"So that's how it is…"
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, nodded slowly, then continued in a gentle voice.
"Then, Akira—did you notice anything else? Anything unusual or interesting?"
"If there was, could you tell Grandpa Hokage about it?"
Hiruzen was clearly probing for clues. More than anything, he wanted to determine whether the place Akira had been sent to was one of the three legendary holy lands.
Ito Akira lowered his head slightly, adopting a thoughtful expression.
"Something interesting…? Oh. Yeah, I guess there was something."
"What was it?" Hiruzen's eyes brightened at once.
For a brief moment, a spark of anticipation flashed through his gaze.
Could it be…?Another Jiraiya?
Konohagakure was undeniably in a period of decline. Three of his own disciples had gone astray, and the next generation carried scars that couldn't be ignored. If another talent like Jiraiya were to emerge…
That would be wonderful news.
Akira scratched his cheek, speaking hesitantly.
"Well, it's not really that impressive. It's just… I had a strange feeling."
"It felt like I left too early."
"Yes—like I wasn't supposed to be there yet. After I felt that, I was sent back."
Hiruzen fell silent.
Left too early…?
That explanation fit disturbingly well.
Perhaps the place had acknowledged Akira, but the timing wasn't right. Or perhaps Akira was still too weak to remain there.
Either way, this wasn't a bad sign.
If what Akira said was true, then it meant he might be able to return there in the future—this time properly recognized.
Interesting…
Hiruzen stroked his beard lightly.
Maybe this was something he should discuss with Jiraiya once he returned. Jiraiya had experience with such matters, after all.
And even without this incident, Akira's talent alone was already noteworthy.
He was also the young heir of the Ito family. While not one of the great clans, they were still respectable. That alone made him a suitable candidate.
Yes… when Jiraiya comes back, I'll talk to him.
Having reached that conclusion, Hiruzen reached out and gently patted Akira's head.
"If anything similar happens again, Akira, you can come tell Grandpa Hokage."
"I'm very curious about this as well."
"After all, there's something you might not know," he continued warmly. "One of Grandpa Hokage's own disciples once accidentally traveled to another world while practicing summoning—just like you did."
"What you're experiencing now is very similar to what he went through."
Akira's eyes widened in apparent surprise.
"Really? Grandpa Hokage?"
"Of course," Hiruzen chuckled. "When the time comes, Grandpa Hokage can introduce you to him."
"He's a very powerful ninja."
The reactions around the room varied instantly.
Shimura Danzō's brow furrowed deeply.
So that's it…
This boy had originally been a potential piece for him to claim. But now, it was obvious—Hiruzen intended to let Jiraiya take Akira as a disciple.
Nearby, Ito Aoyama and Ito Taiga were stunned.
They both knew exactly who the Hokage was referring to.
Jiraiya.One of the Legendary Sannin.
Did that mean the Hokage was considering letting Jiraiya accept Akira as his disciple?
That was… incredible news.
With guidance from someone like Jiraiya, Akira's future would be limitless.
"Hokage-sama!" Aoyama said hurriedly, bowing deeply. "Thank you very much!"
"There's no need for that," Hiruzen replied kindly. "Taiga was once my subordinate, and I'd be delighted to see his grandson accomplish great things."
Hiruzen seemed about to say more—
But he was interrupted.
"Hiruzen."
Danzō's voice cut in sharply.
"Danzō," Hiruzen said calmly, "if you have something to discuss with me, we'll do it at the Hokage Building."
"…Hmph."
With that, the two elders departed together.
Aoyama and Taiga also took their leave soon after. Classes still had to continue, and it wasn't appropriate for everyone to linger.
Umino Iruka, looking at the restless, excited faces of the students, sighed inwardly. There was no way anyone would focus on a lecture now.
He waved his hand decisively.
"Alright, everyone. Take a break. Move around."
The classroom erupted instantly.
"Awesome!" Uzumaki Naruto shouted, leaping to his feet.
He rushed straight toward Akira.
"Iruka-sensei is amazing!" Naruto said excitedly."Akira! Hurry up and tell me! What did you actually experience?!"
"That was incredible! Was it some secret ninjutsu? Why did you suddenly disappear?!"
The rest of the class leaned in, eyes filled with curiosity.
Then Naruto suddenly paused.
He stared at Akira, frowning slightly.
"…Hey. Akira."
"Why do I feel like you're a little different?"
Naruto scratched his head, clearly confused.
"I don't know why, but you're kind of giving off the same feeling as… that stupid Sasuke."
"No, no, no!" Naruto shook his head violently. "That can't be right! You're my good friend!"
"How could you feel like that arrogant jerk?!"
Not far away, Uchiha Sasuke stiffened.
This idiot… actually noticed it?
Truthfully, Sasuke had felt it too—from the moment Akira reappeared.
Something about him had changed.
It was subtle, hard to describe.
But there was an undeniable sense of connection.
Unlike Naruto, Akira gave Sasuke the feeling of someone from the same lineage.
Don't tell me…
Sasuke's pupils contracted slightly.
Is he… related to the Uchiha?
No. That's ridiculous.
…Or was it?
Does this guy have Uchiha blood?
Akira froze internally when he heard Naruto's words.
Seriously?Your perception is that sharp now?
Of course he was different.
He now carried Indra's chakra.
Is this the resonance between Indra and Asura's chakra?
Akira felt his scalp prickle.
Damn it, Naruto!
Your destined best friend is Uchiha Sasuke—stop looking at me like that!