91. Minato’s Renewed Purpose, The Uchiha Reflection


    Hikari, always sharp and observant picked up on subtleties in Hiruzen''s introduction about Minato''s role and capabilities.


    He understood that Minato''s mastery of the Flying Raijin technique, while impressive, hadn''t yet reached the pinnacle of speed and versatility depicted in the original series.


    It was clear to Hikari that Minato''s current proficiency with the jutsu was primarily suited for long-distance transportation and in terms of briefbat scenarios was probably more constrained by its longer casting time.


    Hikari understood the nuances between Minato''s and Tobirama''s use of the Flying Raijin technique.


    While Minato''s forms were crafted for greater chakra efficiency,pensating for his smaller chakra poolpared to Tobirama, the real advantagey in Minato''s exceptional reaction speed and reflexes.


    These allowed him to deploy the technique effectively in rapid session, particrly useful in close-quartersbat where immediate response was crucial.


    Yet, Hikari observed that Minato hadn''t fully developed this legendary speed to its maximum potential, limiting his ability to utilize the Flying Raijin under intense battle conditions where split-second decisions were necessary.


    Nheless, for long-distance teleportation, where a dy of a second or more was inconsequential, Minato''s version of the jutsu was already highly effective, demonstrating its unique strengths despite the areas needing improvement.


    Hikari wasn''t surprised that Minato had achieved such proficiency with the Flying Raijin technique at the rtively young age of around 20. Being Jiraiya''s disciple, even while he was still in the Ninja Academy, had its advantages.


    It led Hikari to specte on how early Hiruzen might have, through Jiraiya, introduced Minato to the Flying Raijin technique for practice. This early start under the tutge of such skilled mentors provided Minato with a significant head start in mastering a jutsu that demanded exceptional precision and control.


    However, reflecting on Hiruzen''s ''present-day'' intentions, Hikari concluded mentally, ''He probably wants to allow him to train harder now in mastering the Flying Raijinpletely, amongst other things, that''s why he didn''t send them on the Fronts to help Jiraiya or Orochimaru, for example...'',


    ''The ''Sage Mode'', ''Flying Raijin'', ''Rasengan'', and possibly even more in this timeline; He is a truly worrisome problem... It would be best if I could somehow take him out before he reaches his full potential...'',


    With a cold glint recognizing the implications of Minato''s growth, Hikari considered him the most significant future challenge within Konoha from the Hokage''s Faction, due to his talent.


    Despite his reservations about Minato''s idealistic outlook, Hikari never underestimated his strength and shinobi talents. He recognized Minato''s exceptional potential, believing that had Minato not met an untimely end during his prime in the original series, his abilities could have developed even further.


    Like the other high-ranking members of the Anti-Hokage Faction, Hikari viewed Minato as the most significant future threat to their ns, a shinobi with the potential not only to match but to surpass Hiruzen.


    Additionally, Hikari considered the likelihood of Minato stepping out from under Hiruzen''s influence and ''shadow'' to be slim.


    Observing how swiftly Hiruzen reassumedmand during the Nine-Tails attack and following Minato''s demise, it appeared as though Hiruzen had never truly ceded the Hokage position to Minato.


    This seamless transition could be attributed to the brief duration of Minato''s leadership, possibly not allowing enough time for him to assert his independence fully. Alternatively, Hikari pondered whether Minato, with his less visionary approach, might not have seen the issue with remaining under Hiruzen''s sway.


    While Hikari remained uncertain about Minato''s perspectives on leadership and autonomy, one thing was crystal clear to him: Minato possessed immense potential as a shinobi. However, Hikari concluded, this potential was likely to stay within the sphere of Hiruzen''s influence, and it would be very foolish to assume otherwise.


    Hikari never let his guard down about the Hokage''s Faction, despite there being even much greater threats in this world in his knowledge. He understood that, more or less, it was still the Hokage''s Faction that had the dominant position within the Konoha framework currentlypared to his faction. It was just that the gap narrowed by the Patriarch''s outburst of mysterious power on another level.


