Minato's sharp blue eyes flickered with a mix of emotions as he heard Hiruzen Sarutobi's words. Despite his usual composed demeanor, a faint wave of anticipation rippled through him.
"Yes," he responded respectfully to the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen smiled and handed him a stack of forms from the side of his desk. "Here is the information on the students I've selected for your team."
Stepping forward, Minato took the papers and glanced at the top form. His eyes immediately fell upon the photo attached. It was Kakashi Hatake.
He scanned the form briefly before flipping to the second and third ones. As expected, they were Nohara Rin and Obito Uchiha. A hint of a smile tugged at Minato's lips as memories of the trio surfaced.
After Minato finished reviewing the forms, Hiruzen chuckled. "Haha! Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Obito—you're familiar with these two, aren't you?"
Minato nodded, his thoughts lingering on the students he was about to lead.
"Kakashi is exceptionally talented," Hiruzen continued with a tone of admiration. "He graduated from the Academy in just one year and recently passed the Chunin Exam. At only six years old, his achievements surpass even yours at that age."
Minato couldn't help but smile at the remark. Kakashi's brilliance was no secret to him.
"However," Hiruzen said, his expression growing thoughtful, "raw talent alone isn't enough. Kakashi lacks something essential—something you, of all people, should understand. When I had Jiraiya take you under his wing, it wasn't just for your talent. It was for something deeper."
Minato nodded knowingly. Kakashi's mind worked quickly, always driven by clear objectives. Yet, such a sharp focus often led to overlooking the nuances of the journey. Without understanding the value of process, even the most talented individuals risked losing something irreplaceable.
"I understand," Minato said softly. His conviction reassured the Hokage, who nodded approvingly.
Turning to Obito's profile, Hiruzen chuckled again. "As for Uchiha Obito, his graduation surprised me. I suspect your guidance played a role. Based on his sensei's evaluations, he wasn't quite ready to meet the standard requirements."
Minato's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Obito may not possess Kakashi's level of talent, but he has qualities that I believe are just as valuable. Perhaps this pairing is no coincidence?"
"You're perceptive, as always," Hiruzen said, clearly pleased. "It seems assigning these three to you was the right choice. And then there's Nohara Rin—she's an exceptional student. Her grasp of theory and her chakra control are remarkable. After some time under your guidance, I plan to recommend her to Tsunade for medical-ninjutsu training."
Minato nodded in agreement. Rin's potential was undeniable, and with Tsunade's expertise, she would undoubtedly excel.
"I have no doubts you'll be an excellent sensei for them," Hiruzen added warmly, a reminiscent smile gracing his features. The Hokage's words carried echoes of his own experience entrusting Minato to Jiraiya. Times had changed, but the principles remained the same.
Minato dipped his head respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Yet, beneath his calm exterior, he couldn't shake a flicker of hesitation. His thoughts drifted to the past, recalling how circumstances once forced him and his peers into the chaos of war. The Third Great Ninja World War loomed on the horizon, and history was poised to repeat itself.
Back then, Konoha was besieged by the other four great nations, and the village's resources were stretched thin. Even prodigies like Kakashi and newly graduated Obito were prematurely deployed to the battlefield. The infamous mission to Kannabi Bridge, where they infiltrated enemy lines to sabotage the Rock Ninja's supply chain, still weighed heavily on Minato's mind.
Now, however, the timeline had shifted. The presence of individuals like himself, Tsunade, and Sakumo Hatake had delayed the war's eruption. Still, Minato understood that the storm couldn't be avoided entirely. His role wasn't merely to guide his students but to prepare them for the trials that lay ahead.
Hiruzen interrupted his thoughts. "By the way, I haven't informed the three of them about your appointment as their jonin instructor."
Minato raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"They'll find out soon enough," Hiruzen said with a sly smile. "I've instructed them to gather at the Seventh Training Ground tomorrow morning. The rest is up to you."
Minato smiled back. "Understood." With that, he disappeared in a flash of yellow light, leaving the Hokage's office empty once more.
The following morning, at the Seventh Training Ground, Nohara Rin arrived to find Kakashi already waiting. The silver-haired boy stood beneath a tree, his expression as impassive as ever.
"Kakashi, you're here early," Rin remarked cheerfully as she approached.
Kakashi glanced at her briefly, nodding without a word.
With little else to do, Rin leaned against the trunk of a tree, shielding herself from the bright sunlight. Her thoughts wandered as she observed Kakashi's stoic demeanor. "It's incredible how talented he is," she thought. "He's nearly two years younger than Obito and me, yet he's already a chunin."
Breaking the silence, she ventured, "It must be difficult for the village to choose an instructor for someone as outstanding as you."
Kakashi's only response was a slight raise of his eyebrows. "What's more concerning is that idiot isn't here yet," he muttered, referring to Obito.
Rin sighed, her gaze drifting toward the horizon. "Obito is always late…"
Just as she spoke, a faint shimmer of light flickered through the air, catching her attention. It was almost like sunlight cutting through the trees. Before she could react, a familiar voice echoed.
"You're both here early."
Minato appeared in a burst of speed, his warm smile instantly lightening the mood. Kakashi's stoic facade faltered for a moment as his eyes widened in recognition.
"Minato…?" Kakashi's voice was uncharacteristically unsure.
Minato chuckled. "Not quite. From now on, you'll address me as Minato-sensei."
The revelation left both Kakashi and Rin stunned. Rin's mouth opened slightly, her voice barely a whisper. "Our instructor is Minato-senpai?"
Over the years, Minato's reputation had grown exponentially. To Rin, he was more than a hero of the last war; he is a living legend—the youngest jonin in Konoha's history.
Kakashi, too, was taken aback. He had often heard his father speak of Minato with great respect, even admitting that Minato's skills surpassed his own.
"Rin," Minato said gently, turning to her, "thank you for your hard work. I look forward to teaching you."
Rin blushed at the compliment, bowing slightly. "Minato-sensei, please guide me well!"
Minato's gaze shifted. "Is Obito not here yet?"
Rin hesitated, sensing a tinge of disapproval. "Sensei, I'm sure Obito has a reason…"
Minato waved off her concern with a light laugh. "It's fine. We'll wait."
His patience and kindness reassured her. Time stretched on, with no sign of Obito. An hour passed before a frantic figure finally came into view, hurrying toward the group.
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