Kakashi's question hung in the air, displaying a startling lack of awareness. It was as if he hadn't quite grasped the social norms of the situation.
This version of Kakashi, living in a timeline where his father was still alive, wasn't trapped in the rigid, emotionless mindset of a tool. He had a certain freedom.
Furthermore, the fact that he and Obito had rescued Rin together, demonstrating the Will of Fire, meant Kakashi carried no burden of guilt. He didn't feel he had failed the Village, Rin, or anyone else.
His only regret was his own inadequacy, his inability to save Obito from his fate. He didn't receive harsh words from Obito about lacking the Will of Fire; instead, he was left with a profound sense of his own weakness.
This burning desire to become stronger, combined with his persistent arrogance, painted a picture of a young man brimming with confidence, perhaps a little too headstrong.
"Kakashi…"
Nohara Rin looked away, glancing at Kakashi with a hint of disapproval in her voice.
He really doesn't know how to talk sometimes … she thought.
Sometimes, being too direct just wasn't polite.
"Rin…"
Namikaze Minato's expression was complicated as he looked at Rin.
Somewhere along the way, Rin seemed to have grown quite close to Young Master Ryo…
This realization stirred feelings within him that he couldn't quite put his finger on.
"It's about Anbu Squad Six…"
Nohara Rin explained, stepping in to smooth things over.
As a nominal member of Anbu Squad Six, she felt it was her duty to contribute. The Anbu were stretched thin during the Great War, and her skills were needed in many areas.
Soon after, Rin excused herself and left Kushina's house.
"Kakashi…"
Kushina sighed softly, her eyes following Rin's retreating figure.
"You're growing apart from Rin…"
If, when Obito was still alive, she had sided with him, treating him like a younger brother and hoping he would win Rin's heart...
Then, after Obito's sacrifice, she had hoped Kakashi could be the one.
But now, it seemed Kakashi faced significant challenges. He didn't quite understand the intricacies of a girl's heart.
"Teacher Minato, I'm going to Young Master Ryo's place too."
Kakashi paused for a moment, then announced his intentions.
He still wore the bandage over his left eye, a habit he had developed ever since his injury.
Haunted by his lack of power, the helplessness he felt as he watched Obito's sacrifice, Kakashi was determined to prevent such tragedies from happening again. He decided to seek guidance from Young Master Ryo, hoping to improve his strength.
Watching Kakashi hurry off, Kushina turned her attention back to Minato.
"Minato, even if you can't become the Fourth Hokage, you can still be the Fifth Hokage…"
Kushina gently placed her hand on the back of Minato's hand, her expression soft and encouraging.
The truth was evident to everyone. The difference in power between Konoha White Fang and the Golden Flash.
Namikaze Minato had faced Killer Bee and Ai multiple times in battle. Sometimes he fought them together, the dreaded A-B Brothers. Sometimes he faced Killer Bee alone, and other times Ai.
But despite these numerous encounters, Namikaze Minato had never managed to seriously injure either of them.
In stark contrast, Konoha White Fang had severed Ai's arm with a single strike. And he had single-handedly defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a feat that spoke volumes about his abilities. He had also managed to capture Ebizo alive.
These remarkable accomplishments had essentially secured his position as the leading candidate for the Fourth Hokage. All that remained was another successful operation against the Stone Village to solidify his claim.
"Yeah."
Namikaze Minato nodded, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil.
He wanted to tell Kushina that becoming the Fifth Hokage would be acceptable.
But…
If that were the case, he would have to postpone their marriage.
That was the best outcome.
Kushina would keep waiting for him until he became the Fifth Hokage.
But… by that time…
Naruto's birth would be missed entirely.
The thought of Naruto never being born into this world was the biggest source of anxiety for Namikaze Minato.
Therefore…
He had to compete for the position of Fourth Hokage.
However...
Namikaze Minato, armed with memories from a second life, was acutely aware of his limitations. He had yet to obtain half of the Nine-Tails, which was the key to becoming a Perfect Jinchuriki.
Therefore, he had to explore other avenues.
During the Roran mission, the future version of himself had transmitted back a portion of his memories. Among these memories was knowledge of new cultivation techniques.
His Chakra reserves were significantly larger than Kakashi's.
But even so, he couldn't hope to complete the S-rank Wind Release Rasengan Shuriken on his own.
The truth was, a single S-rank Rasengan Shuriken consumed a terrifying amount of Chakra.
If Kakashi's Chakra capacity was used as a unit of measurement, let's say 1 Ka…
Then…
To master a single S-rank Rasengan Shuriken would require at least 50 Ka.
After mastering it, optimizing it, and becoming proficient in it, that amount could be reduced to about 30 Ka.
However, optimization was a problem for the future. The first step was mastering it.
Normal ninja simply didn't possess 50 Ka of Chakra. He had to find another way, choose a different path.
Human experimentation…
Namikaze Minato recalled the future version of himself transplanting Hashirama Cells.
If he wanted to obtain Hashirama Cells…
There were only two options available.
First, cooperate with Lord Danzo or Orochimaru.
Second, wait for Obito to reappear and meet with him.
"So, the future me… saved Obito…"
Namikaze Minato pondered for a moment, concluding that this must be the case.
Then, he still needed to be patient, to wait… for Obito to make his reappearance.
----
Sarutobi Clan's residence, in a well-appointed mansion.
Nohara Rin was performing experiments in a laboratory that had been specially set up for her research.
In the cultivation tank before her, a dark, powerful arm floated.
This arm was the trophy Hatake Sakumo had brought back after severing Ai's limb. Now, it was placed here for Medical Ninjas to study and analyze.
Nonou stood beside Nohara Rin, discussing the experiment.
The two were deep in conversation, attempting to unlock the secrets of the Raikage clan's bloodline… specifically, their signature technique.
Lightning Release Chakra Mode, commonly known as "Lightning Release Armor."
Despite its B-rank classification, the technique remained elusive.
Theoretically, the Sharingan could copy it. However, no Uchiha ninja had ever been able to replicate the Raikage clan's technique.
The reason being that the technique had to be used in conjunction with a special physique.
Sarutobi Ryo's idea was inspired by the Second Kazekage Shamon, who had observed and studied Shukaku, obtained Magnet Release information, analyzed, and improved it, ultimately creating a Magnet Release technique that humans could use.
His plan was to have Nonou and Nohara Rin analyze this arm, and finally crack the mystery of the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
So that he, Kakashi, and others could potentially learn and use it.
"Young Master, Kakashi is here too."
Yamanaka Hui entered the laboratory and informed Sarutobi Ryo.
Sarutobi Ryo, who had been observing Nonou and Nohara Rin's experiments, nodded, then followed her out of the laboratory.
"Young Master Ryo."
Kakashi, who had been waiting in the Living Room, saw Sarutobi Ryo arrive and immediately stood up.
"Please let me join Anbu Squad Six!"
*
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[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 150 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
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]