Taking advantage of a school holiday, Musashi made his way to the Hokage's Office.
Luckily, the Hokage works 365 days a year. Otherwise, Musashi would have had to figure out a way to skip class.
After a thorough security check and stating that he was there to exchange merit points, he successfully met the newly appointed Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
His spiky blond hair was partially covered by the Hokage hat, and his face showed signs of work-related fatigue. But seeing Musashi enter, he flashed a kind smile.
Pretty handsome guy. Too bad he dies young.
"Musashi Ryomiya, right? I heard you want to exchange your father's merit points?"
Musashi replied, "Yes, Lord Hokage. Because the amount is quite large, I need your approval."
"Let me see..." Minato flipped through the file in his hand. "Ah, found it!"
"Kenta Ryomiya, Chunin. Completed one A-Rank mission during his undercover period, accumulating significant merit.
He seems to have been an outstanding ninja. So, Musashi, what would you like to exchange for? Ninjutsu or other resources?"
"Lord Hokage, I would like to exchange for training materials on Yin-Yang Release (Yin-Yang Style)," Musashi stated.
"Yin-Yang Release?" Minato was surprised. "Musashi, why do you want to exchange for that? Although you have the freedom to choose, Yin-Yang Release training is far too advanced for someone your age."
Musashi had prepared his excuse long ago.
"Lord Hokage, I heard from my Academy teacher that to learn Medical Ninjutsu, one should start with the basics of Yin-Yang Release."
"I see. So, Musashi, you want to become an excellent Medical Ninja? That's a wonderful goal."
Musashi nodded. "Yes, Lord Hokage! I am determined to become a great Medical Ninja!"
"On the battlefield, I saw too many ninjas die in combat, and I was powerless to do anything about it."
"Lord Hokage, do you know how sad that made me feel?"
Minato's gaze softened. He spoke gently, "Is that so? You were one of the children drafted to the battlefield, weren't you? Because you witnessed the cruelty of war, you want to learn medicine for your comrades."
"Lord Hokage!" Musashi's eyes burned with determination. "Ordinary ninjutsu cannot save more comrades! Please allow me to learn. I will do everything in my power to become an outstanding Medical Ninja!"
"But Musashi, your age..." Minato wanted to say something, but seeing the determination and hope in Musashi's eyes, he changed his tune. "Alright, alright."
He leaned in closer, patted Musashi's head, and smiled encouragingly. "Musashi, I approve."
YES!
Musashi was thrilled internally.
Plan Success!
Start with Yin-Yang Release, and slowly build up to Sealing Jutsu.
As for Medical Ninjutsu?
Sorry, Lord Fourth. Medicine can't save the Ninja World.
Just as he was celebrating inside, Minato continued, "However, let's put the merit exchange on hold for now. After all, those represent your father's hard work."
"How about this: wait until I get off work, then come with me. I'll take you to meet someone. If you want to learn Yin-Yang Release, let's see how your talent is first."
Musashi: "?"
Confused, Musashi waited at the Hokage Tower until Minato finished his work, then followed him out.
As they walked, things started to feel weird.
Until they stopped in front of a house.
"Lord Hokage, this seems to be your residence, right?" Musashi asked uncertainly.
Minato: "That's right."
He pushed open the door. "Kushina, I'm home!"
The next second, a voice laced with fire exploded from inside:
"Minato! You promised me you'd get off work early! Why is it so late again today!!"
"I'm the only one taking care of this house! Do you even understand the responsibilities of a husband?!"
"So what if you're the Hokage? If I hadn't let you, supported you, could you even be the Hokage? And now you turn around and leave me alone at home all day! It's too much!"
Minato's smile stiffened slightly. He turned to Musashi and whispered, "My wife, Kushina Uzumaki. Her temper is just a little bit short."
Just then, a figure with vibrant red hair stormed out.
Her pregnant belly didn't slow her down at all. Her beautiful face was currently filled with rage, expressing her dissatisfaction with her workaholic husband.
Seeing a boy standing next to her husband, she paused, slightly surprised.
"Minato, why did you bring a kid home?"
"Ah... well, there's a favor I need to ask," Minato said, scratching his head.
Kushina's anger, which had just paused, reignited instantly. "Don't tell me, not only are you working overtime every day, but now you're bringing work home too? Is that it? MI-NA-TO!"
Musashi felt his ears starting to ring.
"Kushina, you misunderstand!" Minato quickly stepped forward to explain.
"This is Musashi Ryomiya. An exceptionally talented genius, a boy who embodies the Will of Fire. Because he is determined to become a Medical Ninja to save more comrades, he is desperate to learn about Yin-Yang Release."
"Sadly, his father sacrificed himself for the village, so there is no one around to teach him."
Minato watched Kushina's expression soften as she heard about Musashi's situation. He breathed a sigh of relief, then took her hands and spoke gently, "And you, my Kushina, are the most skilled ninja in Yin-Yang Release that I know. I wanted to ask you to help guide Musashi."
The anger on Kushina's face faded. "Well, you should have told me earlier. Bringing him home suddenly like this... what if he misunderstands and thinks I'm not a gentle person..."
"How could that happen!" Minato interrupted. "In my heart, you are the gentlest wife."
Seeing Kushina start to get shy, he continued, "Besides, didn't you say being alone was boring lately? This is perfect; you can teach this child. Only under your guidance can he fully realize his potential."
"...Alright, alright, I get it. Let go of my hands."
"Then it's settled. Kushina, why don't you chat with Musashi first? He's a very cheerful kid. I'll go inside and handle some other things."
As Minato slipped away, Musashi looked at the now-gentle Kushina with a forehead full of question marks.
Wait... I became an "exceptionally talented genius"? A "boy who embodies the Will of Fire"?
When did that happen?
I... think... maybe... I just got used by the Fourth Hokage as a human shield.
Seeing Kushina sizing him up, Musashi adjusted his mood and flashed a perfect smile.
"Lady Kushina, I am Musashi Ryomiya."
"I have long heard of your name. You are a very powerful kunoichi of the Leaf."
"And your red hair... it is truly beautiful."
Several walls away, Minato patted his chest with relief and exhaled.
"It's great to have someone distract Kushina."
"I hope that kid's Will of Fire is strong enough to last a while."