Bab 138: 137- Minato's Offer
Minato returned the smile. "Likewise. How have you been?"
"I've been well," Renjiro said. "Just got back from some training and handling a few things with Fujioka-sama."
Minato nodded, clearly interested. "That sounds intense. How was the training?"
"It was... enlightening," Renjiro said, choosing his words carefully. He didn't want to reveal too much about his recent activities.
As Renjiro and Minato continued catching up, Teuchi returned with Renjiro's steaming bowl of miso ramen.
"Here you go, one large miso ramen," Teuchi said with a smile, before turning to Minato.
"And what can I get for you?"
Minato gave his order without hesitation. "I'll also have a large serving of miso ramen, but with extra pork, please."
Renjiro took note of Minato's order and thought to himself, 'I wonder if the love of miso ramen can be transferred genetically. Naruto loves miso ramen too.'
Breaking the silence, Renjiro commented, "I didn't know you loved eating out, Minato-san."
Minato chuckled at that. "Yeah, a majority of my pay from missions goes to ninja weapons like kunai and eating out."
Renjiro nodded in understanding. "I can understand stocking up on ninja weapons. But why do you spend so much on eating out?"
Minato grinned sheepishly. "It's always dangerous whenever I cook."
'Aaah! A similar man of culture like me.' Renjiro thought.
Renjiro chuckled, "That's also the case with me! The pans and pots need protecting from me."
Both of them laughed heartily, causing a few customers to glance their way.
"Regardless," Minato said, calming down a bit, "There's something comforting about eating at a place like this. It helps keep things in perspective."
Renjiro nodded, "Yeah, it's nice to take a break and enjoy the simple things. Besides, I hear Teuchi's ramen is the best."
Minato agreed, "Absolutely. I always come here whenever I can."
Their conversation continued as Teuchi brought Minato's order, placing the large bowl of miso ramen with extra pork in front of him.
"Here you go, Minato-san. Enjoy!"
"Thanks, Teuchi," Minato said.
Once Minato got his order, the two of them began to dig in. Between mouthfuls of ramen, Minato looked at Renjiro and said, "I heard from Kushina that you're in the Konoha force. How's that been for you?"
Renjiro took a moment to gather his thoughts before recounting the past seven months. "It's been intense, to say the least. I started in a new squad, and we've been through a lot of missions together. Lost Toda and Tobe, who were not just my squadmates but became close friends. That was tough."
"But I was offered the position of squad leader and I'm currently preparing for the required mission to be promoted."
Minato's face lit up, "That's amazing, Renjiro! Congratulations! I'm sure you'll pass that mission and get promoted in no time."
Renjiro felt a warm glow from Minato's encouragement. "Thanks, Minato. It means a lot."
Renjiro took a sip of his broth before asking, "So, how about you? What have you been up to?"
Minato nodded, "Nothing much, I've just been asked by the Hokage to become a jounin sensei. I'm about to take a few missions in the coming months before I rest and focus on that."
Renjiro feigned surprise, "Why did you agree to become a jounin sensei?"
He had been expecting this at some point and had even just met one of Minato's future team members. He was just surprised that it was so soon
'Aaah! No wonder Obito was Pestering Fujioka about new jutsus. I guess they are finally graduating from the Academy. I wish I could be allowed to see how they perform.'
Minato's eyes sparkled. "I feel like I can really make a difference by guiding the next generation. Plus, while I'm teaching them, I might also learn something valuable from them."
Renjiro couldn't help but smile at Minato's idealism. 'He's such a boy scout, so straightforward and glaringly good that it hurts just thinking about it. Maybe if Minato stayed longer as Hokage, things would have gotten better for Naruto and Konoha as a whole. Maybe I can make that happen.'
Minato then looked at Renjiro with a curious expression. "Have you ever considered becoming a jounin sensei yourself?"
'Nope, I can barely guide myself, so why would I bother with some kids? But I can't say that, can I?'
Renjiro immediately thought, his chopsticks paused in mid-air. "I haven't given it much thought, to be honest. My focus has been on my own training and missions."
"Besides, the possibility of me becoming a jounin sensei is too far in the future."
Minato shook his head, "That might not be the case. Right now, you're close to becoming a squad leader in the force just after joining them in less than a year. Soon, you might even be promoted to jounin."
Renjiro smiled but shook his head. "Becoming a jounin is way harder than becoming a squad leader. It's going to take more time."
Minato leaned forward, "You became a chunin earlier than I did, Renjiro. At this pace, you'll even become a jounin earlier too. I was 13 when I made jounin. You've got two more years to go."
'Yeah Right, how can I compete with a peerless genius like you? The only good thing that I have going for me is that I know the future.'
Renjiro couldn't help but laugh "Maybe. But I think I'll need every bit of those three years."
Minato then asked, "But after the force, what are your future plans, Renjiro?"
Renjiro paused, contemplating his answer.
'This is the second time someone else asked me that question, but I really haven't narrowed it down. Even if I did, I wouldn't tell anyone, it's better to keep them guessing.'
"I'm not entirely sure. For now, I just want to polish my skills and become powerful enough to protect what I love, especially after experiencing the death of my squadmates."
Though Renjiro's words carried a touch of exaggeration, there was a core of truth in them. He wanted to be strong enough to control his fate in this world, only then would he feel like he was living life.
Hearing Renjiro's answers, Minato was visibly moved. "You know, Renjiro," he began, "As I earlier said, I'll be taking my last missions for a while before focusing on my duties as a jounin sensei. How about joining me on those missions?"
Renjiro was pleasantly surprised. "Really? That sounds great. I'd love to."
'Going on a mission with a future Kage, sign me up! I need to witness his capabilities directly so that I have a standard I could measure myself to.'
Minato nodded. "It'll be good experience and training for your squad leader mission too."
Intrigued, Renjiro asked, "What's your team composition going to be like?"
Minato leaned back, tapping his chin. "I haven't put much thought into it yet. But I think a five-man team will be good. I can fill all the spots except one. Do you know someone who would be free to join us?"
'Someone? Most of the people I know of are chunins.'
Renjiro considered this and asked, "Would a chunin be fine?"
Minato agreed, "Yes, that would be perfect."
The two continued their conversation, discussing potential strategies and missions that they could take as they finished their meal.
As they were wrapping up, Minato said, "Once I have everything ready, I'll inform you when we'll start taking the missions."
Renjiro nodded, "I'll be looking forward to it."
With that, Minato stood up, paid for his meal, and waved as he left the ramen shop.
"Take care, Renjiro. See you soon."
Renjiro waved back, "You too, Minato."
Now alone, Renjiro began to ponder who he should recommend for the team.
'Now who should I ask? I feel like despite knowing a lot of people, there are only a few of them I'd trust in a mission. Wait! I think I should ask him. It's been a while since I saw him,' Renjiro thought.
'I should probably go visit his house.'
With his decision made, Renjiro paid for his meal thanked Teuchi, and left The shop with only one location in mind.
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