A month passed slowly.
During this time, the name of Konoha's Yellow Flash echoed throughout the ninja world, surpassing the renown of Konoha's Three Legendary Sannin, the White Fang, and even drawing comparisons to the Third Hokage and the Demigod Hanzo. None of them had ever forced the great ninja nations to issue orders that humiliated their villages so profoundly.
The fierce offensives launched by Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure against Konoha ended with staggering losses for Iwagakure. In response, the three nations withdrew their forces, setting up defensive camps and halting further attacks. While this signaled a temporary truce, it was clear the war was far from over. Each village nursed its wounds but refused to concede defeat, unwilling to let their sacrifices turn into a boost for Konoha's rising prestige.
In the Land of Grass, at the Konoha camp, life continued with a tense sense of purpose. Minato spent the past month shuttling between the various fronts, ensuring Konoha's defenses remained strong. On the coastline battlefield in the Land of Fire, Nawaki's impressive Water Release techniques earned him recognition, adding to Konoha's growing roster of rising stars.
But none could match the fame of Konoha's Yellow Flash. Whether it was Uchiha Yoruki, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, or Nawaki, all their achievements were eclipsed by Minato's legendary deeds.
In the Konoha camp, Jiraiya held a scroll in his hand, freshly delivered from the village. A sly grin spread across his face as he handed it to Minato.
"Take a look at this," he said.
Minato raised an eyebrow and took the scroll, reading it carefully. After a moment, he placed it back on the table, his expression calm as always.
"It's been a month," Jiraiya said, leaning back with a chuckle. "Half the orders from the village are just people singing your praises. Honestly, as your teacher, I've never been so proud—or so outshone. You've surpassed me in every way."
Minato gave a small smile. "Sensei, you're one of the Three Legendary Sannin. Your name is known across the ninja world. There's no need to downplay your accomplishments."
Jiraiya laughed heartily. "Yeah, but I was never called a Yellow Flash or issued a 'run-on-sight' order. Face it, kid, you're the new star around here."
The two shared a laugh, their camaraderie evident. As much as Jiraiya joked, he felt immense pride in his student's growth and achievements. For Minato, who held his sensei in the highest regard, the lighthearted exchange was a rare moment of respite.
"Alright," Jiraiya said after a pause. "The Third Hokage has ordered you to return to the village. With the Rock Ninja reeling from their losses, they won't be making any major moves for now. You've more than earned a break."
Minato nodded. "Then I'll head back. Take care, Sensei."
Upon arriving in Konoha, Minato first appeared outside his home. But his thoughts drew him elsewhere, and in an instant, he vanished again, reappearing at the entrance to the Hokage Building.
The guards at the door blinked in surprise, their eyes widening as they realized who had arrived.
"Minato-sama! You've returned!"
Their voices trembled with excitement. Before the war, Minato was already highly respected within the village. But now, as the Yellow Flash whose name dominated the ninja world, his status bordered on reverence.
Minato gave them a warm smile. "Thank you for your hard work," he said, nodding politely before striding inside.
As Minato walked through the corridors of the Hokage Building, people turned to stare, their faces lighting up with admiration. Many stopped to bow or offer their greetings, their respect palpable. Minato acknowledged each of them with a calm nod, his humility unshaken despite the overwhelming recognition.
Entering the Hokage's office, he stopped before the Third Hokage's desk and bowed slightly. "Hokage-sama, I've returned."
The Third Hokage looked up, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of Minato. Rising from his chair, he walked over and placed a hand on Minato's shoulder.
"Good, good, good!" he said, his voice brimming with warmth. "You've worked hard, Minato. You've done more for Konoha than I could have ever asked."
Minato straightened, his expression modest. "It's my duty as a Konoha ninja," he replied. "The war isn't over yet, and many of my comrades are still on the battlefield. I can't claim to have worked harder than anyone else."
The Third Hokage smiled knowingly. Minato's humility was one of the traits he admired most. Despite his unparalleled achievements, Minato remained as grounded as ever.
"You've grown into an extraordinary shinobi," the Hokage said, his tone thoughtful. "I saw the potential in you long ago, but even I couldn't have predicted this. You've surpassed all expectations."
The Third Hokage asked Minato about the details of the ongoing war, listening intently to his reports. However, as the conversation turned to future strategies, the Hokage raised a hand.
"I already know enough for now," he said with a kind smile. "You've done more than your share. Go home, Minato. Rest. We'll discuss the rest later."
Minato hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
As Minato left the office, the Third Hokage watched him go, his eyes filled with pride and hope. Glancing at the portraits of the First and Second Hokage on the wall, he murmured softly, "Hashirama-sama, Tobirama-sama, when this war ends, I will entrust Konoha's future to him. He'll lead our village to heights we've never seen before."
Back at his home, Minato appeared outside the door. Before he could take another step, a familiar figure burst out, throwing herself into his arms.
"Kushina…"
Minato caught her easily, holding her close as the tension of the battlefield melted away. Her warmth and presence filled the emptiness he hadn't realized he was carrying.
"I'm back," he whispered, his deep blue eyes softening as he rested his chin gently atop her head.
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