"Don't worry, Dad. I'll work hard so I can protect myself in the future," Naruto said proudly.
Minato nodded gently. "Then you'd better show me what you've got tomorrow."
Naruto smiled. "Just you watch, Dad."
With the Nine-Tails' help and his own good mood, Naruto ate with incredible speed. The entire spread of food vanished in the blink of an eye.
Minato glanced at the clock on the wall. "Naruto, I have to go."
Naruto stood up, a little reluctant. There was still so much he wanted to say to his dad. But then he remembered that he would be able to see him every day from now on.
Naruto watched as Minato put in his contact lenses, transforming back into the teacher, Shingo Ikeda.
Minato cleared his throat, and his voice changed. "Naruto, I need to get back."
Reluctantly, Naruto stepped forward and gave Minato a hug.
Minato patted his back. "Remember to keep this a secret."
"Yeah, I know, Dad."
Minato opened the door, and his figure disappeared into the night.
Naruto returned to his room and turned on the television. Princess Gale, starring Yukie Fujikaze, was playing. The show was already several seasons in, and every episode garnered high ratings. Sometimes, Naruto would leave it on for the Nine-Tails to watch as he slept. The fox seemed quite satisfied with the arrangement, thinking the boy was rather considerate.
"Thanks, Nine-Tails," Naruto said silently.
The Nine-Tails snorted. "Don't interrupt my movie."
Naruto, familiar with the fox's temper, didn't bother him further and went to clean up the dishes. It had been a long time since he'd cooked at home. From now on, he imagined he'd be eating here much more often.
After leaving, Minato found a spot on a nearby tree and sat down. He had absorbed some impure natural energy from Jugo, which had caused a subtle change in his own chakra. Because of this, even those closest to him wouldn't be able to recognize his chakra signature. It was also the reason the Third Hokage hadn't been able to identify him.
Kawasaki had warned him long ago that Senjutsu carried risks and could potentially alter one's personality. That was why Minato primarily focused his research on how Jugo naturally absorbed natural energy and how to purify it. He almost never used Toad Senjutsu himself.
Before long, four Anbu members arrived to relieve him.
"Lord Shingo, thank you for your hard work."
Minato stretched his limbs. "Once everything is arranged, I will take over the task of monitoring Naruto."
The Anbu knew he was one of Lord Orochimaru's most trusted confidants and held a high position. They replied respectfully, "We will stand fast on this final watch."
Minato nodded. He still needed to go back and consider how to test the children tomorrow. He was very familiar with Naruto and Sasuke's abilities, but he had only just received the file on Hinata. Kawasaki had made a special note about her personality.
Minato vanished in a Body Flicker.
The Anbu members' hearts skipped a beat. "As expected of Lord Fifth's personal guard," one of them said in awe.
…
The next morning.
Training Ground 3.
Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata had all arrived early.
"Morning, everyone..."
Despite the early hour, they were all in high spirits. Sasuke and Naruto both maintained disciplined sleep schedules. Hinata's father was strict with her, so she had no habit of sleeping in either.
The three of them exchanged greetings.
In an instant, Shingo Ikeda appeared before them. "It seems you're all in good shape. Let's get right into today's combat training."
"The main purpose of this exercise is to test your ability to cooperate."
Minato took three small bells from his pocket.
"Each of you just has to take one of these bells from me to pass."
"Simple, right?"
Naruto and Sasuke glanced at each other, both understanding the implications. Minato smiled as he saw their eyes meet. Behind them, Hinata appeared somewhat anxious. After all, despite her diligent training, her natural talent was limited, and Hiashi's harsh training methods had completely eroded her self-confidence.
Minato tied the bells to his waist. "Alright, let's begin."
As soon as he finished speaking, Minato leaped away and vanished into the nearby woods.
"Come find me after you've decided on a plan."
The three of them stood stunned for a moment. They had expected the fight to start immediately, not for it to begin with a search for their opponent. They quickly formed a circle and began discussing their strategy in earnest.
…
Meanwhile, as expected, the Konoha high council meeting had begun.
This was the first high-level meeting convened after Orochimaru was successfully elected as the Fifth Hokage. During the election campaign, the Uchiha clan had dug up a considerable amount of dirt on many influential figures. It was clear that a personnel reshuffle was on the agenda for this meeting.
As the time arrived, the elders filed into the council room one by one. Orochimaru now sat in the Hokage's seat, flanked by the Third Hokage and the two council elders.
Most eyes were fixed on Orochimaru, the Third Hokage, and Kawasaki Uchiha. It was difficult to read any emotion on their faces. The Third Hokage held his customary pipe, though this time it was unlit. All the clan heads and elders were present, with the sole exception of Fugaku.
Once everyone was seated, Orochimaru rose to his feet. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him.
Orochimaru's gaze swept across the room, pausing for a moment when it landed on Kawasaki.
"As the incoming Hokage, there are many political matters awaiting my attention," he began. "These affairs are numerous and must be handled one step at a time."
"First, I hereby appoint Genma Shiranui, Raido Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami as my personal guards."
The announcement caused a small ripple through the room. Many mused that those three were truly fortunate. They had originally been the Fourth Hokage's guards but had lost their positions after his death. While their circumstances hadn't been dire, they had been relegated to the status of ordinary ninja. Their only notable distinction was their mastery of a particular cooperative technique. Yet, the new Hokage had immediately promoted them back to this important role. Several elders were curious as to why Orochimaru, who was not familiar with them, would choose these men for his service.
…
In the Hokage Tower's conference room.
"The second matter is that the two council elders, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, have submitted their resignations."
This statement made everyone temporarily forget about the matter of the personal guards. After all, the power wielded by those two was extraordinary.
The pair stood up, first bowing to the assembly. Then, Koharu spoke.
"Honorable colleagues, due to our advanced age, we find ourselves increasingly strained in handling our daily duties. Fearing that our personal limitations might one day bring harm to the village, we have decided to request an early retirement."
Everyone in the room knew what was really going on. It was obvious that the recent scandal involving the Sarutobi clan's embezzlement of public funds had forced them to resign to save face. It was far better to step down now than to be disgraced when the truth was inevitably exposed.
Of course, their fate still depended on the new Hokage's intentions. If he chose to pursue the matter, the two of them would not be able to escape responsibility. However, seeing the Third Hokage sitting calmly in his seat, most guessed that the issue would not be pressed further.
"I disagree!"