One hour later, Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Kai left the mental network world together. But for Minato, this hour felt like he had experienced so much—it was as if he had grown significantly in a short time.
And that was indeed the case. The books Uchiha Kai had selected for Minato opened his eyes.
Even just skimming through them gave him an overwhelming sense of enlightenment, as if he had discovered an entirely new world.
He couldn't help but exclaim, "So this is what politics and war are really like! So this is the essence of human relationships!"
These books explained concepts that could never be learned in the shinobi world, breaking them down in an accessible way. They gave Minato a deeper understanding of the world and the true nature of human interactions.
Although the knowledge in those books clearly came from beyond the shinobi world, the principles remained universal.
And Minato was no stranger to the realities of the common people—he was an orphan and a civilian himself. He understood the struggles of ordinary life better than most.
However, just as Uchiha Kai had warned, this knowledge was too advanced. Even if Minato could learn it, he couldn't share it easily.
Otherwise, no matter how qualified he was to become Hokage, he would be labeled as "radical" and a "source of chaos," making him a target for suppression.
Moreover, Minato was still in the process of learning. His understanding was incomplete, and trying to teach others without a firm grasp of the material would only mislead them.
Uchiha Kai said, "Minato, don't overthink it. Right now, all we need to do is keep improving ourselves. When we have enough strength, status, and trustworthy allies, only then will we have the right to change the world."
Minato nodded. "Yeah, don't worry, Kai. I understand. I'll also work hard toward becoming Hokage."
As he spoke, his eyes radiated a newfound determination—the first time he had ever truly desired the position of Hokage.
In the past, he saw it as something that would be great to have but wasn't something he would desperately pursue.
But now, in order to achieve his ideals, the role of Hokage had become essential. He would do whatever it took to reach that position.
After that, Uchiha Kai and Minato left together, heading out for some grilled meat.
On the other side of Konoha, Uchiha Obito was bragging proudly to his friends, claiming that they had just completed an S-rank mission.
His friends were naturally shocked, curious, and found it hard to believe.
After all, Minato's team had only just been formed.
While everyone else was still doing D-rank missions and occasionally taking on C-rank ones, suddenly hearing about an S-rank mission sounded completely absurd.
When his friends eagerly asked for details, Obito's vanity was greatly satisfied. He immediately switched to full bragging mode, explaining that their mission had originally been a simple C-rank escort misision.
However, on their way back, they were ambushed by an elite team of Kirigakure ninja.
Then came the key part—Obito proudly exaggerated his heroic performance, claiming that he remained fearless in the face of danger, bravely protected Nohara Rin, and that the idiot Kakashi could only trail behind him, eating dust and cheering him on.
His attitude at this moment was strangely similar to how Konoha's academy textbooks later glorified Naruto Uzumaki after he became the Seventh Hokage—boasting about how amazing and popular he was as a student. Some things, it seemed, were simply Konoha traditions.
From praising the First Hokage's wisdom and strength to calling the Third Hokage the "strongest Hokage," and then to Naruto's era, where he was described as the "most outstanding student and the academy's biggest star"—the Will of Fire truly endured, passed down through generations.
Then, a cold voice suddenly interrupted Obito's bragging.
"Idiot, still spouting nonsense? What did you even do in that fight against the Kirigakure ninja? You just hid in the trench I made with Earth Release the entire time."
Hatake Kakashi had arrived, alongside Nohara Rin.
Rin had an awkward but polite smile, while Kakashi maintained his usual deadpan expression, his fish-like dull eyes revealing nothing.
Though his mask covered his face, his disdain for Obito was impossible to miss.
Obito's voice cut off instantly, his face turning red with embarrassment.
It wasn't just because Kakashi had mercilessly exposed the truth—it was also because Rin had clearly heard his exaggerated claims.
Flustered, Obito quickly tried to defend himself, insisting that he had performed well, saying he had volunteered to cover the rear, and that when they encountered the enemy, he was the first to pull Rin to safety. He even accused Kakashi of doing nothing at all.
In short, he was desperately trying to salvage his dignity in front of Nohara Rin.
Hearing this, Nohara Rin smiled gently and quickly comforted Obito's anxious heart. In an instant, Obito felt like he was looking at an angel, completely overwhelmed with emotion.
Poor Obito—Rin had him wrapped around her finger.
But to be fair, Rin really was a good girl. She wasn't treating him like a certain white cat treated Tom; she genuinely cared for him.
It was just that her way of caring wasn't the kind Obito wanted. In Rin's eyes, Obito was a mischievous and impulsive little brother who needed to be looked after.
Then, Kakashi spoke up, his voice cold. "Since this has been classified as an S-rank mission, as a ninja, you should know that certain things need to be kept confidential. Otherwise, it's a violation of the rules."
Obito, who had just been touched by Rin's concern, immediately shot Kakashi an annoyed look.
"Hmph, do you really need to say that? I already asked Minato-sensei in advance. He said that in situations like this, there's no need for strict confidentiality."
Kakashi snorted. "At least you're not completely brainless, idiot Obito."
Obito exploded with anger again. "Damn you, Kakashi! You wanna fight?!"
Kakashi scoffed. "Looks like you're asking for another beating."
**********
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