Chapter 23: CHALLENGING MINATO NAMIKAZE

______________________________________________

"Then, let's start training!"

Yuichi Yuichi leapt into the open space first.

The clearing wasn't small; it formed a circular area with a diameter of about 20 meters. Lush green trees lined the edges, creating a natural arena-like atmosphere.

Yuichi, gripping a wooden sword in both hands, began slashing at a nearby bush that stood as tall as a person. Watching this, Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth. 'Did I make a mistake giving this guy a wooden sword?' he thought.

Kakashi decided not to pay any attention to Yuichi's antics. He unsheathed his own wooden sword and began methodically slashing at a large tree, kunai and shuriken laid beside him for later use.

Meanwhile, Yuichi muttered to himself, "One day, I'll hold a real sword and cut down all the flowers in the world!"

For a boy, such a dream wasn't strange. With a stick in hand, every flower was a potential target.

As Kakashi trained seriously and Yuichi chopped away at the flowers, they failed to notice the blonde man crouching on a tree branch, watching them silently.

Namikaze Minato, hidden above, twitched the corners of his mouth as he observed Yuichi's ridiculous flower-slashing. 'Kushina's tribe... He really is like her.'

Minato's gaze focused on Yuichi's fiery red hair, and he couldn't help but recall a younger Uzumaki Kushina, the resemblance striking.

Minato had cleared this training ground during his own academy days, investing considerable effort into creating it. But since becoming a ninja, he rarely visited. This allowed Kakashi to discover and use it for his own training.

Upon hearing voices earlier, Minato had instinctively hidden in the trees. 'That's what it means to be a ninja,' he thought, much like Hatake Sakumo, who was also secretly observing the boys from elsewhere.

However, watching Yuichi recklessly chop at the flowers—the ones he and Kushina had planted—Minato couldn't stay hidden any longer.

Suddenly, he appeared behind Yuichi without a sound.

"What are you doing?" Minato asked calmly.

Yuichi, mid-swing, responded, "Of course, I'm— huh?"

Realizing something was off, Yuichi turned to see a yellow-haired figure standing behind him. Startled, he blurted out, "Brother Minato?! Why are you here?"

Minato blinked at the "Brother Minato" remark and, after a pause, pointed to his jonin vest. "When you see this vest, you should address me as Jonin."

Yuichi was taken aback and glanced over at Kakashi, who had come over due to Minato's sudden appearance. Carefully, Yuichi replied, "Is that how it works when you're outside?"

Minato sighed and shook his head helplessly. After glancing at Kakashi, he turned back to Yuichi. "What are you two doing here?"

"Obviously, we're here to train," Yuichi declared confidently.

Though Yuichi's boldness didn't waver, Kakashi, more aware of etiquette, quickly explained, "I found this open space earlier. It's perfect for training, so I've been using it. Did you open this place, Minato-senpai?"

Kakashi looked apologetic as he continued, "I'm sorry if we've intruded. We'll leave right away if we're disturbing you."

Kakashi's politeness stood in stark contrast to Yuichi's confidence. Minato glanced at Kakashi with a hint of amusement. "No, it's not an intrusion. But yes, I did create this spot."

After a brief pause, Minato added, "You're welcome to keep using it. Since I've become a ninja, I rarely come here anymore."

Kakashi, embodying his respect for hard work and tradition, bowed deeply. "Thank you very much."

Watching Kakashi and Minato's interaction, Yuichi stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hey, Brother Minato, can I challenge you?"

Minato was taken aback and pointed at himself. "Me?"

"Yes!" Yuichi nodded, his playful demeanor fading into seriousness. "I want to test my strength. If I don't know my limits, then training is meaningless."

Yuichi's determination even moved Kakashi. Though Hatake Sakumo regularly trained him, Kakashi had never thought to challenge a strong opponent in this way.

Minato smiled, his expression bright. "In that case, how about both of you attack me together?"

He had noticed Kakashi's eagerness and didn't want to leave him out.

"Okay!" Both Yuichi and Kakashi agreed without hesitation.

Minato was an elite jonin, and the opportunity to challenge such a skilled ninja, even if they lost, promised valuable experience.

The three stood still, making the seal of opposition. Minato remained motionless as Yuichi charged forward first, with Kakashi following closely behind, wooden sword in hand.

Minato's eyes gleamed with admiration. Use yourself as bait and let the other one strike... He had already noticed their strategy during their brief exchange.

"You're underestimating me a little," Minato muttered, dodging Yuichi's punch. In a smooth motion, he grabbed Yuichi's arm, spun around, and kicked him in the abdomen.

Yuichi was sent flying but managed to adjust mid-air, landing on his feet after a few backflips. Minato's admiration grew; Yuichi's agility and strength were impressive for his age.

At that moment, Kakashi swung his wooden sword. Though it was made of wood, it cut through the air with a sharp whooshing sound.

______________________________________________