The Candidate

"The key to victory lies both within Konoha and on the battlefield?"

Listening to Nanchuan You's words, Namikaze Minato fell into thought, seeming to gain many new understandings about the current situation.

After the other party's clarification, the previously hazy situation seemed to become clearer, and the entire picture became apparent.

"An interesting analysis."

He said with a smile, "You have a great talent in this regard. If possible, I'd like to hear more of your opinions after we return."

This was a form of declaration, a desire to get closer to Nanchuan You.

Given his current status, this undoubtedly carried certain implications.

"It is my honor."

Nanchuan You responded with a smile to Namikaze Minato's invitation, "In fact, I've always hoped to improve my Ninjutsu."

"If it's possible, I have a presumptuous request. Would Mr. Minato be willing to guide me in Ninjutsu for a period of time?"

His expression was sincere and respectful, "If possible, I wish to become Mr. Minato's student."

"This has always been my dream."

For Nanchuan You, this was actually one of his biggest goals.

Namikaze Minato, at this moment, could be considered the biggest potential asset within Konoha.

On the surface, he was merely a Jonin. Although he had immense prestige due to his performance on the battlefield, it didn't seem significantly different compared to Konoha's White Fang in the past.

While other Jonin differed from him, the gap wasn't yet qualitative.

This was the best time to invest in him.

Becoming his student was essentially the last chance.

Once he crossed that final threshold and truly became Konoha's Fourth Hokage, it would be incredibly difficult, perhaps even impossible under normal circumstances, to become his disciple.

Because once someone reached that position, every action they took would be different.

The concept of a student of an ordinary Jonin and a student of the Hokage was entirely different.

This was why Nanchuan You acted out of character and deliberately tried to impress the other party.

While impressing Hiruzen Sarutobi and others could earn him respect, it wouldn't yield much benefit and might even bring significant risks.

After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi had Pot Kage Danzo by his side.

If he were to accidentally attract the other's attention, it would be very troublesome.

He wasn't afraid, of course.

But Nanchuan You didn't want to do anything that offered no reward.

As for Namikaze Minato, the situation was different.

From a status perspective, he was the future Hokage, yet he didn't have much of a personal following yet. If Nanchuan You could gain his trust, he would benefit greatly in the future.

From a character perspective, the other party was beyond reproach and trustworthy.

Hiruzen Sarutobi might not have major character flaws, but the fact that he had a friend who was the Pot Kage immediately lowered the cost-effectiveness.

Even from the perspective of Reincarnation Points, approaching him was a good choice.

After all, as the Fourth Hokage and the father of the child of destiny, he carried a significant amount of destiny.

If Nanchuan You could influence him even slightly, the rewards would be substantial.

"You want to become my student?"

Hearing Nanchuan You's words, Namikaze Minato pondered for a moment before nodding, "That wouldn't be bad either."

"My strength may be ordinary, but I have some confidence in my Ninjutsu."

His smile was warm, "If you trust me, You, I will guide you."

Just as Nanchuan You thought highly of Namikaze Minato, he also thought highly of Nanchuan You.

In his opinion, Nanchuan You's mastery of Medical Ninjutsu indicated his excellent talent as a Ninja.

His strategic observation skills were also extremely outstanding traits.

Such a person was destined for a great future.

Taking him on as a student now would also be very beneficial for him.

Furthermore, at this moment, this was one of the few cards he could play.

Although Namikaze Minato was a Konoha hero, the renowned Yellow Flash, and held strong prestige among Konoha Ninja, he truly didn't have much to show for it at this point.

After all, the title of Konoha hero, while sounding impressive, was essentially just an empty name.

There weren't many tangible benefits he could offer.

Therefore, at this time, recruiting a subordinate under the guise of a student was also a good option.

After all, in this world, the relationship between master and disciple is the most secure.

As long as Nanchuan You could become his student, he would be someone on the same boat as him in the future.

Ultimately, his goal was to become Hokage.

To become Hokage, it wasn't enough to possess sufficient strength on your own; you also needed a group of subordinates who supported you.

And in this regard, Namikaze Minato was undoubtedly lacking.

Within all of Konoha, besides his wife Uzumaki Kushina, his teacher Jiraiya, and his disciple Kakashi, there were probably not many others who could firmly support him right now.

Under these circumstances, Nanchuan You's addition was also a good supplement for him.

"You, what do you think of the current situation in Konoha?"

After their relationship deepened, Namikaze Minato pondered for a moment before speaking again, asking for his opinion: "I mean, the election for Hokage..."

In front of Nanchuan You, his new disciple, he did not hide his intention to become Hokage.

Of course, there was actually nothing to hide about this.

Becoming Hokage was the common dream of many Konoha ninja, and there was nothing to hide about it.

Namikaze Minato disdained to hide this fact from anyone.

"The election for Hokage, this matter seems lively, but in reality, when it comes down to it, there are only two people qualified to compete."

Nanchuan You thought for a moment, then spoke: "One of them is you, Teacher Minato."

"As for the other person..."

"It's Senior Orochimaru..."

Before Nanchuan You could speak, Namikaze Minato voiced the answer first.

Clearly, he had also pondered this question in private, and at this moment, he gave the answer without hesitation.

"Correct."

Nanchuan You nodded.

The selection of the Fourth Hokage happened to fall at a critical juncture.

At this juncture, although there seemed to be many people qualified to compete for the Fourth Hokage, they had all been eliminated.

Jiraiya was qualified to compete, but his ambitions lay elsewhere.

Tsunade was both qualified and experienced; she had everything. It could be said that as long as she was willing to run, no one could compete with her.

But precisely because she had leukemia and was currently in a low period, she didn't have the inclination.

If Kakashi's father, Konoha's White Fang, had not died, he would have been qualified to contend.

But he had committed suicide instead.

As for others like Shimura Danzō, although they had the qualifications and intentions, they ultimately couldn't make it to the stage.

Currently, the only two people who intended to compete and were qualified to run were Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato.