Minato Namikaze had been diligently training during this period, having thoroughly absorbed the knowledge taught by Sensei Jinya. He was now allowed to visit the academy library to read and seek guidance from the teachers whenever he encountered difficulties during self-study.
While Minato was overjoyed, he couldn't help but wonder why Seven Nights was still in the classroom.
However, upon arriving at the library, he discovered another Seven Nights there.
Clone Technique?!
This was his first reaction.
But wasn't this something taught in the third year?
Furthermore, weren't the clones created by the Clone Technique fake? How could Seven Nights pick up a book?
At this time, Minato was still unaware of the existence of a physical clone technique.
“It's Minato!”
Hyuga Seven Nights smiled at him and said, "I figured you'd be here soon."
“Staying in the classroom now would be a waste of time for you.”
Minato smiled shyly, "Sensei Jinya suggested I come to the library. Uh, who is this?"
Seven Nights closed his book and introduced, "He's Nara Shikamaru, a second-year student, a genius who's always thinking about slacking off and doing nothing."
Indeed, Nara Shikamaru was a genius in Seven Nights' eyes. Even in the later stages, his strength was only at the Jōnin level. In the ninja world, there were many powerful ninjas, but those with wisdom and intelligence were scarce.
Hearing Seven Nights introduce him like that, Shikamaru rolled his eyes in response.
Minato scratched his hair, stunned for a moment before warmly smiling and saying,
"Senior Shikamaru, hello, I'm Minato Namikaze, please give me your guidance."
Shikamaru looked at the blond-haired, blue-eyed boy, his smile warm and friendly, like a gentle little sun.
And—
He glanced sideways at Hyuga Seven Nights. This guy was much more polite than that fellow. He never formally addressed himself as a senior or senior student.
Shikamaru nodded and returned a friendly smile. However, his mind started to function instinctively.
Namikaze?
There isn't a ninja clan with this surname in Konoha!
A civilian?!
But being recognized by Seven Nights, does he have any special talents?
Although Shikamaru hadn't known Seven Nights for long, he could tell that Seven Nights seemed to be able to interact with anyone amicably. Those who could truly be recognized by him were few, and he harbored a deep-seated pride, though he didn't show it.
This point, Seven Nights probably hadn't even realized himself.
Suddenly snapping out of his thoughts, Shikamaru yawned,
Well, well...
Why think so much? Life is already so hard, learn to relax yourself from time to time.
Immediately, Shikamaru forcefully shook off those thoughts.
After greeting the two, Minato went to the bookshelf to find useful books to read.
However, he put back several books he had selected, seemingly dissatisfied.
Seven Nights noticed this, thought for a moment, walked over, and asked, "Minato, what kind of book are you looking for? Let me help you!"
At this time, Minato was still quite shy and hesitant to trouble others.
His face flushed slightly, but his mind was clear: "Seven Nights, I would appreciate it if you could."
“I feel like my physical fitness is not good enough, my shuriken throwing is not fast or far enough, and also, my speed is not fast enough... So, Seven Nights, do you have any recommendations?”
Minato blinked his blue eyes, listing a whole bunch of his current problems but avoiding mentioning what he wanted to learn. Instead, he asked Seven Nights to decide.
He knew that Seven Nights was a genius from the Hyuga clan, his suggestions would definitely be more reliable than his own at this point.
Seven Nights saw through Minato's little trick, finding it amusing. He was quite cunning!
“In that case, I recommend you start with this book, 'My Hunting Life in the Death Forest.'”
“……??”
Minato looked dumbfounded as he took the book.
"Don't underestimate this 'Hunting Life,'" Seven Nights said earnestly, as if it were a priceless secret manual.
"Although it's a diary-style memoir, the author of this book was a Special Jōnin. The problems you raised are all described in it, and solutions are given in the daily life records..."
"Even, it records how to use chakra to enhance your instantaneous burst of power. In my opinion, the value of this book is no less than a C-rank jutsu!"
"C-rank jutsu?!" Minato's little mouth unconsciously opened into a "O" shape.
Soga!
It's a C-rank jutsu, Seven Nights-san is really a good person!
He had already found out that even academy graduates would only learn E-rank jutsu and a few D-rank jutsu.
Shikamaru's ears twitched slightly, clearly hearing Seven Nights' "bragging."
It wasn't exactly bragging. Shikamaru had also read this book. Although it didn't contain complete jutsu techniques, it did record some tips on how to efficiently use chakra. It was roughly equivalent to a C-rank jutsu in terms of overall value...
However, Shikamaru secretly thought, whose C-rank jutsu would be a thick book like that?!
If Seven Nights knew Shikamaru's thoughts, he would definitely scoff. Although Shikamaru was naturally intelligent, he was just a little kid who didn't know the hardships of the world.
Clan children have family elders to teach them after school, they don't lack jutsu secrets. But what about civilian students? They only have what the academy teaches, how can they have the opportunity to learn other jutsu?!
To learn new jutsu, either find a good master or use merits from missions to exchange for them.
Now, just by reading a book, you could gain something. Any civilian student with ambition wouldn't refuse.
Indeed, Minato's eyes shone brightly as he solemnly took the 'My Hunting Life in the Death Forest' book.
He said sincerely, "Seven Nights, thank you!"
Overwhelmed with emotion, Minato patted Seven Nights on the shoulder a little too hard.
"Bang!"
A puff of white smoke exploded.
Minato was dumbfounded, frozen in place.
"I... I patted Seven Nights away...!"