Danzō was startled inwardly. If the shinobi clans found out about this, wouldn't they all scramble to get their members into the S-Class squad?
After all, the title of Hokage's disciple could be considered a talisman for a clan's safety. What they actually learned wasn't the main concern; the title itself was extremely important for major clans.
This was why Sarutobi Hiruzen had tried every possible means to have his son become a disciple of Uchiha Ryun. On one hand, it was to learn ninjutsu, on the other hand, it was to add a layer of protection for the Sarutobi clan.
Uchiha Ryun looked at Danzō and understood his little scheme at a glance. "Vice-Principal Danzō, this matter will be conducted secretly. Furthermore, I will give you a list. These individuals will be trained by me personally."
After speaking, Uchiha Ryun handed over a piece of paper with several names written on it. "Uchiha Fugaku, Hyūga Hiashi, Akimichi Chōza, Yamanaka Inoichi, Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Shinnosuke."
Shimura Danzō nodded. "I understand, Hokage-sama. I will make the arrangements immediately." After speaking, Shimura Danzō began to find the students in their respective classes.
Shortly after, he told them, "The six of you have been selected by the Hokage-sama himself. He will personally instruct you. Do you know what this means?"
Shimura Danzō brought them to the S-Class classroom, his face full of reminiscence. He remembered how the Second Hokage, his teacher, had also selected six disciples to train as his direct line.
Now, with the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Ryun, the gears of fate turned once again, arriving at this day once more.
The only difference was that they were old now, while these students were still young.
"Vice-Principal Danzō, what does this mean?" Namikaze Minato smiled slightly. Although he was highly talented, his understanding of political matters was, to put it mildly, lacking.
Shimura Danzō was taken aback. Not only him, but the other five shinobi were also somewhat surprised. How could this guy not even understand this?
However, Uchiha Fugaku stepped in to defuse the situation, his face stern like ice. "Minato, this means you will become part of the Hokage's direct line, bearing the title of Hokage's disciple. Your clan and your relatives will enjoy unimaginably great benefits."
Namikaze Minato nodded to his good friend Uchiha Fugaku in thanks. The others then remembered that Namikaze Minato was apparently a civilian-born shinobi. Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Chōza exchanged a glance and nodded.
They didn't believe Uchiha Ryun would make a mistake. Unless Namikaze Minato had some extraordinary quality, they would never have believed he could become a Hokage's disciple.
So, the two stepped forward to show goodwill. "Yes, Brother Minato, you have no idea how many benefits come with being a Hokage's disciple. Right now, our status as the six of us is unique," Akimichi Chōza said with a laugh.
"Indeed. One could even say that our strength will represent Hokage-sama's teaching ability, and also Hokage-sama's reputation," Yamanaka Inoichi nodded.
Namikaze Minato instantly felt tremendous pressure. His nervous expression was noticed by Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Chōza. So he really is from a civilian background.
However, after a moment, Namikaze Minato regained his composure and once again wore his sunny smile. "Then we should work even harder. At the very least, we must not let our teacher down!"
Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Chōza, having often been around Nara Shikaku, were relatively mature for their age. They had also learned some skill in reading people. Namikaze Minato's current performance moved them deeply.
The initial nervousness was genuine. Yet, in just a moment, he had regained his calm. Even many from major clans might not be able to do that. This guy...
Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Chōza exchanged a look, deciding internally that they must befriend Namikaze Minato. This was a shinobi with great mental fortitude. As long as he didn't die young, he was destined to soar high!
Hyūga Hiashi was somewhat socially anxious as a child. He was feeling nervous now, so he kept a stiff face, pretending to be mature. But in Uchiha Fugaku's eyes, this guy looked quite foolish.
Perhaps it was also because the Uchiha and Hyūga clans were both dojutsu clans, naturally at odds with each other.
Namikaze Minato noticed this too. He walked up to Hyūga Hiashi with a warm smile on his face and extended his right hand. "Hello, I am Namikaze Minato."
Hyūga Hiashi said softly, "Hello, Hyūga Hiashi."
"Your eyes are very beautiful. This is the first time I've seen them," Namikaze Minato said with genuine admiration.
"Beautiful?" Hyūga Hiashi was stunned. This was the first time in many years he had heard someone praise their Byakugan as beautiful.
"Yes, beautiful. Although different from black pupils or eyes of other colors, one can see the unique characteristics and dignity of the Hyūga clan within them," Namikaze Minato's words came from the heart.
They were like a gentle breeze blowing away Hiashi's nervousness. "Thank you, Brother Minato." Hyūga Hiashi finally relaxed. He thought he would be ignored today, but Namikaze Minato was such a good person!
Yamanaka Inoichi's pupils shook as he turned to look at Akimichi Chōza. Akimichi Chōza was also shocked. Actually, what shocked them wasn't Minato's words themselves, but the fact that they clearly felt Minato's praise was sincere, not hypocritical.
Presumably, that was why Hyūga Hiashi relaxed and got along with him so quickly.
"This guy is simply... too terrifying," Yamanaka Inoichi clicked his tongue.
"Yes, the aura he exudes unintentionally makes people feel comfortable and moved," Akimichi Chōza swallowed.
However, the two thought that Namikaze Minato might be a bit of a pushover, but looking at his smile, they closed their mouths. He's really so gentle!
"Hmph." Sarutobi Shinnosuke snorted coldly and said nothing. But his behavior made the other four companions frown simultaneously.
The only one who didn't frown was the naive sweetheart Namikaze Minato, who scratched his head, not understanding why it was like this.
"Shinnosuke. What do you mean by that!" Shimura Danzō glared at him. Kid, do you even understand that these five people will be your teammates in the future!
"Uncle, I just think if there's nothing else, I should go home first. There probably aren't any training tasks today," Sarutobi Shinnosuke said somewhat displeased. He was Uchiha Ryun's first disciple, the son of the former Hokage.
Yet they were all clustering around that yellow-haired boy, which made him, accustomed to a privileged life, somewhat unhappy.
Ever since the Third Hokage retired, the number of people coming to play with him, visit him at home, or see his father had decreased significantly. The Sarutobi clan had also become much quieter.
He asked his father why this was happening. His father smiled and said, "Because of power. Now that your father has no power, he can't do them any favors anymore, and they don't need to pretend with him either." Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled, but there was a trace of loss in his smile.
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