In this dream, Naruto's mind surprisingly welcomed the presence of others.
Previously, the figures that appeared were mostly faceless bystanders, lacking any distinct features or personalities. But this time, a lively girl stood in front of Naruto, her cheeks flushed.
What caught Minato's attention even more was the pile of steaming bowls of ramen stacked beside her, their enticing aroma wafting through the air.
The girl was Hinata Hyuga.
Little Hinata cheerfully said to Naruto, "Naruto-kun, this is your birthday gift."
"Wow, that's awesome!" Dreaming Naruto exclaimed excitedly, leaping into the sea of ramen and slurping it down heartily.
Completely oblivious to anyone else around him, this was the unique aspect of dreams—it magnified a person's singular emotions.
Such a joyful scene indicated that Naruto's experiences of the day had left him quite happy and satisfied. Even the troubles that had occurred earlier at the Hyuga household were absent from his dream.
At this moment, Naruto didn't notice Minato standing behind him, watching him with joy. Softly, he whispered, "Happy birthday, Naruto."
This was what a father should do, but sadly, he was already gone. To wish Naruto a happy birthday in this way felt like an unimaginable luxury.
Prior to this, he had spent a week in his dreams reminding Naruto that today was his birthday, trying to gather friends to celebrate and to ensure he ate something delicious. This was why, subconsciously, Naruto had suddenly started to care about whether the food at home had expired.
Taking a deep breath, he seemed to recall the immense pressure the Nine-Tails had just exerted on him and pondered a crucial decision.
After a long pause, he said, "From today on, I plan to teach Naruto ninjutsu. Is that okay, Lord Kurama?" Minato raised his head to ask.
Though he couldn't see the Nine-Tails, he knew it was there and could hear him.
After a moment of silence, the Nine-Tails' voice echoed around Minato, "Are you sure? By this time, Naruto has already mastered the sealing technique?"
"Of course," Minato smiled. "Naruto's talent surpasses even mine as his father."
Minato's confidence left the Nine-Tails speechless. It couldn't help but recall how Naruto had once been derided by countless people as the lowest of the low, a fool who couldn't even master the most basic techniques, failing three exams and being mocked for it.
Yet now, at just five years old, Naruto was being praised by the Fourth Hokage, a "genius ninja who could overshadow anyone," for having talent that exceeded his own...
Could it be that he had truly held Naruto back so severely? The Nine-Tails thought, feeling a flicker of guilt rising within.
However, it maintained its stoic demeanor and replied to Minato, "You can handle this as you see fit; I'm not as skilled as you."
Minato nodded, then conjured a piece of paper in the dream.
This was the paper used to test chakra attributes. Although the Nine-Tails had mentioned that Naruto's chakra was Wind, that was after Naruto's chakra properties had changed.
...
As today's dream faded, Minato found himself back in Naruto's spiritual world.
"I didn't expect Naruto to have a water chakra potential in addition to wind. Why doesn't he show this attribute in the future?" When Minato approached the Nine-Tails, it spoke first.
"Because right now, Naruto's chakra attribute isn't necessarily the same as it will be after merging with your chakra under the influence of my own. The chakra attribute you remember belonging to Naruto is actually a product of its fusion with your chakra due to the sealing influence.
In such circumstances, no one can predict what changes might occur in the chakra's properties, but I have done some research on this." Minato explained, "Furthermore, based on what you said, Naruto shows great potential for training in the Forbidden Techniques left by the Second Hokage, such as the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique and the Flying Thunder God Technique, so I suspect Naruto's physique might be similar to that of the Second Hokage."
"The Senju Tobirama kid?" The Nine-Tails recalled the white-haired man, indeed remembering that Naruto's most commonly used technique, the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, was developed by this guy, as well as the Edo Tensei that would later lead to the Ninja World War... Compared to that, Tobirama's impressive skill in Water Release seemed rather ordinary.
Tsk, that kid's ninjutsu and the mess he left behind truly caused a lot of trouble for Konoha. Luckily, he died early; otherwise, who knows how much bigger the problems would have been if he had continued as Hokage for another few decades.
"Moreover, possessing two or more chakra attributes, Naruto likely also has a bloodline limit."
"Hmm? You, Minato, aren't ordinary..." The Nine-Tails suddenly realized, "Kushina's?"
"Exactly. It seems that Naruto should also be able to awaken the bloodline limit of the Uzumaki clan." When the Nine-Tails mentioned his wife's name, Minato felt a wave of emotion but quickly steadied himself.
"...So, can you guide Naruto to unlock that power from the Uzumaki clan's bloodline limit?" The Nine-Tails asked after a brief silence.
"I can try my best, but the chances are slim. After all, such family abilities passed down through blood are something only the Uzumaki can truly..."
"Understood. I get your point." The Nine-Tails interrupted Minato, clearly understanding. "You should be well aware that Kushina's chakra is sealed inside the barrier. Until Naruto breaks my seal, even I won't be able to draw her chakra out."
"Is that so?" Upon receiving the Nine-Tails' clear response, Minato showed a look of realization.
"Otherwise, do you think I'm purposely keeping Naruto from seeing his mother?" The Nine-Tails scoffed.
"Of course not! I've always trusted you, Lord Nine-Tails." Minato said with a sincere smile.
"By the way, the ninjutsu you plan to teach Naruto today... If he uses it in the outside world, it may attract some attention." The Nine-Tails shifted the topic back, "While based on previous experiences, it's unlikely he'll master it in one night, he's always quick to learn techniques that aren't too profound."
"Hmm, but that's something Naruto will have to face sooner or later." Minato looked up at the dim sky, his eyes shining with hope, "And I believe he'll be even more outstanding than I imagine."
The Nine-Tails recalled the time when Kushina, despite having lost the power of the Tailed Beasts and was exceedingly weak, had been able to immobilize him in his prime with just this technique. That was indeed an incredible power, one that even a strong Tailed Beast or Hokage could not shake off.
The unique bloodline limit power of the Uzumaki clan, combined with the teachings of the genius ninja, Minato Namikaze, since childhood... The Nine-Tails could hardly imagine how glorious Naruto's future achievements would be in this life.
Yet this was necessary; in the face of god-like enemies, one must first possess the power to defy the gods!