"By the way, Little Natsuro, today is the graduation day for the Ninja Academy."
Suddenly, the Third Hokage said with a cheerful smile, as if recalling something happy.
"Really? Is it that day already?" Natsuro was momentarily surprised and asked, "Which of our classmates are graduating?"
"Iruka's teaching skills are indeed very good. Your entire class is qualified to graduate," the Third Hokage said with satisfaction, stroking his beard. Though the graduation requirements set by the academy weren't very difficult, the fact that all students in Natsuro's class were graduating spoke well of Iruka's teaching abilities.
Of course, graduation at this stage might not be entirely positive. Some students would be sent back later; not all of them would be capable of becoming real Genin at their age.
"Everyone graduated?" Natsuro was surprised and asked, "Did Naruto graduate too?"
"Yes, although Iruka said Naruto's clone technique wasn't very good and he failed the first two small tests, he passed the final one," the Third Hokage nodded, pleased that Natsuro remembered Naruto.
"I see," Natsuro nodded. He had visited Naruto recently, thinking he might not come by again, so he had opened a large part of Naruto's seal. Although it wasn't as large as before, Naruto managed to withstand the Nine-Tails' chakra and successfully performed the clone technique. It seemed Naruto had been working hard over the past two years.
"By the way, Little Natsuro, have you decided on a graduation gift for Naruto?" the Third Hokage suddenly asked.
"A gift?" Natsuro was surprised. Was it customary to give a gift for graduation? It seemed so, but it shouldn't be from a peer, right?
Since the Third Hokage mentioned it, Natsuro thought for a moment and said, "For Naruto, a bowl of Ichiraku ramen should be enough."
"Hehe, though Naruto would indeed be very happy, a bowl of Ichiraku ramen is a bit too light for a gift," the Third Hokage said, handing over a scroll to Natsuro.
"What's this?" Natsuro was taken aback, feeling a surge of anticipation.
"A ninjutsu technique that is specifically for Naruto. You can give it to him as a gift," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
"The Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Natsuro said directly.
"Yes, it seems you've done quite a bit of research in the Anbu," the Third Hokage wasn't surprised. He was aware of the data Natsuro had accessed in the Anbu. Information about the Nine-Tails and the Uzumaki clan was readily available, and with Natsuro's clearance, he had access to it.
What reassured the Third Hokage was that despite knowing about the Nine-Tails, Natsuro didn't show any unusual reaction, as if his earlier words about being stronger than the Nine-Tails were genuine…
"Is it enough just to be stronger than the Nine-Tails?" The Third Hokage smiled, looking at Natsuro, thinking that Natsuro might truly be a suitable candidate in the future…
"Grandpa Third, wouldn't it be better if you gave this to Naruto yourself?" Natsuro asked unexpectedly. From the village's perspective, it would be more advantageous if the Hokage established a good relationship with the host.
"Hehe, I probably won't have the chance to use it," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
"Grandpa Third, your health is still quite good," Natsuro said after a moment of silence.
"Don't comfort me; I know my own health best," the Third Hokage waved his hand, saying, "I just hope to hold on for a few more years…"
The Third Hokage glanced at Natsuro. If he could hold on for another four years, Natsuro would be 16 by then, considered an adult by their standards.
Natsuro looked at the scroll in his hand, taking a deep breath. He understood the Third Hokage's intentions but still felt a bit unreal…
Of course, Natsuro had aspirations regarding the Hokage position, but he knew he wasn't ready yet. His current strength was that of a Jonin, achieved mainly through the Flying Thunder God technique. He was no match for the Kage-level ninjas and would need to consider retreating after a few exchanges.
Though he could escape, would a Hokage running away after being beaten still be called a Hokage?
On reflection, the Third Hokage's decision didn't seem so hard to understand. Suitable candidates were rare, and though there were more suitable candidates than Natsuro, they were either missing, unwilling, or unsuitable for the role.
Tsunade couldn't be found, Jiraiya refused the position, and Kakashi had no interest in it…
Asuma's potential was limited, and Danzo was too extreme, despite the Third Hokage's support. The advisors were not strong enough and had no desire for the Hokage position themselves.
And then there were the other Jonin and clan leaders…
Natsuro suddenly felt a bit sorry for the Third Hokage. Despite his old age, he still struggled to find a suitable successor. Those who were suitable didn't want the job, and those who wanted it weren't suitable!
As for the upcoming generation, few showed promise, while Natsuro's direct generation had rapidly advanced, showing remarkable talent.
