"Lord Yoichi, what method is that?"
Nohara Rin asked hesitantly, knowing that some forbidden techniques could rapidly increase one's power. However, those techniques often came with great risks, and some could even turn a person into something monstrous.
"My three students graduated as the same class of ninja as you. Did you see how they performed in the Chunin Exam?"
Nohara Rin immediately recalled Hyuga Satomi's astonishing power after her body was covered in special markings, and asked, "Lord Yoichi, are you referring to... that special state?"
"That's called Sage Mode, originally only trained by Kage-level warriors. After modification, it turned into a Juinjutsu, which greatly enhances strength when activated but exhausts a lot of stamina... Even for Yuhi Kurenai and Hyuga Satomi, they can only sustain it for a few minutes, making it a desperate measure in critical moments."
Uchiha Yoichi told Nohara Rin, the pattern of the Sage Curse Seal is similar to his Flying Thunder God Mark, both consisting of three Tamoe. Even if boldly carved on the neck, no one would suspect it's anything besides a simple mark.
"To enhance power temporarily, this is probably the only method. The rest is to train daily and grow stronger step-by-step. Consider your options, or you can discuss with Kurenai and respond by tomorrow."
With that said, Uchiha Yoichi waved his hand—he didn't want to appear overly eager to help Nohara Rin improve her strength, as she was the one seeking his favor.
"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Lord Yoichi."
Nohara Rin bowed deeply before also thanking and bidding farewell to Uzumaki Minami.
After leaving, Rin planned to first complete her tasks at Konoha Hospital before consulting Yuhi Kurenai or Teacher Minato.
But she felt that Uchiha Yoichi's words were likely trustworthy. Yuhi Kurenai, Hyuga Satomi, and Chishima Ichihiko were her classmates. Kurenai and Satomi performed well at the Ninja School, while Ichihiko was rather average, even less impressive than her.
Yet he had improved so rapidly after graduation. If not for encountering teammates during the Chunin Exam, he might have advanced one or two more ranks.
And if it were a harmful forbidden technique, Lord Yoichi certainly wouldn't have used such a destructive method on his own students...
The next day.
The Land of Fire Daimyo and numerous ministers arrived at Konoha, escorted by the Security Team and Anbu. Once inside the Hokage Building, the escort ended.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and others had been waiting inside the Hokage Building for a long time. As soon as the Daimyo and his group arrived, they led them directly to the conference room.
The Daimyo sat at the head, with Konoha and other Land of Fire ministers seated on either side.
"I've heard the voting for the Fourth Generation Hokage candidates is done? Sarutobi, who are the new Hokage candidates?"
The Daimyo covered his face with a folding fan and immediately asked about today's main business once seated. Other matters like funding could wait until the new Hokage was chosen.
"There are two candidates for the Fourth Generation Hokage, Namikaze Minato and Hatake Sakumo."
Upon sensing the Daimyo's eagerness, Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated slightly. The Daimyo seemed more concerned than Konoha's own ninjas.
"Namikaze Minato's strength, mission history, and merits make him well-suited to become the Fourth Hokage. His actions on the Land of Grass battlefield, killing the Third Generation Raikage and destroying the Hidden Rock Ninja supply line, were crucial in ending the war... I have high hopes for this young man full of the Will of Fire."
"And Hatake Sakumo, he's also an exceptionally strong ninja in the village."
After briefly introducing Hatake Sakumo, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked towards the Daimyo, hoping he would understand his implications.
"Are these Jonin votes? There's a difference of more than sixty votes..."
"Yes, Namikaze Minato appears to be an excellent ninja, but Hatake Sakumo... isn't he the Konoha White Fang? It seems the White Fang is a bit better."
"Indeed, having such a powerful ninja as Hokage would benefit the Land of Fire."
Before the Daimyo could speak, other ministers from the Land of Fire chimed in. Namikaze Minato was indeed young, and though the name Golden Flash was impressive, it fell slightly short compared to Konoha White Fang.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and others felt their hearts sink—they had underestimated the influence of Konoha White Fang.
Then Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Danzo, signaling it was his turn to speak.
Danzo rose immediately, spoke with a stern and nearly reprimanding tone, "Konoha needs some vigor; therefore, choosing a young, strong ninja is necessary."
"Namikaze Minato has learned the Second Generation Hokage's forbidden techniques and carries the village's and Land of Fire's will just like previous Hokages; therefore, I believe Namikaze Minato is the most suitable to become Hokage..."
Danzo's own words left him feeling slightly nauseated, but choosing the lesser of two evils was necessary to protect his Root, so he supported Namikaze Minato.
"I've heard all you've said, Namikaze Minato is excellent, and I've heard of the name Golden Flash before. He's made significant contributions to the Land of Fire but..."
The Daimyo's initial words brought a hint of joy to Sarutobi Hiruzen's face, but it lasted barely two seconds before the Daimyo's "but" made his expression fall again.