Before Hatake Sakumo noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The way he, Namikaze Minato, and Kakashi were positioned was rather strange.
It could be described as, "Look behind you. Now look behind you again!"
And Hiruzen Sarutobi's response was—why don't you look above your heads instead?
Hatake Sakumo's expression was a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
No...
He hadn't even noticed the Third was here?
This was bad. The Anbu Deputy Chief had stepped in to scare a Chunin, only to be caught red-handed by the Hokage himself!
Though Namikaze Minato was no ordinary Chunin...
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled faintly.
Even if one didn't play fair in Konoha, there were still levels to it...
Kakashi's sneak attack was the first level, while Namikaze Minato using a Cursed Seal to counter him was the second.
Hatake Sakumo concealing his presence was the third...
And him, the Hokage, suddenly appearing without White Fang noticing him was the fourth!
"Lord Third's entrance was so cool..." Might Guy clenched his fists. "So stylish!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaped in front of the group and rubbed Kakashi's head as well.
The Self-Exerting Curse Binding Seal was instantly released.
Kakashi's entire body relaxed, and he hurriedly said, "Thank you, Lord Third!"
"You're probably the first Ninja Academy student to experience the power of a Cursed Seal..." Hiruzen Sarutobi teased Kakashi. "Do you think your father is impressive now?"
He said this because he recalled Sakumo's usual complaints.
As a single father raising a child, White Fang was very satisfied with Kakashi's talent, but there was one thing that troubled him.
How was he supposed to show his son just how strong he was?
Showing it during sparring might dampen Kakashi's enthusiasm, and being too deliberate wouldn't be cool enough.
The reserved man had been conflicted over this, which instead made Kakashi feel that his father might not be all that strong...
But after witnessing Asuma and Kakashi's utterly shocked expressions when they saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru fight, Sakumo got an idea...
Naturally, he couldn't make such a huge commotion himself.
So Sakumo chose Minato as the stage.
It could keep Kakashi from becoming too impetuous while also showing off his father's strength...
Everything had been perfect, except the Hokage had seen it...
"Mm, Father is amazing!" Kakashi hid behind Sakumo, his face burning as he said softly, "So you were never serious when you sparred with me?"
The corner of Namikaze Minato's mouth twitched.
This kid really didn't know his limits...
"Ah, I was actually very serious!" Sakumo's face glowed as he basked in his son's admiration.
"If you were serious, would I not even be able to take a single move..." Kakashi continued softly.
Everyone present burst into good-natured laughter.
Kakashi fell silent and withdrew into himself behind his mask.
"You've basically gotten the hang of the Cursed Seal. You've improved quickly..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said to Namikaze Minato, "Kid, stop wearing that Chunin title. Find some time to head to the Administrative Department and arrange a Jonin test."
How long had Kushina been teaching him Sealing Jutsu? Yet he had already reached this level...
And during the Eight-Tails incident, he had shown such insight while explaining the Iron Armor Seal...
Hiruzen Sarutobi dared to conclude that Namikaze Minato was absolutely a genius at practicing Sealing Jutsu.
"Perhaps he could try the Flying Thunder God Technique?" This forbidden technique created by Senju Tobirama had already died out in Konoha.
This technique not only demanded an extremely high level of Sealing Jutsu mastery, but also exceptional neural reaction speed and dynamic vision.
Its greatest difficulty, however, was sensitivity to so-called "space."
It was something impossible to explain, almost mystical...
Even now, no method had been found to train it through acquired effort.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know whether Namikaze Minato could do it, but with the talent he had displayed, he undoubtedly had the greatest hope.
"Lord Third, I understand..."
Namikaze Minato put on his signature Little Sun smile. "I wanted to take the Jonin test in better condition, otherwise I was afraid of tarnishing Grandmaster's reputation..."
"Since you're telling me to go, I'll go right away!"
"It's just that I still have a few questions about my training..."
Hatake Sakumo's eyes turned astonished.
Not only was this kid incredibly talented in combat, he was no slouch in other areas either...
He couldn't even pull off that move!
"You brat, you sure know how to talk..." Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed and scolded. "Go on, what is it?"
"Grandmaster, do you have any ninjutsu that can increase speed and strength?" Namikaze Minato asked seriously.
That was exactly the kind of technique he needed most...
"There is."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment. There were many similar techniques, but one suitable for a genius like him...
It had to be effective in both offense and defense, and preferably have room for growth.
The best match was the Lightning Style Nintaijutsu he was currently practicing...
"This technique places considerable demands on endurance and physical strength. You're well suited for it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi discreetly glanced at the sword hanging at Hatake Sakumo's waist.
Not bad. It was an Anbu-standard blade, not that famous White Fang Short Sword...
"Sakumo, give me a hand!" Lightning surged around Hiruzen Sarutobi's body as he raised his left arm.
Hatake Sakumo immediately understood and drew his sword in an instant!
The detail was that he used the back of the blade.
The Anbu-standard sword collided with the Hokage's forearm.
Only Namikaze Minato could catch that fleeting sword shadow.
Everyone else merely felt a blur pass before their eyes.
Then they saw the refined-steel standard sword suddenly snap apart without warning, falling to the ground with a crisp clang.
"But it requires persistent tempering, and the process is rather grueling... You have Lightning-nature Chakra, right?" Hiruzen Sarutobi exchanged a glance with Sakumo and withdrew the lightning.
Namikaze Minato's eyes lit up. "Rest assured, Grandmaster!"
It was nothing more than hard work. He wasn't afraid of that...
Yellow-Hair had already made up his mind. Even if Kushina one day had the Nine-Tails sealed inside her, he would still press forward without hesitation!
This technique was simply too suitable for him!
Beside them, Might Guy gently tugged on his father's sleeve.
He actually had Lightning-nature Chakra too...
And the requirements the Hokage had mentioned...
Physical endurance and tolerance for pain were precisely the only two things Might Guy felt he could currently take pride in!
If he learned this technique, perhaps he could enter the Ninja Academy...
A child's thoughts were simple, but Might Duy was already an adult.
Though he wanted to encourage his son and believed in youth himself.
He was still only a Genin. He couldn't make a request of the Hokage in a situation like this...
Might Duy lowered his head helplessly.
Yet Hiruzen Sarutobi took in his reaction completely.
As for Might Duy, Hiruzen Sarutobi had only remembered him because of his exaggerated appearance.
But during his morning training sessions recently...
He would often see Might Father and Son running laps around Konoha from high above, performing all kinds of physical training.
They had long surpassed the level of ordinary Genin.
They merely lacked systematic guidance.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and called out, "Duy, why are you standing there? Come over, come over..."
Might Duy raised his head in disbelief.
Lord Third... was calling for him?
Calling for a Genin like him?
And so warmly, too?
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