This meant that he had a significant chance of reaching that position…
But Natsuro wasn't blinded by the Third Hokage's attention. After all, several years were still ahead, and who knew what would happen in that time?
For instance, Orochimaru's plans?
"Hehe, don't think too much. There's still time; this old body of mine can hold on for a few more years," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
"Mm," Natsuro nodded, not saying more.
"By the way, Little Natsuro, would you like to try being a teacher and lead a team?" Suddenly, the Third Hokage made a suggestion that almost made Natsuro lose control of his expression.
What? Being a teacher? Natsuro remembered that his initial plan was to replace Sakura as a member of Team 7.
Now, it seemed that with his plan to replace Sakura having failed, he might end up being her teacher?
This felt… very strange. He declined.
"Never mind, Grandpa Third. I'm not in the right state to be a teacher right now, and most importantly, they're all students of my generation. It would feel odd for me to be their team leader."
"Mm." The Third Hokage thought for a moment and didn't insist. Originally, he had indeed thought of that, but after seeing Natsuro's current state, he realized it wasn't suitable. With Natsuro's intense killing intent, it was not appropriate for him to lead a team; he might even negatively influence the students.
The Third Hokage tapped the desk, contemplating how to arrange things. Although Natsuro couldn't be a teacher, he would still be an asset to his peers in the future. Maintaining good relationships was important.
"Little Natsuro, how about you act as a non-combat assistant teacher, rotating through different classes?" After much thought, the Third Hokage finally suggested.
"Sure…" Natsuro was taken aback, feeling the Third Hokage was serious. He was somewhat dazed but naturally didn't refuse the Hokage's goodwill.
"However, one thing—I will instruct all the instructors to ensure you don't have to fight. You should rest for a while, teach the students, and also learn from the instructors. It's important to settle down," the Third Hokage said earnestly.
"Yes, thank you, Grandpa Third," Natsuro said sincerely after a moment of silence.
"Hehe, if there's nothing else, you can go now. Visit your mother; it's been a long time since you've been home…" The Third Hokage looked at Natsuro and sighed.
Natsuro's body tensed up at once, and he didn't speak, merely nodding before leaving.
He used to return home after every mission, but as his killing intent grew stronger, he worried it might affect Shinai, so he had been visiting less, mostly just checking on her secretly and leaving small gifts to reassure her of his safety…
It was indeed time to go back and see her…
Natsuro sighed, his steps toward home feeling heavy.
After he left, the Third Hokage knocked on the table, and soon a white-clad figure appeared beside him.
If Natsuro were still there, he would recognize this person as the Anbu Commander.
At this moment, the Third Hokage's expression wasn't as pleasant. He coldly said, "Did I ask you to just watch? That's all you did?"
"Sorry, Lord Hokage, it was my oversight…" The Anbu Commander looked troubled.
He felt wronged, as he had given Natsuro mostly non-combat tasks later on, but Natsuro had participated in rescue missions! What could he do about that? Should he scold Natsuro for succeeding in his missions?
Moreover, the Anbu Commander felt a bit resentful, thinking this was a decision made collectively by the higher-ups. Now, he was being blamed; being a subordinate meant having no rights, or rather, no ninja rights!
The Third Hokage didn't say much more; he just wanted to vent his frustration. He then discussed the matter of Natsuro leaving the Anbu.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," the Anbu Commander breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, that little troublemaker was gone. If he continued in the Anbu, he might get trapped in constant bloodshed, and he would be responsible for that.
But at the same time, the Anbu Commander felt a sense of loss. After all, Natsuro was incredibly useful, with a high success rate and efficiency in completing tasks.
His presence had not only increased the survival rate of Konoha's ninjas but had also significantly improved the Anbu's performance metrics. The Anbu Commander had never seen such an extraordinary ninja.
Although his strength wasn't exceptionally high, his efficiency was ridiculously high!
With Natsuro gone, the Anbu would likely return to its lackluster state. It was a pity.
"Unless there's anything else, you may leave," the Third Hokage said, waving his hand.
"Yes."
...
As Natsuro walked out of the Hokage's office, before leaving the building, he ran into a familiar person, making him a bit surprised.
"Uncle Inoichi? Are you here to see the Hokage?" Natsuro noticed the hurriedly moving Inoichi.
"Mm, Natsuro?" Inoichi was also surprised to see Natsuro, whom he hadn't seen for a long time. But the next moment, as someone skilled in mental techniques, he clearly sensed… the intense bloodlust and killing intent emanating from Natsuro.
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