"What's your answer?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't underestimate Yuki Ya just because of his young age.After all, ninja children mature earlier than ordinary kids—and Yuki Ya had once belonged to a great clan, just like the Hyuga or Uchiha. Naturally, he understood things far beyond his years.
So Hiruzen cared deeply about the boy's response.Because this was, in essence, a transaction—Yuki Ya might not want to admit it, but that was the reality.And the goods being exchanged weren't objects… but himself.
Konoha would gain the Yuki clan's bloodline, while Yuki Ya would gain Konoha's protection from the Hidden Mist's assassins.Of course, given his current strength, he could easily change his name and vanish into the vastness of the ninja world—but he didn't want that.
He wanted revenge.
To do that, he needed power, and more importantly, a stable environment where he could safely grow stronger.He was willing to pay the price.
A transaction—naked and clear as day.
Of course, that was Yuki Ya's understanding of the deal.For Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, what he wanted was far more than that—he wanted all of Yuki Ya.
"I'm willing to stay in Konoha."
Yuki Ya didn't keep them waiting long. His calm reply brought a faint smile to Hiruzen's face.Kakashi, kneeling beside him, quietly let out a sigh of relief. He truly believed this boy would accomplish great things someday.Minato Namikaze, too, was pleased. The idea of another bloodline clan joining Konoha filled him with hope for the village's future.
"Then we're comrades from now on. My name is Minato Namikaze."Minato's gentle voice radiated warmth—his sunny smile truly made people feel as if they were standing before the sun itself.
"The Yellow Flash of Konoha! I've heard so much about you!"Yuki Ya deliberately acted amazed, even letting a flicker of admiration flash through his eyes.
Catching that look, Hiruzen couldn't help but nod inwardly.As expected of Minato… truly a natural at winning hearts.
"Yuki Ya," Hiruzen said with a kindly tone, "since you're willing to stay in the village, you'll be treated as one of our own.Although we hope you'll officially become a Leaf ninja someday, we won't force you.Given your age, the village will arrange free housing for you and a modest allowance to cover your living expenses until adulthood.I hope you won't take offense."
It was a subtle move—another example of Hiruzen's political finesse.By phrasing it this way, he preserved the boy's pride, while still binding him emotionally to Konoha.
But what Hiruzen didn't realize was—Yuki Ya didn't want his pride protected.He would have preferred if they just showered him with benefits until he couldn't resist anymore.
"You're too kind, Hokage-sama. Actually, I'd love to become a Konoha ninja,"Yuki Ya said suddenly, raising his hand."Truth is… I've already awakened the Ice Release of the Yuki Clan."
As he spoke, delicate snowflake-shaped crystals formed in his palm, shimmering with icy energy.Since Kakashi already knew, Yuki Ya figured there was no point hiding it anymore. Better to show it now—to secure more value for himself.
Sure enough, both Hiruzen and Minato froze in astonishment.Then they turned to Kakashi for confirmation.When he silently nodded, both men drew sharp breaths.
Six years old—and he's already awakened Ice Release?!This boy had the makings of a future powerhouse.
Originally, Hiruzen had intended to treat Yuki Ya as a "breeding seed," someone to preserve the bloodline.But now, it seemed he had found something much better.
After the Warring States Era, what was the most valuable thing in the ninja world?Talent.
To keep the Will of Fire burning bright, Konoha needed strong successors—generation after generation.
"Hmm… should I raise his stipend and lure him into joining as a genin right away?"Hiruzen's inner thoughts betrayed his intentions—he didn't really care whether Yuki Ya became a ninja or not, as long as the boy stayed in Konoha long-term and continued the Yuki bloodline.But now, there was potential for something more.
"Hokage-sama," Yuki Ya suddenly said, his expression serious but his words shameless, "if you could increase my living allowance tenfold, I'm willing to take the genin exam right now!"
Hiruzen blinked.Minato blinked.Even Kakashi, who had been silently watching, froze.
That… that was basically selling himself, wasn't it?
Such a small boy—and he's already this obsessed with money?Did Yuki Jizō really raise his only grandson like this?
For a moment, Hiruzen was speechless.The scene was so absurd that even Minato and Kakashi exchanged dumbfounded looks.
This wasn't negotiation.This was a child auctioning himself off—and doing it with a straight face!
If Yuki Ya could've heard their thoughts, he would've proudly nodded."Yes, that's right! Money can buy not only my body—but also my soul!"(At least for now.)
After discovering that his system could grow stronger through money, Yuki Ya decided that one day, he'd get along very well with Kakuzu.
Hiruzen, still dazed by the boy's brazen request, finally came back to his senses.Looking into Yuki Ya's eager eyes, he hesitated for a moment—then nodded slowly.
"…All right."
Deal sealed.
Yuki Ya had officially "sold" himself to Konoha—for now.He gained a safe haven to grow stronger, plus a monthly allowance of fifty thousand ryō.
A quick calculation told him that two months of saving could buy him a full 1-star card, and a year and a half would be enough for a 2-star card.Perfect. The first thing I'll do is replace that gluttonous pet!
"Alright, then. Schedule a test for me soon, Hokage-sama. Please believe me—my strength is more than enough for the genin level."
Yuki Ya spoke with an easy smile.A cheerful, naive boy—that's the image he wanted to project.Who would suspect that behind that smile was someone who had already slaughtered a dozen chunin with ease?
A mask well worn hides the truth beneath.
"Genin?"Hiruzen chuckled and shook his head. "No, no, Yuki Ya.Even though you've awakened Ice Release, being a true shinobi is not as simple as you think.Though your strength may rival a genin's…"
He paused, his expression turning meaningful."…Don't worry. I have my own plans."
Just as Yuki Ya had studied Hiruzen, the Hokage too had begun to understand him.
Humans form bonds through communication—and sometimes, even a brief connection can create mutual understanding.
Yuki Ya blinked rapidly, unsure what Hiruzen's "plan" really meant… but he had a feeling it wasn't going to be simple.