---Ryouma's POV---
"I roughly understand the situation now."
I rested my chin on one hand, deep in thought.
Originally, I had planned to give the Rasengan to Minato, but it turned out that he had already figured it out on his own.
And I found it somewhat funny that he asked forgiveness for a technique that, in the original timeline, was his own creation.
"Minato-sama, you only watched Rin use the Rasengan and then recreated the technique on your own. From my perspective, there's no need to apologize to me for something like this. So, you don't need to feel guilty, and Rin, you shouldn't worry about it either. I forgive both of you."
In fact, the shinobi world operated by different principles.
In a place where strength determined status, creativity and adaptation were highly valued.
If person A observed person B's jutsu and then mastered it independently, no accusations of theft would follow. Instead, the community would praise person A's extraordinary talent and perceptiveness.
It was simply that Minato couldn't get past his own sense of integrity, which is why he apologized to Rin and me.
In a world where assassination and deception were standard practices, his moral compass was refreshingly anomalous—probably why he would eventually be chosen as Hokage.
Hearing my forgiveness, they both visibly relaxed.
"Thank you, Ryouma. By the way, you don't need to call me 'Minato-sama' anymore; Minato is fine," Minato sincerely said.
"How can that be? You're the Yellow Flash and also Rin's teacher."
"Then just call me Captain Minato."
"Eh? Captain?" I was confused by this sudden title.
"You'll understand tomorrow," Minato said with a mysterious smile and a wink. "Back to the main topic. The Rasengan has been incredibly helpful to me. Is there anything I can do for you, Ryouma?"
"You don't owe me anything, really," I responded, genuinely surprised by the offer.
"I disagree," Minato insisted. "In the shinobi world, techniques are currency. I've gained something valuable from you, even if indirectly."
"Alright, let me think."
It felt as if we were playing an RPG simulation game, where I had to select a reward.
Option A: Ask for training.
Option B: Request a technique.
Option C: Demand political favor.
The cursor hovered between choices in my mind.
"I'm quite interested in sealing techniques. If possible, please teach me any sealing technique."
I remembered that Minato had inherited the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques. This wasn't just opportunism—fuinjutsu represented a significant gap in my abilities, one that could prove crucial in future conflicts.
I originally had no intention of leveraging the Rasengan to gain anything from him.
So when I said "any sealing technique," I genuinely meant it literally.
"Sealing techniques, huh? I understand. I have one that suits you well. However, this technique wasn't created by me, so I'll need some time to get the original creator's permission. But I don't think it will be a problem," Minato said seriously.
"I understand completely. Thank you for considering it," I replied respectfully.
I naturally had no objections.
Minato truly was a kind person. It seemed he had no intention of casually handing over a random sealing technique. The original creator he mentioned was likely Kushina, the last direct heir of the Uzumaki clan.
After explaining everything, he excused himself and left.
Minato was indeed busy, and as the Yellow Flash, his presence might have made us younger ones feel less at ease.
Once Minato was out of sight, Obito immediately exclaimed, "Ryouma, since you just arrived, why don't we take a tour around? You probably don't know this, but Asuma and Kurenai are also at this camp!"
"Ah, sure," I replied absentmindedly.
"You're not listening!" Obito persisted. "I said Asuma is here! Don't you want to see the look on his face when he finds out you're on special assignment with the Yellow Flash?"
"Special assignment?" I focused on him now. "I haven't agreed to anything yet."
"But Minato-sensei said—"
"He said Ryouma would understand tomorrow," Kakashi interrupted. "Stop jumping ahead."
"You were right, Ryouma! There are rivers in the desert, and even lakes! But I haven't seen the mirages you mentioned yet." Rin excitedly shared her recent battlefield experiences with me.
That was something I had told her long ago, back when we were too young to attend school. I never expected her to remember, let alone look for them.
Meanwhile, Kakashi began complaining about the numerous times Obito had messed up missions after their team was formed.
