"Waaah!!!"
The children at the Ninja Academy let out thunderous cheers.
Under the village's carefully shaped messaging, Konoha's academy students generally believed they were not weak—but that ninja from other villages were also strong.
So none of them grew arrogant. Instead, they were always looking for their own shortcomings…
When Terumī Mei and "Snow" demonstrated their kekkei genkai techniques, it stirred a sense of urgency in them.
Kekkei genkai techniques were indeed powerful and superior.
Although Konoha also had many clans and secret techniques, and possessed numerous kekkei genkai…
It lacked any chakra-nature fusion types like Ice Release, Boil Release, or Lava Release.
So, in the students' minds—
Just having the Sharingan, Byakugan, Uzumaki sealing techniques, Flying Thunder God, the Ino–Shika–Chō formations, Aburame and Inuzuka clan techniques, and Kurama genjutsu…
Was not enough!
With only those, it might be difficult to withstand the storm outside…
After all, the other villages had plenty too!
And yet, Hiruzen's Ice Release had, in a strange way, filled that gap…
Even if Ice Release didn't greatly boost Hiruzen's combat strength—Konoha's children had an inexplicable obsession with having a complete set of abilities…
As if only by having everything could they feel even slightly at ease.
"Hokage-sama! Hokage-sama!"
The cheers surged like a tidal wave through the training grounds. Every academy student looked at Hiruzen with admiration, their eyes shining.
It wasn't just Ice Release…
It was Ice Release of such overwhelming power!
Compared to the "ice pillars" created by "Snow," Hiruzen's Ice Release paradise made them look almost cute.
"Father, how did you do that?" Asuma rushed forward, his face full of excitement.
Having a father who was Hokage wasn't particularly impressive to him…
But his father raising a hand and creating an Ice Release paradise in front of his classmates…
That was unbelievably impressive!
At that moment, Danzō appeared beside Hiruzen in a body flicker.
He clearly had many questions—but when he opened his mouth, he didn't know where to start…
He couldn't exactly shout: So you've been secretly training without me and making explosive progress on your own?!
If he did, he might as well quit being Hokage advisor and join the carefree academy students…
"Our Sarutobi clan specializes in Fire Release, right?" Asuma asked eagerly, tugging at Hiruzen's arm.
"Hokage-sama… does your family have any ties to the Land of Water or an Ice Release clan…?"
"Are… are you related somehow?" Snow couldn't help asking.
In his understanding—
Even the most skilled Ice Release users in his clan, going all out, could only achieve something comparable to Hiruzen.
But the problem was—
Hiruzen didn't even look like he was trying.
He wasn't even gathering chakra deliberately—just forming a few casual hand seals, and yet the result was this powerful…
Snow even suspected that Hiruzen might be able to use Ice Release without hand seals!
"What are you talking about! My father is a pure Sarutobi—my grandfather is Sarutobi Sasuke!"
Asuma glared at Snow, clearly dissatisfied.
"My grandmother was also a famous kunoichi of the Land of Fire. Our line has lived here for five hundred years!"
Snow hurriedly waved his hands in apology.
"That's not what I meant! I've just never seen anyone acquire Ice Release later in life—I misspoke. Please forgive me…"
He bowed deeply.
Only then did he realize—
The Konoha ninja attacked by Kaguya Nakamaro had been the Hokage's son?
Snow felt dizzy.
If this had happened in Kirigakure—
He was certain he would not escape punishment, even if he had only been a companion.
In the Bloody Mist system, guilt by association applied.
Even if you were fine—
Your friends, teammates, and clan also had to be unquestioningly loyal to the Mizukage.
Otherwise, you were all in danger.
Snow feared Konoha might be the same.
If so, this year wouldn't be refuge—it would be survival under extreme conditions…
"Alright, it was an unintentional remark. No need to dwell on it."
Hiruzen rubbed Asuma's head.
"As for you, kid—don't tell me you mention your grandfather every day at the academy?"
"Remembering your clan's history is good—but first, remember that everyone is a comrade of Konoha."
