Chương 38: Chapter 38
A few days prior, Jiraiya had responded to Hiruzen's inquiries, stating, "I didn't witness Sarutobi Shinnosuke's demise at the hands of the Second Kazekage."
This response fueled Hiruzen's suspicions to a staggering 99%, causing him to strongly believe that his eldest son had perished in Tatsuya's hands.
Given that Jiraiya hadn't personally witnessed it, the likelihood that Shinnosuke had died at the hands of the Kazekage was minimal.
The more plausible scenario was that Tatsuya was responsible for his death. Even if it wasn't the case, the association between Tatsuya and his son's demise fostered an intense loathing within Hiruzen.
If Tatsuya were privy to Sarutobi Hiruzen's current thoughts. Even if he were acquainted with the true nature of this elderly man. Tatsuya might find it impossible to resist the urge to knock some sense into the old man.
My brother rescued your son so you sent someone to cause trouble for him. Nearly managed to kill him and gave him a social death. Now I killed your son you still have a problem with it?
Imagine if he couldn't indulge in his habits before delivering the reprimand, what if he developed an insatiable craving for sweetness? Rescue would be futile, an unreachable endeavor. What recourse remained?
However, if Jiraiya had answered, "I never encountered Shinnosuke again during the mission," the certainty would be absolute at 100%.
Yet even the slightest deviation, a mere 1%, carried immense significance. Sarutobi Hiruzen's suspicions, regardless of their intensity, remained devoid of substantiating evidence.
Of course, Tatsuya's strength played a pivotal role.
Had the circumstances involved an ordinary Genin or even a Chūnin without unique connections? Silence would suffice; Anbu would merely be dispatched to apprehend the individual while they slumbered.
The Elders had ruled over the Konoha for nearly three decades. When had they required concrete proof?
"Hokage-sama."
As Hiruzen sat alone in the mansion's hallway, surrounded by solitude and emptiness. A swift figure plummeted dramatically into the courtyard.
The speed was nothing short of astounding, surpassing the capabilities of most Konoha Jōnin.
Thanks to his distinct shock of yellow hair, those familiar with him could easily discern his identity, despite the mask concealing his features.
Namikaze Minato, one of the current Anbu shinobi, went by the codename [Light]. Anbu was not merely Konoha's elite force but its incubator, nurturing prodigious talents.
Many of the village's original work prodigies—Namikaze Minato, Kakashi, Shisui, Itachi—had all spent time in Anbu.
Given Anbu's clandestine nature,
Once their masks no longer adequately concealed their renown, they would discard them, transitioning from Anbu to publicly recognized shinobi.
Hiruzen, however, had a distinct motive for placing numerous village prodigies within Anbu.
It was for indoctrination, or, put more bluntly, brainwashing.
A specialized environment existed for those most influenced by the Will of Fire. Joining Anbu might not guarantee great strength, but it ensured steadfast inheritance of the Will of Fire.
Residing within that environment,
Even if an individual had initially shown no interest in the Will of Fire, the surroundings would inevitably influence them over time. As for Namikaze Minato standing before him, the circumstances were even more pronounced.
At a mere 14 years old, a civilian with no distinguished lineage, he possessed abilities that elicited trepidation from ordinary Jōnin. Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but reflect on his own youth...
Correction, during his youth, he paled in comparison to the abilities displayed by Minato before him now.
Furthermore, Minato shares a close relationship with Uzumaki Kushina, the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.
For someone like Hiruzen, such a genius must be swayed to his side.
"How have your assigned tasks been progressing?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen swiftly shifted his focus away from the embarrassment of being ousted from the room by his wife earlier, his tone now solemn.
"Lord Hokage, Tatsuya-sama, and Master Sakumo truly live up to their reputations. Today's practice duels have been truly enlightening," sighed Minato, a touch of bewilderment in his voice.
"But, Hokage-sama, why do you wish me to monitor Tatsuya-sama?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen adopted an expression of concern, feigning a hint of distress as he spoke earnestly, "His demeanor is exceedingly perilous."
With a hint of emotion, he continued, "Have you not heard him speak before? He's a callous individual who willingly sacrificed his comrades to fulfill a mission, devoid of a true grasp of the essence of the Will of Fire."
"The Will of Fire embodies the concept that the older generation ignites their own lives to serve as the guiding light for the new generation. However, when, Shinnosuke, met his demise, Tatsuya opted not to intervene. Given his icy disposition, I believe a certain degree of surveillance is prudent."
The origin of Minato allowed him to be more malleable to the Will of Fire's influence. Still, Minato was taken aback by Hiruzen's words.
Sakumo had rescued his son, averting a potential tragedy and provoking reprimands from everyone. Now, however, Tatsuya was to be kept under surveillance rather than saving his son.
If saving him or not saving him were both ineffective, what path remained?
Of course, Minato confined these thoughts to his inner musings, fearful of voicing them aloud.
"Lord Hokage, there is another matter I must bring to your attention."
A thought suddenly occurred to Minato, and he relayed it to Hiruzen, "Master Jiraiya sought me out today, expressing his desire to take me on as his disciple. Thus, I wish to request a temporary suspension of my monitoring assignment for Tatsuya-sama in order to train under Master Jiraiya."
Hiruzen was momentarily taken aback by this revelation.
Among his three current disciples, Jiraiya was the sole one who exhibited unwavering enthusiasm towards the village and he even entertained the notion of grooming Jiraya as a potential successor to the Hokage mantle.
However, in comparison to Jiraiya, Sarutobi Hiruzen still held his own biological son, Asuma, in higher regard.
After all, the bond of blood takes precedence over that of discipleship.
Yet, to have Minato as Jiraiya's disciple...
Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his still-black beard, a smile gracing his features after a brief moment of contemplation.
"That is splendid news; you shall train alongside Jiraiya from now on."
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