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Arriving at the Hokage Building, Ikeno had two tasks for the day.
First, he needed to buy a plot of land. Second, he planned to enroll in the ninja academy.
After getting the basic formalities done, he went upstairs to meet the Third Hokage. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the legendary Third Hokage, sat behind his desk, wearing his usual large hat adorned with the symbol of fire, a white robe, and his trademark pipe in hand. His face looked tired, with noticeable dark circles under his eyes. It didn't take much for Ikeno Jun to imagine the old man had likely been up late peeping through his crystal ball at the women's bathhouse again. Glancing at the trash can, there were even some suspicious pieces of tissue…
Ikeno had to suppress a laugh.
Despite the humor in his head, seeing the Third Hokage in person was exciting. He was standing before the "God of Shinobi" himself.
Hiruzen recognized Ikeno, the quiet orphan from the blacksmith shop, and now the surprising wielder of the Dead Bone Pulse.
Still, Sarutobi didn't seem too concerned about asking for too many details and kindly inquired, "What can I help you with today?"
Ikeno didn't beat around the bush. "Grandpa Hokage, my house is too old and falling apart. I want to buy some land."
Sarutobi was taken aback by the directness of this request. The boy was bold. But did he even have the money?
"Ahem... I'll need to discuss this with the elders," the Third Hokage replied cautiously, thinking of Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
But then the Hokage added, "You do have the money, right?"
Ikeno didn't have enough cash on hand, but he had come prepared. With a sly smile, he pulled out some books: Intimacy Violence and Intimacy Tactics—both sequels to Icha Icha Paradise.
Sarutobi's eyes widened, and his nose almost bled on the spot. The old man coughed awkwardly and said, "Ahem... I'll reconsider your request."
Observing the Hokage more closely, Ikeno noticed the dullness in the old man's skin—signs that toxins were building up in his body. With a grin, he pulled something else from his universal space and handed it over.
"Grandpa Hokage, I noticed you've been eating too many bananas to help with your, uh, bowel issues. Here, try this—Kaiselu. Those who use it swear by it!"
Sarutobi hesitated but took it. He was about to drink it when Ikeno laughed and quickly corrected, "No, no, it's for...uh...the other end!"
A few minutes later, the sound of relief echoed from the bathroom. The Third Hokage emerged with a new lightness in his step, clearly having taken a liking to the young Ikeno after the "miraculous" solution to his long-standing constipation.
Though the land purchase wasn't confirmed, Ikeno decided to move on to his next request. "I'd like to attend the ninja academy."
Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The academy? But the graduation exam is only three months away, and you're already twelve..."
Still, in light of the Icha Icha sequels and Kaiselu, the Third Hokage relented. "Very well, let's test your Chakra level to see where we should place you."
He handed Ikeno a Chakra test paper. "This will reveal your nature. If it cuts, you're wind; if it crumbles, earth; wrinkles, lightning; becomes wet, water; or burns, fire."
Ikeno took the paper with anticipation, focusing his Chakra. However, to his surprise and Sarutobi's disappointment, the paper showed no response.
"Perhaps he's like Rock Lee," the Third Hokage thought. "First-class in physical skills but poor in Ninjutsu."
Nonetheless, they moved to the rooftop to test his Chakra reserves. Ikeno gathered Chakra into his fingertips, creating a small ball of light. It steadily grew in size, expanding until it was as large as a basketball.
Sarutobi's eyes widened in shock. "That's…Chūnin-level Chakra…"
The light ball kept growing, until it reached nearly a meter in diameter.
"...Jōnin-level Chakra? This is impossible…"
But Ikeno didn't stop there. His entire body began to radiate blue Chakra, forming a visible Chakra coat around him, much like the First Hokage's legendary aura.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood there, speechless. This quiet orphan he'd overlooked was hiding incredible potential.
After a moment, Ikeno let the Chakra fade and smiled. "So, can I enroll in the academy, Grandpa Hokage?"
"Of course! Of course!" the Third Hokage replied, now brimming with excitement. He gently patted Ikeno's head, his thoughts racing. The village's future looked brighter with this boy around. But the Hokage was left wondering why his Chakra nature didn't show up on the test paper.
Given his vast Chakra reserves and the ability to wield the Dead Bone Pulse, the Third Hokage knew Konoha had to protect Ikeno. If another village got hold of him, he could become a major threat.
"In addition to your enrollment, I will arrange for you to receive a monthly stipend, just like Naruto and Sasuke."
Ikeno smiled. Now, he could quit the blacksmith job and focus on his studies.
He still pressed on, "And about the land?"
Sarutobi thought for a moment. "Consider the land yours. I'll also cover the cost of building your house."
Two days later, Ikeno held the deed to his new land. But his power had not gone unnoticed by others. A secret report had already made its way to Danzo.
"Dead Bone Pulse? A Chakra coat? Twelve years old?" Danzo muttered, frowning. "Continue watching him closely."
That night, the system delivered a new mission.
[Sign in at Senju Station tonight.]
The Senju family, once a great clan, had all but faded into obscurity. Only Tsunade remained, wandering the world.
Ikeno made his way to the dilapidated Senju compound at the edge of the village. Weeds had overrun the courtyard, and dead leaves blanketed the ground. The buildings were old and in disrepair, a shadow of the clan's former glory.
As he stepped inside, the system chimed:
[Ding! Congratulations, Host. You've successfully signed in and received full-attribute Chakra!]
Full-attribute Chakra?
Wind, water, earth, fire, lightning, yin, and yang!
Ikeno stood there, stunned as he felt the new powers flowing through him. In the world of ninjas, having just one or two Chakra natures was impressive. But now, he possessed them all!
"Ha! This is incredible!"
Excited about his newfound power, he set his sights on mastering all the Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu in the world, aiming to become the ultimate ninja.
As he lay back against the dusty bed in the abandoned house, a smile spread across his face, and he drifted off to sleep.
But when he woke up…
A stunning face greeted him. It was none other than Tsunade, the legendary Sannin known as the "Sluggish Princess"!
"What is she doing here?!"
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