Asuma squinted contentedly.
"Don't worry, Father—that was just for outsiders! I'd never act like that with classmates. With Seisui-nii and me around, everyone gets along equally. No one throws their clan weight around…"
Hiruzen chuckled.
Unexpectedly, Asuma had this effect…
He was, in a way, improving relations between clan ninja and civilian ninja.
Because the Hokage's son and the Uchiha's top genius both mingled freely with everyone—
Other clans naturally lowered their airs.
Who could act more arrogant than those two?
In a sense, Asuma was performing something like Biwako's "diplomacy"—
Helping Hiruzen conduct "son diplomacy" among Konoha's next generation.
Its significance was considerable.
The "Hiruzen anecdotes" Asuma told were the academy students' favorite mealtime stories…
They made everyone feel closer to the Hokage, giving his image a more personal and approachable presence.
Snow froze.
Was Konoha's Hokage really this approachable?
Still shaken, he bowed ninety degrees.
"Hokage-sama, thank you for your leniency!"
'There's fear in this boy's heart…' Hiruzen thought.
That was precisely why he wanted young ninja rather than adults.
Adults were already hardened by the shinobi world—
Difficult to assimilate.
But talented youths were different.
They had stronger individuality—and were more open to new ideas.
According to Hyūga intelligence…
Hiruzen did not hold a favorable view toward the Third Mizukage's future of forcibly integrating Kirigakure.
Although he had qualifications, he did not have prestige; having been defeated by Hōzuki Gengetsu, he was inherently at a disadvantage.
When he had just become the Third Mizukage, he had not promptly cleaned up the remaining forces of Hōzuki Gengetsu.
Instead, he had allowed them to develop for more than twenty years, hoping to resolve things peacefully, letting them already take root and intertwine within Kirigakure, becoming a massive force…
If the Third Mizukage had implemented the Bloody Mist system from the beginning, Hiruzen would have thought there was some possibility of success.
In Hiruzen's view, the Third Mizukage's toughness was actually a form of weakness.
Waiting until things became irreparable before using the harshest methods.
What had originally been only a problem of several dozen people had developed into becoming enemies with thousands…
Moreover…
The Third Mizukage did not only have to face internal resistance from Kirigakure.
He also had to face Hiruzen, this mysterious external force of the Land of Fire, cultivating seeds of resistance against the Bloody Mist.
"You children, come here…" Hiruzen said with a smile, beckoning to Terumī Mei and the others.
With that gesture, a large number of ice sculptures appeared on the field, all kinds of lifelike animals and plants, instantly raising the immersion of the Ice Release paradise to another level.
Laymen watched the spectacle, experts saw the substance.
Danzō's heart sank.
Such ability proved that Hiruzen had already mastered the nature and form transformations of Ice Release chakra.
How long had it been since he mastered Ice Release in advance?
Why had he not told him!
Danzō ground his teeth inwardly.
Terumī Mei and the others were also stunned.
As ninja of the Bloody Mist, their attention was always focused on the killing power of ninjutsu.
With the release speed and range of Hiruzen's Ice Release…
If what he created were not ice sculptures but ice spikes…
They would absolutely have had no chance of survival.
Hiruzen took in their expressions completely and smiled inwardly.
Normally, when communicating with adult ninja, it was not necessary to display force.
Because they knew what the title of "Kage" represented, and had sufficient understanding of strength and status.
But young ninja were different.
Young ninja did not have a clear understanding of strength. Many would think that a Kage's strength was just so-so, and that in a couple of years they might be able to challenge them themselves…
So, when communicating with young ninja, the best method was to first display one's strength, and then speak to them kindly and reasonably.
Long ago, Hiruzen had believed that one should not use force when communicating with children…
As a result, it had caused Asuma's annoyance and rebellion.
But ever since Asuma had seen Hiruzen spar with Orochimaru and Minato, that bit of rebellion had long been thrown somewhere unknown…
Every day at the academy, whenever he had nothing to do, he would talk about how his father thought for the sake of the village, how hard he trained…
Even making Tobirama take notice.
