Chapter 23: Three Rules

"Even Master Jiraiya's shadow clone possesses such formidable power, befitting a disciple of the Third Hokage," Minato said as he slowly stood up, smiling.

Jiraiya was slightly surprised. After all, the Shadow Clone Technique was a B-rank advanced ninjutsu. Although it was not uncommon for ordinary shinobi, it was not easy for a student like Minato to acquire such information.

However, his teacher was the legendary Kunio Shindō, a man whose knowledge and talent were once praised by the Third Hokage himself, so it wasn't too surprising.

"So, do you now understand the gap between yourself and truly powerful shinobi?" Jiraiya asked. He, of course, knew that Minato hadn't become arrogant or looked down upon his peers. The reason he had his shadow clone spar with Minato was to test the extent of his current abilities.

The result showed that Minato's fundamentals were exceptionally solid, almost like the ideal shinobi described in the textbooks.

"Although I'm not entirely clear, I have a general understanding," Minato replied calmly. He knew that every powerful shinobi, whether it was Jiraiya before him, the Third Hokage, or even the First Hokage who ended the Era of Warring States, had grown from humble beginnings.

The process of growth was something no one could avoid.

"Good," Jiraiya smiled with satisfaction. More than Minato's talent, he appreciated the young boy's ability to maintain a clear perception of himself.

When a person gained power, their mindset could change drastically, and they could easily fall into darkness, like the man named Madara Uchiha.

"Today marks the beginning of my guidance in your training. Before that, you need to follow three rules I have set for you," Jiraiya's expression became solemn as he held up three fingers.

"The first rule: I know you have been training rigorously in the past, and I believe you will maintain that habit even after becoming my student. However, for you at this stage, excessive training may not necessarily be beneficial."

Minato was only seven years old, still in a crucial growth period for the human body. For a shinobi, physical foundation was the most basic requirement for unleashing true power.

"If you train excessively, you may not be compromising your body as much as your future potential. So, the first rule is that you must schedule your training time reasonably, which I believe you cannot do on your own for now."

Minato nodded; he was aware of this, but he tended to forget during his training sessions. However, since it was his teacher's instruction, he had no choice but to obey.

"The second rule concerns your daily life. Even when you're alone, you need to maintain a balanced diet and proper sleep schedule. You may think this is trivial, but you must understand that it is also for your own future."

Jiraiya's second rule might have sounded ridiculous, but it was necessary for Minato. He was not born into any special shinobi clan; he had no unique bloodline or heritage. Yet, his physical condition was better than most ordinary people who became shinobi.

At only seven years old, he already possessed chakra reserves surpassing those of an average genin, which was the best proof.

Chakra, the fusion of physical and spiritual energy, could be enhanced by strengthening either aspect. Most shinobi trained to improve both simultaneously, which made the process and efficiency relatively low.

Moreover, physical energy was not so much refined as it was unlocked, as it was innate.

Every shinobi's body was like a treasure trove, and one had to learn how to unlock it more efficiently. Jiraiya understood this well.

"Yes!" Minato responded enthusiastically, sensing the deep concern behind Jiraiya's words, which was rare for most teachers.

His impression of Jiraiya had been correct.

Then, Jiraiya's voice paused for a moment, and Minato noticed his expression become slightly gloomy and solemn.

In a grave tone, Jiraiya said, "The third rule is to always remember that you are a shinobi of Konoha. No matter what heights you reach in the future, you must strive to protect everyone in the village. If you ever attempt to harm the village, I will personally kill you!"

Minato's pupils constricted, and his body unconsciously tensed.

Jiraiya set this third rule after careful consideration, mainly because of the young girl named Kushina Uzumaki, who would become the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox in the future.

In other words, she would become the village's asset, a so-called Tailed Beast weapon.

If Minato could not understand the village's actions and harbored hatred towards Konoha, the consequences would be immeasurable. Jiraiya did not want to personally train someone who could endanger the village.

Jiraiya looked at Minato with a slightly ominous gaze. Minato seemed momentarily stunned, but this did not last long.

His blue eyes held a resolute spirit.

"I understand that Master Jiraiya is warning me to always remember that I am a shinobi of Konoha. Let me say this: Konoha is my birthplace, and no matter what happens here or what the people here do, Konoha will always be my home, and everyone living in Konoha will be my family. While there may be conflicts among family members, I will never harm my home or my family!"

Minato turned his head slightly, gazing at the surroundings that belonged to Konoha. He then faced Jiraiya, his previously gentle tone becoming extremely heavy.

"So, anyone who tries to harm my home and family, I will eliminate without hesitation, no matter who they are, even if it is myself!"

Although he had heard about Minato's thoughts from the Third Hokage, Jiraiya was still taken aback when he heard Minato's determination.

For a seven-year-old child to say such words, anyone would assume it was merely a joke. However, as a shinobi, Jiraiya could sense the unwavering resolve behind those words.

Minato was a gentle child, but his steadfast will and beliefs were something that most adults, or even most shinobi, did not possess.

Only someone like him could be cultivated into the powerful individual the Third Hokage envisioned.

The two looked at each other, and the gloom on Jiraiya's face dissipated, replaced by a sincere smile.

Minato's expression also relaxed, and he remembered the events of the previous night, asking Jiraiya a question.

"Master Jiraiya, there is something I want to ask you."

(end of chapter)