Naruto: The King Behind the Curtain

If it had been another ninja, Minato might have actually believed it.

But Seiki was different. Already considered a top-tier genius even within Konoha, Minato naturally couldn't believe Seiki would genuinely need his guidance.

Even with the Flying Thunder God Technique—an advanced Space–Time Ninjutsu—Minato believed they wouldn't get stuck from the very beginning. This was the confidence he had in Seiki, another genius like himself.

Most importantly, Seiki specialized in Medical Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. There was simply no reason for him to rush into training in the Flying Thunder God Technique.

"So, he acquired this technique to help me train! And to protect my pride as a senior ninja, he made it sound like he's asking for my advice!" Thinking of this, Minato looked at Seiki with increasingly tender eyes.

Seeing Minato frozen in thought, Kushina frowned and patted his shoulder unhappily. "You're being too hesitant. My dear little brother wants to learn a jutsu from you, and you won't even agree."

Minato gently shook his head with a warm smile. "You've misunderstood. Seiki is a genius praised even by the Hokage himself. He definitely doesn't need my help. He said that just to make me feel better."

Kushina nodded vigorously, suddenly enlightened. "That's what I thought! My little brother is so amazing, why would he need to ask you for help?"

Minato could only laugh bitterly. Kushina, how come you flip sides so quickly?

"Then go ahead and discuss," she clapped her hands cheerfully. "I'll go prepare some snacks and tea for you."

Singing happily to herself, she skipped off toward the kitchen.

To her, such a family moment had only ever appeared in her dreams.

In the living room, Minato Namikaze gazed at Seiki somewhat absentmindedly. For some reason, he saw a reflection of his younger self in the other man.

"Seiki, I really must thank you for what you did earlier. Without your help, I probably wouldn't have caught up with those Cloud Village spies."

"Not at all! I was just doing what needed to be done!"

"Pursuing enemy spies isn't exactly what you should be responsible for! Seriously though, I really owe you one!"

Minato had always been an optimistic and cheerful person—he'd easily strike up conversations even with strangers. How much more so with Seiki, who not only saved Kushina but also shared a remarkably similar personality to himself.

It didn't take long for them to fall into an easy conversation.

When the conversation turned to the Flying Thunder God Technique, Seiki hesitated before asking, "Minato-niisan, before we start, may I first ask you a question?"

Hearing his future "younger brother-in-law" call him this way, Minato suddenly felt nervous. "Could it be...he's going to ask about my family background? Whether I own property in Konoha? Or maybe he'll ask about my romantic history—whether I've dated anyone before? Or perhaps he wants to know about my current job status—whether I'm officially ranked as a Jonin yet?"

His thoughts raced, filling him with anxiety.

Unaware that Minato's thoughts had strayed so far from reality, Seiki simply asked curiously, "Minato-niisan, why did you want to acquire the Flying Thunder God Technique in the first place? Since it's so difficult to master, wouldn't it be a huge loss if you failed?"

Hearing Seiki's actual question, Minato let out a sigh of relief.

"That's exactly why I wanted to learn a technique that lets me reach Kushina the fastest after nearly losing her this time," Minato said with a gentle smile, then added with a grin, "Besides, don't you think this technique is pretty cool?"

Seiki couldn't help but chuckle. Truth be told, he'd almost forgotten how beneath Minato's bright exterior lay such a mischievous heart.

"Huh? How come you two are suddenly getting along so well?" Kushina asked as she knelt down and placed the tray before them.

"Haha, we're just discussing that technique!" Minato replied with a laugh, carefully avoiding any mention of looking cool.

"Ohhh, let me listen in too." Kushina propped her chin up with one hand, watching like she was about to enjoy a performance.

"Aren't you only interested in sealing techniques?"

"Hmph! Like I care what you think!"

"Fine." Minato smiled affectionately at her before turning back to Seiki. "Then let's officially start."

"Actually, regarding what Seiki mentioned earlier about needing guidance, I might really be able to offer some help."

Seiki's eyes lit up. "Minato-niisan, have you already started training it?"

"I'm probably a little past just starting!" Minato answered, but immediately realizing his words might sound arrogant, quickly added, "Maybe it's because I have a special affinity with [Flying Thunder God Technique]... or maybe it's because I have a reason I must succeed..."

As he spoke, Minato stole a quick glance at Kushina.

As a proud member of the Uzumaki clan, Kushina naturally caught Minato's subtle movement instantly. She raised her fist threateningly and said, "What are you looking at me for? Is your reason for practicing this technique to defeat me?"

Seeing that Kushina hadn't suspected anything, Minato felt relieved yet slightly disappointed deep down.

However, Seiki noticed something—Kushina's face had already flushed lightly as she kept her head down.

Though Seiki ended up eating a mouthful of romantic vibes, he wasn't bothered at all. Instead, he mused inwardly: Could intense emotions and unwavering resolve actually help one master [Flying Thunder God Technique]? Or was it that Namikaze Minato could only reveal his true potential when constantly thinking about Kushina?

Unaware of Seiki's quiet musings about him, Minato paused briefly and continued, "Anyway, I've indeed progressed quite rapidly in practicing this technique. Seiki, pay close attention to my movements."

With that, Minato took out a kunai, threw it outside, and in an instant, teleported to a spot half a meter away.

This time even Seiki was genuinely shocked. "Already? Just within days, you've practically mastered it, niisan?"

Minato waved his hands repeatedly. "Actually, I'm still far from it. If the range exceeds half a meter, I'll fail!"

Although its effect seemed inferior to [Shifting Body Technique] at first glance, both Kushina and Seiki were geniuses who naturally understood the fundamental difference between spatial displacement and mere high-speed movement.

Kushina stared blankly for a moment, wide-eyed as she looked at him. "That's so unfair! You mastered such an amazing jutsu behind my back? Now how am I ever supposed to stand a chance in a fight with you!"

Minato raised both hands as if surrendering, wearing a wry smile. "I simply happened to find a suitable jutsu. Didn't it also take me seven or eight days to learn that [A-ranked Jutsu] I bought right after graduation?"

Unaware that learning an A-ranked jutsu in just a few days could cause such psychological damage, Minato continued, "Like how you've got a natural edge over me when it comes to sealing techniques—don't you think?"

Kushina nodded, "That's true. I haven't touched S-ranked ones yet, but with A-ranked sealing techniques? I only need a quick glance—and a couple days later, I just… kinda get it, somehow."

As they spoke, they exchanged a knowing smile—the kind shared between fellow cheaters.

Then, realization hit them at the same time.

Did their shameless flexing a moment ago break poor Seiki's fragile little heart?

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