Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

Time passed, and the seasons began to shift. The weak grew stronger, and the strong grew even stronger.

In the Land of Water, Sasori acquired ten high-quality human puppets. Yet, perhaps due to his aesthetic sense, he didn't select a Taketori clan member as his host body.

Since his core is his heart, even if he used a Kaguya clan body, he wouldn't gain their kekkei genkai. The benefit, however, lay in the strength of the Kaguya clan's bodies, making them excellent host material.

Maybe it was his pursuit of art that influenced his choice, but Sasori didn't pick one of the ten Kaguya warriors as his host. Instead, with his technical expertise, he crafted them all into human puppets.

Afterward, Sasori eagerly wanted to test their power in a fight with Ye Zi. However, Ye Zi, focused on bringing Kimimaro back to the base, declined.

The two then parted ways, with Sasori searching for a new host while Ye Zi led Kimimaro back to the base in the Land of Earth.

During this time…

Juzo's injuries healed well, Kakuzu found a sturdy heart, and Shin quickly adapted to his regenerated limb, catching up to his former capabilities.

Once back at the base, Kimimaro, sharing the same goals as the other children there, quickly integrated into the group.

Kotoe continued training the children and, outside of training, used them as test subjects to refine his culinary skills.

Nanako buried herself in the lab, accumulating enough experimental data to fill a room. She worked so tirelessly that she often skipped meals but never neglected her personal hygiene, especially her sleek, glossy hair.

Ye Zi began preparations for Edo Tensei, tasking White Zetsu with gathering detailed information about the bodies of powerful figures throughout history.

As time passed, certain people and events began to undergo subtle changes.

The spring snow melted, and new buds sprouted, flourishing in the gentle breeze.

Back in Konoha, Minato and Jiraiya returned from their training in Mount Myoboku. Minato's first stop upon his return was Kakashi's house, where, coincidentally, Kakashi's team was resting after completing a mission.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya went to find Tsunade, fulfilling his role as her teacher and planning to support her in the tasks she wished to accomplish.

When Minato arrived at Kakashi's house, he found not only Kakashi but also Rin and Obito.

Kakashi, Rin, and Obito looked puzzled at Minato's unexpected visit.

Minato's purpose was simple: he wanted to see if Kakashi had made any progress during his absence.

"So, you're all here," Minato said warmly, showing no awareness that his arrival was unexpected.

In fact, it was. When he last returned to the village, Minato had marked a space-time seal in Kakashi's house out of concern, so this time, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to come directly here.

His sudden appearance surprised Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, but they quickly regained their composure, familiar as they were with Minato-sensei's jutsu.

"Minato-sensei, I've made up my mind!" Obito suddenly exclaimed, eyes shining as he looked at Minato.

Minato took a step back, slightly taken aback by Obito's intensity. "What have you decided?"

Obito raised his thumb, his demeanor echoing Guy's as he declared, "I'm going to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Minato was momentarily stunned, and before he could respond, Kakashi rolled his eyes. "Idiot."

Rin chuckled, agreeing with Kakashi. Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique wasn't something one could master on a whim.

Seeing that Obito was serious, however, Minato considered the possibility rather than dismissing it as Kakashi and Rin had.

Kakashi and Rin gawked as Minato pondered. They couldn't believe he was actually giving it thought; Minato was as kind as ever.

Obito, full of hope, imagined himself mastering Minato-sensei's signature jutsu. If he did, he'd finally be able to beat Kakashi and Guy.

And then there was Shisui, renowned in the Uchiha clan for his body flicker technique, considered the strongest of the younger generation. If Obito learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, he'd surpass even Shisui.

Finally, he could prove his worth to a certain cocky kid and make him recognize him as a senior! Just wait, Itachi!

Minato had no idea of Obito's inner thoughts; he was focused on determining whether Obito met the necessary requirements.

First, a key condition for the Flying Thunder God Technique was exceptional reaction speed. Without it, not only would the user fail to attack the enemy, but they might even end up colliding with a weapon.

Obito's Sharingan would likely fulfill this requirement.

The other essential condition was sensitivity to spatial coordinates. Just as important as reaction speed, this sensitivity allows the user to differentiate between coordinate positions and accurately reach the intended location.

These two abilities were foundational to mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique. Even if someone's reflexes were fast enough, a lack of spatial awareness would make the technique unusable due to its instability.

Minato believed Obito met the requirements but was more concerned about whether teaching the jutsu was a good idea. However, he deeply admired Obito's potential and drive.

"One day, I'll step down as Hokage, and though that's far in the future, I believe Obito has the qualities needed for this role," Minato thought.

"The Flying Thunder God isn't an easy jutsu to learn, but if you're serious about trying, I'd be willing to teach you," Minato said with a small smile.

Obito's eyes widened in joy, excitement flooding him as he shouted, "No problem—I'm a genius! I'll master your technique for sure, Minato-sensei!"

Then he turned, grinning at Kakashi and Rin. "Just wait! Soon, I'll be the Black Flash of Konoha!"

Kakashi sighed, deadpan. "Can black even flash?"

"Hmm… maybe not?"

Obito's face fell slightly, and he pondered, hand to chin, if the nickname made sense.

"Pfft."

Rin couldn't hold back her laughter.

Minato chuckled, clapping his hands. "Then how about… the Midnight Phantom?"

"…" Obito.

"…" Kakashi.

"…" Rin.

"So, what do you think of the nickname?" Minato asked, a bit too eagerly.

"Uh…" Obito gave an awkward smile. "Sounds… great."

Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose in disbelief.

"Alright, we'll stick with that, then," Minato declared cheerfully.

"What?" Obito's eyes widened in surprise.

"It's not like Obito's guaranteed to master it," Kakashi pointed out.

Minato scratched his cheek, laughing at the truth of Kakashi's remark. Naming him now might indeed be premature.

But seeing Kakashi had remained stable after his father's death reassured him; he could thank Rin and Obito for that.

"Kakashi, you're just jealous!" Obito pointed accusingly at him, huffing.

Not one to be outdone, Kakashi stood and replied coolly, "Learn it first, then we'll see."

"Oh, I will. And when I do, I'll surpass you, Kakashi—and even impress that little punk, Itachi!" Obito fired back, determined to master the technique and prove his worth.

"Sure," Kakashi muttered, unconvinced.

"There you two go again…" Rin sighed, smiling.

Minato watched the scene with a smile. Although he had only recently become Hokage, he now felt a growing hope that the next generation would soon come into their own.

He was excited to see that day come.

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Currently on Chapter 396 - Minato's Ominous Presence