C119(1)

"Minato, have you encountered any difficulties while practicing the Flying Thunder God Technique recently?"

After summoning Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen inquired about his progress with the Flying Thunder God Technique. The Third Hokage had been keeping track of Minato's missions, which were completed with remarkable success, but he wasn't sure how the technique itself was developing.

If Minato could master it in combat, Konoha could once again claim the title of having the fastest ninja in the world.

With the Flying Thunder God Technique, the Second Hokage, Tobirama, had been almost untouchable. For ordinary ninjas, there was no counter to the space-time ninjutsu, making it virtually unbeatable.

"I have encountered some issues, Third Hokage-sama," Minato began, scratching the back of his head. "I feel like the Flying Thunder God Technique's imprint, as designed by the Second Hokage, doesn't quite suit me."

"After two consecutive transfers, the imprint begins to fade, and by the fourth transfer, there's a noticeable lag. I've been trying to improve the Flying Thunder God imprint, but I'm missing a clear reference point for my adjustments."

Minato explained that he had only recently discovered this problem during a mission. The imprint created by the Second Hokage began to dissipate after a few transfers, which was not ideal for prolonged combat. 

If he constantly had to use new Flying Thunder God kunai in battle, it would leave him vulnerable—particularly against powerful opponents.

"The Flying Thunder God imprint might involve a combination of sealing and summoning techniques," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, nodding thoughtfully. "You should consult the sealing class for more insight. It's promising that you're considering improvements—after all, you're the only one in Konoha who has successfully replicated and used the Flying Thunder God Technique."

Sarutobi's eyes lit up as an idea struck him. "I'll speak to Uzumaki Kushina about this. Her sealing skills are unparalleled in Konoha. You two should discuss this—you're close in age, and it's time to put any previous misunderstandings behind you."

Minato's eyes brightened slightly at the mention of Kushina's name but quickly turned apprehensive. Despite his admiration for her abilities, he was nervous about how she might react. Even with an order from the Hokage, Minato worried she might refuse to help.

Forcing a smile, Minato replied, "I'll do my best, Hokage-sama."

Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to summon Kushina, Danzo walked in unannounced.

"Hiruzen," Danzo said curtly.

Danzo had been called by the Third Hokage to address a pressing issue. After the Fire Daimyo reduced Konoha's funding, Sarutobi Hiruzen had responded by slashing the budget allocated to the Root organization.

Now that war was looming, this move put Danzo in a difficult position. With the funding cuts, his Root members would be sent to the battlefield with limited resources, essentially treated as disposable soldiers.

Danzo's irritation was palpable, but Sarutobi Hiruzen maintained his calm demeanor. He had his reasons for cutting off funds to the Root, but how the confrontation unfolded next would determine their immediate strategy for the war.

Kunai, shurikens, armor, explosive runes, food pills, and medicines—those allocated by Mitokado Homura were not enough, and rest had to buy more himself.

Sarutobi Hiruzen put down his pipe and said to Danzo, "You're here, Danzo. Wait a moment. I'll talk to you after I deal with Minato."

Danzo wasn't in a hurry. After all, his business wouldn't be finished in a short time. Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, he leaned on his cane and sat down on the sofa beside him.

After a while, Anbu called Kushina over. As she walked into the Hokage's office, she immediately noticed two people she didn't like much in the room. One was Namikaze Minato, who had a tendency to stir up trouble with her relationship with the boss. 

The other was Danzo, Hokage's assistant, who Tsunade had warned her to stay away from. Kushina felt uncomfortable being in the same room with both of them.

"Hello, Hokage-sama," Kushina greeted Sarutobi Hiruzen, hoping the meeting would end quickly so she could return to the sealing class.

"Kushina, there's something I need your help with," Sarutobi Hiruzen began. "Minato encountered some problems with the sealing technique while practicing the Flying Thunder God Technique. I hope you can help him solve it during this time. This is also a task for you."

Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could finish speaking, Kushina shook her head decisively and refused.

"I don't want to take on this task. Hokage-sama, you should find someone else. The sealing technique of the sealing class leader, Sakura, is better than mine."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face darkened, but he continued to persuade her. "Kushina, Sakura may have more experience than you, but she's lacking in other aspects. Soon, you'll be fully qualified to become the new leader of the sealing class. Minato is also a village companion; he needs your help."

"Let him seek help from someone else. There are plenty of people in the sealing class," Kushina replied stubbornly.

No matter how much Sarutobi Hiruzen tried to convince her, Kushina refused to budge. Minato, standing to the side, looked embarrassed. He wanted to tell the Third Hokage to forget it, but didn't know what to say.

Danzo, stepping forward, spoke coldly, "Uzumaki Kushina, you are now a ninja of Konoha Village. Konoha has trained you for so long, and now it give you a task. Yet, you keep refusing. Do you still have Konoha's best interests at heart?"

Kushina, known for her fiery personality, was not one to back down easily. Though she could be soft in front of Kain, she had been trained step by step. In the past, she had spoken kindly, caring for others, and given gifts, only to be attacked by Cloud Shinobi at the same time. 

Back then, the whole village had treated her well, but Kain had been the only one who truly became her close friend.

She had always been soft yet resolute, especially when faced with opposition. Danzo's forceful tone only made her more determined to resist, and the rebellious fire in her echoed the chakra of the tailed beast within her.

"I said, I don't want to!" she shouted.

….

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