Thinking that Hiruzen truly had methods—sending his own son to the academy as propaganda support, it was really something he could come up with…
Just as Hiruzen had expected.
After slightly revealing a bit of Ice Release, respect immediately increased in Terumī Mei and the others' expressions, and they quickly ran over.
"Hokage-sama, please instruct us…" Mei asked respectfully, as the leader of the group.
"Don't be nervous…" Hiruzen waved his hand gently, signaling them to relax.
"Your mission here suddenly changed into exchange, it is normal to feel uncomfortable."
"But since you have come to Konoha, then this year you should properly experience Konoha's customs. Your elder Genji should have told you that you have no additional mission."
Hiruzen said with a smile.
Mei was startled—how did the Hokage know what Genji had said?
The respectful expressions on their faces grew even stronger.
In truth, Hiruzen had guessed.
Because Genji was only rigid, not foolish.
After being given a show of force by Hyūga Hizashi and the patrol unit, if he still expected these few youths to act as spies, then Kirigakure probably would not have lasted until now…
"I also know that you are probably not truly genin or academy students."
"But it doesn't matter, some of Konoha's academy children are still quite capable. This year, you should spar with them as normal."
"Do not hold back, but also do not deliberately cause serious injury. For ordinary injuries, we have dedicated personnel here to handle them, and you can also enjoy this treatment."
"And, every month, Konoha's academy will have jōnin come to give lectures."
Hiruzen said slowly.
"You can audit one class. If you are interested, then you may also share your own experience with the academy students. After that, you can continue attending."
"As for ninja tools and food, the academy provides them free of charge to every ninja. You need not worry."
"For accommodation, I have arranged for Uchiha ninja to help you. Later, go and familiarize yourselves with your new home…"
This series of explanations left Terumī Mei and the others stunned.
Ninja tools and food were free? There was also valuable medical treatment…
There were even powerful jōnin giving advanced classes to students?
No, why was there such a big difference between Konoha and Kirigakure…
"Hokage-sama, you do not need to give us special treatment…"
Kisame, who had been silent, finally spoke.
"We ninja of Kirigakure can endure hardship. Elder Genji did not send us here to vacation, but to assist Konoha's ninja in practical combat training."
"This is the treatment enjoyed by all Konoha academy students."
Hiruzen looked at Kisame strangely.
"Isn't it like this over there?"
This question directly silenced Kisame.
In the current Kirigakure, the academy had not yet reached the level of a deathmatch.
But people dying every few days was normal, not to mention large amounts of free resources and precious jōnin guidance.
In Kirigakure, where bloodline clans stood in great numbers, if one wanted guidance, one had to choose a side and attach oneself to a faction…
Otherwise, one could forget about it…
"Yes… it is like this, it will be like this, the Third Mizukage will do so."
Kisame forced himself to reply, feeling shaken inside.
Even as a staunch Kirigakure ninja, hearing such a difference between the two villages inevitably stirred complicated feelings.
'It must be exaggeration from the Hokage. Impossible—there is absolutely no such hidden village!'
Kisame said inwardly.
He decided.
He would carefully observe Konoha and expose this so-called propaganda…
He refused to believe that Konoha could have such good treatment.
Even if academy students truly enjoyed these benefits, then it must be at the expense of exploiting full-fledged ninja!
It could not be that everyone lived well, could it?
Then who would make sacrifices?
This was the zero-sum thinking of Kirigakure—or rather, of most ninja.
Win-win situations almost did not exist.
"You two brats, do you have any problems?" Hiruzen glanced at Nakamaro, who was secretly observing Asuma.
Nakamaro's face turned pale.
After experiencing Uchiha En's "education" and witnessing Hiruzen's strength…
He truly could not act crazily anymore.
"I…" Nakamaro lowered his head, stammering.
He was very afraid that once he mentioned attacking the Hokage's son, he would be sliced into minced meat the next moment.
