Naruto Card King

"I don't really know her well," Minato Namikaze shook his head. "We don't have any special relationship, just classmates."

As expected, Haruto Saito had already guessed this because the personality difference between Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki was vast.

Minato was calm and steady. If this personality belonged to an adult, it would be quite likable, but in a child, it made him seem unusual—too reserved and introverted.

Kushina, on the other hand, was fiery, strong-willed, and extremely lively. Among children, Kushina's personality was normal, whereas Minato's was not. This difference made it hard for them to connect as friends. However, in the future, their contrasting personalities would complement each other. Of course, the main reason they eventually got together was that Minato had saved Kushina.

"You have any dreams?" Haruto asked, just making conversation.

"To become Hokage," Minato replied immediately, without any hesitation or embarrassment, despite how ambitious and far-fetched the goal seemed.

"I like that," Haruto said with a smile.

The food arrived quickly. Haruto and Minato had only been chatting for a short time before a waiter walked over, carrying a tray. Haruto had ordered ramen along with two side dishes, while Minato had also ordered ramen.

They started eating while continuing their conversation, though it was mostly Haruto asking questions and Minato answering.

Haruto had suddenly sought out Minato and even invited him to a meal using a rather weak excuse, but Minato didn't seem to mind. This saved Haruto a lot of effort, but he still couldn't quite figure out how Minato's mind worked. He had big ambitions, incredible talent, yet he wasn't arrogant—just incredibly calm.

Geniuses are often lonely.

Minato was exactly that kind of genius. Interestingly, his son in the original story, Naruto Uzumaki, had gone in the complete opposite direction—excessively energetic and outgoing.

"Have you considered graduating early?" Haruto asked. With Minato's talent, early graduation wouldn't be difficult—it was just a matter of whether he wanted to or not.

"It's important to build a strong foundation," Minato shook his head. "There are still many things I need to learn."

Ninja Academy didn't just teach basic combat skills; it also covered subjects like mathematics, language, the history of the ninja world, and geography. It even taught teamwork and strategic thinking—how ninja should cooperate with one another.

"You should really think about early graduation," Haruto suggested. "Reading thousands of books isn't as good as walking thousands of miles. No matter how much knowledge you gain from textbooks, it will never compare to experiencing things for yourself."

Minato didn't respond—he just quietly ate his noodles.

Haruto, however, knew that Minato would eventually graduate early. The normal graduation age was twelve, but in the original story, Minato graduated at ten.

"Time is precious! You shouldn't waste your talents in Ninja Academy. This is just the starting point!" Haruto continued persuading him. "You're a man who aims to become Hokage!"

"Haruto-sama, why do you care whether I graduate early or not?" Minato suddenly looked up, his eyes showing some suspicion.

"I'm doing this for your own good," Haruto replied with a smile, his tone suddenly taking on a mysterious air. "You know, I have a special ability—I can read people! I can predict certain aspects of a person's future… or rather, I can sense the kind of destiny a person is meant for. I can see their potential… I see greatness in you. And while it's true that gold will shine no matter what, I want you to shine sooner—brighter, and more brilliantly!"

"I don't believe you," Minato said bluntly, looking straight at Haruto.

"You don't believe what?" Haruto asked.

"I don't believe you can predict the future. That's impossible," Minato stated seriously, his words straightforward as always.

"Tsk!" Haruto clicked his tongue. This kid really had a way with words.

"My talent is widely recognized," Minato added, completely unbothered. "You don't need to make up a reason like that. I believe you have another purpose for seeking me out."

"Tsk, tsk… sigh!" Haruto sighed and shook his head, wagging a finger at Minato. "Kid, you're still too young! There are many things in this world that you don't understand. Just because you don't know about something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Don't be so quick to dismiss things!"

At this moment, Haruto really looked like one of those mysterious fortune tellers, both in his tone and expression.

"Haruto-sama, I don't find it very amusing when you try to play tricks on me," Minato said calmly.

"See? I told you, don't be so quick to dismiss things. Actually, I can prove it to you," Haruto said with a mysterious smile. Then, he gestured for Minato to wait and turned his gaze toward the window.

Outside, the streets were bustling with people. It was dusk, the busiest time in the shopping district.

Haruto scanned the crowd below before withdrawing his gaze and gesturing toward Minato, "Let's finish our meal first."

Minato was already showing signs of disinterest in Haruto's antics, so he simply continued eating his ramen without paying him any more attention.

But Haruto had lost his appetite. He ate slowly, occasionally glancing out the window. After a while, he finally spotted the person he was looking for!

On the crowded street, a middle-aged man, around forty, had just stepped out of a jewelry store.

The man was dressed in luxurious clothing, exuding an air of wealth and nobility. He had a clean-shaven face, a gentle smile, but also carried a natural authority. He wore a light purple kimono embroidered with gold thread at the collar and hem. A two-foot-long sheathed dagger hung at his waist, its hilt and scabbard adorned with colorful gemstones—so extravagant that it looked more like a work of art than a weapon.

He appeared to be an important figure—perhaps a wealthy merchant, or maybe a high-ranking official.

But Haruto could see his true identity.

Name: Kazumoto Soichiro (Alias: Risu)

 Affiliation: Kirigakure (Hidden Mist) Assassination Tactics Special Forces – Reconnaissance Unit

 Reputation Points: 3,197

 Relationship: Hostile

Haruto had been scanning the street for enemy spies infiltrating Konoha.

"Kid, look outside," Haruto tapped the table.

Minato looked up at him before reluctantly standing up to peek out the window.

"You see that flashy-looking guy, the one who looks like he's dripping with money?" Haruto pointed him out.

Minato spotted Kazumoto Soichiro and nodded.

"What kind of person do you think he is? What's his identity?" Haruto asked.

"A wealthy businessman or a high-ranking official," Minato guessed.

"Hmm!" Haruto nodded, then asked, "And what do you think will happen to him today?"

Minato looked at Haruto, confused. He glanced back outside and said, "He'll probably meet some important people or conduct some business..."

"Wrong!" Haruto dismissed his guess entirely.

Minato frowned slightly.

"Remember what I told you? I can read people!" Haruto spoke in a mysterious tone again. "I predict… that he is about to die. Do you believe me?"