"So, what do you think about this team's compatibility?"
Inside the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen rarely held his smoking pipe today, and there was even a kind smile on his face.
When people grow old, besides caring about their health, they also start paying more attention to the younger generation.
For example, the blond young man in front of him—Konoha's elite jōnin, Namikaze Minato.
By seniority, Minato was actually his grand-disciple.
But Minato's title of elite jōnin was no exaggeration.
He was taught by one of the Three Sannin—Jiraiya the Gallant!
At a young age, he mastered the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique, becoming Konoha's fastest ninja.
And Minato's genius didn't stop there.
The Rasengan, a ninjutsu he created without hand seals, had already been recorded as an A-rank jutsu in the Book of Seals.
Now, Minato was about to face a major turning point in his ninja career.
From a mission-focused elite jōnin, he was transitioning into a "jōnin leader" with even greater responsibility.
And the team he would soon take charge of was none other than the three newly graduated early—Uchiha Jingyan's group…
"Compatibility-wise… I have to say, this is a team with rather average compatibility."
After thinking for a long time, Minato gave an honest evaluation.
Konoha followed the Will of Fire and placed great importance on protecting the younger generation.
Especially during wartime… the responsibility of a jōnin leader was enormous.
Minato understood this well, and because of that, he dared not be careless.
"How so?" Hiruzen's smile deepened.
Originally, the jōnin leader for this team should have been another of his disciples—Orochimaru.
All three had outstanding talent, and as one of the Three Sannin, Orochimaru was indeed the best choice.
But Sunagakure needed him as a deterrent…
And besides, Orochimaru's personality wasn't very suitable for cultivating the Will of Fire.
After all… this team had two Uchiha!
So their jōnin leader had to be carefully chosen—
Strong enough to guide them, talented enough to teach them, and more importantly, someone who truly carried the Will of Fire.
Among those who met all these conditions, only Namikaze Minato remained.
"The three of them all have talent and perseverance worth praising," Minato said, though his brows were tightly knit.
"But this team's characteristics… or rather, its flaws, are also very obvious."
"Everyone has their own personality, and each of them seems to be pursuing something different. That will become a hidden danger for this team."
Minato saw very clearly.
He didn't go to watch their exams in person.
But just from the battle records, he could see many things…
For example—Kakashi relied too much on swordsmanship, Obito's fighting style was too rough, and there was that calm-minded but cold-methods scientist-type kid…
"Minato… since you can see this, I'm relieved."
Hiruzen's smile didn't change, but his tone became meaningful.
"They are all Konoha's children, Konoha's future. Leaving them to you… I'm at ease."
Different pursuits.
In Hiruzen's view, that was indeed this team's biggest problem.
Normally, it might not matter much.
But when special situations arise—especially at moments that decide this team's fate—
Those different pursuits could become the reason the team falls apart.
However…
Precisely because of that, Namikaze Minato was the most suitable jōnin leader for them, wasn't he?
If the two Uchiha geniuses inherited the Will of Fire…
Then the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the village, lasting for decades, might finally be resolved in his lifetime!
And besides…
White Fang's son was also in this team.
A child with the potential to become the second White Fang—
Naturally, the Will of Fire had to be firmly planted in him as well.
"I understand, Third Hokage-sama."
Minato let out a slow breath and bowed slightly.
Becoming the leader of three geniuses…
Or rather, two geniuses and one hardworking genius—
The pressure was huge.
He could only take it one step at a time…
...
Elsewhere.
Konoha, Hatake clan territory.
Two boys in similar clothes arrived in front of a large residence.
One of them had bandages wrapped around his face…
They were Obito, who had secretly snuck out of the hospital, and Uchiha Jingyan.
The Hatake territory wasn't hard to find.
As a clan with great merit and honor in Konoha, the Hatake family didn't have many members, but their land was huge.
This entire hill belonged to the Hatake clan!
However, Hatake Sakumo disliked extravagance.
So apart from a training ground, the entire land only had this one large house.
And it was a very ordinary large house at that.
"Obito, are you ready?" Jingyan asked seriously.
"Yeah," Obito answered just as seriously.
"Then… three, two, one!"
The two boys took a deep breath, then—
"Kakashi!"
"You owe me money!"
"When are you paying it back?!"
T/N:
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