Chapter 11: A Chance Meeting
The Third Hokage sounded very confident. He was being humble, but the pride on his face was clear. In all of Konoha, he might not be the strongest Hokage, but his knowledge of ninjutsu was unmatched. He could use all five basic nature transformations. In that area, almost no one in the village was better. He was more than qualified to guide any ninja.
Of course, that was only if the ninja wasn't Takahashi.
Might Guy was excited. The Third Hokage hadn't personally trained anyone for a long time. It seemed Takahashi was in for a lucky break.
Meanwhile, Takahashi had just gotten home. He opened his system and saw his little frog hopping happily around the pond, playing near the clover. It looked joyful.
He had a funny thought. If the system allowed it, maybe he could find a female frog for it. What a pity.
"Little frog, little frog," he murmured. "It looks like you'll have to stay single for a while. When I'm not single anymore, I'll give you extra wedding candy."
He hadn't been inside long before there was a knock at the door. It was Might Guy.
"Is something wrong, Guy-sensei?"
Guy gave him a meaningful smile. "You're a lucky kid. I told the Third Hokage about you. He was very interested and wants to meet you. He might even give you some guidance. You know, everyone he's guided has become a great ninja. Like the Legendary Sannin."
Takahashi sighed inwardly. He'd forgotten how straightforward Guy was. The man said whatever was on his mind. Oh well. It wasn't a bad thing. As long as he didn't do anything to harm Konoha, he should be safe.
Trying to hide his power would only make people more suspicious. Anbu and Root agents were everywhere in the village. It was impossible to keep secrets for long.
When they arrived at the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage looked straight at Takahashi, his gaze intense. The atmosphere grew tense.
Guy tried to lighten the mood. "Lord Third, I brought him. You don't have to stare so hard."
The Third Hokage just glanced at Guy, then turned his sharp eyes back to Takahashi. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "I heard you took down three jonin and two chunin by yourself."
Takahashi nodded calmly.
"A real young hero," the Hokage said. "That's a feat that surpasses many great men from the past. Not even my own foolish students could have done that at your age."
He was, of course, talking about Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru.
Then, his tone turned cold. "Now, you tell me. What is your real purpose for being in Konoha? If you don't tell the truth, I won't let you go, child or not."
Hearing this, Guy became frantic. "Lord Third, there must be some misunderstanding!"
"Quiet, Guy!" the Hokage commanded, his voice hard. "There are things you cannot see. I am asking this boy." He looked back at Takahashi. "Tell me your purpose. Or you will learn the consequences."
Takahashi didn't hesitate. He looked directly into the Hokage's eyes. "I am a ninja of Konoha. Everything I do is for this village. Nothing more."
The Third Hokage slammed his hand on the desk. "I will ask you one last time. If you don't speak, I will have you killed right now."
Takahashi stood his ground, neither scared nor angry. "If you don't believe me, then do it. I have nothing else to say. I was born a man of Konoha, and I will die a soul of Konoha!"
Even the Third Hokage was moved by the fierce conviction in those words. The corner of his eye twitched. Guy couldn't take it anymore.
"Lord Third! I will vouch for him with my own life! Takahashi is definitely not a spy! If anything goes wrong, I will take full responsibility!"
At that moment, the Third Hokage suddenly sat back down. His face softened into the kind look of the grandfatherly leader, as if the previous tension had never happened.
"Guy, there's no need to be so dramatic. Your student is good. His strength is one thing, but his character is exceptional. With proper training, he will surely surpass my own foolish students."
Guy was stunned by the sudden change. Why was the Hokage so up and down today? It was confusing.
But Takahashi understood perfectly. It was a test. He wasn't from a major clan in Konoha, so he wouldn't be trusted completely. The Hokage's words were both a warning and a promise.
If you serve Konoha well, we will train you to become a great ninja. But if you ever betray us, we will not hesitate to kill you. It was a classic mix of reward and threat.
Takahashi didn't hold a grudge. Someone who was too petty would never go far.
The Third Hokage didn't test his strength then. The Chunin Exams were coming soon. That would be the real stage to see if he was a dragon or a mouse.
After the two left the office, two Anbu in masks appeared, kneeling respectfully before the Hokage.
The Third Hokage thought for a moment. "You two, keep an eye on that boy. I haven't tested his power, but my intuition tells me he's not simple. It would be best if he can be used by Konoha. If not..."
He didn't finish his sentence. The two Anbu understood perfectly. They vanished in an instant.
The Third Hokage looked out the window at the stone faces on the Hokage Rock, lost in deep thought. He wondered if his decision was the right one.
After leaving, Takahashi realized it was late. He decided to get some food before heading home. Walking past Ichiraku Ramen, the rich smell of pork bone broth pulled him in. The glutton in his stomach won.
The shop was still small back then, just a simple stand with a curtain, half-open to the street.
When he walked in, he got a surprise. Hinata was there with her whole team.
He knew the Hyuga family had strict rules. She was rarely allowed to eat out alone.
Their teacher, Kurenai Yuhi, was there too. It looked like a team dinner.
Hinata noticed Takahashi come in. She looked down, a little shy to say hello.
The others in her team were still just kids and didn't notice anything. But Kurenai was an adult. She saw the look that passed between Takahashi and Hinata, and a faint, knowing smile touched her lips.
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STONES THROW THEM AT ME