At this moment—
Inside the Hokage's office.
"Akira Akira Ren… has returned?"
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who looked even older than two years ago, with visible age spots, held his pipe as he gazed at the crystal ball before him.
The image displayed—
Was the scene of Ino throwing herself into Akira Ren's arms on the streets of Konoha.
"And that Uzumaki girl…"
A faint smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
"Tsunade has truly cultivated two fine talents for Konoha."
His eyes lingered on Akira Ren.
From what he had observed two years ago in Konoha Hospital—
This boy had clearly been hiding his true abilities during his academy days.
"And Kurenai Yuhi, who is as close to him as siblings…"
"Her strength has advanced rapidly over the past two years. Not long ago, she successfully passed the jōnin exam and became a jōnin of Konoha."
Hiruzen's gaze flickered.
"And according to reports, she has even mastered the special A-rank genjutsu 'Bringer-of-Darkness Technique'…"
"And she admitted that its source… is Akira Akira Ren."
Previously, during routine questioning—
Kurenai had not hidden anything.
With Akira Ren's permission, she directly stated that she learned it from her "younger brother."
That was when Hiruzen realized—
He had underestimated this "grand-disciple."
A deeper investigation into Akira Ren's academy records followed.
And indeed—
Something was uncovered.
Not only did Akira Ren possess extraordinary chakra reserves and control—
But one of his comprehensive test results hinted at notable genjutsu talent.
It simply hadn't stood out—
Because his ninjutsu performance had been too dazzling.
So—
Hiruzen reached a conclusion.
Akira Ren's true strength…
Was far beyond what appeared on the surface.
"He may already possess… quite advanced genjutsu."
Otherwise—
He wouldn't have casually passed down such a valuable inheritance.
"And now, after two years under Tsunade…"
Hiruzen murmured softly.
"A true genius…?"
His aged eyes showed curiosity—
And anticipation.
Just how far had this boy grown?
"Tenzo."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
A masked ANBU instantly appeared, kneeling respectfully.
"Go test Akira Akira Ren's abilities."
Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Be careful. Do not injure him."
"Akira Akira Ren?"
The ANBU—code name Tenzo—was slightly surprised.
"The 'medical prodigy'? Tsunade-sama's disciple?"
Even within ANBU—
Akira Ren's name was well known.
At just eight years old—
He had saved countless critically injured patients in Konoha Hospital.
Never failing once.
His medical skill had even surpassed many jōnin-level medics.
Thus earning him the title—
"Little Medical Sage."
"Don't underestimate him because of his age," Hiruzen warned.
"He carries the blood of the Senju clan, possesses immense chakra, exceptional control…"
"He has mastered Tsunade's monstrous strength…"
"And likely has formidable genjutsu as well."
"Understood."
Tenzo's eyes sharpened.
With a wave of Hiruzen's hand—
He vanished instantly.
"…Akira Akira Ren."
"Let me see… what level you've reached."
—
At the Hokage Rock.
Akira Ren had been dragged there by Ino.
He wasn't in a hurry to visit Tenten at the academy.
With his sharp perception—
He had long noticed Hiruzen observing him through the telescope technique.
But he didn't care.
Sitting atop the stone face of the Hokage—
Akira Ren overlooked Konoha.
The breeze was cool.
The view—
Relaxing.
Totally not intentional.
"Hehe…"
Ino leaned against him, staring at his perfect profile in a daze, smiling foolishly.
"What is it, you little brat?"
"Nothing," she grinned.
"I'm just happy!"
She hugged his arm tightly, resting against him.
If Tenten found out she met him first—
She'd definitely be jealous.
"Who's there!?"
Suddenly—
Akira Ren turned his head.
Several senbon needles shot toward him at lightning speed—
But he dodged effortlessly.
At the same time—
He grabbed Ino and leapt away.
A blade swung toward them—
Clearly adjusted slightly to avoid injuring them.
"Swish!"
The sudden attack startled Ino.
She looked up—
Her pupils shrank.
A masked figure, radiating killing intent, charged at them with a sword.
But—
Akira Ren smirked slightly.
He leapt again—
Easily avoiding the attack.
Meanwhile—
The attacker seemed not to notice at all—
And continued rushing straight forward…
Right off the edge of Hokage Rock.
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