NZNT: Chapter 125

Minato's smile was infectious, like sunshine warming those around him.

Though both Yusuke and Minato were popular in Konoha, Minato was generally more beloved. However, Yusuke, known as the "strongest ninja," held greater prestige among ninjas—strength spoke volumes in the ninja world.

"I've noticed your pursuit of power, both personally and for the village. What are your plans?" Minato asked Yusuke.

Thanks to the Konoha Research Institute, Konoha had many valuable inventions, improving military and productivity.

Besides the life-saving "Emergency Seal" used in the wars against Kumogakure and Kirigakure, other valuable jutsu and tools were developed.

These included the teleportation sealing array (improved from the Flying Thunder God Technique), and a simplified version of the Eight Gates.

The teleportation array's strategic importance was self-evident. The simplified Eight Gates reduced the eight gates to four, lessening the power but drastically reducing chakra consumption and side effects, significantly improving Konoha's taijutsu ninjas.

Special tools were also developed: sharper chakra kunai, more powerful chain explosion tags (based on the "Mutual Multiplication Explosion Tag"), improving Konoha's equipment.

Yusuke had wanted to discuss his plans with Minato. He hadn't expected Minato to bring it up.

"The ninja world is chaotic. The First Hokage's order has failed. Distributing tailed beasts to achieve balance wasn't a successful strategy," Yusuke said slowly.

Minato frowned. As Jiraiya's student, he was aligned with the First and Third Hokage.

However, he wasn't blindly pursuing peace; he knew the First Hokage's dream was idealistic.

Sighing, Minato didn't argue but asked, "Then what's your idea?"

"Unification! Only unification can end wars. It's our historical mission!"

"Historical mission?" The term was new to Minato.

Yusuke nodded, "Yes. It's inevitable, and those with the ability should guide history."

"The Konoha Research Institute was created for this goal. When our military, productivity, and knowledge surpass other villages, Konoha will unify and lead the ninja world to peace."

Minato neither agreed nor disagreed, pondering Yusuke's words. Yusuke waited patiently.

After a moment, Minato asked, "Creating peace through war? Is that true peace?"

Yusuke shook his head, "That's what you've never understood—your weakness!"

Minato's expression grew serious. He understood that "you" included the First Hokage, Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and himself.

"For a nominal 'peace,' you avoid the present cruelty, leaving it for future generations."

"You're shirking responsibility! Your 'peace' is escapism!"

Minato was startled. Yusuke continued,

"If the First Hokage had unified the ninja world with absolute power, would there have been the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars? Our war with Kumogakure and Kirigakure?"

"The First Hokage, unwilling to see war, temporarily suppressed conflict. But the problem lingered, continuing to this day."

Stopping, Yusuke looked at Minato seriously, "We must remember our historical mission. Should we leave this burden for future generations to sacrifice on the battlefield?"

"This includes not just Konoha but the entire ninja world. Earlier unification means earlier peace."

Yusuke's theory made Minato think deeply. The idea of unification had been proposed by the Second Hokage and Danzō, but this perspective was new.

"Minato, I agree with Yusuke. If things don't change, Naruto, and his children, might have to fight."

Kushina's voice echoed in Minato's mind, solidifying his agreement with Yusuke.

Minato sighed, "You're right, but I need more time to consider."

Yusuke nodded; he didn't expect to convince Minato immediately.

He believed Minato wasn't inflexible; if his reasoning was sound, Minato would eventually agree.

Minato's expression lightened, "I wanted to discuss two other things, but this has given me much to consider."

"What?"

Yusuke was curious.

"The first is the Chūnin Exams. It's Konoha's turn to host the joint exams."

"This year is unusual. Besides our allies, Sunagakure and nearby villages, several major villages and those we rarely interact with have sent representatives, wishing to participate."

Yusuke understood. Konoha's military strength had made this inevitable.

All villages wanted a good relationship with Konoha, but their motives weren't pure.

Some wanted Konoha's support; others wanted to learn Konoha's techniques or spy on them.

Yusuke smiled, "This is good. Konoha's status has risen; we're becoming the center of the ninja world, a model for other villages."

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