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The next morning, not long after arriving at school, Ren Takashi was called to the principal's office by Tsunade—where he also found his homeroom teacher waiting.
Upon hearing that Ren had officially become Tsunade's disciple and would only be attending class via Shadow Clone from now on—since his real body would be following Tsunade for medical ninjutsu instruction—both the principal and teacher were caught off guard.
"To think Tsunade-sama would take you as her student… what an honor, truly! Congratulations!"
"As for using a Shadow Clone to attend class—that's absolutely fine!"
"In fact, even if you stopped attending altogether, I wouldn't mind. I've heard all about your recent performance and how quickly you're progressing."
"To be honest, the school doesn't have much more to teach you."
"Just do your best learning under Tsunade-sama."
The principal offered Ren a few words of praise and encouragement before approving the arrangement without hesitation.
Beside him, the homeroom teacher nodded repeatedly, not daring to interrupt.
"A Shadow Clone attending class is still necessary," Tsunade added with a nod. "He's still a child, and aside from studying, it's important he interacts with peers his own age."
"Of course, of course. You're absolutely right, Tsunade-sama. We'll do exactly as you say."
The principal agreed at once.
"In that case, I'll be taking him with me now," Tsunade said, and with a wave, she led Ren away as both the principal and teacher respectfully saw them off.
After Ren created a Shadow Clone to attend class on his behalf, the real him followed Tsunade toward the Hokage Tower.
"…Wait, this isn't the road to the hospital, is it, sensei?"
Midway there, Ren tilted his head, puzzled.
"Nope."
Tsunade nodded. "We're heading to the Hokage Tower. The old man insisted on seeing you in person—what can I do?"
"But—"
She suddenly stopped, raised her hand, and cast a barrier around them. Her expression turned serious.
"Listen carefully. I expect the old man will try to summon you often in the future—for talks, questions, maybe even gentle manipulation."
"You must be cautious."
"He doesn't necessarily have your best interests at heart."
"He's likely trying to brainwash you—to shape you into a tool he can use to suppress and control the Uchiha."
"Don't let him fool you. Understand?"
Ren was touched. He could feel her genuine concern, and it warmed his heart.
He looked up at her and nodded seriously. "I understand, sensei. I'll be careful. I won't fall for it."
"You know I'm not exactly naïve."
"Heh…"
Tsunade smiled, pinched his cheek, and teased, "That's for sure. Judging by yesterday—you're a sly little fox."
"The old man probably miscalculated from the start."
"As long as you know what you're doing… that's enough. Let's go."
With that, she dispelled the barrier and continued forward.
Nothing seemed to have changed, but Ren could clearly sense her mood had lightened. Her footsteps felt lighter—more at ease.
She's actually kind of a softie, he thought to himself.
Don't worry, sensei. I'll make sure your future doesn't end in tragedy this time around.
He wasn't a saint, but he always paid back genuine care with equal sincerity.
Soon, they arrived at the Hokage Tower and climbed to the second floor.
BANG!
Without warning, Tsunade kicked open the Hokage's office door with a thunderous crack.
The door slammed against the wall with a crack-crack sound, as if wailing in pain.
Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi was mid-conversation with Danzo—his expression darkened in stunned irritation.
But upon seeing Tsunade, the irritation melted into helpless resignation.
This disciple of his... he really had no way to manage her.
He'd come to realize—none of his three disciples were what you'd call normal.
"Tsunade, would it kill you to open a door like a normal person? I've even stopped expecting you to knock, but this is the third door I've had to replace this month."
Hiruzen massaged his temples in exasperation.
"Sorry—force of habit," Tsunade replied flatly.
Then she pulled Ren forward. "Here. I brought my student like you asked. Whatever you want to say, say it quickly. I've got to get him to the hospital for training."
Hiruzen's irritation faded as he turned toward Ren, forcing a grandfatherly smile.
He was just about to speak when—
"Hold it!"
Danzo cut in abruptly.
With a furious glare, he pointed at Ren and barked, "Hiruzen, what the hell is this? You gave this boy to Tsunade? You let her take him as a disciple? Are you insane?!"
He was livid.
Clearly, the boy should've been handed to Root, to be trained and molded under Danzo's supervision.
But no—Hiruzen had let him fall under Tsunade's wing.
That meant Ren was now Sarutobi's disciple's disciple—a direct successor, part of the Hokage's inner circle.
Worse, with Tsunade involved, the boy now bore the mark of the Senju.
Does Hiruzen even understand what he's doing?!
Is he trying to create another Kagami Uchiha? Another potential Hokage candidate from the Uchiha?
Danzo was practically shaking with rage.
"Danzo!"
Hiruzen's eyes flashed coldly. Being shouted down in front of Tsunade and Ren made his blood boil.
"I've already discussed this with you. We agreed this matter was settled."
"Ren is a prodigy in medical ninjutsu—and a firm believer in the Will of Fire."
"I judged Tsunade the most suitable teacher. This decision is final, and you have no right to interfere. Is that clear?"
Turning back to Ren, Hiruzen offered an apologetic smile.
"Sorry about that, little Ren. I hope this didn't startle you."
"Not at all!"
Ren waved his hands modestly, looking up with starry-eyed admiration.
"So Tsunade-sensei took me in… thanks to your recommendation, Lord Hokage?"
"Thank you so much!"
"Haha!"
Hiruzen beamed. He loved that look of reverence—it confirmed he'd made the right choice.
"There's no need to be so formal. Just call me Grandpa Hokage."
"Make sure to study hard under your teacher."
"I hope you'll grow into one of Konoha's true pillars of strength."
"I will! I'll do everything I can to serve the village!"
Ren nodded earnestly, radiating conviction.
Tsunade watched all of this quietly.
Outwardly calm.
Internally, she was sighing in disbelief.
And to think I was actually worried this kid might get manipulated…
Watching him now, I think it's the old man who's in trouble.
If I hadn't spoken with Ren beforehand and known he was acting, even I would've been fooled by that performance.
What a little monster…
Tsunade had a growing sense that her teacher was way out of his depth.
Danzo, too, had a similar feeling—though his reaction was far less amused.
Ren's polite tone, his loyal expression, his respectful demeanor… it all felt fake to him.
Disgusting.
Cloying.
He wanted to rip the mask right off the boy's face.
But then he looked at the woman standing behind Ren—and stopped himself.
Because he knew—if he even tried anything right now, Tsunade would crush him with a single blow.