Chapter 263: The Three-Tails Jinchuriki Candidates!

Chapter 263: The Three-Tails Jinchuriki Candidates!

"Keisuke, the results of the Three-Tails chakra compatibility test are in," Minato said, rushing over with a strange expression on his face. "Kakashi, Rin, and Shizune... all three of them have the aptitude to contain the Three-Tails' chakra."

From his perspective, this was truly bizarre. The requirements for a Jinchuriki were extremely strict. In a world where bloodlines were everything, some abilities were simply something you were born with, or not. Those who could become Jinchuriki were almost always "geniuses" with exceptional talent. Yet, in this test, the two from the great clans, Shisui and Retsu, had been the first to fail, while the three "commoner ninja" had passed with flying colors. The "success rate" was far too high.

Of course, it wasn't that geniuses couldn't come from common stock; Minato himself was one of the greatest talents in the world. But... had they become this common? Kakashi was a known genius, but Rin and Shizune were practically nobodies.

Minato was perplexed. Keisuke was also surprised. Rin having the aptitude was within his expectations. Shizune having it was a pleasant surprise. But Kakashi passing the test... that was truly astonishing.

It was common knowledge that the one thing holding Kakashi back was not his skill, but his chakra reserves. In the future, even after becoming the famous "Kakashi of the Sharingan," he could only use the Chidori four times a day. But if he were to become a Jinchuriki and gain access to a Tailed Beast's chakra, combined with his now-blazing fighting spirit... Keisuke was suddenly very interested to see what "version" of Kakashi would evolve under his influence.

He put the thought aside and asked, "Are all three of them equally compatible?"

"No," Minato said after a moment's thought. "Although none of them had a major rejection, there was a clear difference in their tolerance. If I had to rank them, I'd say Rin's performance was superior to Kakashi's, who was in turn superior to Shizune's."

Shizune... sigh. Keisuke had, of course, been hoping for his own subordinate to be chosen. But if her aptitude was the lowest, there was nothing he could do.

"In that case," Keisuke said, making a decision, "for the time being, have Rin, Kakashi, and Shizune increase their contact with Isobu. When the village decides on the final candidate, we can proceed with the sealing."

Since he was "selling" the Three-Tails to Konoha, he wouldn't interfere too much in the selection process. Giving his own subordinates a head start was the most he could do. Of course, if the village couldn't make him a satisfactory offer, he wouldn't mind adding another wild Tailed Beast to his summoning roster. Sealing it into Shizune? How was that better than just using it himself?

Minato had no objections to the plan. In fact, the village had already decided to send him to the Land of Rain to "farm merit." And for that, he couldn't take Kakashi and Rin with him. With his speed, any teammate who couldn't use the Flying Thunder God was a "burden." It was almost certain that he and his team would be separated. And with Obito's "accidental disappearance," Team Minato was already down one member. To let Kakashi and Rin stay here, under the guise of "getting familiar with the Three-Tails," and get a bit of a vacation... he was fine with that. As their teacher, he was more than happy to let his students have an easier life.

"I'll report the situation back to the village then," Minato said. "Is there anything else you need me to relay?"

"Not at the moment," Keisuke replied.

"Then I'll leave them in your care," Minato said, glancing at his two students. "I'm going to contact Lord Third... I might even have to return to the village myself."

The reason was simple. He was a master of sealing, but he didn't know the [Tailed Beast Sealing Method]. If Konoha wanted to create a new Jinchuriki quickly, they would have to send someone who did know it here. Bringing the Three-Tails back to Konoha was too risky; without Keisuke to suppress it, who could guarantee it wouldn't rampage?

"I envy you, Minato-san. I want to go back on vacation too," Keisuke sighed, waving him off.

Minato left, and the detailed report of the candidates was soon laid before the "Konoha F4."

"Three potential candidates at once..." Homura said, surprised. "Could this also be because Nara Keisuke tamed the Three-Tails beforehand? Normally, a Tailed Beast wouldn't be so cooperative."

"Shizune is not suitable," Hiruzen said, dismissing her with a single glance at her file. The reason... was something they all understood. "We'll choose between Hatake Kakashi and Nohara Rin."

"To be safe, I recommend Hatake Kakashi," Danzō said, his voice hard. "He is a known genius. He is far more reliable than that female medical-nin."

Hiruzen looked at the file and nodded. "Hatake Kakashi..."