It had been a while since the incident with Rin Nohara, and the small-scale conflict between the Kirigakure and Konoha quickly concluded. After all, it was merely to divert Konoha's attention in preparation for capturing Rin Nohara.
During this period, Takuno did not specifically try to find out anything.
Kakashi was somewhat tragic; Takuno had felt pity for him when reading the original story, but what did that have to do with his current self?
All his current actions and thoughts were for his own benefit.
These past few days, he certainly hadn't been idle, having found some Lightning Release and Wind Release Ninjutsu suitable for him from the exchange office.
Fortunately, Takuno had completed enough missions that, apart from S-rank Ninjutsu, he could freely exchange for and learn Ninjutsu of other ranks.
However, he was also aware that there were very few S-rank Ninjutsu in all of Konoha, and the same applied to A-rank Ninjutsu.
He searched through the exchange office but found only a few Lightning Release Ninjutsu. The only A-rank Ninjutsu was the Chidori created by Kakashi, which wasn't even officially recorded. As for S-rank Lightning Release Ninjutsu? That would only come into existence when Kakashi one day cut through lightning with Chidori, causing it to evolve into Lightning Blade.
Compared to Lightning Release, Konoha's Wind Release was much better. After all, with Danzo, a master of Wind Release, present, the Wind Release techniques naturally wouldn't be too bad.
Although it had only been a few days, Takuno had essentially learned all the Ninjutsu he found.
This was entirely due to his exceptionally high Chakra control, which allowed him to learn any Ninjutsu very quickly.
This day, the sun was just right.
And Takuno's home welcomed a guest he somewhat hadn't expected.
"Minato Jonin?" Takuno looked at Minato outside his door, a little stunned.
Minato smiled at the bewildered Takuno and said with a laugh, "Takuno-senpai, just call me Minato."
"Minato, why... are you looking for me?" Takuno naturally called him Minato and then asked his question.
"I mentioned before that we should exchange Sealing Jutsu. I originally intended to visit a few days ago, but as you know, some things happened." As Minato spoke, he seemed to recall something again, and a hint of sadness appeared in his expression.
It had happened twice now; he wasn't present when his students died.
Although he couldn't be blamed, as Obito was on the battlefield facing thousands of enemy soldiers, it was impossible for him to constantly monitor the situation of Obito and his two teammates.
The other time was with Rin Nohara, and he was also away on a mission, not in the village... But even so, he still felt a bit guilty, feeling that he hadn't fulfilled his responsibility as a teacher.
Takuno nodded. He looked at Minato, wanting to complain in his heart. He had originally thought it was just a polite remark; who would have thought the other party was serious?
However, he wasn't averse to it, especially since Minato's Sealing Jutsu, particularly barrier-type ones, were unique.
"Please come in. You came in a hurry, so I don't have much to offer you." Takuno welcomed Minato into his home.
"It's my fault for not informing you in advance, Senpai." After entering the house, Minato curiously observed the interior. From the outside, the conditions seemed very simple, and now looking inside the house...
Indeed, it was as simple as it looked from the outside, very modest.
However, it was very tidy, and there were many materials specifically for Sealing Jutsu around, of a quality comparable to what he usually used, which wasn't cheap.
Minato couldn't help but nod secretly. Sure enough, Takuno was the type of person who didn't care much about living conditions, focusing solely on researching Sealing Jutsu, just as the rumors said.
Takuno didn't know what Minato was thinking. He took out the tea set he rarely used and began to brew tea for his guest.
Minato's eye twitched slightly at this sight. If he wasn't mistaken, this kind of tea seemed to be... the cheapest kind, right?
Fortunately, having been an orphan himself, he wasn't picky about such things, and his purpose for coming wasn't for that.
After a few polite exchanges, their conversation quickly shifted to Sealing Jutsu.
Then, the two of them, as if they had found kindred spirits, began to discuss animatedly.
Sometimes they would corroborate each other's points, and other times they would debate over differing viewpoints.
With this discussion, time passed very quickly, and the sky gradually darkened.
But the two still showed no signs of stopping, seemingly intent on discussing for days and nights.
However, just then, a knock on the door startled them both.
"Hm? Another guest?" Takuno was a bit stunned. He hadn't had a single guest in years, so why was there someone else besides Minato today?
As he opened the door, he saw a figure with red hair.
It was Minato's wife, Kushina Uzumaki!
The moment Kushina saw Takuno, her heart skipped a beat; there seemed to be a sense of familiarity about him.
But she quickly recovered. Although she found the source of this familiarity strange, now was not the time to ask.
"Excuse me, is Minato here? He said he was coming to visit you this morning."
"Kushina?" Minato also heard Kushina's voice. Only then did he realize it wasn't Takuno's guest, but his wife coming to find him.
"Minato! Even if you're not coming home, you should at least let me know!" After seeing Minato, Kushina's eyes narrowed, her long red hair seemed to flutter, and her entire body exuded a dangerous aura.
Immediately, cold sweat broke out on Minato's face. He let out a nervous laugh and quickly said, "Sorry, Kushina, Senpai and I were so engrossed in our discussion that I completely lost track of time."
As he spoke, his stomach began to rumble.
Hearing the sound, Kushina also showed a strange expression, looking at Minato and Takuno, she asked in surprise, "You two didn't discuss all day without even eating, did you?"
Takuno and Minato exchanged glances and nodded silently. If Kushina hadn't arrived, they probably wouldn't have thought about sleeping today either.
Kushina patted her head and said, "I don't know why you're in such a hurry. You're all comrades in the same village; there will be plenty of time later."
As she said this, she was also somewhat shocked. She knew Minato's Sealing Jutsu level best.
It could be said that although Minato's Sealing Jutsu was learned from her, at this moment, she couldn't claim that her own Sealing Jutsu level surpassed his.
And the fact that Takuno could discuss with Minato to the point where both were engrossed reflected a lot.
At the very least, Takuno's Sealing Jutsu level, even if not superior to Minato's, was certainly not far behind; otherwise, it would be impossible for the two to be like this.
"Indeed. Well then, Senpai, I will visit again later." Minato also nodded at this point, looking at Takuno as he spoke.
"You're welcome anytime." Takuno also smiled. Through his discussion with Minato, many of his doubts were resolved. The other party was truly worthy of inheriting the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Jutsu; he gained much from hearing his theories.