"It's nothing, Father, just some misunderstandings."
Asuma imitated Hiruzen's usual tone.
"For now, we are companions."
Nakamaro suddenly raised his head, looking at Asuma with gratitude.
Asuma smiled slightly at him.
"Am I right?"
"Yes, yes!" Nakamaro took a deep breath. "Sorry, I haven't yet asked your name?"
"My name is Sarutobi Asuma."
"My name is Kaguya Nakamaro."
After introducing themselves, Asuma, with a composed expression, extended his hand toward Nakamaro.
This was something he had learned from his elder brother Shinnosuke…
After reaching cooperation with others, Father always liked to shake hands in a ceremonial manner.
Asuma had naturally learned it as well, imitating his father's movements and tone, giving him a sense of accomplishment.
The hands of the two youths clasped firmly together.
Hiruzen watched this scene with interest.
Asuma acting like a little adult was actually quite amusing…
"You can go take a look around for now. The cafeteria is straight ahead, one hundred meters. Lunch is at noon. After eating, the police force will come to take you to your residence."
Hiruzen said with a smile.
'It seems you are getting along quite well…'
Mei relaxed.
The most unstable and problematic one had stabilized—then he would not cause trouble for them.
"Thank you for your care, Hokage-sama. We will interact seriously with Konoha's companions and learn from each other…"
Mei said softly.
"Your Boil Release and Lava Release—one is the combination of earth and water chakra, and the other is the combination of fire and water chakra, correct?"
Hiruzen blinked.
Mei was startled.
"Hokage-sama, could it be that you also know these two kekkei genkai?"
If Hiruzen could do that as well…
Then she would begin to doubt whether he was Hokage or Mizukage!
"No, I just have a certain sensitivity to chakra attributes and wanted to verify my analysis…"
"My Ice Release was formed accidentally while trying to fuse two chakra attributes."
Hiruzen explained openly.
"Perhaps in the future I might also master Boil Release and Lava Release, but I do not hold too much hope."
Mei nodded in agreement.
It was not that she thought Hiruzen was not strong enough.
But chakra fusion had always been extremely difficult, with very few ninja able to accomplish it.
The ratio of chakra, the method of fusion, becoming proficient and forming stable instinct…
To acquire it after birth was extremely difficult.
Even for Mei herself, clearly explaining the mechanism of Boil Release and Lava Release chakra mixing was somewhat difficult…
Just like how some people could move their ears, while others could not.
A ninja without Uchiha bloodline, no matter how great the shock, could not awaken the Sharingan…
Using a kekkei genkai came more from instinct in the bloodline, with postnatal training only providing proficiency.
Being able to coincidentally master Ice Release after birth was already astonishing.
"Go on…"
Hiruzen waved his hand, signaling them to move freely.
He was not worried that these children could obtain any intelligence…
Nor that they could significantly improve their abilities in the academy's advanced classes.
After the Uchiha had been given the "Madara" ambition by Hiruzen…
If a group of three-tomoe Sharingan users could not even keep an eye on a few youths, then they might as well go somewhere cool and stay there…
Even if the police force became slightly lax—
There were still patrol units, and Hyūga Hizashi, who could sleep with his eyes open…
As for learning Konoha techniques in advanced classes…
Given Kirigakure's environment, even if Terumī Mei and the others gained something, it did not matter.
Or rather, the academy's jōnin lectures were not particularly profound techniques.
They were mostly practical experience-based skills, or meant to broaden horizons, primarily laying foundations.
And these things—would Kirigakure's jōnin and clans not also have them?
They naturally would.
But Kirigakure's environment did not allow them to spread.
The academy children were busy with unrestricted combat!
Who had time to learn foundational knowledge and broaden limits, when it was better to study quick-kill techniques like Silent Assassination…
"Hiruzen, they've left. You should answer Asuma's question now, right?" Danzō said impatiently.
Interestingly, Obito and a group of children also crept over.
Behind them stood Tobirama, his expression complex.
