Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto

Hearing the continuous flattery from those around him, Tatsuya couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. While he knew that the words of praise from these individuals were heartfelt, it still felt quite refreshing.

Tatsuya had finally come to understand why a certain man in his previous life liked to be hero so much. There was an undeniable allure to being surrounded by admirers showering him with compliments.

"Master Tatsuya, I must respectfully disagree with your viewpoint."

Just as the flattery continued to pour in from every side, a dissenting voice rang out, capturing the attention of everyone present.

It was a young boy of around 15, with dazzling blond hair and a warm masculine demeanor. Even Tatsuya had to admit that the nickname "Little Sun" was fitting for him.

Namikaze Minato!

He could be considered the epitome of excellence among the ninja in the Hokage world.

Of course, what left Tatsuya dumbfounded the most was that Namikaze Minato would later die and gain the opportunity to practice the other half of the Nine-Tails' power in the afterlife.

That was a ridiculous moment in manga with no explanation. Did he end up in a place called the Soul Society?

Seeing Tatsuya's quizzical expression, Namikaze Minato, who had donned his Konoha forehead protector, extended a hand and introduced himself:

"I'm Namikaze Minato, Master Tatsuya."

"And then?"

Tatsuya inquired, his expression unchanged.

"No one can deny your contribution to Konoha's victory, but when you said that you would sacrifice your comrades' lives for the mission, I cannot agree with that."

Namikaze Minato spoke in a tone that was neither overly respectful nor impudent, "Nothing is more precious than life itself. If we start weighing the success or failure of each mission against the lives of our companions, and if everyone constantly chooses the mission, we risk losing sight of the essence of the Will of Fire."

Perhaps one's looks determine success or failure.

Unlike Asuma, who faced mockery after his statement, Namikaze Minato's words didn't elicit the same reaction. Many individuals lowered their heads in contemplation, and some even nodded in agreement.

It seemed that the young man's words held some undeniable truth.

Jiraiya, positioned to Tatsuya's right, listened to Namikaze Minato with a gleam in his eyes. He looked as though he had stumbled upon a treasure trove of knowledge.

"Did you know that my idiotic older brother was nearly labeled as a rebel?"

Tatsuya suddenly asked Namikaze Minato.

"Uh, yes, I've heard about that."

During the Second Ninja War, Namikaze Minato was merely a Chūnin assigned to stay back in the village. The storm generated by the failure of the White Fang's mission had nearly engulfed the entire Konoha Shinobi community. Rumors had circulated that anyone not criticizing the White Fang was unworthy of being a Konoha shinobi.

Even at his young age, Namikaze Minato had picked up on the abnormal atmosphere.

Unlike the fools in the original storyline who didn't even deserve to be named, he had enough wits to refrain from joining in when baseless rumors were spread.

"Do you know how to maintain a proper mindset in such situations?"

Tatsuya inquired again.

Namikaze Minato didn't quite understand why Tatsuya was directing this question at him, but he honestly nodded.

"Never argue with fools."

Namikaze Minato, "I'm not sure if I agree with that."

Tatsuya: "Well, you're right."

"Puff~"

From the back and to the left, Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle. She was determined not to let her regal image crumble due to laughter.

Namikaze Minato: "..."

Though annoyed, he was compelled to maintain his smile.

"It's impressive how that completely silenced the opposition."

Obito, who was among the crowd behind them, was utterly flabbergasted.

Rin lowered her head in contemplation and thought inwardly, "Which should come first, the welfare of companions or the success of the mission? If it were me..."

Kurenai, "He's so charismatic!"

Shizune turned her gaze between Tatsuya and Namikaze Minato and asked curiously, "Kurenai, which one are you referring to?"

After hearing Namikaze Minato speak about "The Will of Fire," Tatsuya had already classified him as an "idiot." He wasn't annoyed, just mildly amused.

Once this minor storm subsided, the main group of ninjas, led by Tatsuya, began to enter the administrative building one after the other.

They were there to report the battle's details to Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage. Ultimately, they were awaiting Orochimaru, who was stationed at the front lines, to receive a truce from the Sand shinobi.

With that, the Second Ninja World War would be officially declared over.

In contrast to Asuma, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed much calmer about the death of his eldest son. He didn't display any skepticism about the circumstances of his son's passing. Tatsuya even recounted the process of assassinating the Second Kazekage to him.

Hiruzen didn't show any trace of doubt regarding his son's demise.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya remained bewildered from start to finish.

Based on Tatsuya's account, he and Sarutobi Shinnosuke had set out from the Land of Rivers, traveled to the Land of Rain, and then encountered their future selves. The three of them had infiltrated the Land of Wind and assassinated the Second Kazekage in Sunagakure.

However, Jiraiya hadn't crossed paths with Sarutobi Shinnosuke at any point during the mission!

What was happening?

"When you departed from Konoha, you mentioned that even if you witnessed your comrade's death, you would prioritize completing the mission. And you actually followed through with it."

After listening to Tatsuya's report, Hiruzen remarked in a tone devoid of emotional fluctuations.

"Of course."

Tatsuya responded with pride:

"After all, my older brother faced the same situation before and chose to save his comrades. He was criticized relentlessly, but now I didn't save Shinnosuke but completed the mission. I am Konoha's hero. This proves that my decision was the right one."

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