Minato never expected this.
The seemingly naive Obito turned out to be so ruthless.
"...Yes, we can apply a sealing technique to the enemy to restrict their chakra."
As he spoke, Minato directed a few strands of chakra through his fingers and slammed his palm against Inosuke's abdomen.
Inosuke groaned, his eyes slowly fluttering open.
"Namikaze Minato!"
The moment he recognized Minato's face, he abandoned any thoughts of resistance.
As a fellow Konoha ninja, Inosuke knew just how terrifying this man was.
With a bitter smile, he muttered, "I never thought the village would value me enough to send even you."
Obito, meanwhile, shook his head and wagged his finger in front of Inosuke's face.
"No! No! No! Don't overestimate yourself. You were caught by three freshly graduated Academy students. Got that?"
A vein throbbed on Inosuke's forehead. He wanted nothing more than to strangle the smug brat in front of him.
Seeing Inosuke's irritated expression, Obito crossed his arms and shot back,
"What are you glaring at? Keep staring, and I'll hit you!"
Sigh...
Perhaps everyone had grown used to Obito's antics.
Like Rin and Kakashi, Minato merely stood to the side, letting out a silent sigh.
On the way back to the village, Obito and Inosuke bickered endlessly.
As a self-proclaimed "Troll Pianist" in his previous life, Obito had roasted countless opponents into submission. This time, he managed to verbally silence even the infamously despicable Inosuke.
Minato, watching from the sidelines, could only marvel at the scene. His impression of his student had reached an entirely new level.
"Kakashi, Rin, and Obito explained the entire capture to Minato during their walk. When Minato learned that the elaborate plan had been devised by Obito, he couldn't help but glance at the boy in surprise.
He had never expected such a clever strategy from Obito—one that broke conventional patterns by exposing their location to lower the enemy's guard, then exploiting the target's weaknesses to create opportunities for his team.
Though the final touch—a rather shameless seduction tactic—did fit Obito's unique style.
Minato couldn't help but think of Obito as an unpolished gem, one that he needed to carefully shape and refine before the boy veered too far off track.
The five returned to the village, and Minato addressed his team.
"I have some matters to handle, so there's no training today. Go home and get some rest."
The three nodded obediently.
"Yes, Minato-sensei!"
After Minato departed with Inosuke in tow, Rin turned her bright eyes toward the two boys beside her.
"Kakashi, Obito, what are your plans for later?"
Before Kakashi could reply that he wanted to train, Obito cut in enthusiastically.
"Why don't we all go to Kakashi's house for dinner? This guy's cooking is amazing!"
Hearing this, Rin's eyes lit up with excitement as she turned expectantly to Kakashi.
"Is that okay, Kakashi?"
Kakashi, slightly annoyed, gave Obito a subtle nudge before reluctantly agreeing.
"Of course, that's fine."
Rin clasped her hands together, practically glowing with anticipation.
"Yay! I can't wait!"
Obito, grinning, slung one arm around Kakashi's shoulder and took Rin's hand with the other.
"Alright, let's get moving! We can chat more when we get to his place. After this long mission, I feel like I'm about to collapse!"
Meanwhile, Minato delivered Inosuke to the ANBU before heading toward the Hokage's office.
After being announced by the ANBU guards, he entered and was greeted warmly by the Third Hokage.
"Ah, Minato! Come in and have a seat."
Minato gave a polite smile and sat down.
"Thank you, Lord Third."
The Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe, exhaling slowly before speaking.
"I hear you managed to capture a rogue ninja while gathering intelligence with your students. Truly remarkable, as expected of you."
Minato scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Actually, Lord Third, I'm here to report the details of the mission."
"Oh?"
The Third Hokage's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he straightened in his chair.
Minato proceeded to recount the mission in detail, from start to finish, emphasizing the students' efforts.
"…So, in truth, it was my students who captured Inosuke. I didn't contribute much."
Though slightly awkward, Minato relayed the entire story honestly.
The Third Hokage listened intently, his interest especially piqued when the "Sexy Technique" was mentioned.
He made a mental note to investigate this peculiar technique further, perhaps using his Telescope Technique to observe Obito's training in the future.
Unaware of the Hokage's thoughts, Minato continued, his voice filled with pride.
"They are a talented group. I believe Kakashi and Obito, in particular, will become invaluable pillars of the village in the future."
The Third Hokage nodded approvingly.
"I'm glad to hear that. Minato, you must nurture their potential carefully."
"Of course, Lord Third," Minato replied solemnly.
The Third Hokage then inquired about Kakashi's recent demeanor, and Minato assured him that the boy seemed to have moved past his sorrow, treating Obito and Rin as true companions.
Satisfied, the Hokage took another drag from his pipe.
"Good. Very good."
Since their original mission was classified as reconnaissance, the team's monetary reward was modest despite their accomplishments. However, Minato submitted a special request to the Hokage's office, ensuring that each student received a substantial bonus.
"Thank you, Minato-sensei!" Obito exclaimed happily after receiving his reward. Without wasting a moment, he dashed toward the nearest shop.
Where does a young man go first with newfound wealth?
Naturally, the "man's fueling station!"
Obito cheerfully skipped into the pharmacy, intent on buying some tonics to thank Minato-sensei.
"I'm just giving back to my sensei," he muttered to himself with a grin.
"Well, well…"
The sultry voice of a woman rang out from behind the counter.
Recognizing Obito, she smirked as her captivating almond-shaped eyes narrowed.
"If it isn't the little boy who couldn't stop staring at my chest last time. What brings you back today?"
Obito felt wronged, pouting in protest.
"Hey, don't say things like that! I wasn't staring at your chest!"
…Not just your chest, anyway, Obito thought silently. I also looked at your legs and hips.
The woman rolled her eyes.
"My name isn't 'hey.' Call me Yuki-neh-san," she teased, tilting her head playfully.
(T/N: "neh-san" originally means "big sister.")
Obito sighed internally. Great, as if I needed to know her name. I'm just here to buy some medicine!
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