Next Day –
It was very early in the morning when Hiruzen Sarutobi woke up, this is because in both lifetimes he has had to be up and earlier ready for the tasks that wait for him ahead. After he got out of bed, he walked over to his bathroom, did his necessary business, got out, and started looking through his wardrobe to wear, but of course due to the System being kind, changed everything Hiruzen would usually wear into his Shinigami uniforms and clothes related to his Shinigami status.
Though Hiruzen was a bit annoyed at this, he decided to ignore it, as the Shihakushō isn't just for being a type of armour, but it was complexly designed to be comfortable for outings and other necessities as well… after he got changed and slipped his Captain's Haori over his back, he calmly walked over and grabbed his Hokage Hat and Ryujin Jakka who was next to him and started walking out of the bedroom.
As he was making his way downstairs, he made his way to the kitchen where he started making himself breakfast, and due to him being lazy and wanting to practice started using Shunpo for almost everything, gather ingredients, organising, etc, he even found time in between cooking to sweep the floor of his home due to moving so fast because of Shunpo.
After he finished cooking and eating, he decided to walk through Konoha today as he has been using the Body Flicker Jutsu to get to his office faster to see if he could get work done earlier, but of course, it doesn't and it even results in more paperwork if that was possible!
So Hiruzen decided that it was best if he took a calming walk through his Clan area and the Village before going to his office as that will at least calm him down before meeting an enemy he hopes Ryujin Jakka can possibly solve… after cleaning and everything else, with Ryujin Jakka in its Cane Form he started walking down the road and calmly looking at his home with a bit of satisfaction, and of course he noticed the looks his clan members where giving him, especially the expressions they had on their faces which Hiruzen expertly red like an open book, shock, surprised, a bit of worry here and there, and even some awe… he doesn't understand that emotion but he could only assume that it would be his presence has become much more powerful, or it's just that they are wondering why he looks younger than he used too…
Hiruzen didn't bother thinking much more on it, and calmly kept walking like nothing was wrong in the first place, after he made it to the front gate, he saw the guards glance at him for a second and as they were about to bow with respect, they noticed his changes and stopped half-way with gaping expressions… they were frozen at the changes of the Hokage and the one on the right couldn't help but speak:
"H-h-hokage-sama? Is that you? What happened to you!?" spoke the bodyguard and Hiruzen stopped for a second and looked at the guard, and gave a small but reassuring look to the guard and spoke:
"Nothing has happened to me Ohari… there was just a change of attire and a bit of skin care issues, nothing more. I am perfectly fine, and could have never felt better in the first place…" said Hiruzen, and the guard Ohari was a bit speechless at the reply of the Hokage, but he didn't speak further as this was not only his superior, the Hokage leader of the village, but also his Clan Leader… he would only shame himself further if he suddenly started harassing the Hokage further.
Instead, Ohari just gave a small bow as an apology and understanding, the guard on the left didn't say anything as this was Hiruzen's way of not wanting to talk about it so he just kept his mouth shut and did the same as his fellow guard.
Hiruzen satisfied with the guard's responses gave a small nod and continued his way to the Hokage tower. After a minute he made it to the main street of Konoha and basked in the fresh air from Konoha's flora, the fresh and unpolluted air produced from the tree's surrounding the village always made Hiruzen a bit relaxed as these tree's aren't ordinary tree's to begin with… these trees are forests grown by the Wood Release of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, the Original God of Shinobi… the Wood Release has special properties that calm and relax Chakra, but also allowed Hashirama to make it into a physical weapon since the Wood Release also had the ability to absorb Chakra, making it very, very difficult to even attempt to be an opponent to Hashirama in the first place.
Hiruzen was a bit lost in the memories of his teacher, but that didn't mean he stopped paying attention to his surroundings, as he started using an application of Reiryoku and started spreading it into his surroundings which allows him to pick up the Reiatsu in the vicinity around him.
This is called Spiritual Sensing, and it is a very useful technique for multiple situations… he also subconsciously started analysing the Reiatsu signatures of the surrounding individuals, who were, like the gate guards at the Sarutobi Compound, shocked and surprised at the transformation of the Third Hokage as some of the people had to stop what they were doing to make sure that it was the Third Hokage in the first place instead of some imposter…
Hiruzen ignored these expressions and still made his way to his office, and while he was nearly there, he started thinking a few things:
'Interesting… it seems that these civilians actually have Reiryoku… it is probably from their Chakra, as it is a combination of Physical and Spiritual Energy… although it is pitifully low… maybe a Shinobi or two would be a bit stronger cause if these civilians were to live in the Rukongai, they would barely need to eat anything to survive, probably an apple would be the only thing they would need to even survive on at all…' thought Hiruzen, and made a mental note to have a look at some of his Shinobi to see the level of their Reiryoku, because these civilians are a bit disappointing but he didn't let it show on his face at all and still with a calm and composed demeanour made it to the entrance of the Hokage Tower.
