"Lord Third... if that's the case, there's something I'd like to discuss with you privately," Haseo said without hesitation.
At this point, none of the higher-ups in Hidden Leaf could protect Haseo any longer. So as someone who had made significant contributions, he naturally needed to seize this rare opportunity to secure some benefits for himself... Even back when he still had a teacher, Haseo had never been a ninja people could push around easily, and now that he was past his rookie phase, he certainly didn't want to become one now.
"...Speak," the Third Hokage replied.
He couldn't figure out why Haseo stressed "a private conversation." They were already in Haseo's hospital room, and right now only the two of them were present—the setting was already private enough... Was it meant to imply the topic might be somewhat sensitive?
But ultimately, none of that mattered. After all, Haseo could no longer be considered an ordinary ninja.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had come to Hidden Leaf Village to serve as its leader, and he had only one rule—fairness first, fairness second, and by God, fairness third too.
Considering Haseo's contributions toward the end of the war, so long as his request wasn't unreasonable and fell within what the Hokage could offer or negotiate, the Third Hokage would gladly accept.
However, after Haseo finished speaking, the Third Hokage fell into deep silence... He couldn't just say yes immediately. Because the suggestion—or rather, demand—that Haseo made...
Was just a bit too much.
Or perhaps it was something that couldn't be exchanged purely based on merit; put differently, compared to the request he made, Haseo's contributions weren't actually that significant.
"What you're asking involves many complex factors. It isn't something I can decide alone with a single word. I need to consult the other village leaders before making a decision... How about this—you submit a written report next, and I'll inform you of the outcome afterward." The Third Hokage finally responded after a long pause.
He merely mentioned discussing it, giving no indication whether he'd approve or reject the idea.
"Understood. These are just some thoughts I offered—it was all meant to help the village, of course—though I'll admit it's probably just some youthful passion talking, just like the time I stood alone against Kumo... As for whether the village will ultimately accept them, personally, I'm not really pushing for it, since Lord Third and the rest of the Hidden Leaf leadership have far more considerations than I do." Haseo smiled gently, his words seemingly very understanding and considerate toward the Hokage.
But... What did he mean by "my youthful passion," by bringing up "standing alone against Kumo," or by "not really pushing for it"? Haseo was simply reminding the Hokage of one simple fact—"I've shed blood for Hidden Leaf." Though those subtle hints weren't outright threats, they definitely placed the Hokage in a difficult position, unable to move forward or retreat.
Haseo was supposed to be a man of action and few words... Well, let's not pretend—he'd always been a smooth talker, and even better at knowing when to say exactly the right thing.
Hiruzen Sarutobi somewhat regretted coming to visit Haseo. Wasn't this just asking for trouble?
Yet Haseo was simply the one responsible for raising problems—he didn't feel any psychological pressure at all. In fact, after the Hokage left, he quickly fell asleep.
When he woke up the next day, Haseo was full of energy. He even started writing his report for the Hokage bright and early in a particularly cheerful mood.
He unfolded a small table beside his hospital bed, spread out a blank sheet of paper, picked up his brush pen, paused thoughtfully for a moment, then wrote a title right in the center:
On Hidden Leaf's Future Development After the War, Restructuring of Institutional Frameworks, and New Strategic Adaptations.
Hmm, although it was essentially a personal opinion, he needed to write it as a suggestion.
After all, he was merely an unconfirmed Jonin, but its tone was way too high-minded for his rank. Someone authorized to use such a title should at least be a Konoha Advisor.
Even though he intended these recommendations largely for self-serving purposes, the report had to sound noble and upright, filled with the "Will of Fire" woven into every word.
In this document, Haseo first raised a very straightforward issue—the question of how to maintain the preparedness and combat effectiveness of all the ninja in the village after the war ended. However, he merely posed the problem without offering any solutions.
As if he wrote it just to rub The Third the wrong way.
Merely using that as a jumping-off point, Haseo then expanded outward, leading into another topic about the training system in Hidden Leaf—how could they cultivate better ninja? On this matter, he definitely had something to say.
The method appeared quite simple: intensify internal competition. He proposed splitting the current Ninja Academy into two schools—Konoha Primary One and Konoha Primary Two—and extending the educational period from three years to six.
