Although Minato had already figured out the Third's intentions, he still feigned surprise.
After all, Kushina's identity was something he had relentlessly pursued from the Third and his mentor Jiraiya before regaining his memories.
Back then, obviously, he hadn't been qualified to access such a crucial village secret.
His mentor Jiraiya had also told him that one day, the Third would tell him everything himself — meaning Minato should wait until he possessed sufficient strength.
However, due to the restoration of his memories and the changes it brought, this timeline had accelerated significantly.
"Exactly what status does Kushina have?" Minato asked with a slightly trembling voice, merely playing along with the emotional atmosphere.
The Third's expression turned solemn as he spoke about the Nine-Tails and the entire village.
"Kushina holds extraordinary significance for our village," the Third said gravely.
Yet instead of immediately revealing Kushina's identity, he first explained to Minato that what he was about to say concerned not only the village's security but also Kushina's personal safety.
Minato naturally responded appropriately, appearing extremely attentive — which wasn't pretense, but genuine interest.
He already knew exactly where the Third was going with this.
First, the Third explained the matter of Tailed Beasts. Although Minato had considerable strength, according to the Third, his experience within the Ninja World remained quite limited.
From the Tailed Beasts themselves to the conflict between the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha, culminating in the decisive battle at the Valley of the End, and finally how Mito had sealed the Nine-Tails within herself, becoming the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
"Mito-sama was actually the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails?" Minato feigned astonishment, his expression suddenly changing dramatically as he continued, "Since Lady Mito has passed away, the current Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails wouldn't possibly be…"
Despite already knowing this information, Minato still needed to display an expression of making a guess. In truth, everything the Third had mentioned so far hadn't directly related to Kushina.
But considering all the details the Third shared and based on Kushina's heavy protection, Minato had ample reason to reach this conclusion.
"That's correct. Kushina is the second Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails!"
The Third spoke heavily, fixing his gaze on Minato's expression. The latter naturally appeared shocked, though what the former truly wanted to observe wasn't just these superficial reactions.
Minato deliberately paused as if letting it sink in, before finally speaking with genuine astonishment, "No wonder… Kushina…"
Soon afterward, Minato's expression became deeply conflicted as he added, "For this purpose alone, they brought her to Konoha like this. It's simply too unfair for Kushina!"
This sentiment truly came from Minato's heart. Yet he also knew that only descendants of the Uzumaki clan had the power to contain and restrain the Nine-Tails.
At this time, aside from Kushina, before Lady Mito passed away, Konoha had yet to find another suitable candidate.
"It's not fair. To protect the village, we had to place such a heavy burden on a little girl..." The Third sighed as well. "However, this was both Lady Mito's dying wish and Kushina's own choice."
Right now, Minato was of crucial importance to the village, so the Third needed to clearly explain everything to him. After all, he perfectly understood how much Minato cared for Kushina.
"Since Kushina deeply loves Konoha, I believe she can shoulder her choice. After all, everything is for the village." Minato knew the Third's concerns—he was worried that Minato might struggle to accept this moment easily. Therefore, Minato immediately responded reassuringly with these words.
This was Kushina's own choice, and naturally Minato would respect it.
"You actually thought of all this, huh? Hehehe." Upon hearing this, the Third smiled faintly.
Minato gave a firm smile and said, "This is our mutual promise. If I can risk my life to protect the village... then Kushina can do it too!"
These were two different methods of protection between them. Admittedly, Minato appeared to be fighting at the battlefield constantly facing life-threatening danger.
But what Kushina bears will last her whole life—a burden no battle he's ever fought could match.
To ordinary eyes, Minato was a war hero, but Kushina...
"Therefore, I want to thank you both for your sacrifices made for the village." At this moment, the Third even rose from his seat and solemnly said this to Minato.
Minato's expression startled momentarily. "Hokage-sama, we're not worthy of such gratitude! You've sacrificed far more for the village than we ever have. It should be us thanking you, not the other way around!"
The Third smiled while saying, "For the village, you two are its future. And now, I want to entrust this future solely to you."
Minato's eyes widened.
"I've already told you everything about Kushina being the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. I trust you know how to properly handle things with discretion. However... I also want to place Kushina's safety in your hands. I hope you can protect her, ensuring she never suffers harm from anyone. She already has given too much for this village." The Third locked eyes with Minato, his expression serious.
"Even without you saying this, I will do exactly that. Not just Kushina's safety—I will protect the entire village!"
Minato's tone rang firmly. Back then, he'd risked his life to save them both—and still, Kushina died. Villagers suffered heavy casualties under the Masked Man's manipulation of the Nine-Tails.
Collapsed buildings, bodies strewn everywhere, blood staining the earth crimson—he would never forget the horror of that scene...
This time, I won't let history repeat itself.
"Then I entrust it all to you!" The Third burst into laughter, feeling increasingly pleased with this apprentice-grandson of his.
...
"I heard you've been sparring with Sakumo recently?" Later, the Third began asking Minato about his recent activities.
Minato gave a bitter smile and replied, "Actually, there's too large a gap between me and Senior Sakumo. He's humoring me by practicing together—it wouldn't be accurate to call it sparring."
"Power must grow gradually. Only power accumulated through persistent cultivation is truly your own—it's like your developed ninjutsu," the Third instructed Minato. As the Doctor of Ninjutsu, he had also trained the legendary Konoha Sannin.
"Yes, Minato understands," Minato replied.
The Third asked, "By the way, have you completely perfected that ninjutsu you developed?"
He was looking out for Minato and eager to offer his guidance.
When it came to ninjutsu, the Third was naturally the greatest authority in the entire ninja world.
"Mm, basically complete."
"If you need anything, just let me know," the Third said. Wanting to fully nurture Minato's potential, he naturally needed to provide some resources.
After all, no matter how gifted Minato was, he came from a civilian background.
Hearing the Third's words, Minato's eyes lit up—actually, that was exactly what he had come to ask today.
"Well, actually... I'd like to borrow some books..."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>