After completing the registration for his new team, Minato left to prepare materials for their training, leaving the newly-formed team behind with Reiki.
"Boss, did you recommend Rin to become a medical ninja?" Obito asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
Reiki smiled, nodding. "Rin already had a natural talent for medical ninjutsu, and her chakra control is excellent. She's been working harder than the two of you in many ways. She deserves this just as much."
Rin had been attending their morning exercises regularly. Despite the lack of advanced weight training, she practiced consistently and diligently. Noticing that she couldn't keep up with Obito and Kakashi in combat skills, she approached Reiki about pursuing the path of a medical ninja to support her teammates better.
"Alright, starting tomorrow, you'll train with Minato-sensei," Reiki said. "Today, let's celebrate with some barbecue!"
---
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen reviewed the team roster that Minato had submitted.
"These are the students Minato selected?" he muttered, glancing over the details.
The list included Uchiha Obito, Hatake Kakashi, and Harano Rin, with Rin as the only student from an ordinary ninja family. Her recommender? Reiki, who had been personally teaching her medical ninjutsu.
"Minato, what exactly are you planning?" Hiruzen murmured, curiosity piqued. To gain more insight, he summoned Jiraiya.
---
Jiraiya arrived promptly, offering a respectful greeting. "Hokage-sama."
"Jiraiya, did you hear that Minato applied to be a jounin mentor?" Hiruzen asked directly.
"Minato, a mentor jounin?" Jiraiya grinned broadly. "It's about time he slowed down a bit. He works way too hard, always taking missions. Kushina's probably had it up to here."
Hiruzen handed Jiraiya the team roster, watching as his former student's expression turned contemplative.
"Kakashi Hatake, huh? So Sakumo agreed to let his son train under Minato. And Obito Uchiha…" Jiraiya's brows furrowed slightly as he reached the third name. "Harano Rin, recommended by Reiki."
Hiruzen noted Jiraiya's thoughtful look. "Are you… concerned about Minato's choices?"
Jiraiya shook his head, choosing his words carefully. "Minato has his reasons. Talent and potential come down to effort, and I trust Minato's judgment. But Hokage-sama," he added tactfully, "I think we should trust Minato with this."
Hiruzen nodded, though a flicker of uncertainty remained in his eyes. "I understand. By the way, will you be staying in the village for a while, Jiraiya?"
"Yes. If you have missions that need attention, I can handle them," Jiraiya replied, feeling a hint of apprehension at Hiruzen's unexpected shift in the conversation.
"Actually, it would be helpful if you could assist with some village matters," Hiruzen said, gesturing to a stack of documents. He watched Jiraiya's reaction carefully.
Jiraiya agreed, although he was still unclear on Hiruzen's motives.
---
Meanwhile, in the Root organization's headquarters, Danzo had also received the news about Minato's new team.
"Jiraiya? And he's assisting with village administration?" Danzo murmured, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Orochimaru. The presence of Jiraiya, especially with Hokage matters, was unexpected.
One of Danzo's operatives handed him a document with Minato's team details, noting that Hiruzen had called Jiraiya shortly after reviewing the list.
"Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha…" Danzo repeated, his mind churning. Were Hiruzen's recent moves a sign that he was reconsidering his choice for Hokage?
Orochimaru observed him calmly. "Lord Danzo, Jiraiya is unlikely to challenge this matter. He's… not one for village politics," he said, his voice smooth and detached.
Danzo glanced at Orochimaru, understanding the unspoken implication. Though Hiruzen's intentions remained unclear, they both knew that their own goals might soon come under scrutiny.
>>>>>
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