Furthermore, he suggested establishing a secondary level ninja school above the primary level, dedicated to continuing education and deeper cultivation for certain students and shinobi, thereby implementing a nine-year compulsory education system across the entire village.
"It's because times are hard that we must invest in education. Lord Third Hokage, I've never heard of a ninja village going broke—or falling apart—because of education."
Look at that—earnest hope and passionate enthusiasm shone through every line.
However, these were just red herrings. Haseo's real intentions lay buried deeper in the report. But just as he reached halfway through writing, Tsunade arrived punctually in his ward, ready to perform her daily routine medical check-up on him.
At this point, Haseo could only temporarily set aside the report.
Tsunade gave it a quick look and shot him a question with a smirk, "Haseo, what're you up to *now*?"
That little word 'again' was particularly well placed—it made Haseo feel uneasy. He thought to himself that she said it like he'd done so much before, yet in reality, hadn't he actually never really done anything?
He decided not to bother addressing such prejudice anymore.
Tsunade busied herself, walking around the bed from one side to the other, while Haseo obediently followed her directions like a puppet pulled by strings.
"Your recovery looks excellent, Haseo. Today, you can attempt to circulate your chakra."
"Finished checking, Tsunade judged that Haseo's recovery was progressing well and said so.
"...Tsunade, aren't you only ten years old right now?"
"I'm eleven. What's the problem with that?"
"...You've got to be kidding me. Of course there's a problem—one huge-ass one."
"I think for something so crucial to a ninja's recovery, shouldn't there be more professional Medical Ninjas monitoring me?" Haseo asked.
He found it hard to take seriously being treated by someone who'd only been training for two months.
"Oh right, I forgot to mention—it's decided. Starting now, you're my patient, under my full responsibility... Did you really think all the Medical Ninjas at Konoha Hospital should revolve around you?" Tsunade replied.
Given Haseo's current recovery status, additional Medical Ninjas were no longer necessary. But this didn't mean he wanted to become someone's test subject.
"If you have concerns, we can always try again later," Tsunade added, assuming Haseo had reservations.
Haseo did have concerns—but not about his physical condition. His concern was about Tsunade's medical abilities.
Maybe try again in ten years?
"Let's do it. Start right away."
Haseo couldn't wait that long. He steadied his breathing, slowly drew out Chakra, then activated one Meridian, followed by a second.
The Chakra began flowing. Then Haseo's eyelids twitched—just slightly, but not missed by Tsunade who was watching him closely.
"How is it?" she asked.
"Not a big deal... Just some slight pain when channeling Chakra. That must be the erosion issue you mentioned. It's gotten pretty intense."
Tsunade extended her palm, placing it against Haseo's chest. As soon as her Healing Chakra flowed into him, the discomfort eased significantly.
So why wouldn't you trust a genius's skill and learning speed?
"Also, I feel like my control over Chakra has weakened... Compared to during our last battle, the difference is massive. Now it's just my usual level before that fight."
At first glance, Tsunade thought something might've gone wrong—but no, everything looked fine.
"So this is your normal control level now? From what you told me earlier, isn't it only when you're nearly completely eroded that your Chakra control sharply increases?"
"Well said, but... That smooth-as-silk feeling really does bring back memories."
That kind of talk sounds way too much like whining while still getting the best deal—like having your cake and eating it too.
Yet some people are just like that. A three-bedroom apartment might've been perfectly fine. But after living in a mansion with a gorgeous model girlfriend, how could he ever go back to the same place with an aging wife?
Settling down... Not like it wouldn't work—but for now, let's just make do somehow.
In human society, such people often receive one unified respectful title:
Jerk boyfriends.
At this moment, Tsunade felt like her hard-earned Healing Chakra might actually be wasted on this guy after all."
"Go ahead and savor it from now on. After all, if you still want to keep being a ninja in the future, sooner or later you'll have to get used to this pain that comes with chakra circulation," said Tsunade, whose words made perfect sense. Then she let go.
Haseo: "..."
He shook his head. Kids never change. What did Orochimaru's research report say again?
Oh right—prone to emotional reactions.
A special shoutout:
To Shengmie Faziranfa for the generous reward of 30,000 Qidian coins. Congratulations on becoming this novel's… Disciple Protector.
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