Chapter 43

"Minato, by the way, Lord Hokage asked me to deliver this to you," Kushina suddenly recalled, presenting a scroll to Minato.

Before Minato's departure, Anbu had instructed her to visit Tatsuya, who resided on the outskirts of the village to meet Minato. This was how Kushina had managed to locate him.

"Um?" Minato accepted the scroll and slightly unfurled one end.

Jiraiya, standing beside him, leaned in to catch a glimpse.

As his eyes scanned the first line of text, Jiraiya's expression transformed abruptly, and he exclaimed, "This is the Flying Thunder God jutsu of the Second Hokage!"

Tsunade, who had been uninterested until now, raised her eyebrows upon hearing the phrase "Flying Thunder God."

Developed by her own great-grandfather, it was a technique closely tied to her heritage within the Senju clan.

Confirming that neither Tsunade nor Nawaki had inherited Wood Style, the elders had planned to pass on this technique to the siblings. However, this endeavor was cut short by their respective limitations; Tsunade was deemed unsuitable, while Nawaki lacked the necessary qualifications.

Tatsuya responded with a smile, "Seems like you've made a profitable deal, Third Generation."

Understanding dawned upon him as to why Minato had later chosen to harmoniously share power with Hiruzen. This decision was likely influenced by Minato's warm disposition and humble origins, which must have engendered kindness from Hiruzen during his upbringing.

"Flying Thunder God, though classified as a B-level ninjutsu, possesses S-level potential in the hands of a skilled user," Tsunade commented, her gaze distant. Addressing Minato, she added, "This space–time ninjutsu has been given to you, I hope you understand what it entails."

As part of the Konaha establishment initiative championed by Senju Tobirama, various clans contributed their secret jutsus to the village's forbidden sealing scroll. Distinguished contributions rendered to the village granted the privilege of learning advanced ninjutsu. This initiative aimed to provide civilian ninjas a chance to become stronger.

Unlike techniques such as Uchiha's Great Fireball, which were accessible to Konoha Shinobi through the merit system, an S-rank mission or some great price or exchange of new self-made ninjutsu was a prerequisite for learning advanced techniques like the Flying Thunder God.

Hiruzen had directly entrusted this space–time ninjutsu to Namikaze Minato, a decision that carried significant implications.

"Hokage-sama has entrusted me with such a formidable ninjutsu," Minato expressed his elation. The gravity of receiving the signature technique of the Second Hokage left him both grateful and excited. At a mere fourteen years old, he hadn't anticipated such a remarkable opportunity.

Jiraiya, standing beside him, sighed, uncertain of the implications. His intention in guiding Minato away from Konoha was to shield him from the village's intricate political web.

However, he now realized that as long as Minato stood as a potential Hokage candidate, he would inevitably be drawn into political disputes.

As Kushina bid farewell to Minato, the two figures gradually receded into the distance until they vanished from view.

Tsunade turned her gaze to Tatsuya, her curiosity piqued. "Aren't you worried? The old man clearly intends to groom that kid."

Tatsuya responded with a smile, "Him? Let's discuss it after he understands politics. The very reason he was chosen as a candidate is his biggest weakness."

For Tatsuya, empowered by the system, even the Flying Thunder God or Minato's Nine-Tails mode posed no threat. In front of real Monsters in this world, Minato is just a firefly.

Tatsuya continued, addressing Tsunade's misconception. "Moreover, you seem to have misunderstood something. While I did eliminate Shinnosuke, I harbor no interest in the authority wielded by the Hokage. As long as they do not disturb me, I am indifferent to Konoha's internal affairs."

Kushina, who had returned after briefly bidding farewell to Minato, overheard these words, her round face turning pale with shock.

What shocking revelation had she just stumbled upon? Her thoughts raced as she attempted to dismiss them as auditory hallucinations. Yes, it must be a figment of her imagination, she reassured herself.

However, when Tatsuya's discourse continued with the phrase "I am indifferent to Konoha's internal affairs," Tsunade's expression became complex. Despite her lack of attachment to her sensei, her sentiment for Konoha remained unwavering.

This sentiment remained steadfast even as she entered her fifties in the future. Tsunade's return to the village as the Fifth Hokage had been spurred by two motives: to witness Nawaki's legacy in Naruto and her deep-rooted affection for Konoha.

Observing Tsunade's mixed emotions, Tatsuya interrupted his meditation, rising to embrace her gently. "What's wrong? Longing for the Hokage's seat? If you wish, I can help you Tsunade Senju to reclaim it."

Tatsuya's words induced a potent atmosphere of lovey-dovey couple causing Kushina to withdraw from the scene tactfully.

Tatsuya continued, "But if we're going to do this, we should commit fully. Address each issue head-on, one by one."

He contemplated another aspect of this endeavor. If he were to assist Tsunade in ascending to the Hokage's position, he aimed to avoid the scenario where both of them featured prominently, as seen during Minato's reign.

Tatsuya's thoughts coalesced, resulting in him remembering the future again.

When facing significant decisions, much like Tsunade in the original story, Both Utahane Koharu and Mitokado Homura are persistently bothersome, akin to pesky flies.

If you're going to undertake a task, commit to it wholeheartedly.

"…You desire me."

With a slight exhalation, Tsunade uttered these two words. Inwardly sighing, Tatsuya proceeded to lift Tsunade into the cabin.

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