With the chakra metal set aside, Yuki Aoba began practicing tree-climbing with Minato.
The principles behind tree-climbing and water-walking were clearly explained in the anime: by using precise control over chakra's repulsive and adhesive forces, one could anchor chakra to the soles of the feet, allowing them to stand vertically on a tree trunk—or even on the surface of water.
It was an excellent way to train chakra control.
The two boys fell again and again, but each time they got back up. Even Might Duy, who was running laps around the village, would pass by occasionally. Seeing their perseverance, he burst into tears and shouted, "This is the power of youth!"
The next morning, as Minato walked down the street, the villagers around him greeted him warmly.
An elderly woman spotted him and smiled. "Good morning, Minato."
"Good morning, Grandma Mei," Minato replied with a bright smile. His golden hair shimmered in the morning light like a small sun—radiant and uplifting to everyone around him.
"Going to find little Yuki again?"
"Yes!" Minato nodded earnestly. Every morning he went to call Aoba to train together, though Aoba was terrible at waking up early. At first, Minato called only once or twice, but eventually it became a daily habit.
"Little Yuki might not be home," Grandma Mei said with a chuckle, gently ruffling Minato's spiky hair. "I saw him heading toward the blacksmith's shop earlier."
"You should go check there."
"Okay!" Minato replied. He suddenly remembered that yesterday Aoba had mentioned going to the blacksmith's shop to get two swords made, though he had forgotten until now. Still, he bowed politely. "Thank you, Grandma Mei. I'll go find Yuki first!"
With that, he dashed off toward the blacksmith's shop.
Grandma Mei shook her head with a fond smile. "What a thoughtful child."
Just as Minato arrived, Yuki Aoba stepped out of the shop.
Surprised to see him, Aoba blinked. "Minato?"
"You came at the perfect time. What kind of blade do you want?"
Before Minato could answer, he was pulled inside.
"I was going to make it identical to mine," Aoba said, "but since you're here, we can craft yours based on your preferences."
Minato looked around uncertainly. The shop wasn't large, but it was neatly arranged and well-equipped.
"Uncle Hayata, I'm back again," Aoba called out.
The blacksmith looked up, set down his hammer, and grinned. "Little Aoba, back so soon?"
Aoba pointed to Minato. "My friend is here. Let's make the second sword according to his wishes."
"Oh?" Uncle Hayata glanced toward Minato and nodded. "Alright."
Minato was still unsure what was happening, but when he followed Aoba's gaze, he noticed the large metal ingot beside the furnace. If he remembered correctly, that was the chunk he had picked up yesterday.
Uncle Hayata didn't question it—customers were customers, after all.
To him, anyone who could casually bring in such a massive piece of chakra metal was practically a godsend. For a craftsman aiming to become a true master, this was an irresistible opportunity.
Seeing Minato's confusion, Aoba chuckled. "Don't underestimate Uncle Hayata. He's the man who'll become a master craftsman in the future!"
"Haha! Little Yuki has good taste!" the blacksmith boomed. He turned to Minato. "Little Minato, right? Don't worry—my ninja tools have never received a bad review."
He said this with unmistakable pride.
"Even jōnin come to buy their weapons from me!"
"I— I just need two kunai," Minato blurted out.
In Minato's mind, although Yuki had received some inheritance, he still needed to be frugal. Minato had just saved up enough money to buy two kunai, and he planned to give the money to Yuki later.
"Kunai?" Uncle Hayata stroked his chin and nodded. "Alright. Come pick up your ninja tools in three days."
"Okay, thank you, Uncle Hayata."
Yuki Aoba nodded as well, exchanged a few words with Hayata, and then headed toward the Ninja Academy with Minato.
It was a little past seven in the morning, and the academy didn't start until nine. The two bought a few skewers of three-colored dango and ate as they walked. On the way, Minato asked curiously, "Yuki, why did you decide to have someone make your ninja tools?"
"Can't we just buy them directly from the ninja tool shop?"
Minato's question was perfectly reasonable. Buying ninja tools at a shop was what most ninjas did; having them custom-made was rare and a bit unusual.
But Yuki Aoba didn't explain. Instead, he said mysteriously, "You'll understand when the time comes."
Chakra-conductive tools were far more powerful than ordinary ninja tools, after all.
After walking for a while, the two finally arrived at the Ninja Academy.
Since they had already passed the entrance assessment, all they had to do was wait for class assignments and attend the opening ceremony.
Standing on the academy's training grounds, Yuki Aoba and Minato remained together, surrounded by clusters of other new students.
"Where the leaves dance, the fire never dies. The flames will continue to illuminate this village and allow new leaves to sprout!"
The Third Hokage stood upon the high platform, speaking with natural authority. Below, Yuki Aoba harbored a different will.
It was the will of the First Hokage—one that favored keeping a low profile, hiding in the shadows, silently protecting others.
Wherever there is the smoke of cooking fires, there will always be a pot. The pot brings people warmth and happiness, yet it can never wash away its own soot-stained reputation. This was the Will of the Pot.
However, at this point in time, it seemed the First Kage had not yet fully turned toward darkness.
Yuki Aoba thought this privately, but outwardly he appeared completely inspired by the Third Hokage's words. If someone didn't know better, they would have assumed he was just another starry-eyed academy recruit.
Each new student was excited by the Will of Fire, their expressions similar to Yuki's. But having lived two lives, Yuki stood out among them—and so did Minato.
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the two repeatedly, sighing inwardly. It seems new leaves have already begun to grow.
Teacher, I'll definitely lead Konoha to new heights…
Seeing Minato, Hiruzen recalled Jiraiya and wondered silently, Is this the orphan Jiraiya brought back?
He seems to be growing well.
Jiraiya had found Minato, and Minato had taken his surname from him.
After the speech ended, Minato let out a small sigh of relief. He glanced at Yuki Yuki beside him and asked, "Yuki, do you think we'll be in the same class?"
"It should be fine… I think?" Yuki Aoba replied uncertainly.
"But either way, we both did our best during the assessment. Even if we aren't assigned together, we can hold our heads high."