"Hokage-sama, this is a full report on the recent exam!" Iruka Umino spoke with excitement.
Despite the Third Hokage's approachable demeanor, private meetings like this were rare. Iruka hadn't expected a mere final exam would grant him this opportunity. And for the Hokage to inquire about his work—could this possibly mean a promotion was in sight?
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff from his pipe, his eyes scanning the three test papers in front of him—those belonging to Shinho Aburame, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki.
The results of the first two were within his expectations, but the drastic improvement in Naruto was unexpected. Before, Naruto's performance had been abysmal, a true underachiever both in theory and in practice.
Hiruzen had at times doubted if Naruto had inherited any of Minato Namikaze's natural talent. But now, it seemed clear: Naruto did have potential. While his skills in theory was still poor, his practical skills had made a marked improvement. More importantly, his willpower stood out.
During his battle with Sasuke, Naruto displayed a level of resolve beyond his years—exactly the kind of resolve necessary for someone destined to be a Jinchuriki and control the Nine-Tails' power.
Hiruzen stroked his chin thoughtfully. The catalyst for Naruto's change was likely Shinho. He had reached out to Naruto and formed a friendship, fostering a positive influence.
Hiruzen's eyes softened as he looked at Shinho's test paper. A genius on par with Itachi Uchiha or Kakashi Hatake, Shinho had impressive skills and a strong understanding of the Will of Fire.
As the Hokage skimmed through the answers, he couldn't help but feel a thrill at the ingenuity displayed.
"Ninjas must always prioritize the Will of Fire and put the village's interests above all else."
"When faced with temptation, simply look to the Hokage as a reference to discern right from wrong."
Well-learned, indeed.
Hiruzen recalled how he had occasionally used his crystal ball to monitor the ninja academy. Shinho had a natural leadership aura, often drawing his classmates around him.
At first, Hiruzen had worried that Shinho's character might lean towards that of Orochimaru. But now, he began to see him as a promising blend of Orochimaru's genius and Minato Namikaze's spirit.
He will be a strong candidate for the Hokage one day, Hiruzen mused. Though too young to be the next Hokage, Shinho would surely be a contender in the future.
The village's prosperity seems hopeful.
Content, Hiruzen took another puff from his pipe. Shinho was Tsunade's student, and Tsunade was his student. So, in a way, this all traced back to him.
"Iruka, you've done well," Hiruzen said warmly, snapping back to the present.
"It's my duty," Iruka responded, ever humble.
Hiruzen nodded in approval. It seemed Iruka had fully moved past the trauma of the Nine-Tails' attack. Becoming a teacher had worked wonders for him.
His thoughts drifted to Kakashi. Perhaps it was time for Kakashi to start guiding Naruto.
"Keep up the good work," Hiruzen said seriously. "Once these students graduate, you'll be eligible to oversee the entire year."
"I won't let you down!" Iruka's eyes widened in excitement.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
"You may go," Hiruzen said, glancing at the test papers on his desk. "Leave these three papers here."
He wanted to take more time to savor Shinho's answers. Some of his perspectives were refreshingly novel.
"Yes, sir!" Iruka responded loudly as he exited, brushing past the incoming Anbu member.
"You can remove your mask," Hiruzen said with a smile, gathering up the test papers.
Itachi Uchiha complied, glancing at the papers and noting Sasuke's handwriting. He nodded thoughtfully.
"What brings you here?" Hiruzen asked, observing Itachi's expression. It was calm, suggesting this matter wasn't related to the Uchiha clan.
"Sasuke wishes to study under Kakashi," Itachi replied.
"Whose idea was this?" Hiruzen asked, a bit surprised and curious. "Fugaku's?"
Iruka had just briefed him on the practical exam, where Sasuke had demonstrated his ability to use two Lightning Release jutsu. Hiruzen couldn't help but gape at how Fugaku had sired two exceptionally gifted sons.
By comparison, his own sons were rather average. His elder son was a competent Anbu member, but Asuma, his younger son, had rebelled, leaving Konoha to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja of the Land of Fire.
"It was Shinho's suggestion," Itachi explained. "But Father agreed and sent me to ask for your opinion."
"Shinho?" Hiruzen was again surprised. How had this young boy known about Kakashi's expertise in Lightning Release? Someone must have informed him. Likely Tsunade.
