Faced with Kyuushin's persuasion, Minato finally agreed. He was relatively gentle but also extremely intelligent. He might have had a good impression of Kushina, but he could still distinguish between that slight affection and his own future. He understood very well what it meant to be able to team up with Kyuushin and Nawaki. Just based on their identities, their Jonin team leader would be excellent, and a good Jonin leader could greatly increase their survival rate. This alone was enough for Minato, who came from a civilian background. Although Jiraiya had previously said he would take him as a disciple, Jiraiya had only appeared before him a handful of times in the past two years. From his perspective, he couldn't put all his eggs in one basket.
For Kyuushin, Minato was undoubtedly the best teammate. His combat intelligence was high, he was skilled in dealing with people, and his fundamental character was kind. With such a person as a teammate, he could confidently entrust his back to him.
Once this matter was settled, the atmosphere at dinner became even livelier. After finishing the meal, the group went for a walk together until dusk, when they bid farewell and went home.
The next day, as soon as school started, Kyuushin and Minato went to their teacher Yota's office and explained their intentions. Yota had received the news in advance and promptly completed all the procedures, handed them their graduation certificates, and solemnly distributed Konoha headbands to them.
"Didn't they say that early graduation requires a corresponding assessment?" Kyuushin asked, a little puzzled.
Yota replied, "You two don't need one. The strength you've shown in class is already greater than mine. There's no need for such a troublesome test, and Lord Hokage has already given prior notice."
Kyuushin and Minato exchanged glances. They had expected a tough battle but didn't anticipate the process would be so simple.
"Alright, from today onwards, you are Konoha ninja. I hope you work hard and contribute to the Village," Yota said.
"Thank you for your guidance, Sensei!" Kyuushin and Minato bowed.
"Alright, next is the production of your ninja registration cards. I'll take you to get your photos taken first."
When they arrived at the photo studio, Nawaki was already ahead of them. The three of them quickly had their headshots taken, and the basic process was completed. Since it wasn't graduation season and only the three of them were undergoing certification, their registration cards were processed very quickly. Kyuushin opened his and saw his ninja number: 005970.
Receiving their registration cards meant they were now glorious Konoha Genin. Nawaki and Minato seemed a bit excited, while Kyuushin was much calmer. According to protocol, newly appointed ninja must first report to the Hokage's Office. Seeing that it was still early, the three decided to complete the process today.
On the way, Nawaki and Minato happily tied their headbands to their foreheads, while Kyuushin was a bit conflicted. He thought for a moment about where to tie his. Some tied it around their neck, on their arm, or used it as a belt. Although the forehead was standard, he still thought it looked a bit awkward. "I'll tie it on my arm," he decided. "We can just buy some elastic bandages."
They happened to be passing a ninja tool shop, so they went in. After buying the bandages and tying on their headbands, the three continued on their way.
Soon, they arrived at the Hokage's Office Building. Just as they were about to go up, a ninja wearing a vest suddenly came out.
"Are you Nawaki, Uzumaki Kyuushin, and Minato Namikaze?"
"Yes," the three replied.
"Please follow me. Lord Hokage is waiting for you."
The three followed the ninja into the Hokage's Office. He knocked on the door, and after hearing a "Come in," he pushed the door open and motioned for them to enter.
"Nawaki, Kyuushin, Minato, congratulations on becoming ninja." The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, holding a pipe, smiling as he greeted them.
"Lord Hokage!" The three bowed.
The Third Hokage stood up and came from behind his desk. "No need for formalities. I'm very happy that the three of you have come. You are the disciples of my three disciples, so in a way, you are my grand-disciples. I hope you can contribute to the village as much as your teachers have. Your Jonin team leader is provisionally Jiraiya, but this is only temporary. In the future, you may also go on missions with Orochimaru or Tsunade. Understand?"
Hearing this arrangement, Kyuushin immediately understood the Third Hokage's high regard for them. Having his three disciples as team leaders meant he intended to cultivate them as the new generation of Konoha's leaders.
"Understood," they replied.
The Third Hokage nodded, then looked aside. "Jiraiya, are you satisfied with my arrangement?"
The three followed his gaze and realized that Jiraiya had already been standing there, smiling, without them noticing. He scratched his head. "Satisfied, very satisfied. So, Sensei, I'll take the three of them out now?"
The Third Hokage waved his hand. "Go ahead. If you have any problems, just come back to me."