Sarutobi Hiruzen was quite satisfied with the father and son's ideals, so he ordered someone to arrange Akai's future living arrangements and had Akimichi Choza take his three children home.
As for Namikaze Minato's performance, the Third Hokage was even more pleased. Minato possessed the qualities of a scholar-like candidate in both intellect and character. Most valuable of all were his wisdom and calm analytical ability. Even compared with his outstanding perseverance over the past ten years, Minato's talents would only surpass it, never fall short of it.
"Ah! Old man, can I come in?"
"Hm? Mirai, come in! I didn't expect you to return to the village so quickly. I thought you'd be delayed for a few days..."
"Ah, I happened to run into Minato in the Land of Grass, and then he brought us back with the Flying Thunder God. By the way, that kid's growth is truly astonishing. Not only did he learn the Flying Thunder God, but he uses it so skillfully too. Old man, you've certainly put a lot of effort into him. Hahahaha..."
Faced with Mirai's insincerity, Sarutobi Hiruzen merely snorted out of habit and smiled.
"Hmph... Compared to you, Minato truly has much better prospects. As long as he is properly nurtured, he will certainly become Konoha Village's Hokage in the future. That is why I called you back..."
"Why? What's the reason?"
"Listen, Mirai. According to intelligence reports from all sides, the four great nations of Wind, Earth, Lightning, and Water have recently been carrying out large-scale military movements. I fear the Third Great Ninja War is about to begin. Although I do not wish to enter a war, the situation is extremely dangerous. Even if Konoha does not wish to join, that may be impossible. In the end, we will likely