Minato Namikaze's teaching was extremely serious—and extremely strict.
The level of strictness was completely beyond Natsuhiko's expectations. He realized that Minato wasn't just instructing him casually; he was teaching him as if he were a true disciple.
What's going on here?
Natsuhiko was baffled.
He had known Minato would teach him wholeheartedly—after all, he had handed over so much intelligence so candidly.
Even if Minato still needed to personally verify the information—since it involved far too many sensitive matters—receiving careful instruction in return had been expected.
But now, this wasn't just careful instruction.
This was practically teaching without holding anything back.
Although Natsuhiko found the phrase a bit cringeworthy—coming from modern times where such expressions had long been overused—that was indeed Minato's current attitude.
He kept nothing in reserve.
He started from the most fundamental sealing techniques, and during breaks, he would even explain insights about the Flying Thunder God Technique.
For Natsuhiko, such teaching was almost unimaginable.
Although his sealing progress was still somewhat frustratingly slow, he felt that he was close to completing the first stage of sealing.
It's just a matter of when. Maybe a month. Maybe longer. Natsuhiko thought silently.
With his cheat ability, once he successfully performed a technique, it would be equivalent to fully mastering that stage.
But first, he actually had to succeed in performing it.
And so far—he hadn't.
It wasn't that he hadn't tried.
He had attempted a sealing once before—but due to various issues, it ultimately failed.
My grades in sealing technique are less than ideal... he joked to himself.
Unfortunately, while his performance was lacking, there was no kindly landlady to offer encouragement.
...
The three days passed quickly.
Although Natsuhiko's sealing progress wasn't ideal, his theoretical knowledge had greatly expanded.
Combined with Minato's careful instruction, he had even gained a surprisingly solid understanding of the Flying Thunder God Technique—despite barely having practiced it yet.
It could be said that Natsuhiko was almost fully prepared.
He simply lacked the right moment—the east wind had yet to arrive.
And over these three days, Minato's attitude toward me has changed somewhat.
Natsuhiko was good at reading people. With his perceptive abilities—and aided by his sensory skills—he could detect even subtle shifts in demeanor.
Over the past three days, Minato's attitude had indeed changed, even if only slightly.
Natsuhiko suspected that Minato had already verified part of the intelligence he provided through his own channels.
He wasn't sure which part had been confirmed—but it didn't matter.
No matter which aspect it was, it worked in his favor.
Even if there were minor inaccuracies, they were within acceptable limits.
After all, Natsuhiko had never claimed his intelligence was one hundred percent accurate.
"Alright, Natsuhiko. This round of instruction will have to end here."
As the sun set, Minato looked at Natsuhiko with a gentle smile.
The three-day break had ended, and Natsuhiko needed to report back to the ANBU. Naturally, their lessons had to pause for now.
Over these three days, Minato's impression of Natsuhiko had indeed shifted considerably.
First, he had confirmed the authenticity of some of the intelligence Natsuhiko had provided.
Learning these rather shocking truths had made him deeply uncomfortable.
But knowing them also allowed him to more clearly understand his own position—and the situation he was truly in.
Even if not all the information had been fully verified yet, Natsuhiko had proven his value.
Minato clearly understood that he genuinely needed Natsuhiko's assistance.
Second, Minato had begun to feel a sense of appreciation for talent.
Natsuhiko's foundational theoretical knowledge of sealing techniques was extremely solid.
It was obvious the boy had put in considerable effort behind the scenes.
Even though he hadn't yet successfully completed a sealing technique, Minato considered that entirely normal.
Sealing techniques were fundamentally different from other ninjutsu.
Their complexity far exceeded most other techniques.
Minato clearly remembered that when he had first learned sealing techniques, it had taken him a full month to complete his first successful seal.
And back then, Kushina had personally taught him.
Even so, his own performance had been terrible.
That alone showed just how difficult sealing techniques truly were.
If Natsuhiko could truly learn and master the Flying Thunder God Technique, then from Konoha's perspective—without any personal bias—it would absolutely be a good thing.
Konoha was indeed too weak right now.
Since Natsuhiko had the talent, and Minato was willing to teach him, it only made sense.
"Thank you for your instruction, Lord Hokage."
Natsuhiko smiled and then bowed deeply.
"Without your guidance, I definitely wouldn't have progressed so quickly. Thank you."
"It's nothing. After all, you are a shinobi of Konoha, aren't you?"
Minato spoke earnestly as he patted Natsuhiko's shoulder.
"If... I mean, if the opportunity arises, I would be honored to officially be your sensei."
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Hokage."
Natsuhiko immediately understood the meaning behind Minato's words and replied softly with a smile.
"If the opportunity arises, I will certainly call you 'Sensei.'"
If the opportunity arises.
Clearly, now was not the time.
Minato had not yet completely confirmed Natsuhiko's true thoughts or motivations.
And Natsuhiko himself harbored other intentions—he wasn't necessarily determined to tie himself to Minato's ship either.
No one knew when that opportunity would come.
Perhaps soon.
Perhaps never.
"Before I leave, let me give you something."
Minato walked to a large tree and pressed his palm against it.
As chakra surged, Natsuhiko clearly saw a Flying Thunder God formula appear on the bark.
However, the mark wasn't complete. It was only the most basic, original version—without any personal modifications.
Yet Natsuhiko's eyes lit up slightly.
He knew Minato wasn't simply showing him the mark—he was demonstrating the sealing technique behind it.
"This sealing technique is the foundational formula for the Flying Thunder God," Minato said with a smile.
"You can study this sealing method. I believe it will be very useful to you."
"Thank you very much, Lord Hokage!"
Natsuhiko's smile turned bright and genuine. This sealing formula was indeed extremely useful to him.
"Then I'll take my leave for now," Minato continued calmly. "When you next have time off, we'll meet again."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Natsuhiko nodded with a smile.
Minato was not one for unnecessary words.
He gave a slight nod, and in the next instant, his figure vanished like a ghost—disappearing as though he had never been there at all.
The Flying Thunder God Technique…
Natsuhiko watched the scene unfold. It would be impossible not to feel tempted.
But he also knew that right now, it wasn't something he needed to obsess over.
The future is promising.
Stretching lazily, he sat down against the tree. After a full day of training, he was feeling a bit tired.
However, what he absolutely did not expect was that as he leaned against the tree to rest, the system in his mind suddenly stirred.
[Special Attribute Plant detected. Analyzing...]
[Analyzing data... Basic Sealing-Type Seed discovered.]
"…"