Chapter 64

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Minato stayed behind, offering a couple of persuasions, but seeing Kushina determined to wait, he apologized and left reluctantly.

He had a training session scheduled with his teacher, and being late wouldn't be good.

"Idiot, Minato!"

Kushina, seeing Minato leave, was immediately displeased, stomping her foot twice. It wasn't long before she also contemplated returning.

However, deep down, she still wished to see Mina, possibly the only clan member she could meet and someone she knew from childhood. Unfortunately, the Hokage restricted her freedom, confining her within a barrier.

Even if she fell ill, she couldn't visit Konoha Hospital and would receive treatment from a medical ninja at home, leaving her no chance to seek out Mina.

Now, having encountered someone acquainted with Mina outside the Hokage Tower, she decided to wait a bit longer and ask if Mina could visit her. Thus, Kushina disregarded Minato's advice and stationed herself near the Hokage Tower.

Inside the Hokage office, this was Yoichi's first visit.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, still in his prime, wasn't particularly tall but was undeniably one of Konoha's top shinobi.

"Sakumo, you're here, and Yoichi-kun and Kakashi too."

Hiruzen greeted them warmly, setting aside his pipe, "I believe Sakumo has already informed you. Though it was by chance, you've greatly assisted both Konoha and the Land of Fire. On Sakumo's suggestion, the village has decided to reward you both with a ninjutsu."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Yoichi and Kakashi said almost in unison.

Without delay, Hiruzen continued, "As per the rules, the ninjutsu you select must not be widely disseminated beyond your own students. I'll provide you with a ninjutsu scroll shortly, and after you've made your choice, I'll release the seal on it."

After explaining the rules, Hiruzen produced a tall scroll for Sakumo and Yoichi to select from, though they had to make their choices separately and privately.

Kakashi went first, quickly returning, possibly heeded by Sakumo's advice, knowing which ninjutsu to choose, or perhaps indifferent to the Scroll of Seals, focusing solely on mastering the White Fang's sword techniques.

When it was Yoichi's turn, he entered and began perusing the Scroll of Seals.

"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Water Release: Hard Vortex Water Blade."

From A-rank to S-rank forbidden jutsu, the scroll listed various ninjutsu, both elemental and non-elemental, but the ones Yoichi was most interested in weren't included, such as the Flying Thunder God Technique, Reanimation Jutsu, or the techniques learned by Orochimaru like Impure World Reincarnation and Eight Gates Technique.

If this wasn't a specifically modified Scroll of Seals, then those forbidden techniques were stored elsewhere, making them virtually inaccessible to Yoichi.

After a while, finding none of the techniques suited him, Yoichi closed the scroll and asked, "Hokage-sama, none of these techniques are quite right for me. Could I possibly choose a sealing technique?"

Hiruzen pondered before responding, "A sealing technique? The Scroll of Seals does list the Four Symbols Seal. Would that not suffice, Yoichi-kun?"

"It might not be suitable. If there's a slightly simpler sealing technique available, that would be preferable."

"Very well, then. I'll have the Sealing Team compile three B-rank sealing techniques for you. Would that be acceptable?"

"That would be more than sufficient. Thank you, Hokage-sama."

Yoichi, not one to fuss, readily agreed.

The techniques on the Scroll of Seals didn't quite match his needs. A-rank techniques were unnecessary, he already knew shadow clones, and the Eight Gates were less appealing than his constant state of Lightning Release Chakra Mode, not to mention the other genjutsus were less useful than the Sharingan.

After a thorough review, finding none suitable, he preferred to choose sealing techniques for Mina. After the Uzumaki Clan's fall, Konoha's sealing techniques undoubtedly ranked first, and Mina remembered few from her clan, with the Uchiha Clan possessing even fewer.

Choosing three B-rank sealing techniques was the best option.

Exiting, Yoichi asked Kakashi what ninjutsu he chose. After a moment, Kakashi responded, "The Art of Darkness, a genjutsu that obstructs vision. It's practical, isn't it, Captain?"

Yoichi gave the young white-haired boy a sidelong glance, slightly suspicious of his intentions.

This unexpected journey turned out quite profitable, not only securing a vast fortune but also unexpectedly acquiring three B-rank sealing techniques.

For a while, Yoichi planned to train within the village.

The three-tomoe Sharingan, Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and swordsmanship were his focal points.

As they were about to leave the Hokage Tower, Yoichi sensed someone approaching and turned to see Kushina, whom he had seen earlier at the entrance.

Approaching, Kushina bowed slightly and asked, "Hello, I'm Uzumaki Kushina. Is Uzumaki Mina temporarily staying at your place?"

"She's Uchiha Mina now. Whatever her name was before doesn't matter to me, but if she's in Konoha, she's only known as Uchiha Mina!"

Yoichi emphasized, considering Mina as part of his household despite her Uzumaki heritage.

"Alright, Uchiha Mina then. I'm her clanmate, and we knew each other as children. I got a bit excited hearing about her, so... could you let Mina visit me? Just as a guest."

Kushina asked, her head slightly bowed in plea.

Yoichi responded, "She's at Konoha Hospital; why don't you just go see her?"

Frustrated by her inability to visit, Kushina explained, "Due to certain reasons, I can't easily go to Konoha Hospital. Could you pass on a message?"

"Forget it, too troublesome. If you can't even go to the hospital, your status must be quite important. I suggest you ask the Hokage; he can decide on matters within the village."

Yoichi prepared to leave but was stopped again by Kushina, who pleaded with clasped hands, "I've already asked the Hokage, and he didn't agree. Please, it's been nearly ten years since Mina and I last saw each other."

"If the Hokage hasn't agreed, helping you might go against his orders, but—"

Yoichi almost refused but then remembered he hadn't used his daily theft ability yet, stopping mid-sentence to say, "I could pass on the message, but let's shake hands first."

"Shake hands?"

Kushina was puzzled, not understanding Yoichi's intent.

However, carefully observing Yoichi's demeanor, which seemed unlike the lecherous Jiraiya, and deciding a handshake was harmless, she agreed, "If it's just to pass on a message to Mina, then please do, Yoichi-san."

After saying this, still with a trace of doubt on her face, Kushina extended her smooth, fair hand.

Yoichi reached out and took her hand, ensuring her, "I'll make sure to pass the message. I won't interfere with Mina's decisions."

As they shook hands, Yoichi thought, "Opportunity for a daily theft, activate!"

(End of Chapter)