Hokage Tower –
Hiruzen made it the entrance and opened the door to find it mostly empty say for his secretary at the front of the area. He ignored her and started making his way up the stairs to his office when he suddenly heard a voice call out to him:
"Wait! Who are you, don't you- h-h-Hokage-Sama!?" shouted his secretary Akahiko Tsurumi, she couldn't recognise him first because his attire was completely different than what he could usually wear, and only when Hiruzen turned around with the Hokage hat on his head as proof did Tsurumi finally recognise him and it completely shocked her seeing the face of the Third Hokage. With her thinking:
'WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM!! I BARELY EVEN RECOGNISED HIM AT ALL, WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS USUAL ATTIRE, AND WHY THE HELL DOES HE HAVE SCARS!? THOSE WERE NEVER THERE YESTERDAY, AND… WAIT A SECOND… DID HE BECOME YOUNGER!?!' Tsurumi was barely keeping her composure when she was looking at the Third Hokage, and Hiruzen himself was very calm with a very small touch of annoyance on his face that was barely visible to anyone… he decided to get her attention since she is clearly not in the right state of mind, and spoke with a low but authoritative voice:
"Akahiko Tsurumi… please snap out of it and tell me if there is something that you need from me…" spoke Hiruzen and his voice to Tsurumi sounded like a giant bell ringing in her ears, even though he spoke in a quieter voice… she immediately gathered her bearings, adjusted herself, and bowed to the Third Hokage:
"I AM SORRY HOKAGE-SAMA! I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS YOU, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!" shouted Akahiko Tsurumi, and Hiruzen just calmly stood there for a second before replying to her:
"It is alright Tsurumi, but please be more aware next time. Although I look different, you should still be able to recognise your Hokage…" finished Hiruzen and he calmly like nothing happened started walking back upstairs to his office, disappearing from Tsurumi's view…
Although Hiruzen disappeared from Tsurumi's peripherals, she still didn't stop bowing for a second and her mind was nearly blank thinking about what had just happened. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had completely transformed! From his attire to his appearance, and even a bit of his personality from what she could gather, heck, he now even uses a cane for whatever reason!!
Tsurumi couldn't wrap her head around it about why he took such a drastic change, after one night of difference the Third Hokage isn't like he used to be. That she is one hundred and ten percent sure of, she then realises that she is still bowing and quickly got upright and started fixing her appearance as she wouldn't want anyone to see her currently… after a few seconds of adjustments she was back to how she was, but still with a bit of a frown as she made her way back to her desk and started aimlessly and subconsciously sorting through papers, but her mind is still on the Third Hokage… not like she will get answers though…
A Few Minutes Ago –
After Hiruzen finished disciplining his secretary, he made his way up the tower, and after a minute he arrived at the entrance to his office and calmly walked towards it with his hand outstretched. He made contact with the door which glowed slightly, recognising his energy signature after a few seconds and clicking open… this also made Hiruzen realise that all his Chakra got converted into Reiryoku and Reiatsu, he frowned again slightly but shook it off as he will find time to test out what he can do with his new body…
He made his way over to his desk and sat down and placed his hat on the end of the desk and noticed that there was a stack of documents already sitting neatly organised on his desk. Hiruzen seeing this suddenly started scowling like there was no tomorrow, his greatest enemy has arrived!
Hiruzen suddenly gripped Ryujin Jakka with fervour was about to show its true form to the paperwork, but that was when his personal ANBU guard showed up. They were kneeling on the floor in greeting to the Hokage and when they looked up they froze like everyone else before them… this wasn't the Third Hokage they know, suddenly they all got into defensive position and one even started flaring their Chakra as if to dispel a Genjutsu, but they were shocked to know that nothing had changed when they flared their Chakra, although the flared Chakra did gather the attention of the aged leader.
Hiruzen looked over to his guards and inwardly smiled slightly at them, but his face outside was a calm and composed as usual. He took out his pipe form his desk and manipulated his Reiryoku in a special way to get the desired effect he wanted, his fingertip lit up with flames… he casually put it near the pipe and started smoking his favourite tobacco.
