Naruto: Flash Reborn — Minato’s Second Life

Hatake Sakumo wore a grave expression. Although Yan was indeed exceptional—having even overshadowed Nawaki, Sarutobi Ao, and Hiashi Hyuga—he did not see this as a good thing.

This was because Sakumo saw in Yan the same defiant arrogance shared by most Uchiha clan members. Now that they controlled the Konoha police forces, their attitude had become increasingly arrogant and disrespectful.

To the upper echelons of Konoha, just their very presence felt like a silent but looming danger.

Such a danger had existed since Konoha's founding.

Sakumo's implications were clear to the Third Hokage, yet his face revealed no agreement.

"I don't quite see it that way," smiled the Third. "Even though he comes from the Uchiha clan, he's still one of us, a true child of Konoha. And when we witness such a young talent growing up, shouldn't we feel pleased instead?"

"That may be true... but—" Sakumo began, only to be interrupted.

"I know what you're going to say. Yan was proud—even bordering on conceited—but from what I understand, his character hasn't hardened into the stubbornness typical of many Uchiha."

So saying, the Third rose slowly from his chair, exhaling a plume of smoke before continuing, "Sakumo, as Hokage, I do not wish to abandon anyone within our village. The Uchiha once joined hands with the Senju clan to build the village we now call home. Shouldn't we carry a sense of gratitude toward them?"

This was a perspective Sakumo had never truly considered. Reflecting carefully, he realized it was indeed as the Third described. Although the Uchiha had always been proud, they remained an indispensable part of Konoha.

"But that was then. Everything changed after Madara Uchiha left."

Still, Sakumo, who knew Konoha's history well, understood precisely where the roots of this conflict lay.

It all went back to that man—who had shaped both the founding of Konoha and the current state of the Uchiha clan.

"Even Madara Uchiha once stood shoulder to shoulder with the First Hokage," the Third said fervently, eyes glowing. "The founding days of Konoha—those were undeniably the greatest moments we ever had!"

Sakumo caught the meaning behind the Third's words right away, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

"Are you suggesting we restore relations between the village leadership and the Uchiha to how they were at the village's inception?"

Admittedly, the Third's idea was nothing short of... bold.

"Why not?" replied the Third. "Since our predecessors could work together to create modern-day Konoha, why can't we join hands and make Konoha strong again?"

"Do you really think we can use the Uchiha's younger generation to turn things around?" Sakumo asked. While the vision of the Third was beautiful, putting it into action would prove extremely difficult—at least in the near future, it was simply impossible.

Hiruzen nodded. "Right, not just Yan Uchiha, but Mikoto Uchiha is also incredibly talented. More importantly, she still has a pure and kind heart—unlike many in the clan who've already fallen into that darkness. And then there's Fugaku Uchiha—his thinking and actions are different from other Uchiha clan members."

"You're talking about that genius kid who joined the Konoha Military Police at just eleven years old?"

Sakumo Hatake replied. Fugaku Uchiha was currently the son of the Uchiha clan head and possessed tremendous talent. Back when he attended the Ninja Academy, he had clearly been number one without any doubt.

"Exactly. With these kids around, there's still hope for Konoha's relationship with the Uchiha clan—and for the future of the village." Hiruzen smiled.

Seeing the radiant smile on Hiruzen's face, Sakumo Hatake smiled as well and said, "I assume what you're referring to goes beyond just these few Uchiha children, right?"

How could he not understand? Even if they were the hope, the task of communication wouldn't fall to either Hiruzen or himself.

Nawaki—the inheritor of the First Hokage's Will of Fire. 

Sarutobi Ao—the prodigy of the Sarutobi clan.

And then...

"What do you think about Minato Namikaze?" Hiruzen asked with a slight smile.

Sakumo Hatake gave a faintly bitter smile and answered, "The reason I didn't mention him earlier is because I feel no further praise is needed. Minato Namikaze is undeniably a true genius—an existence unlike any other in Konoha's history."

"I never imagined you would hold him in such high regard?"

Hiruzen paused slightly while speaking, since the person saying this was Sakumo himself—the greatest genius Konoha had ever seen.

"This isn't an exaggeration. His talent with jutsu and his skills as a ninja go beyond what any kid his age should be capable of. Frankly speaking, even now, with just a bit more practical combat experience, I believe he'd be fully qualified to serve as a squad leader."

In Konoha, experienced jonin were limited in number, so usually, jonin or elite chunin served as team leaders.

Minato Namikaze was clearly at that level.

He managed to guide several average Ninja Academy students all the way through the Chakra Aptitude Test. He even combined fire and wind release techniques into a single powerful attack, using a high-speed body flicker technique Sakumo had never seen before.

All of this went far beyond expectations.

"Hehe, this kid keeps surprising us as always."

Of course, Hiruzen had already heard everything from Sakumo about Minato's performance during the recent Chakra Aptitude Test.

Over the past few days, Sakumo had personally taken on the role of guarding Kushina Uzumaki.

"Jiraiya-sensei must really be something to train a student like that..."

Hiruzen chuckled slightly upon hearing this. In fact, it was he who had assigned Minato to study under Jiraiya.

"So, do you think if it's him, he might fulfill the hopes I just mentioned?" Hiruzen said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Sakumo fell silent. As for Minato Namikaze—he was a child whose potential even Sakumo himself couldn't possibly predict.

"He is good friends with Mikoto Uchiha. From what you said, his relationship with Sarutobi Ao is also quite good," said the Third.

The other nodded and replied, "That's right. Thinking about it, there's something about that kid — even as an enemy, you'd find it hard to truly hate him..."

Sakumo chuckled, then quickly added, "But he's Yan Uchiha's opponent, so..."

The Third remained unfazed and smiled, "An opponent? That might just be how they become close friends. The bonds between ninja — well, they're not so easy to explain..."

The First Hokage and Madara Uchiha had once been genuine best friends too.

Sakumo nodded.

At this moment, the Third looked at Sakumo Hatake and said, "However... forming such a bond doesn't only depend on the two individuals involved. There needs to be someone who can bring them together — and you're the perfect one for that role..."

Sakumo couldn't help but exclaim, "Me?"

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