Third Hokage: My Konoha Can't Be This Strange

Combining Minato's explanation with the training method they had just reviewed, Shikaku and Hiruzen felt as if their entire worldview had been reshaped.

Shikaku Nara shook his head with a wry smile. "I suppose I must now fully believe in what the Fourth Hokage said about other worlds."

So, after all that talk, you didn't believe a word of it from the start? Minato felt a vein throb in his forehead. Suppressing the urge to retort, he continued, "This is merely the preliminary training system. I don't rule out the possibility of finding better or more suitable methods in the future."

"As a first step, it is already excellent. Since this is a power that most people can cultivate, even if we filter out those with insufficient willpower or character, Konoha will still be able to bolster its grassroots combat strength significantly." The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe, adding his own assessment. His weathered face seemed to glow with renewed vigor and determination.

"No wonder the Fourth has the confidence and courage to reform the village's combat system. If we push this strategy forward firmly, in time, as more and more civilian ninjas emerge, the bloodline clans will truly become a pillar of the village rather than the unwieldy burdens they are now." Shikaku seemed to see the landscape of the world decades into the future. He felt a surge of excitement and longing, completely forgetting that he himself was a representative of the old-era clan forces.

Yet, this was precisely what made him exceptional; he possessed both vision and strategic acumen, which was why he would eventually become the commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces in the original timeline.

"Although this Haki training method has universal applicability, my understanding is that it requires sufficient perseverance and consistency. I believe we should first arrange for a small number of people to attempt it before gradually promoting it," Minato suggested at the opportune moment.

"Do you have any candidates in mind?" the Third Hokage asked.

Minato and Shikaku exchanged glances, then shared a smile as if they understood each other's thoughts. They spoke in unison: "Might Guy!"

"Agreed, he is indeed the most suitable choice!" The Third Hokage chuckled. "That boy has better luck than his father."

Once this was settled, Minato continued, "Establishing a new combat unit is a long-term plan that cannot be rushed. However, there is another matter I need to prioritize: the cultivation of ninjas for the scientific research path mentioned in my first point."

Minato reached into his robe—or rather, into the personal storage space provided by the Reincarnator assistant—and pulled out a round object.

It had a smooth, pale yellow shell with round, verdant green spots, and it radiated a gentle, warm aura.

The Third Hokage and Shikaku stared at the object in Minato's hand in astonishment.

"This... is this an egg?" The two were completely bewildered, staring at the egg while waiting for Minato's explanation.

Minato smiled and shook his head. "It is an egg, but not an ordinary one. It is called a Pokemon egg, also known as an Elf egg."

"Pokemon?"

"Elf?"

"Pokemon, also known as Pocket Monsters, are strange creatures from a world called the Pokemon World. They are similar to the ninja beasts we have here. There are many types of Pokemon, such as Water, Fire, Electric, Fighting, and even Psychic and Dragon types. For instance, the one in my hand is the egg of a Fire-type Pokemon, Charmander." Minato paused to give them time to process this.

"Are you suggesting we raise these Pokemon as ninja beasts to participate in combat?" Shikaku grasped Minato's intent.

"Exactly. That is the idea. I hope to have research ninjas assist in hatching and raising them, and to gather suitable ninjas to train and experiment with them."

"How is their combat capability?" Shikaku went straight to the core of the matter.

Minato thought about the information he had queried from his assistant and said with a solemn expression, "There are countless types of Pokemon. The weak ones cannot even defeat ordinary wild beasts, while the powerful ones can destroy the world—or even create it!"

Hearing these "preposterous" claims, the Third Hokage was so shocked he nearly plucked out his beloved goatee.

"Is the world changing this rapidly? How did we get to world-destroying power? And what is this talk of creation?" The Third Hokage sighed deeply, filled with emotion.

"Actually, those types of Pokemon are extremely rare, essentially existing only in myths and legends; they are nowhere to be seen. But the combat power of ordinary Pokemon is also quite impressive." Minato gently stroked the Pokemon egg. "Take this Charmander egg, for example. Upon hatching, it is a small Fire-type Pokemon. Besides attacking with its claws, it has the ability to breathe small flames, with an intensity comparable to a low-level Fire Style jutsu."

"However, it can continue to evolve. It will later evolve into Charmeleon, where its physical attacks and flame abilities are further strengthened. Beyond that, it undergoes a qualitative change, evolving into a Charizard capable of flight, which is no weaker than some powerful ninja beasts."

Shikaku quickly analyzed the situation. "But its strategic significance is far beyond that of ninja beasts. First, to use ninja beasts, one must be a ninja, master the Summoning Technique, and find a clan of beasts willing to sign a contract with you. As the Ninja World has developed, powerful beast clans have their own traditions, which is a hurdle for many ninjas without such heritage. Furthermore, even after signing a contract, you can only summon powerful beasts if your own strength is sufficient. In other words, a strong ninja summons a powerful beast because they are already strong, not because they possess a powerful beast. Of course, this excludes special cases like Hanzo of the Salamander, where the combination of both makes them even stronger."

Shikaku kept his eyes fixed on the egg as he continued, "But these Pokemon are completely different! You don't need to sign a contract; you don't even need to be a ninja to possess a powerful beast. Something like this is enough to change the landscape of the Ninja World!"

After finishing his long speech, Shikaku let out a long breath. "Lord Third, the items contributed by the Fourth are undoubtedly strategic-level assets. I suggest we seal this information and conduct the cultivation in secret until we have results, then promote it gradually!"

The Third Hokage had been shocked too many times today, and he couldn't help but quip, "Minato, if you have any more intelligence or items to contribute, just lay them all out at once. I'm afraid these old bones of mine can't take much more tossing about."

Minato, gentle as jade, scratched the back of his head. "Haha, none left. This time, there really is nothing else."

Kushina watched Minato from the side, a look of gratification on her face.

After the jesting, the Third Hokage's expression turned solemn, and he spoke earnestly:

"Minato Namikaze, I thank you on behalf of the village for your contributions. Even though you were the Fourth Hokage in your lifetime, you never failed Konoha, and Konoha will never fail you.

Now that you have made such a massive contribution to the village yet willingly remain behind the scenes, I can only record this merit deeply on behalf of the village, to be rewarded in the future.

As for this strategy, I approve it in the name of the Hokage. You have supreme authority over all plans, with Shikaku Nara as your deputy. Even I only have the right to be informed, with no power to interfere.

Regarding the Countermeasure Department you wish to establish, just give me the names of anyone in Konoha you want, and I will handle their transfer!"

The Third Hokage abandoned his usual moderate approach, taking a clear and firm stance in support of Minato. He understood that with such a heaven-sent opportunity before him, if he didn't seize it, he might as well stop being Hokage and defect from the village entirely.

Following this, the group settled on a few more details, and Minato provided three more Pokemon eggs: one female Charmander egg, and two Squirtle eggs, one male and one female.

As for the exchange prices, they were as follows:

[

Pokemon Egg: Charmander

Rating: D-rank Common

Description: An incredible creature from the Pokemon universe, possessing the ability to manipulate fire; capable of evolution.

Price: 1 D-rank side quest, 500 points

Note: Has been specially modified by the Main God to adapt to most ordinary environments. The trait '99% damage reduction against humans' has been removed.

]