The ANBU guard seeing this kneeled immediately, this was what only Hiruzen Sarutobi, The Third Hokage would do every morning when he comes to work, also they noticed that his appearance and energy signature, although a bit different than before was mostly the same as he used to be, and the leader of the ANBU looked up slightly and spoke in a monotone to the aged leader:
"Good morning Hokage-Sama, please forgive that scene earlier as we were merely startled at your sudden change… we shall take position now." Spoke Eagle, the ANBU Squad Leader, and all four ANBU in the room took their usual positions in the office. Hiruzen nodded to the supposedly empty room and turned his attention back to the paperwork he was about to sick Ryujin Jakka on, he suddenly and uncharacteristically started grinning wildly at it preparing once again Ryujin Jakka, but suddenly stopped when he thought about the consequences of what would happen…
Even though he would get rid of the evil paperwork, Tsurumi would have to print more and his office would become clogged… he suddenly sneered at the paperwork and a big red tick mark appeared the side of his face, glaring at the paperwork with every bit of anger he could muster, and ohh boy was it intimidating as Hiruzen was unconsciously releasing his Reiatsu and the surroundings became heavy under the weight of his power, with the ANBU barely being able to stay in their positions, just barely though…
Hiruzen upon realising what he was doing though, decided to withdraw his power and calmly apologised to the ANBU, and with a sneer appearing on his face again started going through his paperwork…
'For the Love of the Soul King and the Sage of Six Paths, bring mercy to my soul!' mentally cried Hiruzen, but his outward appearance was still that of a calm stoicism. Just like that, the Captain-Commander and Third Hokage went on and succumbed to his greatest enemy.
A Few Hours Later –
After Hiruzen was finished with all that dreaded paperwork, he decided that it was best to go get some lunch since it was around 1 o'clock. He got up and his personal ANBU guards followed him obediently, making sure to stay out of sight from others and Hiruzen headed out with his hat on his head and his cane in hand… he exited the Hokage tower and this time Tsurumi didn't stop the Hokage and she just bowed in respect to him, though Hiruzen calmly ignored her and went on towards Ichiraku Ramen… one of his favourite restaurants, and also the place where he can always find his sort of adopted grandson Naruto Uzumaki.
As he was walking through the streets everyone was bowing in respect to the Third, while some people who haven't seen the changes in the Hokage stared dumbfounded at his mind-blowing change in appearance but hurriedly bowed in respect as well. Hiruzen on the walk gave slight nods to acknowledge their respect and kept moving towards Ichiraku Ramen… after a few minutes he arrived at the small stand that housed the best ramen in the Land of Fire, Hiruzen was walking towards the entrance when he heard the shouts of a kid from within.
This caused the old man to smile a bit as he instantly recognises who the voice belongs to, and he subconsciously increased his pace towards the stall… after a few seconds he arrived and opened the flaps to see an overly excited blond kid in an orange monstrosity devouring ramen bowls like he has been starving for months without food.
Hiruzen slightly chuckled at the scene when he saw it, but this chuckle was loud enough to be heard by the blond who turned around to reveal himself as the kid Hiruzen was expecting, Naruto Uzumaki. When Naruto saw the old man, at first he didn't recognise the Hokage, and he would know what the Hokage looks like as he is probably the only person who has had the most contact with him in the village… to be honest Naruto became a bit silent, when staring at the stranger with the apparel of a noble, especially with all of the scars all over his body caused Naruto to subconsciously tense himself as he can tell by a glance that this person isn't someone to be messed with, but when he looked up he saw the Hokage hat on this person's head and it caused his mind to freeze.
