Time flowed on like a gentle stream, slipping silently through their fingers.
As Hayato and Minato trained side by side day after day, their bond grew ever deeper.
Through his heart-to-heart talks with Minato, Hayato gradually learned what had happened after the shocking kidnapping.
In the end, the Land of Lightning paid nearly thirty million ryo—an astronomical sum—to quell the crisis before it could ignite a prolonged war.
After ten million ryo was set aside as a reserve for the Daimyo's Mansion, to be used in case of emergencies, the remaining two-thirds was generously awarded to Konoha in recognition of its bravery and contributions during the incident.
Part of that two-thirds was given directly to Kushina as compensation.
The other ninja who had taken part in the rescue were also rewarded, in recognition of their courage.
The remaining third was carefully allocated to infrastructure projects in Konoha, renewing the village's strength and appearance and filling it with vitality.
By comparison, Kumogakure had suffered heavy losses. It had truly been a case of losing more than it gained.
When Hayato heard about it, he blurted out, "So Minato and Kushina, you two made quite a haul!" His words were full of envy and congratulations.
Minato's face took on a modest, bashful smile. "I suppose so... But I only did my part in the rescue."
In fact, thanks to his outstanding contributions to the rescue, Minato had received the vast majority of the ninja rewards.
Hayato looked at him in confusion and asked with concern, "Did something happen along the way? Was your reward reduced?" His words were full of worry and bewilderment.
Minato waved a hand lightly, his smile tinged with mystery and pride.
"No. I gave up the monetary reward of my own accord and chose another prize—one far more precious and meaningful."
"Oh?" Hayato's curiosity was thoroughly piqued. He fixed his gaze on Minato's face, waiting for him to continue.
Minato spoke slowly, his voice brimming with pride and anticipation as he prepared to reveal the secret.
"I used this reward opportunity to obtain an exceptionally rare and precious ninjutsu."
"What ninjutsu could be so valuable?" Hayato pressed eagerly. He knew how much the reward was worth—enough to rival the generous payment for completing an A-rank or even an S-rank mission.
Minato smiled and slowly drew a timeworn, mysterious scroll from his pocket. He said cryptically, "This is the Flying Thunder God Technique, developed by the Second himself. It's incredibly difficult to learn and presents an extraordinary challenge."
Hayato was astonished. He had never imagined that Minato hadn't mastered this legendary technique yet.
As he watched Minato show him the scroll without reservation, warmth swelled in Hayato's heart. He was grateful and impressed by Minato's unconditional trust.
"Hayato, you played a part in earning this scroll, too. Would you like to explore the secrets of this technique with me?" Minato's words were sincere and hopeful, his eyes shining with anticipation for the future.
Minato had thought long and hard about sharing this precious knowledge with Hayato.
During their time together, he had come to think of Hayato as his own little brother. Hayato's talent and potential had also convinced him that he would make an ideal partner in learning the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Besides, it was only thanks to Hayato's guidance and help that Minato had gotten the chance to earn this rare reward.
Hayato was stunned.
He had never expected Minato to be so generous and trust him so completely that he would share the Flying Thunder God Technique with him.
Suppressing his excitement and gratitude, he asked, "Minato, I know a little about this technique. Did Lord Hokage really allow you to share it?" His words were full of caution and concern.
Unlike the Rasengan, which Minato had created himself, the Flying Thunder God Technique was a forbidden technique with enormous potential and equally great risks. It couldn't be shared lightly. Hayato understood the stakes, which was why he asked so carefully.
Minato smiled, as if he had already expected the question. "Don't worry. I already asked Lord Hokage, and he gave his permission. He said that anyone who could benefit Konoha and had the potential to master this technique was worth training and teaching."
At that, Hayato let out a long breath, the weight on his heart finally lifted.
Of course. How could Minato have overlooked something Hayato had thought of? He had always been so thoughtful and thorough.
Without hesitation, Hayato took the scroll from Minato and began studying it closely.
The contents were obscure and complicated, but the two of them discussed, pondered, and practiced again and again, trying to unravel the mysteries of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
The Flying Thunder God Technique demanded an exceptional aptitude for space-time ninjutsu. Hayato wasn't sure he could learn it.
But he knew this was a rare opportunity, a perfect chance to improve himself. He had to give it his all and leave no regrets.
After committing the scroll's contents to memory, Hayato returned it to Minato.
He knew the scroll had to be handled with care and kept secure. It couldn't be shared or allowed to fall into the wrong hands.
That makes another subject for me to study, Hayato thought, overwhelmed.
Not long ago, he had been worrying about not having a suitable ninjutsu to boost his combat strength.
He hadn't expected to be learning two even more challenging techniques so soon—the Rasengan and the Flying Thunder God Technique.
On top of that, he had to find time to secretly study his Wood Release. He truly had a long road ahead!
"Suddenly, I feel like I'm running out of time. There's just not enough of it," Hayato couldn't help exclaiming.
Time flew by like flowing water, and before long, the Ninja Academy's practical exam day arrived.
To avoid exposing the fact that he had been using a Shadow Clone to attend class, Hayato decided to go to the Academy himself and take the exam.
In the classroom, he spotted Kurenai slumped over her desk, looking dispirited.
He walked over quietly and sat beside her. "What's wrong, Kurenai? Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, his words full of concern.
In fact, it had been a long time since he had last seen Kurenai.
After all, his Shadow Clone had been attending classes in his place during this period.
At the sound of Hayato's voice, Kurenai raised her slightly haggard but still beautiful face.
"No. It's just that we have a practical exam today, and I'm not confident."
Her voice carried a hint of frustration and helplessness, and her eyes flickered with unease and worry.
Hayato smiled, trying to soothe her with his smile and encouragement.
"It's fine! Relax! It's just a little exam! You're really good, you know!"
But 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..."
For Hayato, an exam might not have been a big deal.
But for Kurenai, it was a huge challenge and source of pressure.
Who said I wasn't worried? I was so worried that I came in person! Hayato grumbled inwardly after hearing her.
There really were a few geniuses in their year.
If he relied only on a Shadow Clone, things might go wrong.
But Hayato wasn't afraid of losing. He was just worried his Shadow Clone would be exposed.
Then his parents would nag him endlessly! After all, he had been the one who'd insisted on going to school in the first place!
Hayato thought back. He had already been attending school for nearly four months.
In another month or two, after he had learned all the theory he could, he planned to apply for early graduation!
The earliest graduation record in the Ninja World was about to be set! The thought filled Hayato with ambition.
Putting his plans for the future aside for the moment, Hayato turned to Kurenai beside him and fell into thought.
Kurenai had some talent and skill in genjutsu, but taijutsu was an obvious weak spot for her—she lacked strength.
If she could make a breakthrough and improve her taijutsu, her abilities would become more well-rounded and powerful.
The thought sparked an idea in Hayato: Maybe I can help her...
Just then, Asuma's voice rang out. "Hayato! I won't lose to you again this time!"
Asuma's eyes blazed, as if he were determined to wipe away the shame of his last defeat. His voice was full of fighting spirit and resolve.
Over this period, Asuma and Hayato's relationship had eased and improved somewhat.
They weren't exactly close friends, but they weren't on bad terms either. After all, they were classmates.
After spending this time together and going through things side by side, Hayato's friendships with his other classmates had also grown deeper and more genuine.
Hayato smiled faintly at Asuma. "Then you'd better do your best! Don't lose before you get the chance to face me! I'm looking forward to our next match!" His words were full of encouragement and anticipation.
Before you continue