After their sparring session, Kakashi sheathed his short sword and turned to Reiki.
"Thank you, Reiki," he said. "Now I understand the difference between us, especially in terms of swordsmanship. Next time, if possible, I'd like to challenge you with that black sword of yours."
Reiki chuckled. "Of course. Keep working hard on your path, all of you!" With a quick wave, he headed off to his duties at the hospital, leaving the others with a renewed sense of purpose.
By noon, Namikaze Minato had returned from his mission, and Reiki was there to meet him.
"Brother Minato, you're back already? And with injuries?" Reiki said, examining Minato. "That must have been at least an A-level mission, right?"
Minato smiled, wincing slightly as Reiki began to heal his wounds. "Close—more like an S-level. I had to deal with four rogue Konoha ninjas, one of whom was an elite jounin. Took a bit of effort."
Reiki shook his head in admiration. "Elite jounin and three others… You're incredible, Brother Minato."
Once Reiki finished, Minato got dressed and casually asked, "So, are you and Uchiha Shisui pretty close?"
"Yeah, we're both in Tsunade-sensei's class," Reiki replied, scratching his nose. "Plus, we've all developed our own paths, and it just kind of works."
"What do you think of the Uchiha clan?" Minato asked next.
Reiki thought for a moment. "Honestly? I don't know everyone, but Shisui and Obito are pretty much just a pair of goofballs."
Minato laughed at Reiki's answer. It was the candid, simple response he'd been hoping for.
After bidding farewell, Minato headed to the Hokage's office, feeling like he had gained a clear perspective.
---
"Hokage-sama, my apologies for interrupting you," Minato said as he entered Sarutobi Hiruzen's office. "But I have something important to discuss."
Hiruzen put down his paperwork, giving Minato a welcoming smile. "Of course, Minato. What's on your mind?"
Minato handed him a scroll. "I'd like to apply to become a jounin instructor."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ah, you wish to become a mentor to the new genin? Have any students in mind?"
Minato nodded. "Yes, there are a few who've caught my interest, though I haven't asked them yet. I wanted to speak with you first."
Hiruzen smiled approvingly. "An admirable decision. Go ahead; here's a roster of this class's genin. You're free to make your selections."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Minato said, bowing politely. "I'll begin preparations."
As soon as Minato left, Hiruzen called in three ANBU members. "Watch Namikaze Minato closely. Find out who he's considering for his team—and why."
With that, the ANBU slipped away silently, and Hiruzen returned to his documents, his mind on the various issues still stirring within the Land of Fire.
---
After leaving the Hokage's office, Minato made his way to the Hatake residence.
"Sakumo-sama," Minato greeted warmly, "I heard Kakashi has become a genin. I was hoping to take him as one of my students."
Sakumo's face broke into a grin. "Kakashi would be lucky to have a mentor like you. Please, come in. I'll call him."
Soon, Kakashi joined them, visibly surprised but pleased by the news.
"Kakashi, do you have any close friends you'd like as teammates?" Minato asked.
Kakashi thought for a moment. "There's Uchiha Obito. He may be a bit clumsy, but he's strong. And then there's Guy, though he focuses on taijutsu. Not sure if that's ideal."
Minato nodded thoughtfully. "Obito and Guy… that sounds promising. Let's go find them and see what they think."
With Sakumo's approval, Minato and Kakashi left the house and headed to the Uchiha compound, excited for the new team they were assembling.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 280 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss