Chapter 49: The Candidates
"So the key to victory lies both inside Konoha and on the battlefield?"
Hearing Yuu's words, Minato fell into thought, as if he had gained a fresh understanding of the situation. After Yuu's explanation, what had felt hazy suddenly became clear, and the full picture seemed to come into focus.
"A very interesting analysis," Minato said with a smile. "Your talent in this area is strong. If possible, I'd like to hear more of your thoughts after we return."
It was a subtle gesture, but the meaning was obvious. He was expressing his stance and his willingness to draw closer to Yuu. With Minato's current position, an invitation like that carried weight.
"It's my honor," Yuu replied with a smile.
Then, his expression turned even more sincere.
"Actually, I've always wanted to further refine my ninjutsu," he said. "If I may be so bold, could you guide me in ninjutsu for a period of time, Minato?"
He looked up, respectful and earnest.
"If possible, I'd like to become your student. That has always been my dream."
For Yuu, this was one of his primary goals.
Right now, Minato was the most promising figure in Konoha.
On the surface, he was still just a jonin. Even though he had immense prestige from the battlefield, it did not yet look like a qualitative gap from other elite jonin. Compared to someone like the former White Fang, the difference still seemed to be status rather than rank.
And that was precisely why this moment was the best time to invest in him.
If Yuu wanted to become Minato's student, this was almost the last chance.
Because once Minato took that final step and truly became the Fourth Hokage, the difficulty of becoming his disciple would rise sharply. Under normal circumstances, it would become nearly impossible.
Once someone reaches that seat, every action carries a different meaning.
The student of a jonin and the student of the Hokage are completely different concepts.
That was also why Yuu had deliberately performed in front of Minato and acted slightly out of character.
Showing off in front of Hiruzen might make people look at him differently, but it would not bring much benefit and could even invite serious risk.
After all, near Hiruzen there was still Danzo, the so called Shadow Hokage.
If Danzo took an interest in him, it would be trouble.
Of course, Yuu was not afraid.
He just did not want to do things that offered no payoff.
Minato was different.
In terms of status, Minato was the future Hokage, yet he did not have much of a personal team built up. As long as Yuu gained his trust, the future benefits would be enormous.
In terms of character, it was even simpler. Minato was trustworthy.
Hiruzen's character might not be bad either, but his association with Danzo immediately lowered the value of getting close.
Even from the standpoint of gathering reincarnation points, drawing near to Minato was the superior choice.
After all, the Fourth Hokage and the father of the future Child of Prophecy carried a heavy weight of destiny.
If Yuu could influence Minato even slightly, the reward would not be small.
"You want to become my student?"
Minato considered for a moment, then nodded.
"That's not a bad idea," he said warmly. "Although my strength is ordinary, I do have some confidence in ninjutsu."
His smile remained bright and approachable.
"If you're comfortable with it, Yuu, then I'll guide you."
Just as Yuu valued Minato, Minato also valued Yuu.
To Minato, Yuu's medical ninjutsu already proved his talent as a shinobi. And Yuu's strategic eye was an even rarer trait.
Someone like that was destined for a bright future.
If Minato could take him as a student now, it would be beneficial for him as well.
Moreover, at this moment, it was one of the few cards Minato could play.
Although Minato was Konoha's hero, the famed Yellow Flash, and held enormous prestige among the shinobi, the reality was harsher.
He did not actually have much tangible power in his hands.
A title like "Hero of Konoha" sounded grand, but it was still, in many ways, an empty title.
If it came to concrete benefits he could hand out, there truly were not many.
So winning people over through a master and disciple bond was a practical move.
In this world, few relationships were more solid than that.
If Yuu became his student, then in the future they would naturally be in the same boat.
Ultimately, Minato's goal was to become Hokage.
And to become Hokage, strength alone was not enough. He also needed supporters, subordinates who would stand behind him.
On that front, Minato was clearly lacking.
In all of Konoha, those who would firmly support him now, aside from his wife Kushina, his teacher Jiraiya, and his student Kakashi, probably did not amount to many.
Under those circumstances, Yuu joining him was a meaningful addition.
"Yuu," Minato said after a pause, "what do you think about the current situation inside Konoha?"
He hesitated briefly, then continued, "I mean the Hokage election."
In front of Yuu, his new disciple, he did not hide his intent.
Of course, there was nothing to hide.
Becoming Hokage was the shared dream of countless Konoha shinobi. There was no reason to be secretive about it.
Minato would never lower himself to pretending otherwise.
"The Hokage election looks lively," Yuu said after thinking for a moment, "but when it comes down to it, only two people are truly qualified to compete."
"One of them is you, Teacher Minato."
"And the other…"
Before Yuu could finish, Minato spoke first, giving the answer without hesitation.
"Senior Orochimaru."
Clearly, Minato had considered this in private many times.
"Correct," Yuu nodded.
The selection of the Fourth Hokage was happening at a critical junction.
On the surface, it looked like many people were qualified.
In reality, they were all eliminated one by one.
Jiraiya had the qualifications, but his ambition was not there.
Tsunade had the qualifications and the seniority. She had everything. If she were willing to compete, no one could truly challenge her.
But she suffered from hemophobia and was in a low period. She had no intention of taking that seat.
If Kakashi's father, the White Fang, had not died, he would have been qualified as well.
But he had taken his own life.
As for people like Danzo, although he had seniority and intent, he could not be placed in the open.
So among those who both wanted the position and could legitimately compete for it, there were only two.
Orochimaru, and Minato.
.....
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