Chapter 3 — Hiruzen Sarutobi's Examination
Ninja Academy, Teachers' Office.
"What?! You want to take a leave of absence?!"
Honda Takeshi's voice cracked with disbelief as he stared at Uchiha Tendō. His eyes widened, and his normally composed posture tensed as he struggled to contain his shock.
Tendō remained perfectly still, expressionless, his dark eyes calm and measured. Slowly, he raised a finger to his lips, signaling silence, then lightly cradled little Akihō in his other arm.
Honda's panic faltered. Realizing the boy's composed demeanor and the sleeping infant in his arms, he hurriedly covered his mouth with his hand.
"Ah… sorry, Tendō. I got carried away," he muttered, glancing down at Akihō. Relief washed over his face when he saw the child was still peacefully asleep.
Tendō spoke, his voice quiet but firm, carrying a weight beyond his eight years.
"Sensei, you already understand my situation. I wish to take a leave of absence so I can better care for Akihō. I hope you can understand."
Honda Takeshi let out a long, resigned sigh. He had anticipated this request, yet seeing it put so plainly from a child of Tendō's age still tugged at his emotions.
"You're right, Tendō. She is your only family now. Naturally, you would want to care for her personally."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"However, a leave of absence isn't a decision I can make alone. I will take you to see the Hokage. I will explain the circumstances and speak on your behalf."
Tendō bowed politely, his posture straight, formal even.
"Thank you, Honda-sensei. I appreciate it."
Honda waved his hand dismissively, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and counted twenty crisp banknotes. He handed them to Tendō.
"Tendō, I know it's not easy caring for someone so young on your own. Take this—two hundred thousand ryō—as support from your teacher."
For the first time that day, Tendō allowed the barest hint of a smile to touch his lips.
"Sensei, the clan provides me with a monthly allowance of one hundred thousand ryō. I am not lacking for funds."
Honda's jaw twitched. I hate you rich clan brats…
Suppressing his irritation, he nodded and motioned for Tendō to follow. With Honda's guidance, the small group—Tendō, Akihō, and Honda—soon arrived at the Hokage Building.
Knock knock knock! Knock knock knock!
"Come in!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi set down the documents he had been reviewing and called toward the door. His voice was gentle, yet carried an unmistakable authority.
The door opened, revealing an adult accompanied by two children. As Hiruzen's eyes fell upon the group, he reached instinctively for his pipe. But then, remembering the presence of the children, he set it down with deliberate care. Even as an experienced smoker, he would not indulge in front of minors.
His gaze lingered on Tendō. So this is the Uchiha youth Tsunade mentioned… he thought, scrutinizing the boy carefully. Let's see what makes him so special.
At this point, the Third Hokage was still in his prime, untainted by the deep suspicions of the Uchiha that would plague him in later years. He bore no hostility, no inclination to suppress the boy—only curiosity.
Hiruzen's face softened into a welcoming smile.
"Honda-sensei, what brings you here today?"
Honda Takeshi stepped forward quickly, bowing slightly.
"Lord Third Hokage, the situation is as follows…"
After a brief explanation, Hiruzen nodded in understanding. His attention then turned fully to Tendō.
"Tendō, you wish to take a leave of absence to care for your younger sister?"
"Yes, Lord Third Hokage," Tendō replied, bowing respectfully.
Though Hiruzen would one day play a role in the Uchiha's tragic fate, that was a story of the future—one he could not yet know, nor be judged for. Today, all that mattered was the boy standing before him and the child he sought to protect.
Hiruzen's expression brightened, approval evident in the corners of his eyes.
"Very good. I can see your devotion to your family."
Then, his tone shifted slightly, adopting a measured seriousness.
"However, I cannot grant a leave of absence without some assurance of your capabilities. I will need to test you first. Should you succeed, your leave will be granted—but only for one semester."
Tendō said nothing, his gaze unwavering as he calmly observed Hiruzen's expression, waiting for further instructions.
A faint nod of acknowledgment passed between them. Good—he's observant, clever, Hiruzen thought.
"Academics may not be your weakness," he continued, "but a home that is too quiet can be detrimental to one's mental and emotional well-being. This arrangement is for both your sake and your sister's. Do you understand what I mean?"
Tendō's gaze flickered toward little Akihō in his arms. He considered Hiruzen's words carefully. Perhaps the test was as much about observing his character and decision-making as it was about strength.
Bringing Akihō with me… he thought. It will indeed be better than leaving her alone at home.
With a small, resolute nod, he spoke.
"Very well, Lord Third Hokage. I will follow your arrangement."
Hiruzen's face softened once again into a gentle smile. He stood and adjusted the Hokage's hat, the symbol of his authority resting firmly upon his head.
"I knew you would make this choice. Come with me."
His gaze flicked to a darkened corner of the office.
"Go inform Tsunade. Tell her to meet me at Training Ground Three."
The shadow moved with preternatural speed, disappearing as swiftly as it had appeared. Tendō raised an eyebrow, understanding immediately. An ANBU hiding there… no wonder that corner felt strange.
Soon, the group arrived at Training Ground Three, a wide, open space littered with old stone markers and trees providing cover along the edges. The morning sun cast long shadows across the ground, highlighting the dew on the grass.
Not long after, Tsunade arrived, her expression full of irritation.
"Hey! Old man, what did you call me here for?" she demanded, her voice sharp and her arms crossed tightly.
Hiruzen smiled faintly, undeterred by her protest. He gestured toward Tendō.
"I asked you to come so you could test Uchiha Tendō's strength."
Tsunade's face darkened immediately, annoyance etching every line.
"Old man! Do I look like I have time for this?! Even if I were bored enough to have chest pains, I wouldn't waste my time testing some brat!"
Hiruzen's calm, unflustered demeanor remained, his voice carrying gentle authority.
"Jiraiya and Orochimaru are away from the village. You are the only one I could call. And while you're at it, you can get to know this young prodigy of the Uchiha."
Tsunade paused, her sharp eyes narrowing as she quickly understood her teacher's true intentions.
Testing his strength was probably just a pretext—the real purpose was to observe the temperament and character of this Uchiha boy through combat.