Hiruzen glanced at them and almost laughed.
Teacher was really acting well…
A master of forbidden techniques, why would he be surprised by a kekkei genkai?
But Hiruzen did not know that Tobirama had once tried researching Ice Release and other kekkei genkai, yet failed…
As if the Sage of Six Paths had given him talent in space-time ninjutsu like Flying Thunder God, but taken away his ability for chakra fusion…
Leaving him proficient only in Water Release among seven attributes.
Seeing his disciple achieve what he could not, Tobirama's complex expression was genuine.
Both gratified and slightly stimulated…
"Actually, it's very simple…"
Hiruzen coughed lightly.
"Combine Water Release and Wind Release chakra, and that's it."
"Just practicing casually, a stroke of luck."
Danzō took a deep breath.
"Hiruzen, are you mocking me?"
Hiruzen laughed.
"Just joking… but the essence is indeed that."
"In general, first you must have sufficient understanding and sensitivity to the five elemental chakra."
He raised his fingers.
Each fingertip burned with a different attribute of chakra.
"After that, you attempt fusion."
"Chakra both repels and accommodates. Without bloodline instinct, you can only repeat trial and error, gaining inspiration from each failure."
"I don't know how innate kekkei genkai work…"
"But if you want to learn it after birth, you must seize the feeling of initial success and immediately repeat and solidify it into muscle memory. Only then can it be considered true mastery."
"I practiced for a long time…"
"It was also after seeing that Kirigakure ninja called Snow use Ice Release, sensing his chakra flow, and capturing a trace of inspiration, that I learned it."
Hiruzen said seriously.
He was not hiding anything—this was all the truth.
Now, in his daily training, aside from tempering his body using Lightning Release chakra mode, he had also added another practice—chakra fusion…
Whenever he had nothing to do, he would ignite two types of chakra at his fingertips and let them collide.
"I also drew inspiration from Tobirama-sensei's line of thinking."
Hiruzen spoke slowly:
"By constantly trial and error, correcting your direction, and adding a bit of luck, you will achieve some results."
Tobirama nodded subconsciously.
Good!
At last, Hiruzen wasn't always bringing up his elder brother—he was finally talking about him, his teacher…
But then, when Tobirama thought about it again, something felt off.
He had a vague sense that Hiruzen was subtly making fun of the process by which he had created the Izuna "figure"…
Tobirama still remembered.
Back then, when Hiruzen had looked at him and that Izuna construct, that curious expression…
It had seemed as if he were asking: Sensei, what kind of mindset did you have when you cloned something that fused your own enemy?
At the time, Tobirama had almost lost his composure, barely managing to cover it up—he really did not want to bring up the details.
It was a story about obsession.
Far too much of a black history.
'Was that a hint? Hard to say… but it couldn't not be a hint. Or maybe it was just a simple compliment…'
Tobirama pondered, and suddenly found himself amused.
A single sentence—yet different people could interpret it differently, each feeling that it was about themselves…
Hiruzen, as Hokage, had truly developed some skill.
"Tobirama-sensei's insight runs deep—no matter how many times you study it, you always come away with something new."
Hiruzen said with emotion.
Tobirama held the corners of his mouth steady and asked in a deep voice: "Hokage-sama, is the Second Hokage truly so wise? I've read his records in the archives, and I am quite interested in him…"
"So it's Seisui…"
Hiruzen replied calmly: "To take the initiative to learn about Konoha's history and the deeds of past Hokage—that's very good. It shows that you've already become an outstanding Konoha shinobi…"
On the surface, Tobirama nodded in agreement, but inwardly he could not help but laugh and complain: 'I never thought that one day, even being a Konoha shinobi would require Hiruzen's approval…'
"The Second Hokage's understanding is on another level. As his disciple, I'm always aware of my own shortcomings—I don't want to fall short of what he stood for."
