Namikaze Minato stayed behind to say a few words, but seeing that Uzumaki Kushina was determined to wait there, he apologetically left.
He had scheduled training with his teacher, and being late wouldn't be good.
"Foolish Minato!"
Seeing Minato leave, Kushina stamped her foot in displeasure but soon considered returning herself.
However, deep down, she still wanted to see Uzumaki Minami, because this might be the only clan member she could meet, someone she knew from childhood. Unfortunately, the old man Hokage restricted her freedom, confining her to the barrier.
Even if she fell ill, she couldn't go to the Konoha Hospital; there would be medical ninjas specifically assigned to treat her, leaving her no opportunity to find Uzumaki Minami.
Now, having unexpectedly encountered someone acquainted with Uzumaki Minami in front of the Hokage Building, she thought to wait a bit longer. Once he came out, she could ask if Minami could come visit her... This was Kushina's hope, so she disregarded Minato's advice and stayed near the Hokage Building.
Inside the Hokage Office, it was the first time Uchiha Yoichi had been there.
The current Third Generation Hokage was still in his prime. Though not particularly tall, he was undoubtedly one of Konoha Village's top-tier fighters.
"Sakumo, you're here, along with Mr. Yoichi and Kakashi."
Sarutobi Hiruzen saw the three and gave a friendly smile. Then, he set down his pipe and continued, "As Sakumo has already mentioned, though it was a happenstance encounter, it greatly aided Konoha and the Land of Fire. Based on Sakumo's suggestion, the village has decided to reward you with a ninjutsu."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Uchiha Yoichi and Kakashi said almost in unison.
Without further ado, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately continued, "By rule, the jutsu you choose cannot be widely taught beyond your own disciples. In a moment, I will give you a ninjutsu scroll. Once you make your choice, I will unseal it..."
After explaining the rules, Sarutobi Hiruzen took out a scroll half as tall as a person and let Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Yoichi choose one at a time, though one had to step aside when the other was choosing.
Kakashi chose first, and he came out rather quickly. It seemed Hatake Sakumo had instructed him on which jutsu to choose, or perhaps he was uninterested in the Ninjutsu on the Sealing Book, intending to focus completely on honing the White Fang Saber Technique.
When it was Uchiha Yoichi's turn, he asked after entering and then began to peruse the Sealing Book.
Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu, Water Release: Hard Vortex Water Blade...
It ranged from A-Class Kinjutsu to S-Class Kinjutsu, including some Release Ninjutsu and non-release ninjutsu. However, Uchiha Yoichi found that the jutsu he was most interested in weren't listed.
For example, the Flying Thunder God Jutsu and Reanimation Jutsu, or techniques like Orochimaru learned, such as Immortal Rebirth and Eight Branches Jutsu, were missing.
If this wasn't a heavily edited version of the Sealing Book, then these forbidden techniques were stored elsewhere, and they would be hard for Uchiha Yoichi to obtain regardless.
After a while, not finding any desirable jutsu, Uchiha Yoichi closed the Sealing Book and asked, "Lord Third, the jutsu on here doesn't quite suit me. May I exchange it for another sealing technique?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought for a moment before saying, "Another sealing technique? I recall the Sealing Book contains the Four Symbols Seal, Mr. Yoichi. Doesn't this sealing technique work for you?"
"It might not be quite suitable. If possible, could it be exchanged for a sealing technique that's slightly less complex?"
"Is that so? Okay, then. I'll have the Sealing Team prepare three B-Class sealing techniques for you. Will that suffice?"
"More than enough, thank you, Lord Hokage."
Uchiha Yoichi agreed without fuss.
The jutsu on the Sealing Book weren't suitable for him. He didn't need A-Class Release techniques, could already perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu, and found the Eight Gates less favorable than the standard Lightning Release Chakra Mode. The Darkness Path Jutsu wasn't as useful as the Sharingan.
Taking everything into account, almost none suited him. It was better to acquire some sealing techniques for Minami; after the Uzumaki clan's fall, Konoha's sealing techniques became the best Ninjutsu, yet Uzumaki Minami didn't remember many from her clan, nor did the Uchiha Family have many.
Choosing three B-Class sealing techniques was the best option.
After coming out, Uchiha Yoichi asked Kakashi what jutsu he chose, to which Kakashi replied after a moment, "The Darkness Path Jutsu, a genjutsu that locks visual perception. Leader, this jutsu should be quite practical, right?"
"..."
Uchiha Yoichi cast a sidelong glance at the small, white-haired boy, vaguely suspicious of his intentions.
This unexpected excursion proved quite profitable, yielding not only vast wealth but also three additional B-Class sealing techniques.
In the following period, Uchiha Yoichi planned to train in the village for some time.
The Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and Swordsmanship were the three focus areas he needed to become familiar with next.
As he was about to bid farewell to Kakashi and Hatake Sakumo upon leaving the Hokage Building, Uchiha Yoichi suddenly sensed someone approaching them.
Turning his head, he saw it was Kushina, whom they had seen earlier at the Hokage Building entrance.
As Kushina approached, she slightly bowed and asked, "Hello, I'm Uzumaki Kushina. Is Uzumaki Minami currently staying at your place?"
"It's Uchiha Minami. I don't care what she was called before, but if she's in Konoha, she's to be called Uchiha Minami!"
Uchiha Yoichi emphasized, acknowledging that while Minami was of the Uzumaki Race, she was now part of his team.
"Alright, Uchiha Minami. We're from the same clan and knew each other as children. I got a bit excited when I heard about her. So... could you let Minami come over to my place as a guest?"
After Kushina spoke, she lowered her head slightly in a pleading gesture.
Hearing this, Uchiha Yoichi straightforwardly said, "She's at Konoha Hospital. Why not just go find her?"
Kushina was instantly frustrated. If she could go, she would have gone already, but she replied helplessly, "Due to certain reasons, I can't go to Konoha Hospital myself. So could you relay the message?"
"Forget it, it's too troublesome. If you can't even go to a hospital, you must have a very important status. I suggest you consult with Lord Hokage, as he can make decisions regarding matters in the village."
Having said this, Uchiha Yoichi intended to leave.
However, he didn't take more than a couple of steps before Kushina stopped him again, her hands clasped together in a plea, "I've already begged Lord Hokage, but he didn't agree. Please, I've known Minami since I was a child, and we haven't seen each other for nearly ten years..."
"If Lord Hokage didn't agree, it'd mean disobeying his orders if I help you, but..."
Uchiha Yoichi was about to refuse when he suddenly remembered he hadn't yet utilized today's little crafty move, so he paused mid-sentence and instead said, "It's not impossible to pass on the message for you, but let's shake hands first."
"Shake hands?"
Kushina froze, not understanding why Uchiha Yoichi wanted to shake hands.
Carefully observing Uchiha Yoichi's expression, she didn't detect any ulterior motives... Unlike the pervy Jiraiya, and since it was just a handshake, there shouldn't be any harm.
"Then... I'll entrust Minami's message to you, Mr. Yoichi."
Having said that, with a faint sense of doubt lingering on her face, Kushina extended her soft, smooth hand.
Uchiha Yoichi reached out and shook it, saying to Kushina, "I'll definitely pass on the message. I won't interfere with Minami's decision."
And with that, his little crafty move was set into motion!