    Meanwhile, in the hall, Kushina, upon hearing that she might be called upon to fight and lend her strength to the vige''s efforts, reacted with a fiery spirit and felt excited. While she understood the risks, especially as a Jinchuriki, her primary concern was the safety and well-being of Konoha.


    Kushina felt a deep pride in being considered a valuable asset in times of need, ready to do whatever it took to protect her home and loved ones. Until now, her mission assignments have been truly rare, not to mention going to a real battlefield.


    And what made it all the more better and positive was that the Minato didn''t need to go alone anywhere and that she could even apany him. Therefore, she looked at Hiruzen gratefully at this time.


    She vowed to try to understand and train even harder in her n''s unique heritage and abilities she was left with by herte grandmother from the Uzumaki n.


    Upon learning of his new position as the leader of the Surprise Attack and Rescue Division, Minato epted the role with a humble yet determined demeanor. Understanding the gravity of the responsibility ced upon him, he felt a renewed sense of purpose again.


    Minato reflected on the implications of his new role, seeing it as an invaluable chance to dedicate more time to his training,


    ''This position essentially grants me more time to prepare. I won''t let everyone down then. I''ll push myself harder than ever to support Konoha''s stability and unity, and to fulfill my goal of bing Hokage...'', He resolved, his determination evident as he clenched his fists.


    Catching Kushina''s excited nce, he acknowledged the added responsibility of protecting her, especially given her unique status as a Jinchuriki amidst the escting internal and external pressures. This realization spurred him to think beyond his current capabilities,


    ''I''ve beencent. It''s time to innovate, to refine my techniques, and develop new ones. I need to work smarter and harder than ever before...'', Minato''smitment to his growth and to Konoha''s defense was unwavering, driven by his deep sense of duty and love for Kushina.


    Following the decision regarding Minato''s new role and division, the assembly meeting moved swiftly toward the conclusion.


    The final steps involved the signing of important documents and transcripts that officially recorded the meeting''s oues.


    Each leader and participant methodically affixed their signatures, formalizing themitments and strategies that had been agreed upon. There were brief exchanges of farewell words, a mixture of formal acknowledgments, and more personal sentiments reflecting the gravity of the situation facing Konoha and the unity required to address it.


    As these formalities werepleted, the atmosphere in the room, though still charged with a sense of urgency, began to ease. The leaders and participants, having reached critical decisions for the vige''s future, prepared to leave the ndestine space that had hosted their deliberations.


    One by one, they exited the underground assembly hall, a secret chamber hidden beneath the iconic Hokage Rock. Stepping from the dimly lit confines into the brightness of Konoha''s streets marked a transition back to the everyday world, but each carried with them the weight of the decisions made and the tasks ahead.


    The light of the vige streets seemed to wee them back, a reminder of the home they had vowed to protect and serve, at the end of the day, bolstering their resolve as they departed to undertake their respective duties.


    As the Hyuga and Uchiha members exited the meeting side by side, with the rest of the Anti-Hokage Faction nearby, Hirayoshi spoke up, his demeanor unchanged before the meeting.


    "Sakumo-san, let''s connectter again, congrattions on this meeting''s results...", He strangely only addressed Sakumo by name, perhaps because of his status or because he was the only one about to speak for his n at that time when Hokage pressured them.


    "There is still much for us to process internally after returning to our ns. We will contact youter; for now, let''s part ways...", He stated, indicating a need for reflection and strategic nning within the confines of their own ns.


    Hikari, Takumi, Hiashi, and the other Hyuga nsmen nearby nodded in understanding, ready to deliberate on the meeting''s oues and their implications.


    Meanwhile, the rest of the Anti-Hokage faction experienced a moment of difort, reflecting on the earlier part of the meeting.


