Tetsuya looked at Minato, whose smile shone like a little sun, and immediately gave him the warm smile of an elder.
"Hahahaha, Minato Namikaze, right? You're that brat Jiraiya's student. My, my, I heard about you ages ago. You really are an outstanding young talent. Every generation brings forth new gifted people. With young men like you, how could Konoha fail to prosper?"
He opened with a barrage of praise that left Minato feeling a little embarrassed.
"You flatter me, Lord Daimyo. I've simply been a little lucky. I found a good teacher, some good teammates, and some good students."
Good students? Right, right, right. Your students are just wonderful. One killed his teacher, one couldn't care less about his teacher's child, and one died young. What truly outstanding students you have.
"Good, good, very good. Not only are you outstanding, you're so modest too. I really am growing more impressed with you by the moment."
Tetsuya patted his shoulder approvingly.
"Young man, if you ever stop being Hokage and want somewhere to retire with your children and family, come to the Land of Grass. You'll always be welcome there. Hahahaha."
Minato gave a somewhat awkward laugh.
They had seen people poach talent before, but never someone who opened by trying to poach the leader of an entire village.
"Thank you for your kind regard, Lord Daimyo. If the opportunity arises, I'll certainly visit you in the Land of Grass."
As he spoke, Minato gestured for him to proceed.
"Now, Lord Daimyo, please come into the village with us."
Just then, a voice came from the carriage behind them.
"Old man, are we there yet? Why's it so noisy outside?"
A younger version of Chiba Tetsuya lifted the carriage curtain and stepped out.
The people of Konoha were momentarily stunned