Setting the chakra metal aside, Yuki Seisui began practicing tree climbing with Minato.
The techniques for climbing trees and walking on water were clearly explained in the anime, they involved manipulating the chakra's repulsive and attractive forces to adhere to surfaces via the soles of one's feet. It allowed one to stand upright on a tree trunk or walk across water. This was also an effective method to train chakra control.
The two of them fell and got back up repeatedly. Even Might Duy, who was still running laps around the village, would pass by occasionally. Each time he saw their dedication, his eyes would welled up with tears and he'd shout, "That's the power of youth!"
==========
The next morning, Minato walked down the village street, cheerfully greeting people along the way.
"Good morning, Minato!" an old lady called out with a kind smile.
"Good morning, Grandma Eimi," Minato replied with his usual brilliant grin. In the soft morning sunlight, his golden hair shimmered, and he looked like a small sun himself, warming everyone around him with his radiant presence.
"Off to find Seisui again?" she asked warmly.
"Yup!" Minato nodded firmly. He made it a habit to pick up Seisui every morning for training. At first, it was just a few wake-up calls, but over time, it became routine since Seisui had trouble getting up early.
"Seisui might not be home right now," Grandma Eimi said, patting Minato's spiky hair. "I saw him heading toward the blacksmith's shop earlier."
"You should try it there."
"Okay!" Minato nodded again. Now that she mentioned it, he remembered Seisui saying something yesterday about forging a pair of blades. He had completely forgotten. "Thanks, Grandma Eimi! I'll go find him now!"
With that, he ran off toward the blacksmith's.
Grandma Eimi chuckled and shook her head. "That boy..."
==========
By the time Minato arrived, Seisui was just stepping out of the shop. Surprised to see him, Seisui blinked and asked, "Minato?"
"You came just in time. What kind of blade do you want?"
He grabbed Minato by the arm and pulled him back inside.
"I was planning to make a second blade identical to mine, but since you're here, we can forge it to your liking."
Minato looked around, a little puzzled. The shop was small but fully equipped.
"Uncle Hayata, I'm back again!" Seisui called out.
The blacksmith looked up from his work, set down his hammer, and grinned. "Back so soon, Seisui?"
"My friend's here. Let's base the second blade on what he wants."
"Is that so?" Hayata looked at Minato and nodded. "Sure thing."
Minato was still a bit lost, but then he followed Seisui's gaze and spotted the block of metal near the forge, it was the same black lump from yesterday.
Uncle Hayata had no objections. After all, customers came first. And one who casually brought in a chunk of chakra-conductive metal? That was practically a godsend.
As someone aspiring to become a master smith, this was an irresistible opportunity.
Noticing the confusion on Minato's face, Seisui chuckled and said, "Don't underestimate Uncle Hayata."
"He's a man destined to become a legendary master!"
"Hahaha! You've got an eye for talent, Seisui!" Uncle Hayata laughed heartily, then turned to Minato. "Minato, huh? Don't worry, I've never had a bad review on any ninja tool I've made."
He puffed up with pride.
"Even some Jonin buy their gear from me."
"Whoa, cool!" Minato exclaimed. "I'd just like two kunai, please."
In Minato's mind, Seisui might have had some inheritance, but he still needed to be careful with money. Since Minato had saved up a bit himself, he figured he'd pay for his own gear and give Seisui the money later.
"Kunai, huh?" Hayata rubbed his chin and nodded. "Sure. Come pick them up in three days."
"Thanks, Uncle Hayata!"
Seisui gave a satisfied nod, thanked Hayata, and then he and Minato left together, heading for the Ninja Academy.
It was only a little past seven in the morning, and classes started at nine. Along the way, they bought a few sticks of tri-colored dango and snacked as they walked. Minato suddenly asked curiously, "Hey, Seisui, why did you decide to have your gear forged?"
"Can't you just buy stuff from a ninja tools shop?"
It was a fair question. Most ninjas bought their tools from established stores. Commissioning a custom piece was more of a niche practice.
But Seisui didn't explain. Instead, he smiled mysteriously. "You'll see soon enough."
Chakra-conductive weapons were far superior to ordinary ones.
==========
Eventually, the two arrived at the Ninja Academy.
Having already passed the entrance assessment, all they had to do now was wait for class assignments and attend the entrance ceremony.
Standing on the school's open field, Seisui and Minato stayed side by side while the other students grouped off into clusters here and there.
"Where the Will of Fire burns, the leaves of Konoha will never stop dancing. This flame will light our village and nurture new growth!"
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stood on a high platform delivering his speech.
But while his peers were fired up by the Will of Fire, Seisui harbored a different ideal in his heart.
The Will of the Pot.
The first Pot Kage had a philosophy of modesty and hidden strength, one who remained in the shadows to protect the village quietly. Like a pot in every home where smoke rises, it burns with hidden flame to bring warmth and happiness, even as it becomes blackened and could never be washed clean. That was the Will of the Pot.
Though... at this point in time, the Pot Kage hadn't fully turned to the dark side yet, right?
Seisui mused internally, but on the outside, he looked every bit the wide-eyed new student inspired by the Third's words. If you didn't know any better, you'd think he was just another impressionable youth soaking up Konoha's ideals.
Around him, the fresh batch of students were all stirred with excitement. Like Seisui, they wore faces filled with awe and determination.
But compared to them, Seisui and Minato stood out clearly, they carried themselves with maturity beyond their age. Hiruzen noticed the two of them more than once during his speech and thought to himself:
Looks like the new leaves have started to grow.
Sensei, I'll take Konoha to even greater heights.
When he looked at Minato, Sarutobi couldn't help but think of Jiraiya.
So this is the orphan Jiraiya brought back…? He's growing up well.
Indeed, Minato was taken in by Jiraiya, and his surname had even been chosen by the Sannin himself.
==========
As the speech ended, Minato exhaled a breath of relief. Turning to Seisui, he asked, "Hey, Seisui, do you think we'll be placed in the same class?"
"Probably?" Seisui replied uncertainly.
"But even if we're not, we both gave it our all during the assessment. No regrets either way."
==========
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