Hokage Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had already taken off his ceremonial robe, wearing only his usual clothes, sitting behind the large desk with a pipe in his mouth.
"Here, sit down, child." Sarutobi Hiruzen pointed to the chair opposite.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Sora quickly sat down, his back straight, appearing ready to listen attentively.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe and said slowly:
"Sora, your performance today was excellent. Your taijutsu, tactics, and the Eight Gates Released Formation at the end all prove you possess extraordinary talent."
"Konoha needs fresh blood like you."
Sora nodded upon hearing this, knowing Sarutobi Hiruzen had other things to say by calling him here.
Sure enough, Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone then shifted, becoming deeper:
"Konoha is like a great tree. Its prosperity depends on the efforts of every leaf, and also on the solid support of its roots and the nourishment of sunlight and rain."
"And some things, like the roots hidden underground, unknown to most, exist to better absorb nutrients and protect the tree from being eroded by wind and rain. But their duty is limited to the underground. They should not interfere with the growth under the sunlight."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
Sora understood in his heart. This was referring to Danzo and Root.
The words sounded beautiful, all that talk about roots and leaves. Essentially, it meant Sora should rest assured being a "leaf," not worry about Danzo, that old "root" hidden underground, because he (Hiruzen) had his back.
But this was just right. For now, clinging to the Third Hokage, the thickest and strongest thigh, seemed the safest choice.
As for why Sarutobi Hiruzen knew about Sora and Nonō's matter, as the Third Hokage, if he wanted to investigate, there was little information in Konoha Village he couldn't find.
Combined with Sora's precocious and intelligent performance, it wasn't hard for Sarutobi Hiruzen to infer that Sora had long noticed someone in Konoha secretly watching him. It was just due to age and status that he didn't know it was specifically "Root."
Therefore, the meaning in his words was clear: Don't worry about those hidden intentions, I'll protect you!
Sora immediately nodded, his expression firm, and said:
"I understand, Hokage-sama. Leaves should strive to grow towards the sunlight, adding greenery to the tree, and should not worry about things underground. I will focus on improving my own strength and strive to become a powerful ninja who can protect Konoha!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed very satisfied with Sora's "understanding," his smile widening:
"Good, it's best that you think this way. Your future is bright and should not be disturbed by other trivial matters. Regarding your arrangements..."
He paused, then continued:
"With your current strength, you have already met the graduation standards, even far surpassing ordinary genin. In principle, you could graduate early."
Sora's heart lifted slightly upon hearing this.
"But after discussing with several advisors, we have decided to wait until you complete all the basic courses of this semester before granting you graduation."
"After that, as previously mentioned, you will enter ANBU training."
'After this semester ends?'
Initially, Sora thought Sarutobi Hiruzen would let him graduate directly into the ANBU.
Now it seems Konoha doesn't lack one chuunin-level kid. It's better to let him stay in the Ninja Academy a while longer, forming more bonds during this time, for example, with Sarutobi Asuma.
And it's not long now. Sora has been in the Ninja Academy for six months. In another two months, there will be a long break. The second-year courses won't start until next April.
Without overthinking, Sora immediately showed a grateful expression on his face:
"I understand, Hokage-sama! Thank you and the village for your training and consideration! I will make good use of these last two months, study hard in the academy courses, and live up to your expectations!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, seeing Sora's full look of gratitude, nodded with satisfaction:
"Hmm, very good. Go now. Remember, Konoha's future needs you young people to build."
"Yes! Hokage-sama!" Sora stood up, respectfully bowed, and then exited the Hokage Office.
...
Walking out of the Hokage Building, Sora looked back at the building symbolizing the highest authority in Konoha and let out a long sigh of relief.
'Finally safe for now.'
'With Sarutobi Hiruzen's arrangements, Danzo shouldn't dare to use forceful methods against me in the short term. After all, blatantly snatching a "genius" personally favored by the Hokage and about to enter ANBU training would be like slapping Sarutobi Hiruzen in the face directly.'
'No matter how much power Danzo has, he doesn't have the nerve to tear the relationship that openly now.'
'After all, the current Danzo isn't bold enough to directly arrange an assassination attempt on the Hokage like later!'
With his worries eased, Sora began planning his goals for the next period:
First, keep a low profile, continue developing the Azure Dragon Fruit, and strive to master the half-beast transformation as soon as possible.
Second, train in taijutsu, consolidate the first three gates of the Eight Gates Released Formation, and attempt to impact the fourth gate, the 'Gate of Injury.'
But Sora felt this point would require some time. The Azure Dragon Fruit only gave him more chances to impact the "gates," not reduce the difficulty of opening them.
Moreover, the later "gates" of the Eight Gates Released Formation are harder to open. Otherwise, people with exceptional talent like Might Duy and Might Guy, who gave their all, wouldn't have taken over twenty years to open all eight.
Third, study the academy's theoretical classes well. This is indeed very important. In the original story, Naruto suffered from a lack of education...
As for the ANBU later...
Although dangerous, it is also the fastest promotion path and the best protective umbrella.
As long as I survive the early stage and improve my strength, then...
A cold glint flashed in Sora's eyes. "Danzo, we'll settle our accounts slowly then!"
Thinking of this, Sora didn't linger any longer. He turned and walked towards the commercial district in the center of the village.
...
Not long after Sora left, the door to the Hokage Office was pushed open again.
Danzo's figure appeared at the door.
Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to have expected this. He didn't look up, continuing to review the documents in his hand, and just said lightly:
"You've come, Danzo."
Danzo walked to the desk and got straight to the point:
"Hiruzen, you kept that kid for a talk just to push him into the ANBU?"
"Sora is a promising seedling. His taijutsu is solid, and he knows the Eight Gates Released Formation at a young age. ANBU training is more suitable for his growth."
"Suitable?"
Danzo sneered, placed both hands on the desk, and said loudly:
"Hiruzen, don't play dumb with me! An orphan from another village should be placed in Root for proper 'polishing'! Only Root can ensure his absolute loyalty to the village!"
Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up with a hint of displeasure:
"He is a child, a future ninja of Konoha, not a tool! I have decided he will enter the ANBU soon."
"This matter is not up for further discussion."
Danzo stared at Sarutobi Hiruzen before him, his tone turning cold:
"ANBU? Hiruzen, your ANBU is too soft and idealistic! Only the dark methods of Root can completely erase his unnecessary personal emotions, make him absolutely obedient, and devote himself one hundred percent to the village! Your laissez-faire approach will only cultivate an uncontrollable factor!"
'Here we go again, always this absolute, cold theory of control.'
A wave of irritation and helplessness rose in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart.
He knew Danzo was doing this for the village, but he could never fully agree with such forceful methods.
Compared to control, he preferred using bonds to make people willingly become part of Konoha.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's tone became firm:
"I have already made a decision regarding Sora. His talent should grow under the sunlight, not be buried in your sunless underground!"
Danzo took a step forward, his voice filled with suppressed anger:
"Hiruzen! Your indecisiveness and so-called 'Will of Fire' will bring disaster to the village sooner or later! Hand Sora over to me. I can guarantee he will be one hundred percent loyal to Konoha!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly stood up, placed his hands on the desk, stared intently at Danzo with eyes like torches, and a powerful aura unique to the Hokage and a Kage-level expert slowly spread.
"Danzo! I am the Hokage!"
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
📖 Like the story? Read 120 chapters ahead!
🔗 patreon.com/atomelectron
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━