Torifu nodded. "I said that too. I'd only let Minato go if it was possible. I was thinking we could send him to get some practice once the rest of us were worn down. Since you're so opposed, Master, I won't take him along."
Hashirama was finally satisfied. Ever since Minato had come to Konoha, Torifu had kept saying he'd make Minato the Fourth Hokage someday.
Hashirama hadn't paid much attention to it before. But after watching Minato grow so quickly and master the forbidden Flying Thunder God technique, which no outsider had ever been able to learn,
Hashirama had already begun to see him as a strong contender for Fourth Hokage.
Now Torifu wanted to shove the future Fourth Hokage into a death trap. Hashirama certainly couldn't allow that.
Tobirama and Ashina also opposed sending Minato into such a fierce battle when he was only Jonin-level.
They were both potential sources of support for Minato, and Torifu had to listen to their advice instead of acting on his own.
Tobirama could be considered Minato's second teacher. He'd practically taught him everything he knew about the Flying Thunder God.
As for Ashina, his granddaughter spent every day running over to the Yunzhong Clan Grounds. And you're telling me that's just friendship? Who'd believe that?
The old man was over eighty, nearly ninety. He was no fool; he could tell at a glance what was going on.
Kushina and Minato were at that shy, uncertain stage of young love. Their relationship had already gone beyond ordinary friendship in some ways.
Ashina couldn't have failed to notice. But Minato was a sincere, steady young man, and he was exceptionally talented, with an impeccable background.
So Ashina had chosen to turn a blind eye. If the young couple really did end up together,