"Itachi," Hiruzen asked, snapping out of his thoughts, "what do you think are your father's true intentions?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Itachi admitted after a pause. "But the fact that he agreed suggests he still harbors loyalty to Konoha."
A display of goodwill, perhaps. True loyalty? Uncertain.
Hiruzen tapped his pipe thoughtfully. "I'll speak with Kakashi."
The message was clear: Sasuke's request would be granted. Sasuke was young and impressionable. Hiruzen was confident that with the right guidance, Sasuke could become another Itachi—a loyal and powerful asset for Konoha.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Itachi said, visibly relieved.
"It's nothing," Hiruzen replied with a smile. "Sasuke isn't just an Uchiha; he's also a citizen of Konoha."
Itachi blinked, touched. The Hokage's vision was grand. Despite Sasuke's Uchiha heritage, he was treated no differently.
Kakashi, being Minato's student, would place Sasuke in a direct line with the Hokage's teachings. Just like Uchiha Kagami before him, Sasuke would now have boundless potential.
"Itachi," Hiruzen asked, "how are things within the Uchiha clan?"
"They're the same as before," Itachi sighed.
"You've have it tough, Itachi," Hiruzen said sympathetically. "Caught between your clan and the village, you've endured too much at such a young age."
"Please, give me time," Itachi replied resolutely. "I will find a way to resolve the issues between the Uchiha and Konoha."
"I believe in you," Hiruzen said, nodding. "As the Hokage, I would hate to see a day when we must fight each other."
If conflict erupted between Konoha and the Uchiha, no matter the outcome, the village would lose. Enemies like the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Stone were always lurking, to find an opportunity.
Taking a deep puff from his pipe, Hiruzen sighed. At this point, there was little he could do. Itachi was his only hope. The chances of success were slim, but he could only pray Itachi would succeed.
"Itachi, go summon Kakashi," Hiruzen said, his tone softening again.
"Yes, sir," Itachi said, donning his mask and leaving the office.
In less than a minute, another knock echoed through the room.
"Hokage-sama," Kakashi Hatake entered, still wearing his mask.
"How do you feel about Itachi?" Hiruzen asked.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't ask Kakashi to remove his mask because he knew Kakashi wouldn't, there was no need to waste his breath.
"He's an excellent ninja," Kakashi answered truthfully.
"He has a younger brother named Sasuke," Hiruzen said with a smile. "I've confirmed that Sasuke has a natural talent for Lightning Release."
"Hokage-sama, do you want me to teach him?" Kakashi asked, his expression dull, with his signature "dead fish" eyes.
"That's right," Hiruzen replied, watching him closely. "What do you think?"
"Hokage-sama's orders are, of course, to be followed," Kakashi responded expressionlessly.
Hiruzen sighed at this response. What he needed wasn't just an obedient soldier.
"The ninja academy starts its break tomorrow," Hiruzen said after a pause. "And so do you."
Kakashi nodded, understanding the meaning behind his words. Hiruzen was telling him to use this break to begin teaching Sasuke.
At the entrance of the Hokage Tower, Kakashi removed his Anbu mask. But underneath that mask, he still wore his usual face-covering, revealing only his right eye.
"Kakashi-senpai," Itachi Uchiha's voice called from nearby.
"Do you need something?" Kakashi asked flatly, unimpressed by the presence of the celebrated Uchiha genius. After all, Kakashi had once been considered an even greater prodigy.
"Dinners on me," Itachi explained. "We can discuss Sasuke."
"There's nothing to discuss," Kakashi replied, glancing briefly at him. "Tell him to meet me at Training Ground 1 tomorrow at 9 a.m."
"Kaka—" Itachi began, but stopped as Kakashi had already vanished with body flicker.
…
Shinho Aburame dispelled the chakra in his hands and wiped the sweat from his brow.
After using the Mystical Palm Technique five times in a row, fatigue settled deeply into his bones.
"What happens next? What happens next?" Katsuyu eagerly asked, her voice full of excitement, urging him to continue his story.
"There's no more for today," Shinho smiled. "That's all for now. Your turn—tell me more about Sensei's past."
Katsuyu sighed, sagging a bit in disappointment, but she agreed, "Alright. What period do you want to hear about?"
