New Topic: Flying Thunder God

Days flowed by like a murmuring stream, slipping silently through the gaps between fingers.

Hayato and Minato's bond grew deeper with each passing day of training side by side.

Through their heart-to-heart conversations, Hayato gradually unveiled the mystery surrounding the aftermath of that harrowing kidnapping incident.

In the end, the Land of Lightning quelled the potential for a prolonged war by paying a staggering indemnity of nearly thirty million ryo.

After deducting ten million ryo for the Daimyo's Mansion as a reserve fund for emergencies, two-thirds of the remaining fortune was generously bestowed upon the Hidden Leaf Village to honor its heroism and contributions during the incident.

From this two-thirds share, a portion was awarded directly to Kushina as compensation.

It was also distributed among the other ninjas who participated in the rescue, serving as recognition for their fearless bravery.

The remaining third was meticulously planned for infrastructure development within the Hidden Leaf Village, revitalizing its strength and appearance, and infusing it with newfound vitality.

In contrast, the Cloud Village suffered heavy losses, truly gaining nothing for their trouble.

When Hayato learned of this, he couldn't help but blurt out, "In that case, Brother Minato and Sister Kushina, you two have truly reaped a bountiful harvest!" His words were filled with envy and congratulations.

Upon hearing this, a humble and shy smile spread across Minato's face as he said softly, "I suppose so... but in this rescue operation, I only did my part."

In truth, Minato had earned the vast majority of the ninja rewards due to his exceptional contributions during the mission.

Hayato looked at him with confusion, asking with concern, "Did something go wrong? Was the reward reduced?" His tone was full of worry and bewilderment.

Minato waved his hand gently, his smile carrying a hint of mystery and pride.

"No, I voluntarily gave up the monetary reward and chose another, far more precious and meaningful prize instead."

"Oh?" Hayato's curiosity was fully ignited, his gaze locked firmly on Minato's face, waiting for him to continue.

Minato spoke slowly, his tone filled with the anticipation and pride of someone about to reveal a secret.

"I traded my reward opportunity for an extremely rare and precious ninjutsu."

"What ninjutsu? How could it be so precious?" Hayato pressed impatiently, knowing full well that the value of this reward was comparable to the generous pay for completing an A-rank or even an S-rank mission.

Minato smiled slightly, slowly pulling a primitive and mysterious scroll from his pocket, and said mysteriously, "This is a ninjutsu developed personally by the Second Hokage—the Flying Thunder God Technique. Its difficulty and the challenge it presents are no small matter."

Hayato was shocked; he never expected that Minato had not yet mastered this legendary technique.

Watching Minato display the scroll of the Flying Thunder God Technique before him without reservation, a warm current surged through Hayato's heart—a sense of gratitude and admiration for Minato's unconditional trust.

"Hayato, you played a part in earning this scroll. Would you be willing to explore the mysteries of this ninjutsu with me?" Minato's words were filled with sincerity and anticipation, his eyes sparkling with a vision of the future.

Minato had long since given careful thought to sharing this precious knowledge with Hayato.

Spending time together had led him to view Hayato as his own younger brother, and Hayato's talent and potential convinced him that he would be the ideal partner for learning the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Moreover, it was Hayato's guidance and help that had given him the opportunity to earn this rare reward.

Hayato was stunned by these words.

He never imagined that Minato would be so generous and trusting, willing to share the Flying Thunder God Technique with him.

Suppressing his inner excitement and gratitude, he asked, "Brother Minato, I know a little about this technique. Does the Hokage really allow you to pass it on?" His words were full of caution and concern.

The Flying Thunder God Technique was different from the Rasengan that Minato had created himself; it was a forbidden technique with high potential but equally high risk, not to be passed on lightly. Hayato knew the stakes, which was why he asked so cautiously.

Minato smiled slightly, as if he had already anticipated Hayato's question: "Don't worry, I have already consulted the Hokage about this, and I have received his permission. The Hokage said that as long as it is beneficial to the Hidden Leaf, anyone with the potential to master this technique is worth cultivating and teaching."

Hearing this, Hayato let out a long sigh of relief, the heavy stone in his heart finally falling to the ground.

Indeed, how could Minato not have thought of what he himself could think of? He had always been so careful and thorough.

