Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 64: Team 7
Hiruzen had long been interested in Namikaze Minato. He had noticed the boy potential early on after reading his academic reports at the Academy. Even among the top students, Minato intelligence and chakra control stood out, he also are a genius even when facing the other classmates from the clan such as Hyuga and Uchiha.
Non of the Hyuga or Uchiha clan manage to beat him even once, one aspect that stood out the most he is clanless. Although he had surname but that is alien surname and didn't connect with any Clan in the village.
It is not just him, even Danzo as usual had detected him at academy and try to recruit the promising young talent into his Root Division. But Hiruzen intervened immediately, forbidding it. He had no intention of letting another prodigy fall into Danzo Root division.
A few months ago, when Jiraiya returned from Mount Myōboku, he too suddenly became curious about Minato and wanted to become his master. Hiruzen had asked him what drew his attention, but Jiraiya only smiled mysteriously and changed the subject. Hiruzen didn't press further, though it intrigued him deeply.
Now, with both Danzo and Jiraiya showing interest in the same student, Hiruzen knew exactly what to do. Minato was his chess piece and he intended to use him wisely.
In his mind, he had already crafted the perfect plan, to make Minato a bridge between the Uzumaki and the village, perhaps even a beauty trap for Raiken younger sister. If the young man managed to get close to Kushina, it could help secure a stronger tie between Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan.
Orochimaru already had his own student, Nawaki, so the next step was clear. Hiruzen decided Jiraiya would lead the new team, a new generation of Team 7 after, Tsunade Team 7 trio. This new team is composed of Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Maruku and Uzumaki Kushina.
Later that evening, Hiruzen summoned Jiraiya to his office. The White haired Jiraiya entered with his usual casual stride, a grin on his face.
"You called for me, sensei?" Jiraiya asked.
Hiruzen handed him a draft file. "Yes. Take a look at this, a new genin team I've approved."
Jiraiya opened the file and skimmed the contents. His expression immediately changed when he saw the names. "Team 7… Minato, Kushina, and Maruku? Wait, wait, wait.... hold on, old man! You're putting two Uzumaki girls with Minato?"
"Yes," said Hiruzen calmly, puffing his pipe. "I think it will be a good experience for all of them."
Jiraiya frowned. "Sensei, I only wanted to train Minato. He's got the potential to become something great. But you're asking me to teach three rookies? That's not my style."
Hiruzen leaned back, smiling faintly. "Then perhaps I should assign Minato to someone else. Danzo, perhaps?"
The room fell silent for a few seconds. Jiraiya jaw tightened, his earlier grin fading instantly.
"You wouldn't…"
"Oh, I would," Hiruzen said with a knowing look. "Even Danzo has been asking for Minato since the Academy days. You know what happens to his recruits, trained like machines, emotionless, hollow. If you don't take this team, I might reconsider my decision."
Jiraiya let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're really good at emotional blackmail, you know that?"
"I prefer the term persuasion," replied Hiruzen with a chuckle.
To be honest Jiraiya didn't know that danzo had been dismissed from his position, he was too busy finding content for his new books, casually teaching Minato and give some tips and try to win Tsunade Heart by becoming pervert, thought it was failed miserably because Jiraiya didn't know how to flirt with woman.
After a moment of silence, Jiraiya gave in. "Fine, I'll take them. But don't expect anything from me. Especially not if those two Uzumaki girls are as fiery as I've heard."
"They are," said Hiruzen with a small grin. "That's why you're the perfect teacher for them."
Jiraiya rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. "You really enjoy watching me suffer, don't you, old man?"
"Only when it benefits the village," replied Hiruzen, puffing his pipe again. "Consider this your next mission, Jiraiya.... guide them well."
Jiraiya shook his head as he left the office, muttering under his breath. "With this I can't focus with my new novel, after Minato, now red-haired… you really know how to test my patience, sensei."
He only wanted to teach Minato because Minato fit the description the man who fit the description of the child of prophecy.
When he was in Mount Myoboku, he had heard from them why they are letting him to learn sage mode. The first reason is because he was being prophesized as someone who will guide Yellow Haired brat who have blue eyes and this child is the one who will bring peace.
They said the elder toad would sometimes dream about future but this ability is actually travelling into another parallel universe.
The frogs were confused and Jiraiya believed every word they said. That was why, after returning from Mount Myōboku, he began searching for the boy who fit the description given in the prophecy.
It took him more than three days of silent observation to confirm the boy personality from afar. Every movement, every gesture, every spark in the boy eyes convinced him further.
One word could describe Namikaze Minato... sunny. He was likeable, intelligent, and popular among both teachers and students. His presence alone seemed to brighten the room. Jiraiya felt certain that Minato was the Child of Prophecy the great toad had spoken of.
He didn't tell Hiruzen about this revelation, only Jiraiya, he himself knew the true reason why he wanted Minato under his guidance.
With a heavy sigh and a thoughtful expression, Jiraiya finally turned around and left the office, closing the door behind him.
As the wooden door clicked shut, Hiruzen allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. The soft evening light filtered through the window, casting a golden glow across the Hokage desk.
"Now," he murmured softly, gazing out the window toward the Hokage Monument, "let's see what kind of future this new Team 7 will create."
Author Notes: To read advanced chapter you can go to my patreon.
Chapter 92: Compensation
Chapter 93: Madara Regret
Chapter 94: Awaken Sharingan
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