    Before Hirayoshi demonstrated power, there had been a noticeableck of support for the Hyuga n''s proposition, particrly from the Uchiha n, who had secured their demands first and then stopped advocating for the Hyuga''s interests.


    This prior inaction now cast a shadow of awkwardness, especially among the Uchiha, who recognized the potential rift their earlier stance might have caused.


    However, Hyuga''s decision not to dwell on these past tensions, instead focusing on future coordination and strategy, brought a sense of relief to the group.


    This gesture of looking forward, rather than holding onto grievances, signaled a willingness to maintain unity within the Anti-Hokage Faction, despite theplex dynamics andpeting interests that hade to light during the meeting.


    The Uchiha nsmen found themselves caught between conflicting feelings following Hirayoshi''s unexpected demonstration of power.


    On the one hand, there was a sense of satisfaction and relief. Having such a potent ally undoubtedly strengthened their position against the Hokage''s faction, offering more hope in their struggle to regain influence within Konoha.


    This new development promised a more robust defense and a strategic edge they had not anticipated, which could significantly alter the bnce of power in their favor.


    However, this positive outlook was somewhat overshadowed by a lessfortable realization.


    The Hyuga''s sudden assertion of dominance, spearheaded by Hirayoshi''s disy, had unexpected implications for the internal hierarchy of the Anti-Hokage Faction.


    The Uchiha, a n with deep-rooted pride and a long-standing sense of prominence within the vige, now faced the reality of another n ascending to a position of clear leadership within their coalition.


    In the face of these developments, the internal rivalries within the Uchiha n momentarily took a back seat as Great Elder Setsuna and Patriarch Fugaku shared a significant nce.


    This exchange wasden with unspoken understanding and concern over the escting situation in Konoha and beyond, recognizing that the dynamics of power were shifting rapidly and unpredictably.


    The revtion of the Hyuga n''s ancient and formidable power, juxtaposed with the Uchiha''sck of recent Mangekyo Sharingan awakenings, underscored a growing concern.


    The Uchiha had long prided themselves on their powerful kekkei genkai, yet the absence of new Mangekyo Sharingan users within their ranks, coupled with no equivalent secret power to the Hyuga''s, highlighted a pressing need for action.


    Fugaku and Setsuna realized the urgency of unlocking the Mangekyo Sharingan''s potential within their n.


    For Fugaku, this meant embracing the inevitable conflict of the uing war as an opportunity to push his limits and achieve the awakening.


    His resolve was clear, understanding the sacrifices and risks involved in pursuing such power.


    Setsuna, on the other hand, saw his granddaughter Kiyomi as another beacon of hope for the n''s resurgence.


    The expectation that she, too, might awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan ced a heavy burden on her shoulders, a burden Setsuna acknowledged with a mix of hope and apprehension.


    His concern for Kiyomi''s well-being added ayer ofplexity to his determination, reflecting the personal stakes involved in the n''s quest for power.


    Meanwhile, also as the meeting dispersed, Kiyomi found herself still grappling with the aftermath of the Hyuga Patriarch''s disy of power.


    She secretly waved goodbye to Hikari, her mind racing with thoughts of the chakra explosion that seemed like an ocean''s force unleashed by his Patriarch.


    This unexpected revtion had thoroughly shattered her preconceived notions of the Hyuga n, which she, like many in her n, had always considered to be a step behind the Uchiha in terms of sheer power.


    The reality that the Hyuga possessed such a profound secret strength, capable of bending the Hokage''s Faction to their will and intimidating them during such a broad assembly, was unprecedented.


    Kiyomi reflected on this moment as a historic shift in the dynamics of power within Konoha.


    For the first time, a major shinobi n leveraged their hidden power to such a dramatic effect, fundamentally altering the politicalndscape of the vige.


    This realization sparked a mix of emotions in Kiyomi: awe at Hyuga''s hidden capabilities, a reassessment of her understanding of her vige''s dynamics, and a newfound sense ofpetition.