Chapter 35 : Family

After regaining his focus, Jiraiya immediately took out a scroll from within his robe and tossed it to Minato.

"This scroll contains Wind, Fire, Lightning, Earth, and Water release ninjutsu. Most of them are C-rank techniques, but there are also some B-rank techniques suitable for your training. As for A-rank techniques, they are still too demanding for you at the moment," Jiraiya said. Considering Minato's current chakra level, these ranks of techniques were most appropriate. Moreover, given the difficulty level of mastering these techniques, it would not be suitable to teach Minato techniques he had never trained in before.

Upon hearing this, Minato promptly opened the scroll in his hands. It seemed to have been imbued with some kind of seal formation, as when he opened it, it expanded with a "bang" and unrolled on the training ground's surface.

As his teacher had said, the scroll contained various ninjutsu training methods, covering Wind, Lightning, Earth, Fire, and Water releases. Some of the techniques were even exclusive to certain clans within the village.

To collect and compile these techniques into a scroll was no ordinary feat. Even Jiraiya himself might not possess such skill.

"Master, please convey my gratitude to the Third Hokage," Minato said, turning to Jiraiya. Within Konoha, the number of individuals capable of such a feat was extremely limited, making the Third Hokage's identity quite apparent.

Even before becoming Jiraiya's disciple, Minato was aware that the Third Hokage had been observing him.

If it was the person known as the "Professor" in the ninja world, possessing such a vast collection of techniques was not surprising.

"You really don't leave any room for privacy, do you?" Jiraiya laughed. When the Third Hokage handed him the ninjutsu scroll, he had mentioned that Minato would undoubtedly discern the truth behind it.

Just as expected, Minato saw through it so quickly.

Jiraiya had gradually become accustomed to this, as Minato, unlike his former self, was a true genius.

The evaluation of being a "once-in-a-decade" talent was by no means an exaggeration for him.

Minato gazed at the unrolled scroll on the ground with great enthusiasm, continuously practicing the hand seals recorded on the scroll. His proficiency in performing the seals left Jiraiya somewhat astonished.

Typically, when attempting a technique for the first time, regardless of one's usual mastery of hand seals, there would be an awkward period. However, Minato displayed no such awkwardness.

It was as if he had already been familiar with the hand seals for these techniques.

"From now on, you'll have to learn these techniques on your own," Jiraiya said as Minato studied the ninjutsu scroll.

Minato looked up, and Jiraiya continued, "There may be a long period where I won't be able to stay in the village and personally guide you in ninjutsu training."

"Are you going on a mission?" Minato asked. With Jiraiya's abilities, even if assigned a highly difficult mission, it should not take too long, as he was one of the pillars of the village, and his prolonged absence would be detrimental.

Unless this mission involved other hidden villages.

Noticing Minato's expression, Jiraiya smiled wryly and said, "Don't overthink it, kid. For now, you should focus on training and increasing your strength."

A hint of exasperation and aversion could be sensed in Jiraiya's tone, despite the smile on his face.

What kind of mission could make his teacher express such emotions?

"Minato, you said you wanted to protect your family in the village, right?" Jiraiya suddenly asked.

Minato nodded, and Jiraiya continued, "But what if one day, to protect your family, you had to fight against others, and even harm innocent people? What would you do then?"

Upon hearing this, Minato was taken aback, as he had never considered such a scenario.

"What would you do, Master?" he asked Jiraiya, unsure of the answer himself. However, Jiraiya shook his head, equally uncertain.

Minato noticed a hint of bewilderment in his teacher's eyes, mirroring his own.

To protect one's loved ones, one might have to harm innocent people.

He could somewhat understand this, as when protecting Kushina, he had momentarily lost control and injured Akasaka, even accepting Uchiha Homura's challenge despite his aversion to conflict, and nearly harming his innocent classmates.

These consequences were unforeseen when he made his choice and were irreversible.

However, Minato's bewilderment did not last long. Looking up at his teacher, he said, "Master, I may not be able to answer your question now, but I will strive to find the answer."

He paused briefly and continued, "But since this is a question even you don't know the answer to, the process of finding the answer will undoubtedly be a long one. However, I believe there will eventually be a resolution."

"And for that, I must be willing to pay the corresponding price. If someone has to bear the responsibility and the sins, then let it fall upon me, no matter what the burden or guilt!"

Jiraiya's pupils contracted slightly as he met Minato's resolute, azure eyes, filled with a determination that shook him.

"So until I find that answer, if it's for the sake of protecting my family, I will stop at nothing, even if it means harming innocent people! Because someone who can't even protect their own family isn't qualified to talk about protecting others!"

As their eyes met, a smile gradually appeared on Jiraiya's face. "Really, who is the teacher and who is the student here?"

Minato was taken aback, and Jiraiya turned away, waving his hand dismissively. "If we're talking about bearing responsibility and sins, it's not your turn yet. I'm your teacher, so I'll take it on first."

"As for the answer to the question, I'll go look for it. But if I can't find it, then I'll leave that answer to you. Perhaps this is what's called a legacy."

"I hope by the time I return, you'll be able to stand on your own. Until then, work hard to gain the strength to protect your family!"

With that, Jiraiya swiftly left the Seventh Training Ground.

Minato stood there, lost in thought, wondering why his teacher had posed such a question today.

(End of Chapter)C