. In the report last night, whenever she mentioned this little guy, her demeanor would change. This is also the original intention of the Third Hokage in letting her carry out this mission. Not only was her ability needed, but most of the ninjas in the Anbu would gradually close their hearts. The solution to this problem comes from companions. This shows that the Third Hokage is such a kind and thoughtful leader.
Minato was excited by the Third Hokage's evaluation but slowly clenched his fists. The Third Hokage smiled and said, "So, after a comprehensive evaluation, from today on, you officially graduate from the Ninja School and become a Konoha ninja."
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