"For example, this Ice Release kekkei genkai—though it has some difficulty, how could it compare to techniques like the Flying Thunder God or other forbidden jutsu? If Sensei were still alive, he would surely be able to accomplish it with ease…"
"So it is Sensei's will that supports me as I continue to forge ahead, unwilling to relax, even though my talent is not particularly outstanding."
Hiruzen spoke in a serious tone.
Even a man as calm as Tobirama felt a bit pleased at this moment…
Hiruzen really knew how to speak, huh?
"I've learned something, Hokage-sama…" Tobirama said, slowly savoring it to himself.
Beside them, Danzō frowned, clearly displeased.
What the hell—Hiruzen, are you some kind of shifting-faced actor?
One moment you claim to be the First Hokage's successor, the next you say you constantly inherit your sensei's will…
As Hokage, you're claiming both predecessors—your appetite is really something!
Seeing Danzō's expression, Hiruzen's mind stirred.
"What do you think, Danzō?"
"Tobirama-sensei is naturally brave and wise, but in comparison, I align more with the First Hokage's will…"
Danzō glared at Hiruzen, deliberately trying to disgust his old comrade.
Here at the academy, the students still didn't quite understand Danzō's position in the village…
If this were said in a meeting at the Hokage building, even with Danzō's thick skin, he wouldn't dare claim to be the First Hokage's successor like that…
Even the so-called "Darkness of the Shinobi" wouldn't be able to withstand the roaring laughter of everyone present.
"I am Tobirama-sensei's disciple, that's true, and I respect him greatly. But in spirit, I am a successor of the First Hokage, believing that for the sake of the village, one can sacrifice oneself—anyone who harms the village…"
Danzō imitated Hiruzen's usual tone.
"Alright, Danzō, that's enough…"
Hiruzen coughed lightly.
He had already sensed that a certain Uchiha's chakra had turned somewhat sharp.
'So you're also one of my elder brother's followers…'
'Good, very good… then I should ask—what exactly was going on with that Root organization you once created, and your forced recruitment of young talents from various clans?'
'That was all taught by my elder brother, not by me!'
Tobirama thought viciously to himself.
During his time at the academy, Tobirama had not simply been acting as a student.
Through interactions with the Uchiha clan, various other clans, civilian students, and even parents, he had built a general understanding of the village over the years from both grassroots and mid-level perspectives.
Among all of it, the thing that caught his attention the most was the former "Root."
Although Hiruzen had already dismantled it…
Public opinion had only settled, not disappeared—just like Madara's shadow over the Uchiha.
If this festering wound was not exposed, it would remain a hidden danger, and might even become a historical burden for the Senju faction…
Tobirama had originally been somewhat hesitant.
After all, although he was dissatisfied with Danzō, he was still his student.
But now, it seemed there was no need for hesitation.
'Precisely because one is Hokage, one must treat wrongdoing with cold, ruthless judgment…'
Tobirama silently marked Danzō in his mind.
He would have to make him pay dearly…
Danzō let out a chuckle, thinking he had successfully disgusted Hiruzen.
Yet he frowned again, still feeling deceived: "Then why are you so proficient? Your control over the form transformation of Ice Release clearly isn't that of a beginner."
Hiruzen looked at him with amusement.
"You're a bit slow, Danzō…"
"How am I slow?" Danzō snapped. "Don't talk nonsense!"
The academy students burst into laughter.
At that moment, they realized that in private, informal settings, the conversations between the Hokage and his advisor were sometimes not that different from theirs…
Kakashi and Obito often had similar exchanges.
Perhaps this was Konoha's unique bond…
"Ice Release is the combination of Wind Release and Water Release, and its manifestation is solid, leaning toward the principles of Earth Release's form transformation…"
"I've mastered the nature and form transformations of Earth, Water, and Wind Release—so I just adapted it, didn't I?"
Hiruzen's tone was completely casual.
As if it were as simple as drinking soup.
Danzō's eyebrows twitched, and he took a deep breath.
Forget it—there was no point arguing with someone who had mastered all five chakra natures!
"Father, will you be able to master other kekkei genkai as well?" Asuma asked with admiration.
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