Late at night.
At the desk.
Sarutobi Asuma was diligently planning his three-year schedule.
He had originally intended a five-year plan, but considering the outbreak of the Third Great Ninja War and the possibility of Yūhi Kurenai and others graduating early, he, as the Hokage's son, had to maintain his public image and charisma. Even if he wanted to just coast along in the Ninja Academy, it would be difficult.
So, he shortened the plan.
Three years was a long time, yet also very short.
This was because Sarutobi Asuma had too many things he needed to learn.
Most importantly, he also had to consider how to rapidly accumulate experience points.
For techniques like the Three Basic Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, once he reached a certain level of proficiency, he would inevitably hit a bottleneck, making it difficult to gain a large amount of experience points.
This meant he would have to open up new learning directions.
However, the more diverse his studies, the more likely he was to become a jack of all trades and master of none.
This forced Sarutobi Asuma to carefully weigh his options.
"My ninjutsu studies over these three years absolutely cannot be too extensive. Besides the Three Basic Ninjutsu, studying one per year should be enough."
"Shadow Clone Technique, one Fire Style, one Wind Style."
"To grind for experience points, I can temporarily refrain from learning new ninjutsu, but I can focus on the theory first."
"Theory on the five Chakra Nature Transformations, theory on Fūinjutsu... This way, the rate of character leveling won't decrease too much."
"My daily internal training cannot be skipped. It will be done before school in the morning and after school in the afternoon."
"And progressive agility training."
"Chakra control. I've already completed the water-walking in the vat. The next step is in a river with slow currents, then a river with swift currents, then lifting stones..."
"And tree climbing. Simple tree climbing, then climbing cliffs, then climbing cliffs while lifting heavy stones..."
He listed them out one by one until his mother, Sarutobi Biwako, urged him to stop. After turning off the lights, Sarutobi Asuma began practicing hand seals.
The next day.
Sarutobi Asuma started learning and training according to his plan.
Morning: Wake up and train to improve his physique.
Forenoon: Attend classes for theoretical study to improve his intellect.
After lunch: Continue theoretical study or engage in practical exercises of the Three Basic Ninjutsu with Kurenai, Kakashi, and others.
Afternoon: After classes, agility training and physical fitness training.
Evening: Theoretical study and hand seal practice.
Such daily training, day after day, was incredibly monotonous.
But fortunately, he had the company of the young Kurenai, plus the cool Kakashi, the goofy Uchiha Obito, and Might Guy as diversions, which made it quite enjoyable.
During holidays, he would spend money to hire a tutor for Taijutsu training and combat practice, including but not limited to sparring and trap setting.
Additionally, there was tree climbing and water-walking training.
When the Clone Technique reached Level 4, he would begin practicing the Shadow Clone Technique.
...
Time flew by, and in a blink, it was spring of Konoha Year 39. Sarutobi Asuma entered his second year at the Ninja Academy.
Weekend.
Sarutobi Asuma invited Yūhi Kurenai, Kakashi, and Might Guy to train at the cliffside waterfall.
However, as he walked through the bustling streets, listening to the surrounding discussions, he couldn't help but frown.
The Hatake Sakumo incident had erupted!
"The public opinion is spreading this fast..."
Sarutobi Asuma thought of the many conspiracy theories he had encountered in his past life.
"Whether as Kakashi's friend, the Hokage's son, or a member of Konoha, and as the future strongest Hokage, I cannot stand by and watch a powerful figure like Hatake Sakumo self-destruct and wither away!"
With that thought, Sarutobi Asuma immediately formed a hand seal and created a Shadow Clone.
In front of the Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Asuma paused his steps.
After more than a year since his transmigration, this was honestly the first time he had come here.
Taking a deep breath, Sarutobi Asuma stepped inside. He moved unimpeded all the way to the Hokage's office.
"Asuma, what is it?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his son, who had entered, with some curiosity.
He had witnessed the changes in his once mischievous son over the past year. Although their interactions weren't frequent, he was gratified and satisfied.
Facing Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze, Sarutobi Asuma stood opposite the desk and got straight to the point, "Father, I've heard a lot of rumors about senior White Fang."
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly but said nothing, continuing to look at Sarutobi Asuma.
Asuma's gaze didn't waver, his expression open and clear, "Father, while I may not understand much, the education at the academy and your teachings have told me that senior White Fang did not go against the Will of Fire. He is a faithful follower of the Will of Fire."
"Furthermore, with senior White Fang's strength, if he were to perish like this, it would absolutely be a great loss to Konoha!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow slightly, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "So, what are your thoughts?"
"Credit for achievements, blame for faults!"
Sarutobi Asuma stated simply and directly, "Senior White Fang should be punished for mission failure, but his act of saving his comrades is equally worthy of praise and promotion!"
Trying to smooth things over?
No, a win-win!
A hint of joy flickered in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart, though he didn't show it on his face. He nodded and said, "Asuma, you've spoken well. I will consider this matter."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded, said no more, and with a poof, his body dissolved into a cloud of smoke.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked on with a trace of surprise.
Indeed, he hadn't realized that his second son was a Shadow Clone.
"He's all grown up now!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, a smile appearing on his face.
Afterward, he pondered for a moment, summoned an ANBU ninja, and began issuing orders.
Soon.
The tide of public opinion within Konohagakure began to shift.
Hatake Sakumo was also informed of the disciplinary order by an ANBU ninja, relieved of his current duties, and then reassigned to the Ninja Academy to become a practical combat instructor.
Even Hatake Sakumo was utterly astonished by this order.
The ANBU ninja who delivered the order spoke, "Lord Sakumo, Asuma said that the village's losses due to mission failure were your fault, but you, who followed the Will of Fire of your predecessors, should not be so cruelly treated by those rumors. Credit for achievements, blame for faults!"
"The Hokage must punish you according to ninja regulations, but he hopes you can pass on the Will of Fire you uphold to the next generation!"
Hatake Sakumo was taken aback, "Asuma..."
He certainly knew the Third Hokage's second son.
This person was also his son Kakashi's friend, and a good friend who could help Kakashi grow.
"I understand!"
Hatake Sakumo took a deep breath, adjusted his mindset, and said solemnly, "Please convey to the Third Hokage that I will report to the Ninja Academy tomorrow and will not let the Hokage's expectations down!"
The ANBU ninja nodded, and his figure disappeared.
Root.
Danzō, who received the news, had a grim expression and snorted, "Truly a woman's benevolence!"
Meanwhile.
The Shadow Clone left by Sarutobi Asuma heard the rapidly changing public opinion and felt relieved, then dispelled itself.
The rest was beyond his ability to influence.
He couldn't be sure if Hatake Sakumo could be saved.
But he was at peace with himself!
On the swift-flowing river.
Sarutobi Asuma, who was practicing water-walking, secretly breathed a sigh of relief after receiving the information from his Shadow Clone. Just as he was about to continue his training, a system prompt echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations on obtaining the Savior achievement, you have received 1 attribute point, 1 skill point, 1000 bonus experience, and one skill pack.]
The sudden achievement made Sarutobi Asuma falter, and he fell into the river with a splash.
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