Haruto Saito was the personal disciple of White Fang, something most people in Konoha were unaware of. However, as the captain of the Anbu, White Fang had access to Konoha's intelligence network and naturally knew about it.
"Bring him here," White Fang hesitated before asking, "For what purpose?"
"To teach, of course!" Haruto replied matter-of-factly. "After all, I have nothing else to do, right?"
"Hm." White Fang dragged out his response, pondering for a moment before saying, "No problem!"
He agreed immediately—without even consulting Hiruzen Sarutobi!
Because, as the captain of the Anbu, he had the authority to make such decisions. After all, Haruto wasn't a real prisoner; he was just being held in confinement for reflection.
After White Fang left, Haruto started discussing Minato Namikaze with Tsunade.
"What's so special about that brat?" Tsunade asked, clearly puzzled. "You're locked up, yet you're still thinking about him? You even want to teach him?"
"He's a genius!"
"There are plenty of geniuses!"
"He's different. Minato Namikaze is an exceptional genius!"
"Tch! He's already eight and hasn't even graduated from the ninja academy. What kind of exceptional genius is that?"
Tsunade scoffed at Haruto's claim. After all, she, along with Jiraiya and Orochimaru, had graduated from the ninja academy at just six years old!
"Sigh, you just don't understand!" Haruto shook his head with a smile. Then, as if remembering something, he blinked and said, "By the way, Lady Tsunade, I have a favor to ask. Can you help me?"
"Speak."
"It's like this—I rescued a little kid during a mission in the Land of Whirlpools. He's about seven or eight years old and goes by the name Kaga," Haruto explained. "I had a special connection with him. But since I was on a mission, I had someone else bring him back to Konoha. He should be attending the ninja academy now."
"What do you want?" Tsunade interrupted.
"I need you to take care of him. Until I'm released, he can stay in my house. If he needs money, give him some—I'll pay you back whatever you spend."
"Why are you doing this? This is even more bizarre than taking Minato as your disciple. He's just an orphan you picked up outside, yet you want to give him special care too?" Tsunade was even more confused about Haruto now.
"I told you, I have a connection with him!" Haruto grinned.
"Oh? And why should I help you?" Tsunade eyed Haruto suspiciously.
Knowing her well, Haruto immediately understood what she meant.
He pulled out a stack of money and slapped it into her hand. "Five million ryo. Spend it however you want. Just look after Kaga for me."
"Deal!" Tsunade cheerfully pocketed the money.
—
The next day, early in the morning.
Haruto woke up from his luxurious bed and headed down to the second underground level that he had secretly constructed. It served as his private space for washing up, bathing, and other personal needs. After freshening up, he came back up to prepare breakfast.
Buzz!
The sealing marks on the prison door lit up, and the door opened.
Outside stood three Anbu members, along with a young boy blindfolded—Minato Namikaze!
They nudged Minato forward, and once he stepped inside, the door closed behind him.
"You can take off the blindfold now. It's fine," Haruto said.
"Huh? Sensei?" Minato exclaimed in surprise. He quickly removed his blindfold and blinked a few times before looking at Haruto. "Sensei, you're back?!"
Minato had no idea that Haruto had returned to Konoha, as very few people knew about it.
"Yes, I came back a few days ago," Haruto responded with a smile.
"Sensei, where is this place?" Minato finally took in his surroundings.
The cavernous structure looked like a secret base, yet the lavish furnishings were excessive.
"Can't you tell? I'm in prison!" Haruto spread his hands.
"Uh…" Minato's small face stiffened, and then he shook his head rapidly.
If this was a prison, then he must be seeing ghosts!
"Enough about that. Have you eaten breakfast?"
"I already ate!"
"Even so, have some more. Eating alone is boring."
Minato arrived at eight in the morning, but by the time he left, it was already three in the afternoon. The two of them not only ate and chatted but also spent most of their time training together.
They practiced the Flying Thunder God Technique.
They exchanged insights.
That was Haruto's main reason for calling Minato there. Since he had nothing else to do, he might as well use the time to discuss the technique with Minato and gather as many Flying Thunder God technique card fragments as possible!
Additionally…
Before Minato left, Haruto asked him about Kaga.
Kaga hadn't been in Konoha for long, and as an outsider, he wasn't well received. Although he was attending the ninja academy, he was in a lower grade and not in the same class as Minato. Minato had only heard of him but didn't know him personally.
Haruto instructed him to befriend and look after Kaga.
He also considered asking Minato to inform Kushina Uzumaki to watch over Kaga at school, but after some thought, he decided against it—Kushina might deliberately do the opposite.
—
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, ten days had gone by!
Haruto had been imprisoned for a full twenty days!
Despite being locked up, his days were fulfilling. He dedicated most of his time to training. Ever since Minato's first visit, he had come every day to "study" with Haruto. Haruto ensured that each discussion with Minato earned him a Flying Thunder God technique card fragment!
In his remaining time, Haruto secretly trained in the Gentle Fist technique.
He had previously mastered the lost technique of the Hyuga clan, Rotation of the Great Moon.
On the twenty-first day of Haruto's confinement…
That afternoon.
Haruto had just finished discussing techniques with Minato.
Buzz!
Creak!
The prison door opened.
Minato turned around and was startled to see who was at the door. He immediately stood up and greeted respectfully, "Lord Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi had arrived!
"Hm." Hiruzen acknowledged him with a nod. He walked up to Minato with a kind and warm demeanor, patted his head, and said, "You're dismissed."
"Yes, sir!" Minato responded and quickly left.
The prison door closed again.
Seeing Haruto's indifferent expression, Hiruzen felt his anger rise. Without a word, he kicked Haruto!
Boom!
Haruto exploded into a cloud of white smoke!
The real Haruto appeared in the corner, looking resigned. "Lord Hokage, what was that for?"
"Hmph!" Hiruzen snorted, sat down at the table, and after a moment, said, "I have something to tell you."
"Hm?"
"Lady Mito has passed away."
Haruto's expression changed instantly.
Mito Uzumaki had passed away peacefully.