The school bell rang, signaling the end of classes.
Flynn Kinoshita and Minato Namikaze walked home together, chatting along the way, until they ran into the one person Flynn least wanted to see.
Danzo Shimura.
He was dressed in a clean white kimono, holding two baskets of gifts. His expression was gentle, almost grandfatherly, with none of the cold, ruthless aura he was known for. He looked warm and approachable, like a soft spring breeze.
"Lord Danzo?"
Flynn's smile was bright, but inside, he was on full alert.
So the kidnapper had his eyes on him again.
"Little Flynn, little Minato, congratulations. From today onward, you are official ninja trainees. Remember, always protect your comrades."
"Yes, we won't let you down, Lord Danzo."
Flynn nodded enthusiastically, his small face slightly flushed, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Good. Then how about joining Root and protecting Konoha with me?"
As he spoke, Danzo crouched down and casually brushed Flynn's hair. At the same time, he silently gathered wind chakra and cut off a few strands without anyone noticing.
"I don't want to leave my brother… unless my brother can join too?"
Flynn looked up at him expectantly.
Danzo immediately understood.
Another failure.
But it didn't matter. Children were easy to influence. With enough contact, enough trust, they would eventually come willingly.
As for Hiruzen, as long as Flynn agreed on his own, there would be no problem.
"In that case, I won't force you. Root will always welcome you whenever you're ready."
Flynn accepted the gifts and watched Danzo leave.
"Let's go, Minato."
"Lord Danzo seems really kind…"
Kind?
All an act, Flynn thought coldly. Just wait until I unlock Fourth Gear. I'll smash your head in.
Even though Danzo had never physically harmed him, the psychological pressure alone had haunted Flynn for three years.
…
"Rubber… Rubber… Pistol!"
In the yard, Flynn swung his arm forward. It stretched nearly five meters before snapping toward his target.
Smack!
Minato raised his hand and easily blocked the soft, powerless punch.
Flynn immediately shifted tactics. His hand opened, grabbing Minato's arm. Then he contracted his body, launching himself forward like a slingshot.
Bang!
The two collided headfirst.
"Ow… that hurt…"
Minato rubbed his head, wincing.
"Flynn, what kind of move was that?"
"A secret technique. Headbutt style. It works by storing elastic force and releasing it instantly."
Flynn spoke with complete confidence.
In reality, he had only just eaten the Rubber Fruit. Like Luffy in the beginning, his body was still weak and hard to control.
But losing was not an option.
If strength didn't work, then surprise would.
The two had been sparring since they were five. Minato already showed exceptional reflexes, his natural talent becoming more obvious by the day.
Flynn, on the other hand, relied on experience from his previous life, using every trick and fighting technique he knew.
So far, he had never lost.
One day, when Minato became Hokage, Flynn would be able to say:
I've beaten a Hokage before.
After their sparring session, Minato headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner as promised.
Finally, Flynn had some time to study his system.
Multiverse Proficiency Panel
Name: Flynn Kinoshita
Age: 6
Abilities:
Rubber Fruit, Beginner (1/100)
Techniques:
Chakra Extraction, Beginner (1/100)
Skills:
Kunai Throwing, Beginner (4/10)
Taijutsu, Beginner (2/10)
Hand Seals, Intermediate (48/1000)
Ninjutsu: None
The system was simple and direct.
Every time he trained, his proficiency increased.
No limits.
Flynn formed hand seals rapidly.
Rat. Ox. Tiger. Rabbit. Dragon. Snake. Horse. Goat. Monkey. Rooster. Dog. Boar.
Gifted with early intelligence, he had been practicing since the age of three.
Now, he could perform four seals per second with ease.
If he followed the full sequence, he could reach five per second.
Once his proficiency maxed out, five seals per second would become second nature.
Clap. Clap.
Applause echoed through the quiet yard.
"Impressive. At your age, achieving four seals per second is remarkable. The Kinoshita family has raised a true talent."
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked in, smiling warmly, with Kenta following behind.
They had arrived earlier and witnessed Flynn sparring with Minato. Instead of interrupting, they observed quietly, analyzing his abilities.
Despite his busy schedule, Hiruzen made time.
A newly awakened bloodline was not something to ignore.
"Hello, Grandpa Third."
Flynn greeted him cheerfully.
"Grandpa?"
Kenta froze on the spot.
Hiruzen's face stiffened, his expression twitching.
Grandpa?
I'm not even forty yet.
Hiruzen took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.
Maybe this kid needs stricter training…
"I just think calling you Grandpa shows respect," Flynn said innocently. "Like how I respect Lord Danzo."
"Danzo?"
"Yes. He was very kind. He even gave me gifts."
Flynn ran inside and brought them out.
"He also asked me to join Root."
Hiruzen paused, studying Flynn's clear, innocent eyes.
No deception.
Just honesty.
His expression darkened slightly.
I just told him to stay away from this child… and he goes behind my back?
Root clearly needs discipline.
"You can call me whatever you like, Flynn. I quite like you."
Flynn smiled brightly.
He knew Hiruzen was already displeased.
After all, every academy student was, in a way, under the Hokage's guidance.
Danzo stepping in like this was crossing a line.
They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Hiruzen gently asked,
"Flynn, how did your ability awaken?"
"I don't know."
Hiruzen nodded. He hadn't expected a real answer.
He placed a hand on Flynn's shoulder and examined him carefully.
The more he observed, the more surprised he became.
A completely new bloodline.
Unprecedented.
The elasticity, the flexibility… similar to Orochimaru's techniques, but far more refined.
Still, it was too early to draw conclusions.
More observation was needed.
"What do you call this ability?"
"Rubber Release."
Kenta frowned slightly at the name.
Hiruzen, however, nodded approvingly.
"It suits it well. A good name."
Flynn shot his brother a smug look.
See the difference?
That's why he's Hokage.
Kenta's pride took a hit, but he held back, remembering Hiruzen was present.
Hiruzen finished his inspection and offered a few encouraging words.
At that moment, Minato rushed out of the kitchen, his face slightly flushed.
"Lord Third!"
"I know you. Minato."
Hiruzen patted his head gently.
Minato was stunned.
The Hokage… knows me?
His admiration instantly skyrocketed.
"Alright, I'll leave you to it. I still have work to attend to."
Hiruzen had someone he needed to speak with.
…
At the dinner table:
"Thanks for the meal!"
Kenta grabbed two rice balls at once and started eating.
Minato: …
Flynn: …
"Brother, that's too much. There are only four. Those were for me and Minato. You ate half. Don't you feel even a little guilty?"
"Sorry. I forgot to cook. This is the last time."
Kenta said it seriously, then immediately grinned.
"But Minato's cooking is amazing. You'll make more for me next time, right?"
Minato blinked.
Why does that sound familiar?
"Rubber… Headbutt!"
Kenta casually blocked.
Then paused.
Something felt off.
He looked down.
The rice balls in his hand were gone.
All of them… were in Flynn's mouth.
That little brat!
Seeing the dangerous look in his brother's eyes, Flynn turned and ran.
Kenta smiled politely at Minato.
"Thanks for the meal. I have something to take care of."
"P… please go ahead."
Minato swallowed nervously.
Kenta's smile was terrifying.
Life must be tough for Flynn.