Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

Konoha Village stood proudly along the main road leading to the administrative building.

"Minato..."

After a prolonged period of reflection, Jiraiya finally broke the silence, "Just hold on for a moment. Whatever role the old man assigns you, just focus on excelling in your own job and don't concern yourself with unnecessary missions."

Having ruminated extensively, this was the only advice Jiraiya could offer.

Three years of intensive training journey together had made it evident to Jiraiya that Minato possessed the qualities of a Hokage.

This was a promising development. However, the desire to become Hokage often led to entanglements in the complex web of political conspiracies.

Jiraiya's concern was genuine, but he could only offer these words as advice.

He wanted to shield Minato, whose heart was as pure as a hot-blooded youth, from the shadows lurking within Konoha.

"Alright, I understand," Minato, now 17 years old, responded with a maturity that belied his age. He grasped the undertones in his Sensei's advice and nodded with solemnity.

"I'll be on my way then, continuing to gather some fresh materials," Jiraiya abruptly shifted gears, adopting a more lighthearted demeanor as he headed toward the hot springs.

"The Three Forbidden Prohibitions of the Ninja... Sensei..." Minato murmured with a wry smile and a shake of his head. He then turned his attention to the towering administrative building adorned with a prominent "Fire" symbol.

"Sigh."

Summoning his resolve, Minato suppressed the anxiety fluttering in his chest and stepped into the building.

...

...

Five minutes later, in the Hokage's office:

"Your demeanor and the aura you emanate are markedly different now, Minato."

Compared to three years ago, Sarutobi Hiruzen, his beard slightly grayer, regarded Namikaze Minato with a gaze akin to observing a priceless gem. A smile played on his lips as he spoke to the young ninja before him.

However, beneath this polite exterior, a part of Minato's mind quivered with an odd sensation. He couldn't help but silently muse on whether the Hokage's orientation was intact...

Namikaze Minato had evolved from merely being "priceless" in Hiruzen's estimation; he had become utterly invaluable.

According to the Anbu specialized Information, Minato had returned from his training journey and was potentially equal even against Tatsuya.

Remarkably, at the tender age of 17, he had already demonstrated capabilities that surpassed those of his seniors.

Furthermore, Minato's civilian background and lack of deep connections within the ninja clans allowed Hiruzen to utilize him with utmost confidence.

Another crucial aspect was his association with Uzumaki Kushina, the host of the Nine-Tails. The Nine-Tails was a potent asset firmly under Konoha's control—a card that could be employed to contain Namikaze Minato.

Truth be told, in Sarutobi Hiruzen's current perspective, Namikaze Minato had become something of a parallel to Orochimaru.

"Starting today, your official duties within the village are reinstated."

Namikaze Minato knelt on one knee and bowed his head respectfully in response to Sarutobi Hiruzen's announcement. "Yes, Lord Hokage."

Yet, Hiruzen's statement was far from complete.

He continued, "However, your present level of power renders the role of a regular Anbu member inadequate. As such, you will take up the mantle of Anbu Captain."

The expression on Minato's face underwent a rapid transformation. Throughout his journey back to the village, Minato had, on more than one occasion, mused upon the coming days.

He had assumed that upon his return, the Third Hokage would prioritize his training and development.

He couldn't have been more mistaken.

He had scarcely set foot in the village before the position of Anbu Captain was unexpectedly bestowed upon him.

It was worth noting that since the departure of the White Fang, this role had remained vacant.

Witnessing the astonishment in Minato's eyes, Hiruzen maintained his characteristic smile.

"Once occupied by the White Fang himself, this position has been unclaimed for some time. It's been a source of constant concern for me."

Hiruzen paused briefly before continuing, "However, I believe I've found a more suitable candidate in you."

The honor conveyed in the Hokage's words carried an implicit message of commendation. Minato's initial fluster transformed into a sense of humble pride as he absorbed the Hokage's affirmation.

However, beneath his appreciation lurked a growing apprehension.

Could it be that this great favor was extended with the intention of tethering him to the Elder Council's faction?

And what of Jiraiya's warnings, underscoring the strained relationship between Hiruzen and Tatsuya?

Was it possible that he was being groomed as a hidden weapon against Tatsuya?

Before he could voice his doubts, Jiraiya's voice echoed in Namikaze Minato's mind, reminding him of his teacher's counsel, "Don't refuse the old man; you won't have the luxury of doing so."

In a tone tinged with resignation, Namikaze Minato finally responded, "Very well, Lord Hokage. I will do my utmost."

Hiruzen's expression remained content as he handed a specially prepared Anbu mask to Minato from his desk drawer, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Konoha.

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