"I'm starting to suspect this idiot deliberately steps on traps as soon as he sees them."
"Hey! Don't get too cocky!"
---
The next morning, I emerged from my tent full of energy, stretching and rolling my shoulders.
After breakfast with Shiori and Inoichi, a ninja jogged over to me and said, "Aotsuki Ryouma, please report to the command center. The Commander has requested to see you. Immediately, if possible," he stated formally.
Having delivered the message, the ninja hurried off, already focused on his next task. Efficiency was important in wartime, and this messenger knew better than to waste it on unnecessary conversation.
Although I didn't exactly know why I was specifically summoned by the higher-ups, I didn't have the authority to refuse.
"I believe the Commander is Lady Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin," Inoichi said.
Shiori frowned and asked, "Why would she want to meet you? Have you had any prior interactions with her?"
"Not that I can recall." Aside from when my father had asked her to treat my mother, I didn't have any direct connections with her. And that incident wouldn't warrant a personal summons from someone of her status.
"In any case, I'll go and see what this is about." I shrugged as I spoke.
---
On the way to the command center, I habitually used my sharp senses to survey the inside of the headquarters.
Wow, there are quite a few notable people here. I spotted Jiraiya, Minato, Tsunade, Shikaku, and Inoichi among the group.
The guards at the entrance vetted me thoroughly, checking identification and confirming my summons.
After he announced my arrival, I was granted permission to enter.
"Konoha genin, Aotsuki Ryouma, reporting for duty." Despite the familiar faces present, I maintained a formal demeanor, quite unlike my casual behavior with Obito and the others.
In this context, rank and protocol mattered.
"At ease, Ryouma," said Tsunade, seated at the head of the room with her hands clasped under her chin. "In the escort mission report, it was noted that you can perform a wide-range S-rank Wind Release technique."
Though her words were phrased as a question, her tone was confident without being overbearing.
Perhaps my natural fondness for this character or Tsunade's commanding presence made her seem approachable despite her authoritative aura. Of course, it might also have something to do with her... impressive stature.
And by stature, I meant status, obviously.
As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she was recognized as a princess by the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, earning her the title "Lady Tsunade."
"Yes," I replied honestly. "The technique is called Rasenshuriken. However, I haven't seen other S-rank techniques to compare it to, so I can't confirm whether it truly meets the power standard of an S-rank jutsu."
"There's no need for humility here," Tsunade retorted bluntly. "You see that blond-haired guy over there? You've probably heard of him, haven't you? That's Minato." Tsunade asked, gesturing toward him.
Minato gave an awkward smile and nodded toward me, seemingly uncomfortable with the introduction given our previous meeting.
I also nodded. "Of course, I know him. Who doesn't?"
Tsunade slammed her hands on the table, the wood creaking slightly under the controlled impact.
"Good. Then I don't need to introduce him further. The village is assigning you to form a strike squad with Minato. He'll handle mobility with his Flying Thunder God, while you'll use your Wind Release to destroy critical infrastructure in the Suna camps."
"Intelligence has identified three key supply depots supporting Suna's northern offensive. Conventional forces would require a full battalion to breach their defenses."
"But with Minato's space-time ninjutsu and your area-effect technique, you can strike with minimal risk and maximum impact."
No wonder Minato mentioned yesterday that I might end up calling him 'Captain.' Looked like the village leaders decided how to make use of my jutsu after reading the escort mission report.
The plan made tactical sense.
But there was a downside. If I worked closely with Minato, Rin's safety risk would spike.
Proximity to a key player like the Yellow Flash could increase the likelihood of becoming entangled in his fate. Minato was destined for greatness and tragedy. Getting too close to his orbit meant potentially being drawn into those same currents.
I wasn't really keen on accepting this mission. But I couldn't do much about it.
During wartime, ninjas didn't have the right to refuse orders from above. Even if the village assigned a genin to assassinate a Kage from another village—no matter how absurd—it couldn't be declined.