"The Second Shinobi World War," Shinho replied, glancing toward the door to ensure Tsunade wasn't eavesdropping.
"This story is long," Katsuyu started, mimicking Shinho's playful cough. "It begins in the Hidden Rain Village, with a unique summoning creature—Hanzo's salamander…"
Shinho listened intently. Very few details of the Second Shinobi World War were ever mentioned in the original timeline. The specifics were almost non-existent, but Katsuyu had been present for it all, especially the famous battle between the Sannin and Hanzo.
Katsuyu's tale continued until Shizune entered the kitchen, at which point Shinho signalled for her to stop. Katsuyu immediately fell silent.
"What are you two talking about?" Shizune asked while tying on an apron.
"We were just bonding," Shinho replied casually.
"What do you want for dinner?" Shizune glanced at them briefly for a moment and asked, smoothly switching the topic, she wasn't particullarly interested in what that bonding meant.
"Tempura," Shinho answered offhandedly.
"You really love that dish, don't you?" Shizune chuckled. "But kids shouldn't eat too much greasy food."
It wasn't that Shinho particularly loved tempura; he just had a fondness for fried foods. In his past life, Thursday was always his "cheat day".
"Well, I'll leave you to it, Shizune-neesan," Shinho said, picking up Katsuyu and heading back to his room.
"Is there anything else you need, Shinho-sama?" Katsuyu asked as she settled onto the table, curiosity in her voice.
"Katsuyu-sama," Shinho hesitated for a few seconds before asking, "Can you keep a secret? Don't tell anyone, including Sensei."
"Huh?" Katsuyu blinked, genuinely surprised. She had lived for centuries, but this was the first time anyone had asked such a thing.
"Don't worry. I would never harm Sensei," Shinho reassured.
"Alright," Katsuyu agreed after a moment of thought.
"Is there a way to better absorb natural energy?" Shinho asked directly.
"Natural energy?" Katsuyu's tone was filled with surprise, and she spoke in a hurry. "You're not ready for Sage Mode yet." a hint of alarm in her voice.
She assumed Tsunade must have told Shinho about it, hence the confusion.
"It's not for me," Shinho corrected. "It's for my insects."
He extended his hand, revealing one of the parasitic insects resting in his palm.
"That's an unusual approach," Katsuyu said, curious. "Using insects are certainly safer."
"So, is there a way?" Shinho asked. He was curious if, like Mount Myoboku's toad oil, Ryuchi Cave also had methods to assist in natural energy absorption. Surely, Shikkotsu Forest had something similar.
"There is," Katsuyu confirmed with a nod. "Wait a moment, I'll return shortly."
With a small puff, Katsuyu disappeared, releasing the summoning technique. About ten minutes later, Shinho summoned her again. This time, she appeared holding a small container of translucent white liquid.
"What's this?" Shinho examined the substance, feeling a bit suspicious. It resembled something like a strange computer accessory.
"Just apply it to your body, and it will work," Katsuyu replied cryptically.
It seemed this was a secret of Shikkotsu Forest.
"Thank you, Katsuyu-sama," Shinho said, nodding appreciatively.
"In return, I expect a longer story tomorrow," Katsuyu demanded with enthusiasm.
"No problem," Shinho agreed readily. Building a good relationship with Katsuyu was important. Besides, it was likely he'd need more of this liquid in the future, and her requests were simple enough.
After dinner, Shinho returned to the Aburame clan's estate and dragged Shino outside to the clearing in the back.
The previous hole in the ground had already been filled in.
"Here," Shinho handed the container to Shino. "This will help with absorbing natural energy."
"Seriously? Where did you get this?" Shino asked, astonished.
Even though the experiment with Sage Chakra had been ongoing for a while, Shino now understood how valuable natural energy truly was. It was incredibly rare and precious.
"Don't ask too many questions about your big brother's business," Shinho said, smirking. "Just try it out."
"Alright," Shino replied eagerly, bringing out his mutated insect.
The insect rolled around in the white liquid before following the usual process of absorbing natural energy.
Shinho carefully controlled the flow of chakra into the insect.
A few seconds later—BOOM—an explosion rocked the ground, leaving yet another deep crater.
"The absorption rate increased by threefold, and the explosion was three times stronger!" Shino gasped, wide-eyed in shock.
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