"Even Master Jiraiya's Shadow Clone possesses such strength. He truly deserves to be called a disciple of the Third Hokage," Minato said slowly as he stood up with a smile.
Jiraiya was slightly surprised, since Shadow Clone was an advanced B-rank Ninja technique. Although it wasn't particularly rare among ordinary Ninja, Minato was still a student who would have found it difficult to learn about a technique like Shadow Clone.
However, considering his teacher was Moto Kouda—someone whose knowledge and talent had been praised by the Third Hokage—it wasn't all that surprising after all.
"So now you understand how much distance there is between yourself and powerful Ninja?"
Jiraiya said. Of course, he knew Minato hadn't become arrogant just because he outperformed his peers. The reason he had his Shadow Clone fight him was simply to assess Minato's current ability when facing a full-strength opponent.
The result showed that Minato's fundamental skills were extremely solid, almost perfectly matching what was described in Ninja textbooks.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I have a rough idea."
Minato replied calmly. He understood that even the greatest Ninja had once begun weak—whether it was someone standing before him like Jiraiya, the Third Hokage himself, or Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage who had brought peace to the warring era.
Everyone must go through the process of growth.
"Good."
Jiraiya smiled in satisfaction. More than Minato's talent, he appreciated his constant clear self-awareness.
Once someone gains power, their heart will inevitably change dramatically, and if not careful, they might fall into darkness.
Just like that man—Madara Uchiha.
"Today marks the beginning of my guidance for your training. But before we proceed, there are three rules you must follow," Jiraiya's expression turned serious as he held up three fingers.
"Firstly, I know you've trained very hard before, and I believe you'll continue doing so after becoming my apprentice. However, for someone at your current stage, excessive training doesn't necessarily bring only benefits."
Minato was barely seven years old, a critical time for physical development. For a Ninja, a strong physique serves as the foundation upon which great power can be manifested.
"Push yourself too hard, and what you'll be sacrificing isn't just your body—it's your future. Therefore, my first rule for you is to schedule your training time reasonably, something I doubt you can manage on your own."
Minato nodded upon hearing this. Deep down, he already knew this truth but often forgot it when he got lost in training.
But since this was a rule from his teacher, he had no choice but to comply.
"Secondly, managing your own life matters as well—even when living alone, you should maintain proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. You might find these trivial, but remember—they're meant for protecting your future."
While it might have seemed trivial, for Minato, it was absolutely necessary.
After all, he didn't come from any established Ninja lineage or possess unique bloodline traits. But surprisingly, his physical condition was better than that of most ordinary people who became Ninja.
At just seven years old, his chakra reserves already surpassed those of average genin—clear proof of his potential.
Chakra, as the known, is a force born from the fusion of physical and spiritual energy. Strengthening one's chakra means strengthening both at once.
Most ninja train by improving both energies simultaneously, but that makes the process slow and inefficient.
Besides, physical energy isn't really cultivated—it's dug out. It's something you're born with.
Each ninja's body was like its own hidden treasury; one had to learn how to excavate it more skillfully. Jiraiya truly understood this.
"Yes!"
Minato snapped back excitedly. Though Jiraiya spoke sternly, Minato could sense the deep concern hidden beneath. Few teachers would pay attention to such details.
His instinct had indeed been right.
At this moment, Jiraiya paused slightly before continuing. Minato noticed his already serious expression darken further, shadowed by a hint of gloom.
In a very heavy tone, he said, "This third rule is: Always remember you are a ninja of Konoha. No matter what heights you reach in the future, you must do everything you can to protect everyone in the village. Conversely, if you ever intend on harming the village, I'll do it myself!"
Minato's pupils shrank slightly, his body stiffening involuntarily.
Jiraiya had thought through this third rule carefully—because the little girl he cared for, Kushina Uzumaki, would one day become the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki...
In other words, she would become the village's pawn—the so-called tailed beast weapon.
If Minato failed to understand the village's actions and developed hatred because of it, the consequences would be unimaginable.
He absolutely didn't want to be the one training a nightmare capable of bringing ruin to Konoha!
Jiraiya's eyes darkened as he stared at Minato. For a moment, Minato looked slightly confused, though the hesitation quickly passed.
Within those sapphire-blue eyes gathered a firm, unyielding light.
"I know you're giving me this warning so I never forget I'm a ninja of Konoha. Let me say this: Konoha is where I was born. No matter what happens here or what choices its people make, Konoha will always be my home. And everyone who lives here—they're my family. Families have their ups and downs, but I'll never harm my own home or my family."
Minato turned his gaze slightly, looking at the surroundings that represented Konoha, then suddenly faced Jiraiya directly. His tone, once gentle, now rang with iron resolve.
"Therefore, anyone who tries to hurt my home or my family, I will eliminate without hesitation—no matter who they are. Even if that person were me!"
Although Jiraiya had already heard about Minato's mindset from The Third beforehand, hearing those determined words firsthand still startled him.
Any adult might laugh off such words from a seven-year-old. But as a ninja himself, Jiraiya could feel the unshakable conviction behind them.
Minato was a very gentle young man by nature, but it must be said that the firm willpower and belief he possessed were rarely seen in ordinary adults... no, to be precise, rarely seen in most ninjas.
Only someone like him could grow into the mighty warrior that The Third had hoped for.
Their eyes met. Jiraiya's gloomy expression faded away, replaced by a warm grin.
Minato's face also relaxed slightly. Suddenly remembering something from last night, he turned to Jiraiya and asked.
"Master Jiraiya, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Sure, go ahead," Jiraiya replied.
...
...
Lately, I haven't been very productive — family matters have been piling up. But now I can finally take a few days off. There will be at least two updates each day.
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Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!