Chp-77: No Way, No Way...

"Hey, Satoru, are you really not going to consider the name I came up with?" On their way back, Minato Namikaze's face was sincere as he repeated the same question. It wasn't because he had a thick skin but because he foresaw that this move would eventually become famous across the ninja world. If his suggested name wasn't used, it would be a lifelong regret.

"No way!" Satoru's voice was firm. He was joking. If he really used that name, he'd never be able to show his face again.

"That Magnetic Release Light..." Minato began.

"It's Magnetic Release: Light Wheel Gale Thunder Arrow Zero Style. Doesn't it sound great?"

Satoru's face stiffened as he replied reluctantly, "Only you could remember something like that."

"But..." Satoru's tone shifted as he smiled at Minato. "If you agree to one condition, using that name might not be impossible."

"What condition?"

"Teach me the Flying Thunder God technique."

"Huh?" Minato was stunned, and then his face became conflicted. "It's not that I don't want to teach you. I've realized how terrifying your jutsu combined with the Flying Thunder God can be, but..."

He hesitated and then spoke in a low voice. "Flying Thunder God is an S-rank forbidden jutsu recorded in the Sealed Scroll. I don't have the authority to teach it by myself. If you truly want to learn it, you can start by earning the right to view the Sealed Scroll. Then I can guide you on the techniques."

Satoru nodded, understanding that the big ninja villages strictly controlled such jutsu, especially forbidden ones recorded in the Sealed Scroll. Unauthorized teaching would have severe consequences.

"But..." Minato hesitated again before adding, "Satoru, the Hokage likely knows about your jutsu's compatibility with the Flying Thunder God. With your war contributions, you should be able to earn the chance to view the Sealed Scroll. So don't worry, you will get the method, even if it's a bit later."

Though Minato said this, he didn't hold much hope in his heart. Getting the method was one thing, but mastering it was another. Only the developer, Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, had truly mastered it.

Flying Thunder God wasn't complex in principle, akin to a complicated version of reverse summoning. However, the qualifications needed to master it were exceedingly high. Only Tobirama and Minato have been able to use it actively in combat since its development. He doubted Satoru's ability to master it despite his potential.

But Satoru wasn't worried. Learning the Flying Thunder God was already on his to-do list.

Back at the Konoha camp, several female ninjas were gathered, whispering among themselves.

"Hey, did you notice? Lord Minato has been sneaking out every afternoon with Satoru Hyuga," one whispered.

"Yeah, you noticed, too? Lord Minato is a famous heartthrob in Konoha, so handsome and sunny. And Satoru is the top genius of the new generation," another added.

"You don't think they're..." one hesitated, lowering her voice. " They're doing something they shouldn't be doing, do you?"

Satoru and Minato's mission to assassinate Sand Ninjas was top secret, known only to Orochimaru and a few high-ranking officials. Although Minato was spoken for, his good looks made him popular among Konoha's female ninjas. One, looking despondent, sighed dramatically, "No way, no way! A hunk like Lord Minato is...?"

Before she could finish, another female ninja grinned mischievously, "That actually makes me more excited!"

The others stared at her in shock.

"Do you really have nothing to explain?" Satoru stared blankly at Uchiha Rin, who stood at his tent entrance with her arms crossed, looking down at him.

"Explain? Explain what?" Satoru was genuinely confused.

"Are you sure you don't want to explain?" Rin repeated coldly.

"Seriously, I have no idea what you want me to explain!" Satoru was exasperated. "How about I give you some tape instead?"

Rin's face reddened with anger before she turned away, muttering, "You've been sneaking out every afternoon with Minato. You and he... aren't you..."

Her voice trailed off, and her head dropped. Damn it, she thought. I can't believe the man I like is into guys!

Satoru was stunned. Really stunned. Is the ninja world this gossipy?

For the past few days, he'd been out with Minato, targeting Sand Ninjas with significant results. The Sand Ninja camp was in chaos, and Satoru's arrows killed several high-ranking officials.

He was working tirelessly on the front lines, and they were gossiping behind his back!!

Are Satoru and Minato involved? Who spread this rumour? If I find them, I'll break their legs!

Looking at the pouting Rin, Satoru sighed. How should I explain this to her?

Then it hit him. Why do I even need to explain to Rin?

But his first reaction was to worry about Rin's misunderstanding and wanting to explain. Rin came to him immediately, seeking an explanation.

Hmm...

Satoru smiled, feeling a warm sensation. Scratching his head, he stammered, "Rin, you know I'm not like that... Although Minato is very handsome, sunny, and tall, if he were a girl, maybe..."

Rin's face softened, and she blushed. But the more she listened, the more something felt off.

"So you two are involved?" she snapped.

"No, Rin, you know me..." Satoru wished he could smack himself. He had zero experience in matters of the heart, having been a lifelong bachelor in his previous life.

"Ah! How do I say this? Minato and I are on a special mission. It's very important, so it's confidential and not made public."

"It's not what you think!"

Satoru explained hurriedly, hoping Rin wouldn't misunderstand.

Rin's face softened further as she turned away, whispering, "I understand."

Blushing furiously, she muttered almost inaudibly, "If you really have needs, you can come to me."

With that, she ran off, leaving Satoru standing there, staring dumbfounded at her retreating figure.