Chapter 32: The Promise

The once glaring sunlight had softened somewhat as Minato walked alone on the streets of Konoha, his mind weighed down.

Recently, he had been experiencing strange sensations, often feeling disoriented. 

Even earlier, he had uttered words contradicting his true feelings, brushing off his teacher Jiraiya's concern.

"Who is she, exactly?"

Minato had hoped to obtain information about Kushina from Jiraiya, to determine the cause of his recent abnormalities - the identity of the red-haired woman appearing in his consciousness. Because everything seemed to originate from the first time he met Kushina.

Whenever he thought of Kushina, Minato's heart grew heavy, his emotional outbursts all due to her presence.

He vividly recalled the words that slipped from his lips after knocking Akasaka away: "No one is allowed to bully her!"

Despite their first meeting and unfamiliarity, Minato could clearly sense his willingness to risk everything for that promise - even his own life.

"I'm sorry, Jiraiya-sensei." Minato gradually cleared his mind. Since he had already brushed off his teacher, there was no need for further meaningless explanations or excuses.

Perhaps this would all become clear once he truly had the right to learn about Kushina's circumstances.

For now, the only thing he could do was strengthen his own abilities.

However, he had already promised Jiraiya to follow the three rules set for him. Given his current physical condition, regular training was not advisable. 

This was also Jiraiya's wish - to avoid recklessly exhausting his potential through excessive exertion. The path to growth required a gradual progression, not forcing himself beyond his limits.

With these thoughts, he arrived back home.

"I might as well practice hand seals then." Recalling Jiraiya's words about a ninja's fundamental attributes, he had already worked on physical speed and reflexes today.

The only remaining aspect was practicing to increase his hand seal speed.

This type of training had no particular method, only repetition to improve proficiency.

Hand seals were a special means of releasing ninja techniques and channeling chakra. In battle, the speed of forming seals could sometimes decide victory or defeat.

After all, one's opponent would not provide ample time to prepare the necessary seals.

While Minato excelled in speed, his hand seal formation was still far from optimal. So for the remaining time, he practiced seals in his room until the sky outside grew dark.

After hours of continuous practice, Minato shook out his cramped palms and arms, finally concluding his day's training.

The next day, before dawn broke, a slender figure was already weaving through Konoha's streets.

Minato had risen an hour earlier than usual, running ten laps around the village.

He scheduled Jiraiya's assigned twenty daily laps before and after school hours.

After completing the morning portion, with time still early, Minato returned home to wash the sweat from his face.

Today, he finished his laps faster since the amount was halved and split into two sessions. To make progress, he had to give his full effort.

Upon arriving at the Ninja Academy, the classroom was still empty, though Minato was accustomed to this.

Shortly after he entered, someone else walked in as well.

Minato looked up to see Uchiha Homura, who had not attended class for several days.

Initially, Minato's expression became guarded when he saw him – during their last encounter, Homura had not only used Kushina but had nearly injured other students in his attempt to fight Minato.

However, Homura did not exude his usual arrogance this time. As those black eyes met Minato's gaze, there was an air of bewilderment – an expression never seen on Homura's face before.

Minato stood up, the two facing each other across several rows of seats, as if squaring off.

Finally, Minato eased his expression first, his features softening as he asked, "Have you been alright lately?"

After Homura had nearly harmed the students during their last fight, it was said the Third Hokage had handed him over to the Uchiha clan for disciplining.

While Minato understood this was a form of protection, according to Mikoto, Homura had indeed received severe punishment – not for nearly injuring his classmates, but for losing to Minato.

However, Minato did not consider it a personal victory and harbored no prejudice against Homura, despite his wariness.

Minato's inquiry caused ripples in Homura's expression. He had expected resentment from the other boy, given the underhanded tactics used to force their fight.

But he did not anticipate Minato's first words upon their reunion to be an expression of concern!

Homura could sense the sincerity in Minato's words. However, true to his nature, even if Minato said he was fine, Homura would never admit it.

Understanding his personality, Minato did not take offense.

Seeing Homura had no intention of picking a fight, Minato decided to leave him be.

"Last time, you won!" As Minato was about to sit back down, Homura's gaze fixed on him as he spoke.

Minato wanted to clarify the outcome of their fight, but before he could, Homura's expression reverted to his usual demeanor.

"But that doesn't mean I, Uchiha Homura, lost to you. Next time, I'll defeat you!" His eyes burned with the desire for battle, accompanied by a confident smile befitting a strong ninja.

Perhaps infected by Homura's fighting spirit, Minato's blue eyes also reflected an unyielding resolve.

"Then I'll be waiting for our next battle. Next time, we'll have a fair fight to determine the winner!"

While disliking conflict, having an opponent like Homura constantly pushing him served as motivation for Minato's training.

Although unsure when their next match would take place, Minato felt a sense of anticipation.

The two exchanged glances before Homura turned and exited the classroom, coincidentally running into Kushina, who had just arrived.

Upon seeing Homura, Kushina's brows furrowed slightly as she instinctively took a step back.

Homura cast her a dismissive glance before returning to his own classroom.

(end of chapter)