Thump thump.
"Please come in."
A deep voice came from inside the door. Yueshu took a breath and pushed the door open with both hands.
Just like the scene he had seen before, the Hokage Office remained the same, not even changing when Naruto became Hokage later on.
"Yueshu? What's wrong? You came to see me alone."
Although the Third Hokage was asking, his expression showed no surprise at Yueshu's arrival.
It was no wonder, after all, this was the Hokage Office, naturally protected by layers of security. It was only because Yueshu had a legitimate reason to be there and was from Tsunade's family that he was able to reach this place without any hindrance.
"I'm here to apply for early graduation."
Yueshu replied softly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes narrowed slightly.
Yueshu knew that this guy must have been observing him and naturally understood his situation.
The Third Hokage was a typical politician, even more so than Senju Tobirama, but he was still in his prime and hadn't reached the disappointing stage seen in the original work.
"Early graduation? Do you want to be like Minato Namikaze?"
"No."
Yueshu looked directly into Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.
"I want to apply for the early graduation of all three of us together."
"————"
The air seemed to quiet down.
Yueshu and Hiruzen Sarutobi both fell silent.
"Early graduation for three people, you say?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi murmured softly, his eyes meeting Yueshu's.
It was hard to believe that an eight-year-old child like Yueshu possessed such resilient eyes.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, as Konoha's Third Hokage and a Ninjutsu professor who had distinguished himself in the Second Shinobi World War, was now in his prime, his aura already fully formed. Yet, Yueshu could confront him so calmly.
"Not bad."
The Third Hokage smiled.
"Konoha's children should be so proactive."
The Third Hokage stood up, looking out the window.
"I know a bit about your affairs. You've done well. Few children are so self-motivated in their training. The temporary peace has made everyone a bit lax."
The Third Hokage spoke slowly, and Yueshu listened attentively.
No wonder the Third Hokage liked to lecture so much; it seemed he had this habit even when he was young.
"Where Konoha dances, fire burns. Fire illuminates the Village and warms the Village."
"This is the Will of Fire."
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and looked at Yueshu.
"You are the inheritors of the Will of Fire, Konoha's future."
Yueshu looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
It had to be said that Hiruzen Sarutobi's lecturing skills were indeed good; Yueshu was swayed by his words.
Putting aside other considerations, it had to be said that Hiruzen Sarutobi was indeed someone who wholeheartedly considered Konoha's well-being.
In his old age, it was due to his insufficient power that he could only resort to the lowest means to protect Konoha.
"Where Konoha dances, fire will burn eternally."
Yueshu echoed Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.
"Thank you for your high regard. I will not let you down."
Yueshu didn't dislike Konoha; on the contrary, he loved Konoha very much, and the Will of Fire was a topic often discussed by otaku.
The Will of Fire, huh?
It wouldn't be bad to uphold it; it could fulfill his fantasies from his previous life.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Yueshu, and the corners of his mouth turned up.
"Good, I will arrange your early graduation exam. It will be in the next few days. You prepare yourselves, and I will notify you then."
Hiruzen Sarutobi heard his answer, and with a wave of his hand, the graduation exam was set.
Originally, Yueshu was an outsider to Konoha, and even with Tsunade as his protective charm, Hiruzen Sarutobi still needed to confirm things. Especially since Yueshu's currently displayed potential was even greater than Minato Namikaze's, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally hoped to bind such a genius to Konoha.
"Then thank you, Hokage-sama."
Yueshu expressed his gratitude, and having nothing else to say, he simply left the Hokage Office.
"Ji Shen Yueshu, huh? I didn't expect him to actually exist."
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Yueshu slowly walk away, muttering to himself.
"Teacher, is that legend really true?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke softly, with a hint of nostalgia, about something no one else understood.
Leaving that aside, Yueshu had successfully applied for the early graduation of the three of them. At this moment, he had returned to their special training spot.
Perhaps they were truly tired, as Kushina and Mikoto were both leaning against a tree, sleeping.
Their tiny noses were still twitching slightly. The two girls sleeping blended perfectly with their surroundings, like a painting.
"They're tired."
Yueshu didn't disturb them. Instead, he quietly came to another tree not far away and leaned against it.
The wind blowing towards him felt like a gentle kiss on his forehead from a girl, as if whispering goodnight.
Yueshu glanced at the two girls, then closed his own eyes.
Yueshu had always liked Konoha's sunshine. It wasn't too hot or too cold, just right, always allowing one to sleep comfortably.
The direct sunlight wasn't scorching; instead, it felt like a mother gently stroking his hair, both soft and warm.
Compared to the other Four Great Shinobi Villages, Konoha's geographical conditions were undeniably superior, and the Village's atmosphere wasn't bad either.
Yueshu closed his eyes, his mind slowly envisioning the future.
Just as he hoped, he would open a small shop in Konoha, preferably a hotpot restaurant, where he could make delicious food for his customers and see the smiles on their faces because of the dishes he prepared.
And so, from three parts past sunrise until sunset, the hours wouldn't be too long, allowing for leisure time. When he wanted to rest, he would just take a nap.
This was the kind of life Yueshu had always wanted since he transmigrated.
For some reason, Yueshu no longer remembered his past life, but it was enough to live well in the present.
But before those fantasies could be realized, he still had to find the meaning of the name Himegami.
He had to properly fulfill the original owner's obsession.
As Yueshu thought about this and that, his mind slowly became a little hazy, and waves of drowsiness washed over him.
Just as usual, he succumbed to the drowsiness, and Yueshu fell directly asleep.
The sunlight spilled over the three of them, their innocent sleeping faces so tender.
The days of special training had ended, and the bonds between the three of them had deepened considerably.
"Yueshu, Yueshu."
A familiar voice entered his mind, and Yueshu heard it vaguely.
With a slight effort, he opened his eyes, and just like usual, the small faces of Kushina and Mikoto came into view.
"Morning."
Yueshu said habitually.
"Morning, what? The sun has already set."
Kushina grumbled.
Yueshu looked around and indeed, the surroundings had turned a dim yellow.
It was already dusk.
"Seriously, you sleep so much normally, and you can still sleep now. You're really a sleep god."
Kushina rubbed her forehead, speechless at Yueshu, who gave a few dry laughs.
"Let's go, time to go home."
Yueshu tried to change the subject, otherwise, he would definitely be nagged by Kushina again.
"You, ah—"
Kushina also understood his intention.
"Let's go, home."
Kushina didn't say anything else, just smiled and went along with Yueshu's words.
Mikoto watched from the side, maintaining her image as a demure girl.
Under the twilight, the three walked together, returning to their respective homes.
The three continued to attend classes as usual. Two days later, their teacher suddenly notified them.
The graduation exam is ready!