Chapter 28 - Second Year 04.

[Chapter Size: 1700 Words.]

Third Person POV

Konoha, Year 33.

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As the months unfolded, Minato solidified his position as the most prominent student in his class once again. His unmatched dedication and skill made him unbeatable in sparring and practical exams. In theoretical areas, Tsuna emerged as a formidable competitor, especially with her knowledge in medicine, a passion she cultivated under her mother's tutelage over the past months. However, even with her intensive studies and undeniable talent, Tsuna still remained in second place, with Minato maintaining the lead.

Minato's precision with kunais had also notably improved. He was now among the top five in his class in this skill. His status as the number one rookie was undisputable, and his reputation only grew with each new achievement.

Tsuna and Mikoto, too, had made significant progress, surpassing many of their peers thanks to the secret training with Minato. The three formed a formidable team, pushing each other beyond their limits and sharing techniques and strategies within their bounds. They had created an efficient system, sending clones to theoretical classes while dedicating their original bodies to intense training and personal improvement.

However, Minato had his doubts about how safe his secret was. He had noticed the presence of bugs at his training location and wondered if Professor Kuy Aburame was aware of his escapades with Mikoto and Tsuna. Despite never having confronted Minato or mentioned his suspicions, the uncertainty remained, leaving Minato cautious and always on alert.

With the money he had accumulated from his job, Minato had invested in additional weights and seals to enhance his training. These new tools not only increased the intensity of his sessions but also boosted his physical development and ninja skills.

When Madame Gorete inquired about how he had acquired these resources, Minato was honest. His revelation about using clones for both school and work surprised the old lady, but she didn't express many objections. She saw that, despite his unconventional tactics, Minato continued to excel academically and maintained an honest source of income. His impeccable performance and conduct reassured her, and she recognized that Minato was doing what he thought necessary to enhance his future potential.

The months followed, and Minato, Tsuna, and Mikoto continued their journey, each growing, learning, and overcoming challenges. As time passed, Minato noticed significant changes in his body. The rigorous training routine, combined with the weight seals and the development of his skills, was shaping him into an increasingly capable shinobi. He could feel his strength increasing, a testament to the latent potential residing in his young body.

However, he was conscious of his current limitations with his young age. At seven years old, his body was still developing, and more advanced techniques like the six styles of the navy were beyond his reach for now. Yet, this reality did not discourage him; on the contrary, it encouraged him to excel in other areas and prepare for the moment when he could learn these techniques.

On a day of practical class, Minato joined Tsuna and Mikoto at the academy. "Minato, what are you going to do?" Tsuna asked, curious about Minato's plans for that day.

"I'm going to study Fuinjutsu. I heard there are some beginner books in the library, so I plan to study that, in addition to some other chakra techniques," Minato responded with a thoughtful expression. He was always looking for ways to expand his knowledge and skills.

"Why haven't you used the library before? What's changed this time?" Mikoto inquired, noticing the change in Minato's approach.

"I'm developing my body and refining my chakra control. Now I can make three clones, but my seven-year-old body has a limit. I'll focus on absorbing knowledge while my body matures..." Minato explained.

"Well, I can't say you're wrong. That's why I'm studying a lot. My mother says this is the best time to read because later it's going to be much harder for all of us," Tsuna shared, agreeing with Minato's strategy. She was also taking advantage of this crucial period to absorb as much knowledge as possible under her mother's tutelage.

"Good for you. Most of my clan only have fire jutsu scrolls, it's hard to find anything useful," Mikoto said.

Minato, always the optimist and encourager, tried to cheer her up. "You should focus on your strengths. You can cast the shadow clone jutsu and even the fireball. At 7 years old, you're very cool, Mikoto." His tone was sincere, trying to highlight the impressive abilities that Mikoto already possessed.

"But I don't have as much chakra as you and Senju over there. I can only cast one clone, and I get tired quickly after launching a few jutsus," she murmured, expressing her frustration.

"But you have a powerful lineage; there are still positives in your blood. I heard that you Uchihas received the physical strength of Rikudou Sannin! Isn't that fantastic?" he encouraged, referring to one of the most legendary stories in the ninja world.

Tsuna, overhearing the conversation, showed her skepticism. "What story is that, Minato?" she murmured, clearly doubtful of the claim's veracity.

"It's true," Minato affirmed with conviction, not minding sharing one of the world's most important secrets with his friends.

Mikoto, skeptical, rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you're going to tell that fanciful story about a man who possessed the legendary Rinnegan and that his lineage divided into Uchihas, Senjus, and Uzumakis... You said you read this in a book, right?"

