Chapter 278: Chapter 278
Minato had officially become the student of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, marking quite the transformative moment in his life.
From being an orphaned commoner ninja, he had now become a personal apprentice to the Hokage.
This shift would fundamentally alter his life, setting him on a path that was brighter and more promising than ever before.
With the combined training of Tobirama and Hui, and access to ample training resources from an early age, Minato's future achievements were bound to be extraordinary.
Especially with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In the original story, it's unclear when Minato first encountered the Flying Thunder God Technique, but it was likely after becoming a ninja and making significant contributions to Konoha—probably after the age of twelve.
Now, at just over six years old and not even seven yet, Minato was already beginning preparations to learn the technique.
Under the guidance of its creator, Senju Tobirama, one could only imagine the heights Minato would reach with his mastery of the Flying Thunder God.
The thought alone was thrilling.
…
That evening, the Senju Clan compound buzzed with lively celebration.
While Minato's induction as Tobirama's student wasn't publicly announced, there was no reason to keep it a secret.
In high spirits, Tobirama allowed Hui to organize a banquet to congratulate both Minato and himself.
The guests included those closely related to the event: Tobirama's trusted subordinates, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, Akimichi Torifune, and Kagami Uchiha.
Also present were Tsunade and Nawaki from the Senju Clan, Uzumaki Mina, Kushina Uzumaki, Konan, and Naigawa Kage, as well as Hui, Sakumo, and their friends, Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Even Minato's academy instructor, Shuhei, joined the celebration.
The courtyard of Tobirama's residence rang with laughter and cheer.
Without a doubt, Minato was the happiest person that night.
He met many people, received countless gifts, and felt a warmth he hadn't experienced in years.
Since losing his parents during the last Great Ninja War, Minato had always been kind and well-liked, but he'd never truly felt a sense of family or belonging. Until now.
This evening rekindled emotions that had long grown faint in his heart.
…
"From today onward, you're my little brother!" Nawaki declared, throwing an arm around Minato's shoulders, "If anyone at the academy dares to mess with you, just drop my name, Nawaki Senju!"
Nawaki's cheerful and open personality shone through.
Thanks to Hui's subtle guidance, he harbored no jealousy or resentment toward Minato's arrival. Instead, he was genuinely happy to have him around.
After all, Nawaki had heard of Minato before, he was the top student in the second year.
Moreover, Kushina often spoke about Minato, leaving Nawaki with a positive impression of him.
"Thank you, Nawaki-nii-san," Minato replied with a warm smile, addressing him as "big brother" without hesitation.
Given Nawaki's older age, it was natural for Minato to address him this way.
Nawaki was well-known at the academy as the top fourth-year student, an undisputed leader and role model for many.
"Wow, you just went ahead and called him 'big brother' without a second thought?" a teasing voice interrupted them.
Minato and Nawaki turned to see Kushina standing nearby, her arms crossed and a smirk on her face.
Looking at Nawaki, she added, "I'm going to tell Hui-nii-san that you tricked Minato into becoming your underling!"
Nawaki rolled his eyes in exasperation. He was truly speechless.
Tricked him? Me? Do I even need to?...
Since Minato became the Student of Tobirama and basically a pet of the senju clan, Minoato was naturally his Little brother.
Nawaki snorted, "Kushina, just because we get along doesn't mean I won't call you out for slandering me. Believe it or not, I will sue you for defamation."
Nawaki couldn't show any sympathy to women.
If there no women nin your heart, you won't hesitate when drawing your sword.
Being in love will only dull his blade.
"Ugh, I'm too lazy to talk to you." Kushina wasn't really trying to annoy Nawaki. The only reason she got in between them was because she wanted an excuse to get in between them.
Turning to Minato, Kushina said, "Minato, from now on, you're my rival. I'm going to beat you someday!"
Minato blinked in surprise, but soon his signature sunny smile spread across his face. "Alright, I'll be waiting for you to defeat me."
That smile caught Kushina off guard, and to her surprise, her face turned red. "I will!" she stammered before quickly running off, leaving Nawaki dumbfounded.
Watching her retreating figure, Nawaki chuckled with a glint in his eye.
"Kushina, Kushina… so you like Minato, huh? How interesting," he muttered to himself.
Turning back to Minato, his expression grew more serious.
Unlike Kushina, Nawaki genuinely viewed Minato as a rival.
He was aware of Hui's evaluation of Minato, Hui had said that Minato reminded him of his younger self, a praise Nawaki had never received himself.
Moreover, Nawaki knew that Minato possessed spatial aptitude and would eventually inherit the Flying Thunder God Technique from Tobirama.
To Nawaki, Minato wasn't just a rival but also someone to pursue and challenge himself against.
For a long time, Nawaki had felt untouchable among his peers, standing too far ahead and too high above them. With Minato now in the picture, he finally felt the thrill of competition.
Of course, Nawaki knew that Minato still had a long way to go before catching up.
"You're not there yet," Nawaki muttered to himself with a confident smirk.
At just over eight years old, Nawaki already possessed the strength of a seasoned chunin, perhaps even a special jonin.
The Senju Clan's natural resilience, his awakened Wood Release, and the Nine-Tails sealed within him made him quite the formidable force.
The only thing he lacked was real battle experience.
Having never set foot on a battlefield or engaged in life-or-death combat, Nawaki's experience came solely from sparring with his clan members.
Without practical experience, even his immense potential left room for setbacks.
Still, as a Jinchuriki with a strong bond with the Nine-Tails, Nawaki knew that the beast wouldn't stand idly by if his life were truly in danger.
"You stinky little brat," the Nine-Tails grumbled within Nawaki's mind. "That Minato kid has spatial aptitude. Once he masters the Flying Thunder God, he'll leave you in the dust."
"Tch," Nawaki retorted in the mental space, "You're underestimating me too much, stupid fox. Sure, Minato might have the Flying Thunder God, but I have Wood Release! Who's stronger, Grandpa Hashirama or Grandpa Tobirama? Do I even need to say it?"
The Nine-Tails scowled. "And yet, with that brain of yours, you still lose to me at every game!"
"Cheater! That's because you're cheating!" Nawaki pointing dramatically at the nine tails, "I knew it all along, you underhanded fox!"
Furious, the Nine-Tails bristled. "You stinky little punk! If you keep slandering me, believe it or not, I'll take over your body!"
In shock, Nawaki gasped. "Oh no! I trusted you, and now you're eyeing my innocent body?! You're despicable!"
Wrapping his arms around himself protectively, Nawaki adopted a dramatic stance that left the Nine-Tails roaring in frustration.
"Come here, brat! I'll tear you apart!...Stop running, you coward!"
In the mental space, the Nine-Tails howled in rage, while in the real world, a smug glint flashed in Nawaki's eyes.
Messing with me? You've got a long way to go, fox.
Grinning, he slung an arm around Minato's shoulders and said, "Let's go, Minato! Big bro's in a good mood today. I'm treating you to barbecue!"
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