Chapter 116: The Fateful Master and Disciple Relationship

After three years of rapid growth, Minato had transformed from a cute young boy into a handsome young man. With his striking blond hair, handsome face, and lean, muscular physique, combined with his formidable strength and distinguished background as Hanma's top disciple, he was considered one of the top-quality males in the ninja world. The only flaw was that he already had a partner. Despite this, Minato was still adored by many young women from the Uchiha clan, and he had quite a few fervent admirers, causing Kushina to feel a bit threatened.

Hanma looked at Minato, who was brimming with confidence. Despite being in his twenties, Hanma felt a hint of aging within himself. Minato gracefully dodged Obito's punches and kicks, shaking his head and sharply criticizing, "If that's all the strength you have, you won't be able to protect your loved ones, Obito."

Obito was taken aback, looked towards Konan on the side, wiped his mouth, and his heart burned with fighting spirit. "Konan is looking exceptionally beautiful today..."

Konan, in a tight battle outfit showing her cute navel and slick black leggings on her lower half, smiled and threw Obito an adorable encouraging gesture, loudly shouting, "Do your best, Obito!"

Boosted by Konan's encouragement, Obito's combat power surged, almost transforming into a different person. He picked up his kunai and attacked Minato fiercely, more aggressively than an average Chunin. Minato's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise as he internally praised, "Just as I thought, this kid's potential far exceeds my expectations..." Yet Minato didn't hold back, easily dismantling Obito's offensive and kicking him aside, looking at him with a cheerful smile.

Obito panted heavily. For some reason, he always felt that Minato's handsome face was filled with mockery. Biting his lip, he said determinedly, "Next, I'm going to use a powerful jutsu, so don't underestimate me…" Minato nodded, standing still, seemingly giving Obito time to prepare.

Obito snorted, continuously forming seals with his hands, meticulously gathering chakra, and roared, "Fire Style: Dragon Flame Song Technique!" Obito's chakra transformed into four roaring fire dragons, violently tearing apart the ground, attacking Minato from all directions, closing in from above, below, left, and right. The fire dragons roared and exploded, igniting a skyward blaze and a cloud of thick smoke.

Hanma's eyes lit up, as Obito's performance exceeded his expectations. This Fire Technique, though just a B-rank jutsu, had been a powerful and challenging move even employed by Uchiha Madara against the Five Kage in the original timeline. What Hanma didn't know was that in this timeline, Obito had followed a path similar to Minato. Therefore, Hanma sent Konan numerous ninja scrolls, and after Konan digested and understood them, she taught them to Obito, giving him more profound foundations than most ninja children. Under Konan's guidance, Obito unleashed a terrifying learning ability and desire for knowledge, throwing himself into studying every detail of various jutsu, all to have more interactions with Konan.

Obito looked proudly at the blazing training ground, finally showing a trace of Uchiha's pride in his demeanor. But then his face fell, worry etched in every line as he searched for Minato. He had a favorable view of Minato, becoming acquainted at Hanma's succession ceremony and training together several times thereafter, becoming good friends.

"Hey... are you alright?" Walking around the area, Obito couldn't find Minato and grew increasingly worried.

"Of course, I'm alright, but this was truly an excellent jutsu, Obito..." Minato appeared behind Obito, ruffling his spiky hair gently. Obito turned around hastily, only to find a kunai already against his throat, rendering him immobile.

"Fulfill your pledge, Obito. You and Konan must earnestly acknowledge me as your master."

Hanma watched this familiar scene with a complex expression; he guessed this might be the first cosplay in the ninja world. "Using the Flying Thunder God Technique on a kid like Obito, talk about a bully…" Yet Hanma seemed to forget that he used to tease young Minato in the same way, perhaps even more excessively.

Obito glared at Minato with a sidelong glance, muttering reluctantly, "Got it, Master!" In his heart, this helpful, handsome, and powerful elder brother was far superior to the weak teachers at the Ninja Academy. Accepting him as a master was not unreasonable.

Minato beamed brightly, about to say something, when he felt a familiar large hand placed on his head once again. "Minato, you've really grown..." Hanma appeared behind Minato and Obito, his thick palms rubbing both their heads, speaking with a sense of nostalgia.

At that moment, the atmosphere of "I'm an expert" that Minato had created dissipated entirely due to Hanma's interference.

"You're back, Hanma?" Minato turned stiffly; this scene was a vivid reminder of his childhood. Whenever Hanma put his big hand on his head, it either meant grueling training or another spar...

"Yeah, I'm back. It seems like you've been enjoying yourself lately?" Hanma chuckled, his left hand moved slightly, deflecting a kunai that flew towards him. Both Minato and Hanma exchanged cheerful glances before Minato charged at Hanma with a Rasengan in hand. A reunion between mentor and disciple must be celebrated with a battle.

"Ultra Vortex Sky Strike Seventeen Style!" The overly dramatic name of the ninja technique echoed again in the ninja world as Flying Thunder God Kunai filled the training ground, with Minato turning into a streak of golden light encircling Hanma. Hanma's eyes flashed red, easily keeping up with Minato's movements and countering his strikes.

In the close-range teleportation, limited by dynamic vision and nerve reactions, Hanma could match the Flying Thunder God's speed with his physical body. Choosing to dodge Minato's attacks, Hanma primarily helped him refine his techniques. Still, with his Rasengan aimed at weak points, Minato couldn't penetrate Hanma's defense.

Obito stood mesmerized, unable to activate the Sharingan, failing to see Minato's or Hanma's afterimages, only hearing the clangs of metal and sonic booms. "So this is the true power of teacher Minato and clan leader Hanma…" Obito's eyes shone with fervor, imprinting the scene deeply. As an Uchiha, the pursuit of power was inherent in his bones, though love took precedence.

"Bang!!" Hanma slightly increased his strength, and this time, Minato turned into a puddle and reformed again. "Secret Technique: Water Transformation Technique!" Both Hanma and Minato halted, sharing a smile.

Konan ran over to Hanma, greeting him sweetly, "Welcome back, Hanma!" Hanma patted Konan's head. He was fond of this girl, who despite her tragic experiences, remained strong. Konan was listed in the Uchiha clan records as a relative of Uchiha Kagami's brother, nominally Hanma's cousin.

"It seems you've all been doing well recently?"

Minato nodded, excitement tinging his voice. "Orochimaru's research ability is incredible. We captured only six Kirigakure ninja from the Hozuki clan and successfully deciphered the secrets of the Water Transformation Technique!"

Minato moved, transforming into water and reassembling before him. Hanma understood, seeing the fruits of Minato's Flashing Fruit power beginning to ripen. Konan joined them, snuggling up to Hanma, saying crisply, "Brother Minato often trains us. Both Obito and I receive valuable guidance!"

Hanma smiled, softly asking, "So, Konan, have you learned any new jutsu lately?" Konan nodded vigorously and then pointed to Minato, "Just like Brother Minato, I've also created a similar technique!"

Konan transformed into sheets of white paper, fluttering in the sky, with two white wings extending behind her. Minato watched, astonished. Although he had expectations for Obito's talent, he hadn't anticipated Konan's expertise in jutsu to be so remarkable. This technique was absolutely confidential, and to think such a young girl could develop it through her own strength was astounding. Indeed, none of those chosen by Hanma were simple. Nevertheless, I'm the strongest, Minato thought to himself.