In the medical room of the Konoha Camp in the Land of Grass, a Medical Ninja is treating Minato's wounds.
"Jonin Minato, can you tell me how your arm got injured?"
After a thorough examination, the Medical Ninja belonging to the medical corps hesitated for a moment, clearly having doubts about the injuries on Minato's arm.
"What's wrong? Isn't this an injury from the Gentle Fist?"
Before Minato could speak, Jiraiya who was beside him had already asked.
Minato is not only his disciple but also the only Konoha Ninja currently capable of reversing the situation in the Land of Grass.
This time, Minato returned injured after a hasty battle with the renegade ninja Hyuga Ayane, which gave Jiraiya quite a scare.
In Jiraiya's eyes, the bleeding wound on Minato's arm was entirely the result of the enemy's Gentle Fist attack.
"Lord Jiraiya, with all due respect, Jonin Minato's arm wasn't injured by the Gentle Fist."
The Medical Ninja spoke with certainty.
"What?"
"Yes, Jonin Minato's arm injury was caused by a certain Wind Style Ninjutsu, severely damaging the bones and meridian system within his arm."
The Medical Ninja nodded.
In Konoha's medical literature, there are many case studies of injuries caused by the Gentle Fist, yet none of the records match the wounds on Minato's arm.
One is Taijutsu and the other is Ninja Techniques, the resulting injuries to the human body are vastly different, professional Medical Ninjas can distinguish them with ease.
This is also his evidence that Minato's arm wasn't injured by the Gentle Fist.
"Minato, what's going on?"
Jiraiya asked seriously.
"...It should be related to my Ninja Techniques."
Minato's expression was rather calm.
"Rasengan?"
"Yes, I've added the nature transformation of Wind Attribute Chakra to the Rasengan...but this technique isn't complete, which is why there are such side effects."
Minato answered candidly.
"No wonder." The Medical Ninja nodded knowingly: "However, it's best for Jonin Minato not to use this kind of Wind Style Ninjutsu in the future. If you use it a few more times, I'm really worried Jonin Minato's right arm might end up unable to gather Chakra."
"That serious?"
Minato was also taken aback.
Although he knew his new technique carried some risks, he didn't expect such a terrifying downside.
"Jonin Minato isn't a Medical Ninja, so it's understandable not to grasp these risks. But even if Lady Tsunade herself diagnosed it, she would advise the same. If possible, this kind of Forbidden Technique that deals great harm to one's own body should be sealed away."
The Medical Ninja sighed.
He could tell from the injuries on Minato's arm how dangerous and dreadful the Wind Style Ninjutsu used by Minato was.
Though its power was immense, paired with the Flying Thunder God technique, it could have a more intimidating impact on the enemy, but if the price was a lost arm, to the Medical Ninja, it wasn't worth it.
"If I use a Shadow Clone instead of my real body to perform this technique, it should be safe, right?"
Minato's thinking was agile, quickly coming up with a brilliant idea.
The Medical Ninja was momentarily stunned, then nodded and said: "That is indeed a feasible solution. But based on the injuries on Jonin Minato's arm, using Shadow Clones to wield such a Forbidden Technique may still prove extraordinarily difficult."
"The village needs my strength now, no matter how difficult, I'll choose to overcome it. Thank you for your advice."
Minato stood up from his chair, solemnly thanking the Medical Ninja.
"It's my duty and responsibility as a healer. The stabilization of the situation here in the Land of Grass is largely thanks to Jonin Minato's ability to turn the tide."
The Medical Ninja was a bit taken aback, deeply admiring Minato from the bottom of his heart.
Excellent character, handsome appearance, humble attitude, powerful strength, in every battle taking the lead, entering and exiting enemy territories almost unscathed, thus many young Konoha Ninjas now look up to Minato as their learning model, forming a 'Minato fever'.
This year, the Konoha Squad stationed in the Land of Grass managed to reverse the disadvantage in the battle with Hidden Rock, it could be said, mostly because of Minato's contributions.
Even so, he managed to maintain a steady and undisturbed mindset, such amicable strength naturally made many willing to trust him and entrust their lives to him.
Leaving the medical room, Jiraiya spoke to Minato on the road: "Minato, I've thought long and hard, and finally made up my mind."
"Teacher Jiraiya, what have you decided?"
"I'd like you to be the deputy commander."
Jiraiya invited solemnly.
"?"
Minato's face froze.
"With your strength and the glorious merits you've established, no one below would gossip."
"But..."
"Don't rush to decline. I'll ask you just one thing, Minato, do you remember telling me before about your dream to become Hokage?"
Jiraiya's face was serious.
Minato nodded.
"Becoming Hokage isn't simple. I have no interest in the position of Hokage, but I can push you towards it. Having ambition is not confined to the young, you now have the capability to rival Orochimaru. Also, Teacher Sarutobi, I've heard, deeply values your talents and has already placed your name among the candidates for the Fourth Hokage."
After hearing Jiraiya's words, Minato knew this was Jiraiya paving the way for him.
The path to becoming Hokage is not smooth, it's not enough to have power, one also needs ample reputation and popular support.
He made his mark on the Hidden Rock battlefield as the Yellow Flash, but compared to one of the Sannin, Orochimaru, his reputation and popular support still seem somewhat lacking.