[His surprise was clearer this time, despite Blake's growing anger, but Minato was quick to quell it- digging his heels in, so to speak, after being shoved and regaining his footing, shifting into a defensive stance to better anticipate another move.

His rank and title weren't just for show, Minato was an experienced fighter and the shift into that mindset was seamless, second nature. Hope you enjoyed your one free hit on him!

Incapacitating Blake was out of the question though, no matter any further aggressive attacks, and it could often be more difficult to remain on the defense and not injure than it was to simply kill someone.]

The younger teams are not sent on dangerous missions unless necessary.

[It was just unfortunate how often it became necessary, wars that dragged on for years, pulling in each nation and wiping out their forces. By the time Minato had stepped up as Hokage the war was over, but the children were still taught to fight, if not by the village then by their family.]

It has never been a light decision and they understand the risks their ranks bring.

[And they were never really children to begin with. They couldn't be, not with the way their world worked.]