Nawaki's growth wasn't due to post-graduation progress—it had come from this month of intensive, tailored training.
The sudden appearance of Senju clan members in the plaza was surely linked to it.
"Anyway, my brother has something important to tell you. I won't waste time."
With a step, Nawaki's figure blurred. In an instant, he stood before Minato again!
Minato didn't hold back—he struck with his Rasengan.
But Nawaki surprised him—he punched it directly.
No chakra clash.
The Rasengan vanished on impact.
As if punching Minato would hurt him, Nawaki smiled and stopped.
One move, and the result was clear.
According to his brother, Nawaki wasn't skilled in swordsmanship but had a unique passion for boxing and kicking.
His primary style was physical combat.
But it was different.
In the Bleach universe, four fighting disciplines existed.
Right now, Nawaki cherished the gift Yukika had given him—White Heat Song.
No surprise—he'd soon summon two massive gauntlets upon returning.
"Alright, go rest." Yukika waved Nawaki away.
The match had served its purpose. After this brief sparring, he believed Minato had seen the vast gap between them.
On a nearby bench sat a somewhat dejected teenager. Yukika extended another invitation.
"You lost because you're weaker or not as talented—not due to lack of effort. His power comes from a force stronger than this world's chakra system."
"If you want to explore beyond the ninja world—or one day fight not as a Konoha shinobi, but as a human protecting Earth—come find me."
Beyond the ninja world?
Minato was stunned. Like the Senju Clan once did, he found the idea hard to grasp.
"Think it over. Don't force yourself."
Patting Minato's shoulder, Yukika gave a gentle smile.
The Espada should be beings worthy of standing atop the world. At least they had the potential.
In the original series, Minato's early death was tragic. Had he lived, his achievements might've been greater.
Yukika wanted to see how far this little sun could shine.
He was offering a chance. But just that—a chance.
If Minato disappointed him later, Yukika wouldn't hesitate.
If you want to prove yourself, do it for your own sake—not for others.
Minato wouldn't let him down.
"Oh, right—what did you want to talk to me about?"
Changing topics, Yukika tilted his head. He hadn't forgotten.
"Oh, that." Minato slapped his forehead. His expression grew serious.
"Yukika, the war is over."
"The Five Great Ninja Villages have all declared a ceasefire. A time of peace is about to begin."
That should be good news, right?
Yukika rolled his eyes.
A ceasefire was expected. No village wanted to provoke the Senju again, especially after the losses from the Second Great Ninja War.
But the damage ran deep. No village could recover strength quickly.
"I don't think it's over yet." Minato sighed, shaking his head.
"Even with a ceasefire, every village's attitude makes it clear—there will be more battles in the future."
"People fight to protect those behind them, thinking they're on the side of justice. But all it creates is more pain and hatred."
"That will be the excuse for the next war."
His head ached just thinking about it. Minato smiled bitterly at Yukika.
"I can't think of a solution."
From a village perspective, no one was truly wrong.
That made things awkward.
So where did real peace lie?
"What's the problem?" Yukika smiled slightly, appreciating Minato's mindset.
This was something he'd pondered long ago.
It was the eternal reality of the ninja world.
There were two solutions.
First, give ninjas a common enemy. When Earth is threatened, they'll unite.
Like in the original series' Fourth Great Ninja War.
Naruto became a hero and a symbol.
But that peace wouldn't last.
When Naruto died, the conflict would return—just like it had after Hashirama Senju's death.
So Yukika would choose the second solution—and combine it with the first.
"Unification. After a brief period of pain, people would enjoy a system that eliminated village disparities—starting with culture."
"Then, create a massive threat so they're forced to huddle together."
"What you need then… is a leader who never falls."
"True peace will come."
Unification…?
Could the Senju Clan really do that now?
If it was Yukika—maybe they could.
Minato sighed.
Unification would inevitably bring war. Though the Senju had planned for this, hearing Yukika say it out loud was still shocking.
But that wasn't the focus now.
"There's one more thing I wanted to ask."
After some thought, Minato spoke again.
"It's about the village."
His eyes held intense curiosity.
"How should a village and its families maintain a proper relationship?"
"How can we reduce friction between clans and the village?"
That was his real question.
Though he was just a teenager, and though he saw the big picture, he couldn't yet grasp full control.
But he could clearly feel the tension.
Families gathered to form a village.
Once the village formed, families began scheming, fighting for power and resources.
Even the Senju Clan had faced this.
So how could one ensure long-term stability?
Minato hadn't hit the core issue.
Was he analyzing it from a Hokage's perspective?
Sarutobi Hiruzen's failure ensured Naruto couldn't solve it.
What about Yukika?
What did he think?
"This question?" Yukika grinned freely. It was the contradiction at the heart of the world.
But why be limited to just one village?
Villages were a microcosm of the entire ninja world.
When interests aligned, the villages united.
When they didn't, conflict arose.
It was hard to solve—but not impossible.
"A truly fair system and an unchallengeable dominant force."
"Words alone won't save Konoha. Better to take real action."
"You should watch Sarutobi sweep the streets. Then you'll understand what needs to be done."
He patted Minato's shoulder, casting him a playful look.
What to do?
Sarutobi was the perfect cautionary tale.
"Of course, if you still don't get it—wait until the next war ends."
"The Senju will give you the answer."
The Senju will give me the answer!
Minato's mouth fell open.
He seemed to understand.
The Senju Clan would bring an end to chaos and create a new order in the next war.
That was Yukika's hidden message.
Not far off.
Yukika stood up, no longer feeling the need to speak.
The Senju's transformation was ongoing.
A new journey was about to begin.
The Third Great Ninja War…
Yukika would correct this world.