The Third Hokage frowned slightly as he read the report in front of him.
The report's subject: Uchiha Seiji.
Her grades were exactly the same as the previous year—average across the board, barely passing. If the Hokage hadn't already known her true ability and promoted her to Class A himself, she would still be stuck in Class B.
Every sparring match ended the same way—draws, no matter who her opponent was.
She skipped class constantly, relying on shadow clones to attend in her place.
At first, this didn't seem like an issue. The Hokage assumed she was off training on her own, so he didn't interfere.
But the reality was… while her clones studied and trained diligently, the real Seiji spent her days doing little more than light exercise before sprawling on the couch to watch television.
"If this continues, a prodigy will waste her life away…"
When he had first discovered Seiji's overwhelming talent, the Hokage had worried she might one day slip out of Konoha's control, causing chaos.
But looking at her now… it had been half a year! Half a year of truancy and laziness!
And yet, her strength still grew. Her progress was terrifyingly fast. Her chakra reserves, her body—she had already reached jōnin-level standards, perhaps even higher. The Hokage had gone to observe her personally.
At this rate, Uchiha Seiji's future was capped at elite jōnin.
That was the Hokage's assessment. But in truth, Seiji wasn't just a jōnin-level genius—she had the potential to reach Kage-level… no, even beyond that. She could very well reach the same heights as the First Hokage himself.
And if she did, would Seiji still accept Konoha's control?
The Hokage just chuckled to himself.
In his mind, that outcome was avoidable—so long as someone didn't act recklessly.
Yes, I'm talking about you.
Danzo: "What, this is my fault again?"
If things went as they should, Konoha would one day harbor a hidden boss—someone of First Hokage-level power. And her base of operations? A little adult shop nestled right in the heart of Konoha.
"When I think of it that way, it's almost amusing… but first, she has to graduate."
In the past, it was always geniuses themselves who requested early graduation. But now? The Hokage of Konoha was preparing to force a six-year-old girl to graduate ahead of schedule.
And yet… there were still three years until graduation.
Three precious years—prime time for growth. Wasting them would be an unforgivable mistake.
Besides, it wasn't as though danger lurked in Konoha. If Seiji really did open her shop in the village, what threat could possibly reach her here?
The Hokage refused to believe that any of the other nations could muster the strength to attack Konoha directly.
Which meant…
"No. She must graduate early. Tomorrow—she graduates. That's final!"
The Hokage had another reason too: he was still waiting for that adult shop to open so he could pay it a visit himself.
Come to think of it… Konoha didn't have a single adult store yet.
"Yes… that's something that absolutely must change."
And so, that very day, an order was issued.
The Hokage commanded that Uchiha Seiji report to his office after class.
"So that's it? I'll just wait for her at the Academy gate?" asked the masked ANBU tasked with relaying the message.
"No…"
The Hokage turned his gaze to the crystal ball beside him.
Inside it, a six-year-old girl was sprawled across the couch in a most unladylike pose, snacking while watching TV.
And yet, somehow, the view never revealed the crucial parts—just barely hidden.
"Tch. Really now… she's just a little girl. What could be tempting about that…"
The Hokage shook his head and ordered: "She's cutting class again. Go to her house and find her."
"Yes, sir."
The ANBU's voice was as flat as ever, though the corner of his mouth twitched beneath the mask.
Years in the Black Ops had trained him well. His tone and eyes revealed nothing, no matter what was said. But his face beneath the mask—now that was another story. And inside, his mind was always running, full of thoughts he could never speak.
Unaware of this, the Hokage set the crystal ball down on his desk, brushing aside official documents. He leaned back, preparing to watch what Seiji would do next.