Reborn in Konoha; I Think I’m Cultivating Immortality

The battle between Kushina and Minato had just begun, and Kushina's intentions were already seen through.

Of course, Minato hadn't completely figured her out, as he didn't know the exact details of the sealing technique Kushina was planning to use. However, he was prepared to counter any sealing jutsu.

Quickly, the two entered close combat.

Kushina relentlessly attacked Minato, trying to grab hold of him to activate her body-binding seal. 

This purposeful and targeted fighting style gave Minato a clear idea of what Kushina's trump card was.

As a devoted admirer of Hui, Minato was well-versed in Hui's abilities, including the terrifyingly effective body-binding seal Hui often used.

Now, observing Kushina's movements, Minato could tell that her attacks were designed to set up such a seal.

Once he discerned her intentions, Minato began strategizing mid-battle.

When he used taijutsu to fend Kushina off, he simultaneously employed the Shadow Clone Technique, making it impossible for Kushina to determine which was the real Minato.

This left Kushina flustered.

Without knowing the real Minato, her sealing jutsu lost its effectiveness.

If she sealed a shadow clone, her trump card would be exposed to Minato without any benefit.

Yet, without using her sealing technique, she couldn't defeat him.

"Damn it!"

Frustrated, Kushina muttered angrily. She had no choice but to try and identify the real Minato.

Unfortunately, Minato's chakra control far exceeded Kushina's, making it impossible for her to distinguish between the original and the clones.

In the end, she had to take a gamble and used her body-binding seal on the one she believed was the real Minato.

And… she lost.

Her perceived "flaws" in Minato's defense were, in fact, intentional bait to lure her into a trap. The one she sealed was merely a shadow clone.

As Kushina activated her seal, Minato used the Flying Thunder God kunai held by his clone as a teleportation anchor, instantly appearing beside Kushina and ending the fight.

"Winner: Minato Namikaze!"

The examiner's announcement was met with a thunderous cheer from the audience.

Everyone celebrated Minato's victory. They had witnessed a miracle. A perfect-score graduation.

Since the reform of the Ninja Academy's graduation exams, no one had ever achieved a perfect score. Even Nawaki, in his time, had lost points in cultural subjects.

From his seat, Hui smiled as he watched the scene.

Minato was one of the children he had high hopes for. While Minato's performance didn't astonish Hui, it also didn't disappoint him.

"Congratulations on becoming this year's top graduate."

Hui approached Minato with a smile.

Minato couldn't help but grin with joy.

"I'll continue to work hard and become an excellent ninja, dedicating my life to Konoha's future!"

Suppressing his excitement, Minato spoke with firm resolve.

"Kushina, you've done well too. Although you lost in the end, you will also graduate as one of this year's outstanding students. Congratulations to you as well."

Turning to Kushina, Hui offered his encouragement.

Hearing this, Kushina set aside her disappointment.

"Mm-hmm! I'll also become an excellent ninja and work hard for the village's future!"

Kushina's words weren't just a formality, they reflected the genuine thoughts of many Ninja Academy students.

After all, the past three years of "Love the Village" education hadn't been for nothing.

In each of these children, a seed of love for Konoha had been planted.

That seed had sprouted into a sapling, and with time, it would grow into a towering tree.

…

That evening, the Senju Clan compound hosted a lively celebration.

The gathering was ostensibly to celebrate the successful graduation of Minato and Kushina, Minato becoming the top graduate, and Kushina being an outstanding graduate.

But in reality, it was just an excuse for everyone to get together and have a good time.

As usual, the gathering included Hui's close friends and family.

"Hui, you're really something. You've dumped everything on Sarutobi and me, but you're the Hokage, not us!"

Sarutobi teased Hui with a laugh.

As Konoha's development stabilized, Hui began delegating more responsibilities.

Many matters no longer required his constant supervision. Now, his primary role was to ensure Konoha's development stayed on course and to make key decisions on critical issues.

While others remained busy, Hui had more free time on his hands.

Of course, he wasn't entirely idle.

"Those who can, should. And just because I've delegated tasks doesn't mean I'm slacking off," Hui replied with a smile.

Indeed, even after offloading much of the Hokage's work, Hui was far from idle.

Every day, he devoted himself to creating and perfecting that technique.

Now, the technique was in its final stages.

By next year, Hui might fully complete it!

"Alright, we don't know what you're working on, but we trust you. If you're busy, it must be for Konoha's future," Hiruzen said. His earlier words were just lighthearted banter, not genuine complaints.

Everyone could see Hui's contributions as Hokage.

He was unquestionably a competent leader.

In fact, having Hui as Hokage was a stroke of luck for Konoha.

"Speaking of which, congratulations, Sarutobi-sensei. You'll soon have your second child."

Hui chuckled.

 It was currently the 33rd year of Konoha, and many future shinobi who would become prominent figures in the ninja world were being born one after another.

For instance, Aoba Yamashiro was born in Year 31, Genma Shiranui in Year 32, and this year had already seen the births of Ibiki Morino and Kurenai Yuhi. Soon, Asuma Sarutobi and Shizune would follow.

Next year, in Year 34, it would be an even greater gathering of talents:

Might Guy, Obito Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, and Rin Nohara, all key figures from the original story, were slated to be born.

But…

Hui glanced at Kakashi's father, Sakumo Hatake, who was quietly grilling meat nearby.

He sighed inwardly.

"Brother Sakumo, don't you think it's about time you got married?"

Hui asked directly, his tone carrying a hint of concern and urgency.

Hui worried whether Kakashi would even exist in the future.

After all, Sakumo hadn't just refrained from planning for children, he hadn't even considered marriage yet. In fact, he didn't even have a romantic partner.

Startled by Hui's sudden comment, Sakumo rolled his eyes.

"I'm still young. There's no rush to get married. On the other hand, when are you and Tsunade planning to tie the knot?"

Caught off guard by the counter, Hui returned the eye-roll.

He and Tsunade were certainly planning to marry, but they had no intention of rushing into it this year. Maybe next year, or sometime later.

"Don't worry about me and Tsunade. You should focus on finding a partner. As the head of Konoha's Administrative Department, you need to set an example and support the village's pro-marriage, pro-family policies.

"You're already 28, and if you don't settle down soon, what will the villagers think? Many people look up to you as a role model. Your actions are constantly under scrutiny. You…"

Hui began lecturing Sakumo in earnest.

Under the barrage of Hui's words, Sakumo could only nod in reluctant agreement, his head aching from the onslaught.

Watching from the sidelines, Nawaki shook his head and sighed.

When it came to verbal persuasion, trying to outmatch Hui was like asking to be humiliated.

Of course, Hui had his reasons for pressuring Sakumo.

He was genuinely worried about Kakashi's future existence.

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