In fact, Veigar was even more bewildered than Might Guy at that moment. He had heard every word of Shizune Kato's quiet curse before she left.
Although Veigar's body was that of a child, his mind and soul belonged to an adult.
Shizune Kato's words had hit Veigar like a critical blow, while also giving him a deeper understanding of how precocious the children of this world were.
What kind of messed-up things are children thinking about these days? Seriously...
Veigar complained inwardly, utterly speechless.
The next day.
After another passionate running race with Might Guy, Veigar appeared at Training Ground 44 right on time.
Not long after, Kakashi Hatake arrived as well. After they exchanged a few words, Minato Namikaze appeared beside them.
"Good morning, Teacher Minato!"
Veigar and Kakashi Hatake politely greeted Minato Namikaze.
"Good morning, Veigar, Kakashi."
Minato Namikaze wore a look of smug satisfaction, as though something had happened that pleased him greatly.
Then Minato Namikaze said, "The day before yesterday, I told you I would prepare a gift for you."
"Well? Are you looking forward to it?"
Veigar and Kakashi Hatake exchanged a silent glance. As if they had reached some kind of agreement, they shook their heads at the same time and replied in unison, "Not at all!"
"Er..."
Their answer instantly made Minato Namikaze awkward. He scratched his head helplessly and said, "All right. Since you aren't looking forward to it, I won't keep you in suspense."
"Today, I'm going to teach each of you a Ninja Mission."
"Well? Aren't you happy now?"
However, Veigar and Kakashi Hatake's reactions once again exceeded Minato Namikaze's expectations.
Kakashi Hatake calmly replied, "Yes. I more or less guessed it already."
Veigar likewise answered calmly, "Then, Teacher, are you going to teach me that Wind Style Ninjutsu?"
At that moment, Minato Namikaze had the urge to grab Veigar and Kakashi Hatake and beat them both up.
These two children really were irritating.
In the end, however, Minato Namikaze did not act on the impulse. Instead, he took out a scroll and handed it to Kakashi Hatake, saying, "Kakashi, Sakumo asked me to give you this scroll when the time was right. It contains the technique I'm teaching you this time."
"However, since I don't know Lightning Style Ninjutsu, you'll have to practice the technique recorded here on your own."
"If you don't understand anything, you can ask Sakumo when he's home."
Slightly excited, Kakashi Hatake took the ninjutsu scroll from Minato Namikaze with both hands held out and said solemnly, "Thank you, Teacher."
Then Kakashi Hatake looked at Minato Namikaze again and said, "Then, Teacher, I'll go practice over there."
Minato Namikaze replied, "Go ahead!"
Only after Kakashi Hatake left did Minato Namikaze turn to Veigar and say, "Veigar, come with me."
"Yes, Teacher."
Veigar quickly answered. He glanced at Kakashi Hatake, who had walked off by himself, then followed Minato Namikaze into the forest.
After passing through the forest, Minato Namikaze brought Veigar to the High Slope of Training Ground 44. As a slightly cool breeze blew past, Minato Namikaze turned around and looked at Veigar.
"This is the place."
"This place?"
Veigar asked in surprise.
He looked around, but did not notice anything unusual.
Minato Namikaze nodded and said, "That's right. This is the place."
"The technique I'm going to teach you is called the Great Breakthrough Technique. It's a ninjutsu with tremendous practical value."
"The wind here will also help you practice."
As he spoke, Minato Namikaze's expression turned nostalgic. Back then, he had stood in this very spot when Jiraiya first taught him a technique.
Veigar was extremely excited to finally have the chance to learn a new technique. He quickly nodded and replied, "Yes. Thank you, Teacher."
"I'll practice very hard."
Minato Namikaze nodded in satisfaction, then began teaching Veigar the Wind Style: Great Breakthrough Technique.
The Wind Style: Great Breakthrough Technique was not primarily a ninjutsu focused on lethality. After forming Hand Seals, the user mainly blew wind from their mouth, dispersing or driving away enemies and objects to restrain them.
Although the Wind Style: Great Breakthrough Technique was somewhat lacking in destructive power, Veigar liked it very much.
That was because Veigar already possessed two offensive methods: swordsmanship and the ninjutsu Rasengan. What he currently lacked was not a powerful offensive ninjutsu, but techniques focused on support, control, recovery, and confusion.
Otherwise, even if he learned a powerful ninjutsu capable of obliterating the heavens, the earth, and even the air, its usefulness would be close to zero if he could not hit his enemy.
Ninjutsu with a focus on support, however, could help Veigar adapt to various battlefields and changing situations. At times, it could even turn the tide of battle.
The Wind Style: Great Breakthrough Technique was therefore an ideal ninjutsu for Veigar at present.
After a full day of careful instruction from Minato Namikaze, Veigar had initially learned how to form the Hand Seals and gather wind in his mouth. However, successfully mastering the Great Breakthrough Technique would still require some time and practice.
In the blink of an eye, more than a week passed.
During those days, Veigar and Kakashi Hatake had not gone out to carry out a Ninja Mission. Veigar was happy to enjoy the leisure, watching his steady progress in training each day and feeling extremely pleased.
However, that brief period of relaxation had now come to an end.
Because Minato Namikaze had accepted a New Mission.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough."
After forming the Hand Seals, Veigar opened his mouth and blew. A powerful gust instantly burst forth, making the empty woods ahead roar and rustle.
"Veigar, you learned the Wind Release: Great Breakthrough Technique after only a few days apart. Looks like you've suffered quite a bit during these days!"
Veigar had just finished releasing the technique when he heard Minato Namikaze's voice. He immediately turned his head.
Seeing Minato Namikaze, whom he had not seen for several days, Veigar respectfully greeted him. "Teacher Minato."
"The reason I learned the Wind Release: Great Breakthrough Technique so quickly is all thanks to your teaching, Teacher."
At the same time, Veigar reflected on his own shortcomings. Minato Namikaze had clearly been there for quite some time, yet Veigar had not noticed him at all. That truly should not have happened.
Even in the relatively safe Konoha, he should have remained vigilant.
Minato Namikaze shook his head and replied, "That has little to do with me. It's the result of your hard work."
Before you continue