Chapter 47: Secrets in the Wind
The news that Sunagakure shinobi were wandering the Land of Rivers reached the Hokage's ears quickly. Their movements looked like a search, not an invasion. The Third Hokage ordered Jiraiya to investigate.
Before leaving, Jiraiya summoned Akira.
"While I'm gone, I'll leave you with someone I trust completely," Jiraiya said, his tone unusually serious. "Learn from him as if he's your brother."
That night, Jiraiya led Akira to the training fields where a tall, blond shinobi was waiting. His chakra presence was calm yet sharp, like air rushing before a storm.
"This is Minato Namikaze, my student," Jiraiya introduced. "The boy I believe will surpass me."
Minato bowed politely. "So you're Akira. Jiraiya-sensei told me about you. From now on, think of me as your brother in training."
Akira gave a small nod. Something about Minato's warm smile made him feel lighter.
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The Chakra Test
To begin, Minato pulled out a chakra paper slip. "Let's test your nature. It'll tell us which release suits you best."
Akira pressed his chakra into the paper.
The results shocked Minato—
Parts of the paper burned (Fire),
Others crumpled (Lightning),
Some dampened (Water),
One corner tore (Wind),
Another turned to dust (Earth).
Finally, the entire sheet seemed to disintegrate completely, like its essence was erased. That last sign was unmistakable—Yin-Yang Release.
Minato's breath caught. "All five… and Yin-Yang? That's impossible…"
But then he remembered Jiraiya's words: If you see something unusual, keep it to yourself. Don't even tell the Hokage. If people discover the full truth about Akira, he'll be caged before he's ever free.
Minato folded the remains of the paper in his hand, his expression calm again. "Interesting. But we'll start with Wind Release. It's one of my strongest, and your affinity seems infinite for wind and lightning. That'll give you a foundation without drawing attention."
Akira blinked. "So I have more than one?"
Minato smiled. "You have talent in many areas. But right now, focus matters more than talent. Wind will be your blade, and lightning will follow in time."
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A New Bond
The next days were filled with training. Minato showed Akira how to sharpen his chakra into wind so fine it could cut through leaves. Akira learned quickly, mastering basics in hours that took most shinobi weeks.
Still, Minato reminded him: "Strength is not just about speed or power. It's about choosing the right path, even when you have many."
One evening, after sparring until their arms shook, they sat by the river.
"Akira," Minato said, his tone almost brotherly, "you have something rare. Something dangerous if handled wrong. That's why sensei trusts me to guide you. Whatever you carry, you don't carry it alone anymore. Understand?"
Akira hesitated, then nodded. For the first time, the burden of his power didn't feel so heavy.
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