This mission involves patrolling the waters of the Land of Whirlpools, so there is a chance of engaging with Ninjas from Kumogakure and the Hidden Mist.
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, the mission rank is tentatively set at A-rank. It should not be much pressure for you; just treat it like a vacation. The coastal scenery in the Land of Whirlpools is quite lovely.
Can I bring Kushina along? Minato asked.
Well—with your strength, bringing her along won't make much of a difference.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. Judging by Minato's track record, even he, as the Hokage, likely would not be Minato's match. The boy was already the Village's top combat power. Internal calculations ran through the old man's head; with Kushina by Minato's side, it was virtually impossible for her to encounter danger. Even if issues arose, Minato would be there to handle them with his flashing speed. However, if he were to be unreasonable and insist on keeping Kushina in the Village, and she encountered danger during that time, that would be the real disaster. Minato was a good kid—gentle and polite to everyone, neither servile nor overbearing, and unfazed by either favor or humiliation. But he maintained much the same attitude when he was killing people. That was what made him terrifying! If Minato were to vent his anger on the upper management due to a failure in protection, how would he, the Hokage, deal with it?
So, Hiruzen Sarutobi simply tossed the problem to Minato. From now on, you'll be responsible for Kushina's safety. After all, the relationship between you two—
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled as he spoke. To be young again... but what do you plan to do about the Uchiha? From what I know, while that clan doesn't oppose women marrying out, Mikoto has no shortage of suitors within the clan.
If anyone has an objection, they are welcome to come find me.
Minato's tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable firmness. Inside, his mind was cold. With the Uchiha clan, as long as you could beat them into submission, everything was negotiable. Forget having two irons in the fire—even if it were two hundred, given the Uchiha's personality, they would only say that the strong have privileges. They might even compliment him on his stamina.
Seeing Minato's attitude, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes widened slightly, a flash of appreciation crossing them. This was the first time he had sensed a domineering quality in Minato. For a leader, this was undoubtedly a vital trait. If only it weren't because of women, it would be even better—
Thinking of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally couldn't restrain his curiosity and asked, Minato—do you want to be the Hokage?
Hokage?
Minato pondered for two seconds. I don't have much interest. I could be, or I could not be. But if I am to be one, I only intend to be the fourth generation.
——
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples. How was he already being picky? Why must it be the fourth generation? he asked, puzzled.
Because it sounds right to the ear, Minato said seriously.
If it wasn't Yondaime Hokage, he wouldn't do it. Besides, in the original story, he was the Fourth, and Yondaime felt more familiar.
Right to the ear...
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, feeling both speechless and relieved. Speechless at Minato's reason, but relieved that he had asked. Otherwise, if he had thought Minato was too young and planned to have someone else as a transitional Fourth, he might have truly missed out on this perfect successor.
Very well!
After thinking it over, he made up his mind. Henceforth, I will designate you as the primary candidate for the position of Hokage. However, being the Hokage means being responsible for the Village; you cannot act solely on personal whims.
After speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Minato with a tense expression. He was terrified the boy would find it troublesome and just say: Then I won't do it. If that happened, even he, with his good temper, would get angry.
Fortunately, Minato hadn't reached that level of arrogance and simply nodded calmly. He could clearly distinguish between protecting Konoha and protecting his Konoha. Seeing Minato agree, Hiruzen Sarutobi was instantly overjoyed. Although Minato's detached personality worried him slightly, he truly had no other options right now. If Minato didn't become the Hokage, then the next successor would either need to be close to Minato in strength or be able to command him. Otherwise, a top-tier powerhouse strong enough to ignore the Hokage's orders could easily render the Hokage a figurehead—not to mention Minato's girlfriend was the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's gratified gaze, Minato left the Hokage Building. After receiving his Jonin vest, Minato tried it on and found it fit quite well; it seemed to be a specially made smaller size.
Oh my, Minato-sama looks truly dashing in that, praised the young female Ninja handing out the vests.
This praise contained no flattery; it was born of pure admiration! Currently, Minato wore a black thin undershirt, topped with the military-green vest, and over the vest was his frequently worn high-collared haori. On his lower body were black straight-leg pants paired with black Ninja boots. Compared to the Yondaime in the original story, there were only slight differences in the color of the inner layer and the length of the haori. Compared to blue, the current Minato preferred black, and even the ties of his forehead protector were the long black style like Naruto's in Shippuden. Overall, his temperament was gentle yet valiant.
Thank you.
Minato smiled cheerfully and headed home while still wearing the vest.
I'm back.
Minato, you're back!
Hearing Minato's voice, Kushina skipped joyfully to the entrance, immediately noticing the vest under Minato's haori. Is this—a Chunin vest? Minato, you've been promoted to Chunin?
Kushina gasped, covering her mouth, her eyes filled with pleasant surprise.
What?!
With a bang, Nawaki rushed out of the bedroom, his gaze landing on Minato's vest. He then looked at Minato in shock: The Chunin Exams haven't even happened yet—an exceptional promotion?
Yes.
Minato nodded. An exceptional promotion to Jonin.
Na—ni?!
Nawaki's eyes went wide.
I'm a Squad-Leading Jonin now!
Minato smiled and clapped his hands. Alright, you two, get ready. We're about to head out on a mission. This one is an A-rank mission.
I'm coming along too?
Before she could even finish being happy about Minato's promotion, Kushina heard that she was included. She pointed at herself, feeling expectant yet afraid Minato had misspoken.
That's right. I applied with the Sandaime. From now on, you don't have to stay in the Village alone anymore, Minato nodded.
Ah—that's wonderful!
Kushina cheered and lunged into Minato's arms. Minato held her and spun her around gently before setting her down. Quickly, get ready. I'm going to notify Sister Mikoto. We'll meet directly at the Village entrance later.
Okay—~
While Kushina and Nawaki were getting ready, Minato went to the Uchiha clan grounds. This wasn't his first time visiting the Uchiha compound. Before the Nine-Tails' rampage, the Uchiha were still located in a prime area of the Village. Compared to other areas of the Village, the architecture here was more traditional, and the roads were paved with bluestone slabs. The overall environment was quite similar to what appeared in the series.
As soon as he stepped into the clan grounds, Minato's brow furrowed slightly. He clearly felt many gazes coming from the shadows. Curiosity, admiration, jealousy, disdain—he had just been here with Kushina yesterday, but back then he had only felt curiosity, not the complex mix he felt today. Thinking about it, his only connection to this clan seemed to be Mikoto. So, was it because of Mikoto?
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