Just by standing there, he exuded a natural leadership aura that could unite people's hearts to the fullest extent.
In contrast, Hakushi, who barely became a Chunin at sixteen, seemed much less impressive.
When people talked about him, they only knew that he had a genius Jonin girlfriend.
Besides that, was his medical ninjutsu decent?
Did he get along well in the Ninja School?
It seemed those were the only achievements worth mentioning.
Truly underwhelming.
Seeing Hakushi approach, Minato was the first to wave his hand, greeting with a smile.
Hakushi also greeted him in return and walked over, saying, "Tsunade-sensei told me you were looking for me, but I could hardly believe it, Minato."
"I wanted to discuss something important with you; otherwise, I wouldn't have sought you out at such a time."
Minato apologized with a smile on his face.
"No problem, Tsunade-sensei is there to handle the class. At most, I'm just helping out. So, what important matter brings you to me at this time?"
"Let's find a place to talk."
Minato suggested.
Hakushi nodded in agreement.
Minato took Hakushi to a nearby dango shop by the school. After ordering some dango, Minato quickly got to the point, "I want to know more about Hatake Kakashi."
"Kakashi? What's up with him?"
Hakushi's expression slightly changed.
Minato looked around to ensure no one was paying attention, then cautiously lowered his voice, "I'm truly sorry about Jonin Sakumo's incident over a year ago. Perhaps Jonin Sakumo did cost the village something, but the villagers being led by such gossip was unexpected for me."
Hakushi remained silent.
"I'm not saying this to prove anything. That matter is in the past, but its lingering effects have not dissipated. Hatake Kakashi is the greatest victim of those subsequent effects. Recently, the Hokage reassigned my team members, and as the current graduates leave the Ninja School, two graduates will join my team, and Hatake Kakashi will be one of them."
"Minato, are you worried about something?"
Hakushi asked.
Minato nodded seriously, "Perhaps influenced by Jonin Sakumo's suicide, since then, many say Hatake Kakashi has become a different person. Even in my circles, I've heard much unfavorable gossip about him. I think, since he'll soon be under my charge, I have the responsibility to guide and protect him."
"I see. I'm grateful for your concern. The truth is, both Ruri, Ayane, and I have struggled with Kakashi since Sakumo-sensei passed away. He's closed off his heart, not allowing anyone in. If he continues on this solitary path, I'm genuinely worried about his future."
Hakushi sighed visibly.
"Yes, that's why I wanted to know more about Kakashi's situation to address it properly."
"You're giving me too much credit; Kakashi has always been a very opinionated person. I'm not sure how useful the information I have will be for you. However, if it can help you, Minato, that would be the best outcome."
"I am immensely grateful."
Minato thanked sincerely.
"No need for that; it's my duty."
Hakushi replied with a smile.
About half an hour later, after obtaining the information on Kakashi from Hakushi and discussing some other trivial matters, they paid the bill and left.
Hakushi remained seated, eating dango and watching Minato's departing figure.
As I suspected, the Third Hokage still couldn't let go of a ninja with such exceptional talents as Kakashi.
Namikaze Minato... truly an interesting fellow.
Although I know Minato, we've not had deep interactions. I've only heard others speak of how Minato is a Jonin with exceptionally powerful Instantaneous Body Jutsu and Taijutsu.
As for his ninja techniques, I haven't heard any rumors.
It might be due to secrecy policies.
After all, many Jonin keep their capabilities confidential.
Generally, Jonin won't reveal their trump cards recklessly, even to comrades from the same village.
However... if it's only the Instantaneous Body Jutsu, with the combined abilities of Shadow Dancer and myself, handling it shouldn't be too difficult.
◎
Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.
While Konoha in the Land of Fire held its annual night festival, Hidden Sand Village also had its own festival at the same time.
As the holidays passed, the Hidden Sand Ninjas gradually returned to their posts and resumed their duties.
Standing atop the rooftop of the Kazekage Building, the Third Kazekage gazed once more at the village's panorama, filled with emotion.
Compared to the Second Great Ninja War, many significant buildings now stood in the Hidden Sand Village. The new generation of ninjas grew in number, and thanks to his relentless efforts, many talented ninjas had been nurtured.
There was Rasa, who could use Gold Sand Ninjutsu.
Pakura, a Jonin with the Scorch Style Kekkei Genkai.
And, despite his young age, Sasori of the Red Sand, already a first-rate Puppet Master in Hidden Sand Village.
Additionally, numerous young, outstanding ninjas emerged like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
Elder Chiyo and Ebizo, both advisors, were ninjas from the early days of Hidden Sand Village and were his most dependable assistants as the Kazekage.
Elder Chiyo's seasoned puppet techniques cultivated numerous puppet-wielding ninjas for Hidden Sand Village, forming the current Puppet Corps, feared by other nations.
Ebizo was responsible for intelligence work in Hidden Sand Village. The spies he trained infiltrated the ninja villages of the Five Great Nations, having eyes and ears in many ninja villages.