Thus, Hayato reached out without hesitation to take the scroll from Minato's hand and began to study it carefully.

Although the content was obscure, profound, and complex, he and Minato discussed, pondered, and practiced it over and over, attempting to unveil the mysteries of the Flying Thunder God Technique.

The Flying Thunder God Technique had extremely high requirements for the practitioner's talent in space-time ninjutsu, and Hayato was not certain he could learn it.

But he knew this was a rare opportunity, an excellent chance to improve himself, and he had to give it his all without leaving any regrets.

After memorizing the contents of the scroll, Hayato returned it to Minato.

He knew this scroll had to be handled properly and kept under strict guard; it could not be passed on or leaked.

"Well, that's another subject added to the list," Hayato sighed inwardly.

Not long ago, he had been fretting over the lack of suitable ninjutsu to improve his combat strength.

He never expected that he would soon be learning two even more difficult techniques—the Rasengan and the Flying Thunder God Technique.

On top of that, he still had to find time to secretly research his Wood Release. It was truly a long and arduous road ahead!

"I suddenly feel like time is so tight; it's simply not enough," Hayato couldn't help but lament.

Time passed like a flowing river, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the Ninja Academy's practical exam arrived.

To avoid exposing the fact that he had been using a Shadow Clone to attend class, Hayato decided to go to the academy in person to take the exam.

In the classroom, he saw Kurenai slumped over her desk, looking listless.

He walked over gently, sat down beside her, and asked with concern, "What's wrong, Kurenai? Are you not feeling well?" His words were full of care and worry.

In truth, it had been a long time since he had last seen Kurenai.

After all, during this period, it had always been his Shadow Clone attending class in his stead.

Hearing Hayato's voice, Kurenai lifted her face, which looked slightly haggard yet remained beautiful.

"It's not that; it's because today is the practical exam, and I don't have any confidence."

There was a hint of dejection and helplessness in Kurenai's voice, her eyes flickering with unease and anxiety.

Hearing this, Hayato smiled, attempting to soothe her with his grin and encouragement.

"It's nothing! Relax! It's just a small exam! You're very talented, you know!"

However, Kurenai shook her head and sighed, "Of course you aren't worried, Hayato! I'm not like you! I don't have your strength or talent..."

To Hayato, an exam might not be a big deal.

But to Kurenai, it was a massive challenge and a source of immense pressure.

Upon hearing Kurenai's words, Hayato couldn't help but grumble inwardly: Who says I'm not worried? I'm so worried that I even sent my real body here!

There were indeed a few geniuses in this year's class.

If he relied solely on a Shadow Clone, he might end up failing.

But it wasn't that Hayato was afraid of losing; he was just worried about his Shadow Clone being exposed.

It would be a huge headache if his mom and dad started nagging him! After all, he was the one who had insisted on going to school in the first place!

Hayato recalled that he had been attending school for nearly four months now.

In another month or two, once he finished learning all the theoretical knowledge available, he planned to apply for graduation!

The earliest graduation record in the ninja world was about to be born! Thinking of this, a surge of ambition welled up in Hayato's heart.

Setting his future plans aside for the moment, Hayato looked at Kurenai, who was lost in thought.

Kurenai had a certain talent and proficiency in genjutsu, but she had a clear weakness in taijutsu—a lack of physical strength.

If she could make a breakthrough and improve her taijutsu, her overall strength would become much more comprehensive and formidable.

Thinking of this, a thought couldn't help but arise in Hayato's mind: Perhaps I can help her...

Just then, Asuma's voice drifted over: "Hayato! I won't lose to you again this time!"

Asuma's eyes were burning with a fierce fire, as if he were determined to wash away his past shame! His voice was filled with fighting spirit and resolve.

During this period, the relationship between Asuma and Hayato had eased and improved to a certain extent.

While they couldn't be called best friends, they weren't on bad terms either—after all, they were classmates in the same year!

After spending this time together and experiencing things side-by-side, the friendship between Hayato and his other classmates had also become deeper and more sincere.

Hayato looked at Asuma, smiled slightly, and said, "Then you'd better give it your all! Don't lose to someone else before you even face me! I'm really looking forward to our rematch!" His words were filled with encouragement and anticipation.