You Have the Appearance of a Hokage
After Chi Yu left, Minato Namikaze stood motionless for a long moment.
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, tangled and confused—he just couldn't grasp Chi Yu's perspective.
"Minato."
Jiraiya appeared beside him, having overheard everything from the earlier conversation.
Minato, still somewhat dazed, asked, "Jiraiya-sensei, was I wrong? I don't think so. Those are our comrades, and I want them to live. I've never been soft-hearted toward the enemy."
Jiraiya placed a reassuring hand on Minato's shoulder and said gently, "Minato, neither you nor Chi Yu are wrong—but this is war. Sacrifices are inevitable, and you can't have it both ways.
Chi Yu is a lot like Orochimaru: coldly rational, strategic, and unsentimental. They calculate based on gains and losses, and if the benefits outweigh the costs, they accept those losses.
You and I? We're different. We refuse to abandon our comrades until the very end. We want them to live and thrive.
But Minato, the battlefield doesn't care about ideals. After all this time, you should be used to it—no war is without sacrifice. We just hide our emotions and act rationally when it counts.
We're all fighting for Konoha. Don't doubt yourself. You're more exceptional than Chi Yu—and that's not about sheer strength."
Minato looked up, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
With a smile, Jiraiya explained, "Minato, you've inherited the Will of Fire. It's a spirit of selflessness—you care deeply for Konoha and see everyone in the village as family.
Chi Yu, like Orochimaru, is distant, extreme, and tends to work alone.
In shogi terms, Chi Yu is the 'General'—sharp, tactical, precise.
You, Minato, are the 'King'—the one who leads and protects the General.
In other words, you have the makings of a Hokage."
Minato was stunned. He hadn't expected Jiraiya to say he was Hokage material.
Embarrassed, Minato said, "Jiraiya-sensei, I still have a long way to go."
Jiraiya laughed warmly. "Of course you do. That's why you need to work harder to become the King who leads the General."
Leaning in, Jiraiya whispered, "Don't you want to master speed? I've petitioned the old man to teach you one of Konoha's most treasured jutsus—the Flying Thunder God Technique, created by the Second Hokage.
Learn this space-time ninjutsu, and you'll become the fastest ninja in the world."
Minato's eyes shone with gratitude. "Jiraiya-sensei..."
Jiraiya gave his shoulder a firm pat and smiled, "I'm your teacher. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow's battle will be tough. If we want fewer casualties, we need to push harder and support our comrades better."
---
The Next Day
Under the steamy skies of the Land of Hot Water, fewer than a hundred Konoha ninjas gathered.
Originally, over 150 had been sent, but many were lost fighting the Cloud Village's ninjas.
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes swept the crowd.
Most ordinary people would feel a chill under his ominous presence—but these ninjas weren't afraid.
They were excited.
After recent losses, their frustration had built up, and now with Orochimaru and Jiraiya here, a counterattack was finally within reach.
"How could they not be hyped?" the air seemed to say.
Orochimaru commanded, "Line up according to your ninjutsu specialties."
The group divided:
Fire Release users were the largest contingent.
Earth and Water Release ninjas followed closely behind, roughly equal in number.
Lightning Release practitioners were fewer.
Wind Release users were the smallest group.
Five genjutsu specialists and only three sensory ninjas completed the lineup.
Orochimaru addressed them clearly: "You all know our target—Hidden Cloud Village.
Tonight's strike will determine if our further operations in the Land of Hot Water go smoothly.
Every one of you plays a critical role. I will assign your tasks shortly.
First, sensory ninjas will scout Hidden Cloud Village before our surprise attack.
Then, Jiraiya and I will lead the initial assault, targeting the most crowded areas to cause chaos.
Once the Cloud Ninjas' attention is diverted, Earth Release users will divide the battlefield with terrain manipulation, preventing enemy forces from concentrating.
Earth and Water ninjas will then collaborate to trigger mudslides, slowing enemy movement.
Fire Release ninjas will split into two groups: one will team with Wind Release users to whip up flame winds across the village; the other will advance from the front, bombarding with ranged fire techniques to draw enemy fire.
Lightning Release ninjas will provide flexible support, responding to weaknesses.
Genjutsu specialists will back up the Lightning team.
Remember: Our goal isn't to occupy Hidden Cloud Village but to dismantle the Cloud Ninjas' foothold there. Once they're expelled, our mission succeeds.
Choose your squad leaders. Each leader will receive a toad from Jiraiya, who will relay updated orders throughout the operation."
The ninjas began debating who would lead.
Orochimaru approached Chi Yu. "Chi Yu, your mobility and strength are impressive. You will act solo—seek out and assassinate their commander."
Chi Yu nodded solemnly. "Yes, Orochimaru-sensei."
Jiraiya interjected, "Minato is also incredibly fast and strong. Add him to the assassination task."
Orochimaru glanced at Minato and said to Jiraiya, "He's your student. Arrange him as you see fit."
Jiraiya asked Minato, "Are you confident in completing this task?"
Minato looked at Chi Yu, determination burning in his eyes. "Absolutely."