Naruto: Flash Reborn — Minato’s Second Life

What the Third announced was an order given by the Hokage himself. Therefore, even though Minato felt surprised by this decision, he quickly bowed and knelt, saying, "Yes, Third Hokage, sir!"

"Hehe."

Seeing this, the Third smiled. Minato had only completed one mission so far, yet his behavior and conduct were no different from those of a true ninja. All the qualities demonstrated by this boy...

Proved he was born to be a ninja.

"On behalf of the Third Hokage, I hereby present you with this Konoha forehead protector—a symbol of the Ninja of the Leaf Village. I hope you'll carry forward the Will of Fire, sparing no effort to protect the families of the village and the honor of Konoha."

Normally, students graduating from the Ninja Academy must undergo examinations to verify their abilities before officially becoming ninjas. However, after the Chakra Aptitude Test and the mission in the Land of Hot Springs, Minato's capabilities were beyond doubt.

His strength could rival that of a Chunin from Kumogakure. That said, it didn't mean Minato could immediately be promoted to Chunin.

A Chunin wasn't just stronger than a Genin—they were expected to demonstrate full mastery of all ninja skills and leadership ability.

"I'm willing to pay any price for it—even my life."

Minato answered firmly, his sapphire eyes filled with unwavering determination. He accepted the Konoha forehead protector offered by the Third and tied it around his forehead.

"Excellent." The Third smiled gently. In Minato's eyes, he saw a firm and resolute will.

Having received the Third Hokage's order, joy lit up Minato's face, though a hint of sadness lingered beneath the surface.

He had now officially become a ninja, which meant from now on, he'd begin taking on real missions. As a result, he wouldn't have much time to spend with Kushina anymore.

Minato had always hoped they'd become ninjas together.

Noticing the look on Minato's face, the Third gave a small chuckle and said, "But recently the village is short-handed, and your Jonin instructor, Jiraiya, is currently away on a mission, so for now, you won't be assigned to any squad."

After becoming a Genin, the Hokage would usually assign three graduates to form a team under a Jonin instructor based on graduation results and other factors.

Since Minato was Jiraiya-sensei's disciple, his mentor naturally took that role.

Yet his sensei currently wasn't in the village…

"Although you don't have a Jonin mentor supervising your training," the Third continued, shifting the conversation slightly, "based on your performance during the mission in the Land of Hot Springs, I've decided to assign you to act as Kushina Uzumaki's personal bodyguard."

Previously showing some disappointment, Minato immediately regained his enthusiasm and replied eagerly, "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

"However, regarding Kushina's exact identity, I still cannot reveal it to you—for now. It's not just you—I haven't told even the Anbu I've assigned to assist."

The Third then added logically that ninja assigned to protection duty are usually given full details about their charge to ensure mission success.

Yet Kushina's identity had been intentionally concealed by the Third. Minato frowned slightly, understanding now that his teacher's earlier words held more meaning than he'd realized.

Even though he'd gained the Third's recognition and become Kushina's guard, information about her remained a secret.

Still, things were heading in the right direction, and Minato didn't expect instant changes.

He was still young, with plenty of room to grow. One day, he would definitely prove himself worthy.

"I'll temporarily retain your student status for this guarding mission. Tomorrow, when the Ninja Academy resumes, you'll attend classes as you normally would. Other Anbu members will keep watch in secret and assist you as needed. Kushina's safety is now in your hands."

The Third spoke these words, and they pleased Minato once more. Within them, he detected subtle approval of his previous methods.

"Hokage-sama," Minato asked cautiously, "may I accompany Kushina... to explore various parts of Konoha?"

Minato understood that since Kushina arrived in Konoha, she had only moved between her residence and the Ninja Academy—confined to a narrow space.

Now that he had become her guard, he wanted to fight for as much freedom as possible for her.

As a ninja, Minato shouldn't have added conditions to the Hokage's orders.

"Of course." Unexpectedly, the Third didn't appear angry at all. He simply smiled gently and agreed directly.

Minato hadn't expected it to work out this smoothly.

"Hehe, the rest is up to you now, Minato," the Third chuckled softly.

"Knock knock!" Suddenly, someone knocked on the door of the Hokage Office.

"You may go now. Rest well today," the Third instructed.

"Yes!"

Minato stood up, removed his forehead protector, and placed it into his pocket. Since the Third wanted him to carry out missions under the guise of a student, his identity as a ninja needed to remain hidden.

He opened the office door and saw someone in white—a doctor clearly from Konoha Hospital.

Glancing briefly at this person, Minato walked straight past them.

The newcomer immediately entered and closed the door behind them.

"Minato-sama, is this truly the method you mentioned that can fill the void in Kushina's heart?" the Third murmured softly while standing in place. Upon seeing the visitor, his expression turned grave as he asked, "How is the situation?"

The visitor's voice carried weight: "Hokage-sama, Sarutobi Ao's right leg... I fear we can't save it!"

Upon hearing these words, the Third's pupils slightly constricted. Yet having long served as Hokage, his composure surpassed that of ordinary men.

"What about Nawaki's condition?" the Third continued to ask.

His emotions are still unstable, but an experienced Jonin is keeping a close eye on Nawaki—he won't spiral out of control.

"I understand. Calm these two children first. After finishing my current matters, I'll personally visit them at the hospital."

After speaking, the Third watched this person leave.

Sighing quietly, the Third knew that Sarutobi Ao was currently the most outstanding Genin among the Sarutobi Clan. Losing one leg meant he no longer could fulfill missions as a ninja.

"Iwa Village… Cloud Village—do you really think Konoha is just some soft target you can squeeze at will?"

The Third let out a cold snort, his eyes darkening considerably...

...

"Mom, Dad, I've finally become a ninja! This is the very first step toward fulfilling my dream!"

The first thing Minato did after returning home was to inform his parents that he had become a ninja.

His dream was to become Hokage. Becoming a ninja was just the beginning — the first step toward that dream.

He couldn't afford to take it easy for even a moment.

"Today, I'll complete double the training!"

Instead of resting, Minato threw himself back into training.

In just ten days' time, some people have just become ninjas, while others who once were are no longer considered true ninjas.

As time rolled forward, history shifted ever so slightly...

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