"Did he really just learn it that quickly?" The captain of the Anbu hiding in the shadows couldn't help but gasp. As expected of the Third Hokage's grand-disciple, this level of talent is terrifying.
"Good, very good." The Third Hokage said, stroking his beard contentedly.
"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Third Grandpa. Your chakra control is simply amazing. If you became a teacher, you'd surely train many incredibly powerful ninjas." Natsuro replied, without a hint of embarrassment. After all, he was speaking the truth—the Third's skill was no exaggeration.
"Hehe, let's not go that far. This old man doesn't have the energy to teach students anymore. Otherwise, why would I have handed you over to that worthless student of mine?" The Third Hokage, though pleased, was also aware of his own limitations. He no longer had the energy for such responsibilities.
"Hokage-sama! A new mission scroll has just arrived!" At that moment, an Anbu appeared at the edge of the training ground and reported in.
"Hmm, leave it there. I'll deal with it shortly." The Third Hokage responded.
"Grandpa Third, official duties are important," Natsuro chimed in as well. He had already learned the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, so there was no need to stay at the training ground any longer.
"Hmm, you're right," the Third Hokage agreed, taking a puff of his pipe. Hearing Natsuro's formal address, he glanced at the Anbu who had suddenly appeared, his eyes showing a hint of displeasure.
"Let's go, Grandpa Third." Natsuro said softly, noticing the Third Hokage's displeasure. Though it wasn't directed at him, he didn't want to see a diligent Anbu getting into trouble, so he moved closer to the Third and spoke quietly.
"Hmm," the Third Hokage, experienced and wise, instantly understood Natsuro's intention from the change in address. He smiled, and the slight irritation he felt at being interrupted dissipated.
It seems my grand-disciple is also quite perceptive and kind-hearted, the Third Hokage thought, feeling even more regretful. If only Natsuro had been born a few years earlier… Then this old body of mine could hold out for a few more years, and it would have been just perfect…
But alas, it was not to be…
Back in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage diligently worked on official business, while Natsuro sat nearby entering a meditative Void State, occasionally pulling out scrolls on medical ninjutsu to study.
The Third Hokage, while working, couldn't help but glance at Natsuro, who was so dedicated even at this moment. His satisfaction grew. He had seen many geniuses, but ones who worked this hard… those were rare. And now, such a person was his grand-disciple. The thought filled him with joy.
After a long while, the Third Hokage finally finished his work.
"Are you done, Grandpa Third?" Natsuro asked, putting away his scrolls and looking over.
"Yes, all done. Natsuro, would you accompany me for a walk around the village?" The Third Hokage suggested.
"Of course," Natsuro agreed immediately, but he couldn't help but become more aware of something—the Third Hokage… really was getting old.
With Natsuro accompanying him, the Third Hokage didn't summon any other Anbu. They strolled slowly through the village, though the necessary Anbu presence was always there, especially the captain who would never leave the Third's side.
As Natsuro walked beside the Third Hokage, he witnessed the Hokage's popularity firsthand. It wasn't surprising that everyone recognized the Third Hokage, but what was astonishing was that the Third could remember the names of most of the people.
He found it hard to imagine that if he ever became Hokage, he'd be able to remember that many names.
Is this the so-called "Will of Fire"? Natsuro felt a twinge of cynicism but couldn't quite bring himself to scoff. In the end, he could only sigh. He was caught up in this too, now.
Even if Natsuro wanted out, he couldn't. He was now Jiraiya's disciple, the Third Hokage's grand-disciple. As long as he didn't follow in Jiraiya's footsteps and leave the village, he would inevitably be drawn into its affairs.
And this was the unavoidable price of the path he had chosen. There was no escape.
But to grow stronger, what was this price… really? As long as he continued to increase his strength and reach a critical threshold, all problems would cease to be problems! After all, this world, at its core, was always a world where strength reigned supreme!
Finally, the Third Hokage brought Natsuro to the base of the Hokage Rock. The Third Hokage stood there, looking up at the faces carved into the rock for a long time without saying a word, and Natsuro stood silently beside him.
"Natsuro, do you know something?" the Third Hokage finally spoke.
"Hmm?"
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns bright."
The Third Hokage smiled as he said this, looking directly at Natsuro, before falling silent again.
"Alright, let's head back."
"Okay, Grandpa Third," Natsuro nodded. He wasn't particularly moved by the Third Hokage's words. As a transmigrator, his worldview was already set in stone. Though it might not be the ultimate truth, it certainly wasn't something that could easily be changed.
However, now was not the time for Natsuro to flaunt his knowledge. Appealing to the Third Hokage's sentiments might be fine, but what if it aroused his suspicion? Wouldn't that be like inviting disaster?
"Natsuro, with your current abilities, it might be time for you to graduate. Staying in the ninja academy is probably no longer beneficial," the Third Hokage suggested after they returned to the office.
"Yes, Grandpa Third. That's actually one of the reasons I came today—I'd like to apply for early graduation," Natsuro replied.
"Hehe, of course. I approve. Go get your picture taken, and I'll have the Anbu deliver your Chūnin vest to your home afterward," the Third Hokage said after some thought.
"Chūnin…" He was momentarily stunned. He had expected to start as a Genin, but he hadn't anticipated being promoted directly to Chūnin, without even a test. However, after considering it, he realized that the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu was not something an ordinary Chūnin could learn. The fact that he had mastered it in one go already proved his capability.
"Natsuro, is there a particular squad you'd like to join?" the Third Hokage asked, handing over a few scrolls. "These are some newly formed teams and some older ones. You can choose one to join temporarily, and later, I'll assign a suitable Jōnin to lead you."
Natsuro knew the Third Hokage was looking out for him, but he had already made up his mind before coming here. He didn't take the scrolls.
"Oh?" The Third Hokage instantly realized that Natsuro had something in mind and grew curious.
"Grandpa Third, I'd like to join the Anbu for now—the Anbu that deals with external missions," Natsuro said directly. He wasn't interested in playing team games with squads. Over the past three years, most of his combat experience had been with toads.
While fighting with toads counted as real combat, they weren't humans. Natsuro's experience in fighting other ninjas was severely lacking, and this was something he needed to improve quickly. The best place for that was… the Anbu! Moreover, he wanted to join the Anbu that handled rogue ninjas and external missions!
"Oh?" The Third Hokage was surprised, falling into deep thought. The Anbu captain hidden in the shadows also perked up his ears, having thought this had nothing to do with him, only to be hit with such explosive news!
The Hokage's grand-disciple wanted to join his Anbu unit?!
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