Knock! Knock!
"Enter."
Inside the Hokage's office—
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke without looking up, still handling documents.
"Oh? Yoru."
He looked up, smiling warmly at Hoshino Yoru.
"What brings you here?"
"Hokage-sama."
Yoru greeted him politely, then spoke calmly.
"My mission assignment has been issued. It's a patrol around Konoha."
He paused.
His gaze turned firm.
"I want to go to the Land of Rain battlefield."
Hiruzen's pupils shrank slightly.
He put down his pen.
"Yoru… that is war."
"You're still too young. I cannot agree to this."
As for how Yoru knew about the classified deployment—
Hiruzen wasn't surprised.
As Tsunade's disciple and the academy's most outstanding graduate—
Yoru had connections with many clans and Jonin.
"Yoru, I know you're a genius."
Hiruzen's voice grew serious.
"With your current strength, you're not among the weakest even among Jonin."
"But you must understand—"
"That is war."
"It is not sparring."
"The enemy will be more ruthless… more shameless… more merciless than you can imagine."
"You might not face just one or two Jonin."
"If they realize your talent—"
"They may send elite squads specifically to assassinate you."
"You lack real combat and mission experience."
"I want you to grow a little more first."
Hiruzen looked at the young boy before him—
Still carrying traces of youth—
Yet astonishingly brilliant.
"…Grandpa Hiruzen."
Yoru suddenly changed his address.
His eyes remained unwavering.
"The village is facing hardship."
"I have a responsibility to contribute."
All strong shinobi—
Were forged in war.
Only by stepping over countless corpses—
Could one rise to fame in the ninja world.
This opportunity—
Yoru would never let it slip.
If he wanted to execute his future plans—
He needed to build his reputation in war—
As fast as possible.
"I know you're a good child."
Hiruzen's gaze softened further.
"But it's too rushed."
"Here's what we'll do—"
"You'll join the ANBU first."
"I'll have them train you."
"Grandpa Hiruzen… in the end, you still don't trust my strength."
Yoru understood.
Only by proving himself—
Could he earn permission.
ANBU?
That place wouldn't produce true monsters.
Aside from Sakumo Hatake and his son—
It had barely produced any truly legendary figures.
"Let's spar."
Yoru met Hiruzen's gaze directly.
"I will prove to you—"
"No one is more suited for war than I am."
Yes—
With his natural disaster-like magma ability—
He was born for the battlefield.
Only there—
Could its power be fully unleashed.
"…Oh?"
A sharp light flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.
He knew—
Yoru was not reckless.
If he said this—
Then he had confidence.
Although Hiruzen was already leaning toward agreeing—
He still needed to test him personally.
After all—
This was the child he believed most capable of inheriting the Will of Fire.
"Very well, Yoru!"
Hiruzen laughed.
"Since you have such confidence—"
"I'll give you the chance!"
"Come with me."
Without hesitation—
He set aside his work—
And led Yoru out.
…
Second Training Ground of Konoha.
Hiruzen had removed his Hokage hat and robes—
Now dressed in combat gear.
Across from him—
Yoru stood in a custom-made battle outfit.
Black boots—
Sleek combat attire—
He looked striking and imposing.
"Yoru… be careful."
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened.
"Since this is a test—"
"I will not hold back."
His aura surged—
Like a mountain pressing down.
Yet—
Yoru remained unmoved.
Battle intent erupted from him instead.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"You should be careful too."
Sizzle—bubble—gurgle—
Yoru's entire right arm transformed into dark crimson magma.
The heat distorted the surrounding air.
Terrifying energy pulsed within it.
"My power…"
He smiled confidently.
"…is magma."
"Great Eruption!"
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