"Yes, and I believe in the book," Minato affirmed, even if he was slightly lying about the origin of his knowledge.

Tsuna, with her arms crossed, expressed her disappointment. "That's a children's story, Minato. I expected more from you, honestly."

"Whatever... I'm going to lunch, I'll send a clone to the library to see what I can find." He walked away, creating a clone that headed to the library while he himself went to the practical class.

The practical class that day went as usual, with Minato standing out among his peers. He ran the course with impressive agility and dexterity, finishing in first place once again. His precision with kunais was notable, hitting 85% of his targets, and in all the sparring, he emerged as the undisputed winner. His commitment and skill were evident, and he was quickly becoming an example for the other students.

As the class ended and the students began to disperse, a familiar voice caught Minato's attention. "Minato," called Professor Aburame, his voice calm but authoritative. Minato, a bit surprised, approached the professor while the other students continued to leave the room.

"Yes, professor..." Minato replied, maintaining a respectful posture and waiting to find out what had caught the teacher's attention.

"I've seen that you're interested in learning Fuinjutsu," Professor Aburame began, catching Minato completely off guard. The revelation left him momentarily speechless; only Tsuna and Mikoto knew of his interest in the art of seals and that he had sent a clone to the library.

"What? How did you know?" Minato couldn't help expressing his shock. The idea that his secret escapades and studies had been discovered was something he hadn't considered, despite some suspicions.

"Don't think that I don't know about your escapades throughout the year, Minato. You're a great student, but you still have a lot to learn, as you're only a 7-year-old child," the teacher continued, but there was a certain pride in his tone.

Minato waited, nervous, anticipating some form of punishment or reprimand. "So..." he murmured, uncertain of what was to come next.

"Then, I'm proud of you," the professor declared, to Minato's surprise. "Can you imagine how it is to split your chakra into four parts, creating three shadow clones? No genin should do that, but you do and stay all day with it. I was expecting something like this from a Senju like Tsunade's daughter, but you are surprising."

Minato felt a wave of relief and confusion. "So you knew about all my clones all this time?" he asked, still stunned by the revelation.

"Of course, I knew. I may seem like an ordinary chunin, but in the Aburames, we are specialists in tracking. I knew you were a clone in the second week of your escapades," Professor Aburame explained, his expression calm and inscrutable.

Minato, with a mix of anxiety and caution, stared at Professor Aburame, searching his eyes for any indication of what the future held for him. "What's going to happen to me now?" he asked, the concern evident in his voice.

Professor Aburame observed him closely before responding. "What do you want to do? You know I can recommend you for early graduation. You know how to use a forbidden jutsu, learning the other basic techniques should be quite easy for you," he said, presenting Minato with a path few had the opportunity to traverse.

However, he continued, as if he already knew Minato's answer before asking. "But I feel that you don't want that, do you?" The question was rhetorical, a confirmation of what he had already perceived about the young shinobi in front of him.

Minato hesitated for a moment before responding. "No, I don't want early graduation. I need to further increase my knowledge and improve my strength. I feel I wouldn't have the time I have now if I become a genin." His answer was firm.

"Even if it makes you famous? Graduating at 7 would make you have a famous name in the military records, I don't doubt you will break all the academy records, but graduating at 7 will open many doors for your future," Professor Aburame argued, presenting Minato with the tempting prospect of recognition and opportunities.

"Sorry, professor, but I'm not ready yet," Minato replied. He had his reasons, his own goals and ambitions that transcended the mere pursuit of fame or early recognition. Moreover, he wanted to be in the academy when Kushina arrived in the village, wishing to see the future Jinchuriki.

Understanding Minato's determination and thoughtful thinking, Professor Aburame nodded in approval. "I understand, I can relate to that. But I'll leave something for you," he said, taking out a basic Fuinjutsu manual from his clan. "I made sure to send a clone to my house and get it. I noticed your clone didn't find anything in the library, so here's a manual for beginners."

Minato, surprised, took the book. He quickly deactivated a clone to confirm Professor Aburame's words and discovered that indeed the library didn't have what he needed. "Thank you, professor!" he exclaimed, the joy evident in his voice as he held the manual.

"I'm counting on your bright future, Minato," Professor Aburame murmured, watching the young boy leave the room. He saw in Minato not just a talented student, but a shinobi who promised to shape the future.

With the manual in hand and a new sense of purpose, Minato left the room, his mind buzzing with the possibilities that Fuinjutsu could offer him.

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