He couldn't speak or even think for several moments until he jumped out of his seat and pointed his finger at the stranger with an accusatory look and comically big white eyes, he opened his mouth and shouted at Hiruzen:
"HEY! Who the hell are you to be wearing Hokage-Jiji's hat!! I AM THE ONE DESTINED TO WEAR THAT HAT, REMEMBER MY NAME I AM NARUTO UZUMAKI AND I WILL BECOME HOKAGE!!!" shouted Naruto dramatically, and this caused Hiruzen to be both amused and stunned for a minute… how was it that Naruto doesn't even recognise him? Even if Naruto is a fool, it shouldn't be at the stage where he can't at least look at his face and the hat on his head to tell that it is him with a few changes, right? Hiruzen was still thinking when Naruto brought him out of it:
"HEY!! I AM TALKING TO YOU!! How do you have that hat in the first place!?!" shouted Naruto again, and Hiruzen decided to speak to clear the doubts in Naruto's mind…
"Naruto, it's me Hiruzen, your Hokage-Jiji… how is it you can't recognise me? Although I look a bit different, it shouldn't be to the point where you can't look at my face and not recognise me…" spoke Hiruzen, a bit confused and concerned at Naruto's mental processing but decided to wait for the boy, but he got a fast answer he wasn't expecting:
"IF YOU ARE REALLY HOKAGE-JIJI, WHY DO YOU SUDDENLY HAVE SCARS AND STUFF, HOKAGE-JIJI DOESN'T HAVE THOSE!! WHO ARE YOU IMPOSTER!?!?" shouted Naruto in denial, and Hiruzen stopped for a second and realised that Naruto would think he would be an imposter, after all he literally, well at least for Naruto, saw him yesterday and he was completely different looking than he is now… especially how he looks like he is in his late forties instead of when he was in his sixties… Hiruzen is suddenly starting to get a headache now, he had forgotten that Naruto would be a bit hard-headed and foolish, but not to this extent… Hiruzen rubbed his head a bit, and a thought came to his mind:
'Why don't I tell him something only him and I would know' with this thought in mind he spoke to the irate blond:
"Naruto, if I tell you something only the Hokage and You would know, would you believe me when I say that I am your Jiji?" he said and Naruto was taken back at the question, but thought about it for a second and nodded to Hiruzen, then he spoke:
"Naruto… it was your Fifth Birthday, that day you didn't want to be at your home and no children wanted to be your friend. That day, you decided to come to my office and, coincidentally, I had a rice cracker I didn't get to eat because of my duties and I decided to give it to you… at first you were hesitant to take it, but afterwards you enjoyed the rice cracker and gave me a big smile to indicate you liked it… our silent little birthday party Naruto…" spoke Hiruzen with some emotion in his voice and if you looked closely, you can see his eyes were very slightly moist.
Hiruzen still remembers that day like it was yesterday, no matter how many centuries it would have been that went by… that smile that shined like the sun, would always brighten up his mood and it was one of the very few joys an old man like him could enjoy. Instantly when Naruto heard what Hiruzen said, he rushed forward and gave a big hug to the Hokage, who happily put aside Ryujin Jakka to return Naruto's hug…
Naruto jumped into his embrace and if you listened closely, you could hear the soft hiccup's of held back sobs… Naruto remembers that day and will always remember the kind gesture Hiruzen did for him, even if it was something small, it was enough for Naruto to always smile at that memory together. Naruto was so emotional he spoke:
"Jiji… it really is you, what happened to you?" spoke Naruto, Hiruzen slowly released the hug to see Naruto looking at him with a teary curiosity. Hiruzen felt his heart break for a second and held up the end of his Shihakushō to wipe Naruto's tears away, he then answered Naruto with a kind smile:
"Naruto, your Jiji is perfectly fine, in fact I am better than ever. The changes that happened to me have made me much stronger, although I don't know why I changed but I am grateful… now Naruto, why don't we have some lunch together as I am very hungry." Spoke Hiruzen and Naruto was staring at the Hokage with a bit of confusion, but he didn't think about it much… if his Jiji was fine then he was fine, but he did have to admit that his Jiji was looking really cool right now, he especially liked the robe he was wearing as it had a cool fire pattern on it. Although he is a bit confused about why his Jiji was carrying a cane right now, and a bit of concern creeped into him, and he decided to ask his Jiji who took a seat at the table and was about to order:
"Jiji… ummm, if it's not much to ask… why are you using a cane? Is your back okay or is anything wrong?" cautiously asked Naruto and Hiruzen who was about to call out to Tuchi Ichiraku, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, he suddenly heard Naruto's question and gave a smile at the child and decided to answer:
"No, everything is alright Naruto and as I said I am fine, and as for the cane it is something I think makes me look wiser… why don't you like it?" responded Hiruzen and Naruto for the most part was trying to not have a tick mark appear on his face from the response his Jiji gave him, so he just huffed and called out:
"Old Man, another Miso please! Also, Hokage-Jiji is here!" spoke Naruto and after a second a middle-aged man wearing a chef's uniform comes out of the back and he turns to Naruto and Hiruzen:
"Coming right up Naruto! Also, greeting's Hokage-Sama, what can get you?" spoke Tuchi who smiled at the duo and respectfully greeted Hiruzen who just nodded with a slight smile and decided to get a miso ramen like Naruto, Tuchi grinned and disappeared into the back, and after a few minutes came back with two steaming bowls of freshly made ramen placing them in front of the hungry duo. After getting their ramen both said:
"Itadakimasu!"
Then both started eating, with both chatting to each other about random topics. Overall, it was very harmonious and both Naruto and Hiruzen left satisfied…