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Twenty-six years have passed since the founding of Konoha, and Hiruzen Sarutobi has succeeded as the Hokage.

The First Great Ninja War has just ended, and the village is now entering a period of vigorous development.

As the young Hokage looks at the village under construction, a hint of nostalgia flashes in his eyes.

"Sensei, the will of fire in Konoha will continue to spread. Wherever the leaves fly, the flames will ignite, illuminating the village. The leaves will sprout again."

At that moment, he sees a few children coming out of the ninja academy.

"It's Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, right? These talented children have inherited the seed of the will of fire. Perhaps I can take them as my disciples. Huh? Who is that child?"

Inside the house, Hiruzen Sarutobi falls into contemplation.

.....

On the street.

"Sousuke! I did really well today. I got a perfect score in ninja tool throwing! What do you think? I'm much stronger than that Orochimaru guy, right? Tsunade, what about you?"

A child with white spiky hair speaks to a glasses-wearing boy with messy bangs.

Upon hearing his words, Sousuke only shows a simple smile without making any comments.

On the other hand, the boy with long black hair looks disdainful and says, "Idiot!"

Then he walks away on his own.

"Jiraiya, is it fun for you to always boast about yourself like that? Don't tell me you forgot about the time Orochimaru knocked you down during taijutsu class. I really can't understand what's going on in your head. Sousuke, don't hang out with Jiraiya, idiots are contagious. Let's go!"

A girl with golden ponytail impatiently pulls the boy with white hair away.

"Boasting... Knocked down... Tsunade!! I'll show you that I'm definitely stronger than that Orochimaru guy!" Jiraiya, struck by the girl's words, regains his fighting spirit and shouts loudly.

Meanwhile, Tsunade and Sousuke have already walked away.

A crow flies over his head.

Caw... Caw...

"Sousuke, how are you adapting to life in Konoha?"

The two walk quietly on the road. Tsunade stops, leans toward Sousuke, and asks suddenly.

Facing this sudden proximity, Sousuke seems a bit uncomfortable and takes a step back, his face turning slightly red behind his black-framed glasses.

"Sousuke? Are you blushing? Haha, why are you shy? Could it be that you like me?"

Noticing his blush, Tsunade becomes even more excited, teasing Sousuke incessantly, as if she has discovered a new continent.

"No, I'm enjoying life in the village. I really like this environment."

Sousuke, who has a quiet nature, becomes flustered for a moment, but he has already calmed down and speaks gently, revealing his usual polite smile.

"Is that so? I also love this village. I want to become the female Hokage, just like my grandfather, to protect this village!"

Hearing Sousuke's words, Tsunade also shows a happy smile, turning around to look at the nearby river and shouting out her inner thoughts.

Sousuke stands quietly behind her, watching silently. In the lenses of his glasses, the figure of the girl blends with the evening.

Night time.

Sousuke returned to his home.

It was a very ordinary house, small in size, but the furniture inside was neatly arranged.

He skillfully prepared himself a dinner,

The portion of the meal was not large, but it was enough for one person.

After dinner, Sousuke, who had finished washing up, began to meditate and practice what he had learned today, while refining the chakra within his body.

His village was destroyed in the midst of war, and he always remembered how the kind and friendly people in the village were cruelly killed by the ninja, including his parents.

Just when the ninja was about to kill him, the ninja from Konoha arrived, and he lost consciousness and didn't know what happened next.

It was said that the man who saved him was called Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was now known as the Third Hokage.

This made him very grateful to the village of Konoha, and he really liked this friendly village.

Afterward, he entered the ninja academy and met three strange friends.

Although they often quarreled, their friendship was very strong, and he would often observe them from the perspective of an onlooker.

Training at the ninja academy was very tough.

The obscure and difficult seals, controlling the flow of chakra within his body, made him exhausted from studying, but he still persevered in his studies.

He always remembered the scene of the village's destruction. At that time, he knew that weakness was a sin, and only strength could protect the things he loved.

For this reason, he put in a lot of effort. The three friends had great talent for training, and although they treated him as a friend, he didn't want to be protected by them because of his weakness.

So he never wasted a single moment. His hands were covered in calluses from practicing physical techniques, and he would refine his chakra until late at night before finally falling into a deep sleep. He wanted to become stronger.

Late at night, the tired Sousuke finally decided to go to sleep.

Lying in bed, he quickly immersed himself in sleep.

"Lord Aizen, I have regained some strength and can communicate with you now."

"Who are you?"

Hearing this voice in a daze, Sousuke couldn't help but ask.

"I am Hougyoku, don't you remember?"

Upon hearing the voice speak again, Sousuke asked again.

"Hougyoku? What is Hougyoku? Where are you talking to me from, and why can't I see you?"

"Lord Aizen, it is I who protected you and brought you to this world. My energy is running low, and in this world, I need enough souls to recover."

"Come to this world? What are you talking about! Souls? Do you want me to kill people!?"

Upon hearing its words, Sousuke became excited.

"Yes, not only human souls, but any living being's soul will do. Lord Aizen, what's wrong with you? It seems like you've lost your memory."

"I don't need that kind of power! And I'm not the Aizen you're talking about! Get out of my body!"

Sousuke shouted loudly.

The voice fell silent for a moment before speaking again.

"You are Lord Aizen, you will awaken me again, please remember that I am Hougyoku. In the past, you liked me the most."

"Also, Lord Aizen, now that my power has been restored, that guy is also about to wake up. Facing someone like you, it might have other intentions. Please don't show any mercy."

"I'm running out of energy and need to rest. Goodbye, Lord Aizen."

After saying these words, everything returned to silence.

And Sousuke suddenly woke up!

He touched his chest, breathing heavily.

In the darkness, he looked down at his chest, where a blue light faintly shimmered, surprising Sousuke.

Wasn't that just a dream? Inside me... Hougyoku? And who is that guy it mentioned?